Mahuya Barua, MD
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles | B.S. in Molecular Cell, and Developmental Biology
Languages Spoken: English, Bengali
Why Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine?
After immigrating to the United States from Bangladesh, I quickly realized the health disparities that exist in our communities and how much it impacts everyone in the family, not just patients. Seeing the high stakes patients’ illnesses have for both the patient and everyone around them, I felt a stronger commitment to family medicine to use this platform to emphasize preventive medicine, clear the way for better health, and develop long-lasting relationships with patients. It has been always been my dream to serve the very same community that I grew up in and it is the best opportunity to be training at a program that shares my vision and values. It will be my greatest privilege to stay by patients’ side to share their sorrows, gain their trust, and combine compassion with medical care to make a difference in their lives as a family medicine physician. Harbor-UCLA was my top choice because of its dedication and commitment to patients and the community it serves.
Who/What inspires you?
Early on, my parents instilled the importance of learning and being a person for others. Thus, I was always inspired by their work ethic, sacrifice, and resilience that paved the way to make my dream into a reality. I am equally inspired by my sisters for their unconditional love, support, and encouragement at every step of my life. Lastly, I am inspired by the patients I have the privilege of getting to know and care for. Their strength fuels my drive to work hard and become the best version of myself.
Favorite places in LA
Any boba place!
Carina Franco, MD
Medical School: University of California, Davis, School of Medicine
Undergraduate: University of California, Davis | B.A. Chicano/a Studies | B.S. Microbiology
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Why Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine?
I was raised in a small town which I saw how important community and neighbors are. At an early age, I witnessed my community being resourceful, but I also witnessed many challenges they faced such as language barriers and transportation challenges, to name a few. I am a first-generation student, and my family’s experience with the healthcare system pushed me into medicine because I felt like there were a lot of aspects to care that were not being addressed. I chose Harbor Family Medicine because of their commitment to meet patients where they are, and their mission of caring for patients while considering their lived experience. Being a translator for my own family, I saw how Family Medicine is really at the front line of addressing the social and cultural barriers patients face on a day-to-day basis. I am excited to be at a program whose values align with mine and who is mission-driven.
Who/What inspires you?
My family, friends, and community inspire me. I see challenges they face and their resiliency to push forward and advocate for others.
Favorite places in LA
Any place that has food and excited to explore the area!
George Hernandez II, MD
Medical School: Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
Graduate School: Keck Graduate Institute | Premedical Post-baccalaureate Program
Undergraduate: University of California, Santa Barbara | B.S. Biopsychology
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Why Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine?
My name is George Hernandez and I am originally from Fresno, CA. I am a first-generation college graduate and medical graduate, from a Mexican-American household. I chose family medicine because of the opportunity to serve and empower underserved communities, as well as the numerous unique paths family physicians can pursue. I chose Harbor-UCLA because of their ability to train not only great physicians, but also strong patient and social justice advocates. I’m excited to be part of a culture that celebrates diversity not only in the patient population, but also in the resident classes and faculty as well.
Who/What inspires you?
My parents inspire me. They didn’t have the opportunity to go to college, but they fought to provide this opportunity for me. Their hard work and dedication is something I hope to embody.
Favorite places in LA
Diana’s La Bonita Restaurant in Carson, I grew up going there with family and it holds a special place in my heart!
Philippe “Phil” Labrias, MD
Medical School: Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University
Undergraduate: Quinnipiac University | B.S. Biology
Languages Spoken: English, Tagalog
Why Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine?
I was born and raised in Manila, Philippines and moved to the US at the age of 17. As a first-generation US Immigrant, first-generation US college graduate and now a first-generation physician in my family, I am beyond grateful to realize my dream of becoming a Family Medicine physician at Harbor-UCLA. I chose Family Medicine as it allows me to combine my love for full-spectrum medicine and the appreciation of the diversity of the patients we serve. It emphasizes connection, empathy, and advocacy of patients of underserved communities. Similar to how I continue to help my own family navigate through the complexity of the US healthcare system, I am excited for the privilege of helping those who do not speak English as their first language and those who have just immigrated to the United States. I chose Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine for this very reason – the mission to serve the most vulnerable patient populations and to belong in a wonderful cohort of people who share the same passion.
Who/What inspires you?
My parent’s work ethic, my partner’s unconditional love, and my family’s (both nuclear and extended) unending support.
Favorite places in LA
Torrance Beach
Layla Nejad, MD
Medical School: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley School of Medicine
Undergraduate: The University of Texas at Austin | B.S. Biochemistry
Languages Spoken: English, working on my Spanish and Farsi proficiencies!
