Meet the Team

Toshiko Ching graduated from California State University, Long Beach with a Bachelor of Science in Medical Microbiology. She joined UCLA Health in 2011 and began her career here in the Gross Room at Santa Monica UCLA.  Currently, she works as a Clinical Supervisor for Anatomic Pathology’s Referral Lab Services team. In late 2022, she was recruited to the Staff Co-Chair position for the Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Inclusive Excellence Committee where she works with her other Co-Chairs to advocate for the use of IE principles to guide all of our department’s work. She takes special interest in participating in and helping to promote pathway programs into medicine and careers in healthcare for all, and in ways to incorporate IE principles into all levels of patient care. She also serves a lifetime appointment as a parent to son William and daughter Carly, for whom all IE work is done. 

Dr. Fermon obtained her medical degree from Meharry Medical College, the nation’s largest private, historically black academic health science center. She has a passion for academic excellence, mentoring, and furthering workforce inclusion within the clinical learning environment and healthcare as a whole. As the trainee Co-Chair, she has been instrumental in key initiatives such as evaluating our trainee recruitment process, supporting pipeline pathway to Pathology programs in conjunction with the DGSOM, increasing the variety of speakers and topics for department education, seminars, and journal/book club discussions. She also currently serves as a committee chair of the UCLA Minority Housestaff Organization, dedicating her time to supporting and developing programs and initiatives that develop and advance physicians from historically under-represented groups in medicine.  She looks forward to continuing to further the adoption of Inclusive Excellence initiatives here at UCLA and in this community while serving in this role.

Dr. Cody Forsyth obtained his medical degree from Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine where he was involved in efforts to provide inclusive patient care and foster a safe academic space via his school’s Rainbow Health Coalition. He completed the Post-Junior Fellowship at UCLA during the 2022-2023 academic year where he gained a passion for pathology and is happy to be back for his Anatomic Pathology/Clinical Pathology residency training. He hopes to bring his passion for academic excellence and inclusivity to his role as an Inclusive Excellence trainee co-chair and is excited to work in support of inclusive excellence initiatives at UCLA. 

Dr. Rebecca A. Sosa is an Assistant Professor and Vice Chair, Inclusive Excellence in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, and Assistant Director of the UCLA Immunogenetics Center (UIC), where she provides services to the solid organ and stem cell transplant communities through diagnostic testing and interpretation. Dr. Sosa has a passion for patient-oriented research and personalized medicine, particularly those involving health disparities. Her current research efforts are focused on investigating the immune mechanisms underlying transplantation tolerance, injury and outcomes.

Dr. Dawn C. Ward is a Medical Director at UCLA Health and David Geffen School of Medicine, overseeing the Human Gene and Cell Therapy Facility and the Blood and Platelet Center. She is also an Associate Clinical Professor and Vice Chair, Inclusive Excellence in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine. With a background in clinical cell culture manufacturing and quality compliance, Dr. Ward earned her MD from Loma Linda University, completed her residency at UCLA and a Transfusion Medicine Fellowship at the NIH. She is recognized for her contributions to clinical laboratory innovation and blood product utilization. Ward received the UCLA Exceptional Physician Award in 2018.

Maria, recently joined our team as a Program Manager for Quality Improvement, Laboratory Stewardship, and Inclusive Excellence. She is a first-generation Double Bruin, having earned both her undergraduate and Master’s degrees from UCLA – a Bachelor’s degree in Anthropology with a minor in Education and Math, and a Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration. Additionally, she holds a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification. Maria brings a wealth of experience from her previous departments, where she played a pivotal role in IE efforts. Her most recent accomplishment was leading an Affinity group project at the UCSF’s Dean’s Office, which has significantly contributed to shaping a more inclusive academic environment. She shares our passion for IE and is eager to contribute to work that improves employees sense of belonging within our department.

Monique is a first-generation student and professional who joined our team in June 2022 as the inaugural Program Manager for Quality Improvement, Laboratory Stewardship, and Inclusive Excellence. Monique obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science from UCR and her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration from UCLA. She is passionate about identifying and reducing barriers to high quality health care for all and has spent her career identifying the root causes of challenges to implement innovative and sustainable changes benefitting patients, faculty, trainees, and staff. In her free time, Monique loves to volunteer, serving as a leader for UCLA affinity groups and initiatives such as InspirASIAN, Asian American Pacific Islander Alliance, and Restorative Justice in Academic Medicine, and a peer mentor for the Staff Enrichment Program and Professional Development Program.