Why Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine?
As a Texas native and California transplant, during various times in my life, I am so excited to be coming back to this wonderful state! During my undergraduate years, I spent time in a biochemical research lab and knew I wanted to pursue medicine, even more so after losing family members to health complications and requiring surgery myself – truly experiencing the patient side of medicine. Before enrolling in medical school, I worked for the LA Galaxy and served on the stretcher crew for the USWNT. I enjoy any outdoor activity, watching (more than playing) sports, and DIY projects of all sorts. I have spent more time at coffee shops and bowling alleys than I would like to admit, and if you are what you eat, I used to be an open-faced bagel sandwich from Viento y Agua or a tres leches muffin from Tierra Mia. My road bike has over 5,000 miles on it from cycling from Austin to Anchorage the summer of 2015 with Texas 4000 for Cancer, however, I enjoy traveling via any other method as well.
I knew Harbor-UCLA was the place for me the second I met the residents and Dr. Olmos at the AAFP conference. From the program’s mission, support, and structure to cultivating a family and team of residents, there was no doubt it was the best choice for me to grow as a physician and advocate.
Who/What inspires you?
The patients who trust in our care on a daily basis inspire me to continue to learn, advocate, and serve. My family and friends who continue to support and encourage me also inspire me to keep going every day.
Favorite places in LA
Tierra Mia Coffee, any sports stadium, any spot with a view (of the beach, city, or mountains), and any place where my family is.
Maria Ortiz Avila, MD, MPH
Medical School: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Graduate School: UCLA Fielding School of Public Health | M.P.H. Community Health Sciences
Undergraduate: University of California, Berkeley | Integrative Biology
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Why Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine?
When I started medical school, I was fairly confident that Family Medicine was the field for me. During my clinical clerkships, I was able to appreciated the continuity of care with patients and the opportunities to pursue different interest. As a medical student, seeing first-hand the commitment of Harbor-UCLA’s faculty and residents to meeting the healthcare needs of our medically underserved communities inspired me to apply for a residency position. I am grateful to continue my training at Harbor-UCLA alongside kind, knowledgeable faculty and peers who have also selected this place to be their home.
Who/What inspires you?
My family.
Favorite places in LA
Griffith Park and Observatory
Ariana “Ari” Rodriguez, MD, MPH
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
Graduate School: University of Southern California | M.P.H.
Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles | B.S. Psychobiology
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Why Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine?
I chose Family Medicine because I want to cultivate meaningful, long-term relationships with patients and their loved ones. Treating an entire family unit feels like a step beyond the whole patient. And being able to take one step further and provide care at the level of the community is one of the aspects of Family Medicine I value most.
Harbor-UCLA was the obvious choice after doing a majority of my rotations at LAC+USC during medical school made me fall in love with serving within the county system. The patients remind me of my family and I am grateful that I get to provide them with the care they deserve.
Who/What inspires you?
Giving the community the respect and care they deserve while supporting other underrepresented minorities who want to do the same.
Favorite places in LA
Going for a run across the 6th Street Bridge.
Camila Salazar Meneses, DO
Medical School: Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Graduate School: UCLA Extension | Premedical Post-baccalaureate
Undergraduate: Brown University | B.A. Biology
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Why Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine?
I immigrated to the U.S. from Ecuador when I was 7, grew up in a low-income household in northeast Los Angeles, and I am a first-generation college graduate. I love family medicine because I can work with patients of all ages and enjoy the continuity of care. My dream is to train at a program where I could return home to provide medical care to my comunidad. Harbor-UCLA is the perfect fit for me because the residency has strong foundations to grow as a physician advocate. Having faced isolation and imposter syndrome in medical training, it is important for me to be at a program with diverse residents and faculty members. I am excited to work with colleagues that are not afraid to speak up for their patients and understand the importance of social justice in medicine. In addition, as an educator and mentor, the affiliation with UCLA provides ample opportunities to work with students and to provide support for underrepresented immigrant minorities.
Who/What inspires you?
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Mi Familia
Favorite places in LA
Rose Bowl for a walk/run, Porto’s for their pastries/ropa vieja, Urth Caffe for their matcha lattes, the Beach for rest and relaxation!!!
Juan “JC” Sanabria, DO
Medical School: Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Undergraduate: University of California, Riverside | B.S. Neuroscience
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Why Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine?
My passion for Family Medicine was ignited when I lost my grandma because of uncontrolled Diabetes, hyperglycemia. The nearest adequate medical care in her rural hometown was an hour away, and the under-resourced local clinic lacked the equipment for a basic blood glucose reading. I wanted to improve conditions and provide quality primary care to underserved communities. Furthermore, being raised in a conservative, first-generation Latine family in Los Angeles, I am familiar with the struggles, barriers, and pathologies that commonly affect our underserved communities. I grew up with the language barriers, the praying to God for healing, the fear of coming out as queer, the curanderos (healers), and even the fear of being taken advantage of by medical professionals. Family medicine allowed me to best impact preventative care and help create a welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ and Latine patients. I now have the amazing opportunity with Harbor-UCLA to serve my own community I grew up in! More so, Harbor-UCLA is such a welcoming and inspiring program that attracts incredible like-minded people that are passionate to provide for underserved communities and advocate for social justice and health equity. I am excited to begin serving this great community and continue the great efforts that Harbor-UCLA is already making!
Who/What inspires you?
Every person that has fought to improve their own circumstance despite any obstacles. Shout out to my partner, family, and loved ones who always keep the smiles going!
Favorite places in LA
As a fellow food lover my favorite places tend to be associated with great food! Luckily in LA county I can have access to any type of cuisine within the hour! Some of my favorite spots are Palermo Italian Restaurant, Ocha Classic 1 for the Seafood soup, and El Buen Gusto for the pupusas!
Luke Silverman-Lloyd, MD, MS
Medical School: University of California, San Francisco, School of Medicine
Graduate School: University of California, Berkeley | M.S. Health and Medical Sciences
Undergraduate: Washington University in St. Louis | B.A. Anthropology, Spanish
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Why Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine?
Hey there! I’m Luke. I grew up in Culver City, CA in a big family (I’m the oldest of 5 siblings) bonded by a love for music, sports and each other. As a kid, basketball was my passion – I played year-round for most of my life, culminating with 4 years of college basketball at Washington University in St. Louis. After college I lived on the east coast for a couple of years, where I did some research, reignited my passion for medicine and discovered a new love for distance running. I moved to the Bay Area to start medical school at the Joint Medical Program – a 5-year MS/MD program at UC Berkeley and UCSF. While there, it became clear that my career passions were primary care, medical education, health justice and advocacy. I was drawn to family medicine because it centers relationship-building, community health and social justice in ways that align deeply with my own values and goals as a future doctor. As a Los Angeles native, I am eager to return home to care for the communities that raised me. Harbor-UCLA has a rich history of training community-focused, justice-oriented family physicians, and I am thrilled to join this incredible community of healers, leaders and activists!
Who/What inspires you?
My queer community, siblings and elders (especially Alok Vaid-Menon and Jeffrey Marsh).
Favorite places in LA
Hiking in the Santa Monica mountains, biking along the beach on the Marvin Braude bike trail 🙂
Rosa Vasquez, MD
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine – Flint
Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles | B.S. Biology
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish
Why Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine?
I ended my residency personal statement with, “I envision myself in a program that recognizes the intricate interdependency between physical and mental health. One that will teach me the art of patient-centered care and encourages academic excellence, collaboration, and exceptionalism overall. I visualize a program that will empower me to grow and advocate for my patients; one that will train me to remedy barriers to care and help patients build a life worth living.” Harbor-UCLA is THAT program and more!
Who/What inspires you?
My amá and apá.
Favorite places in LA
The callejones (Santee Alley) in Downtown LA and Venice Beach.
Lucia Vulcan, MD, MPH
Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
Graduate School: University of New Mexico College of Population Health | M.P.H.
Undergraduate: University of New Mexico Albuquerque | B.A. Health, Medicine, and Human Values
Languages Spoken: English, Spanish, Romanian, Mandarin
Why Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine?
I chose Family Medicine because I enjoy the diversity of what family practice can look like from the scope of care to the diversity in age and social background. Family doctors are also great patient advocates and are great educators. I am interested in addiction medicine, health equity, education, reproductive health justice, LGBTQIA+ affirming care, gender affirming care, and adolescent medicine. Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine upheld all the values I find integral to medicine including serving the underserved, prioritizing high-quality patient care, comradery between all members of the health care team, and upholding LGBTQIA+ care and antiracism.
Who/What inspires you?
Doctors who are leaders in promoting wellness among theirs peers, staff, and faculty as well as providing a safe yet challenging learning environment for learners. Also doctors who are advocates for their patients, who acknowledge their privilege and the realities of systemic discrimination, who challenge the status quo and push those around them to be advocates.
Favorite places in LA
I’m still pretty new here and trying to find my favorite spot! But I went to Abalone Cove and enjoyed the hike and seeing dolphins. Other than that I know I’ll enjoy the food scene here! And the climbing.