Manuel Enrique Lores Gonzalez, MD

Undergraduate: Apostol Santiago Jesuits School, Vigo, Spain.

Medical School: Universidad de Valladolid, Spain

Who are you/Something about yourself:

My name is Enrique, I am an International Medical Graduate from Spain. After my graduation, I decided to pursue a career in the United States and I moved to Chicago where I joined a Nephrology Research lab at Northwestern University Feinberg School Of Medicine. The main focus of my research is the Renin-Angiotensin System and its enzymatic cascade. Most of my work deals with Angiotensin Converting Enzyme 2, an enzyme with many pathophysiologic and therapeutic implications that has been recently recognized as the main functional receptor for the Severe Acute respiratory syndrome Coronavirus 2.  After my research, it was time to apply to the field that I am most passionate about, and I am very happy and excited now that I joined Harbor-UCLA for my pathology residency.

Why are you interested in Pathology? My passion for pathology dates back to the 2-year Anatomic Pathology degree I earned before enrolling in medical school. I was very attracted to the idea of being able to see/diagnose disease with your eyes. I love the fact that in Pathology you are continuously exposed to science while also playing a critical role in patient care.

Your hobbies? I love sports, especially soccer, but I enjoy practicing almost any sport. I also love cooking and traveling the world, especially if the destination has a beach to swim and relax on.

What you like about Harbor: There are many remarkable aspects that make Harbor-UCLA a unique place to do your pathology residency. First, is the diversity of cases that you get exposed to as a resident. Second, the atmosphere is very supportive and the program is very well-structured,  progressively providing you with all the necessary tools to become an independent and well-rounded pathologist. Also, I believe that there is nothing more rewarding as a physician than helping underserved populations. Its location in the beautiful area of Southern California is unbeatable.

Areas of Interest in Pathology: Gastrointestinal Pathology, Renal Pathology, Forensics.

Komeil Mirzaei, MD

Chief Resident

Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Iran

Something about yourself: I hail from Iran, where I was born and raised. I completed my medical education in Iran and pursued further training in general surgery through a postgraduate program. After working as a surgeon for two years, I decided to immigrate to the United States. My residency and practice experiences guided me towards the field of pathology, which I found to be truly fascinating. Consequently, I have chosen this incredible field for my next chapter in life.

Why are you interested in Pathology? During my time as a medical student, I developed a keen interest in trauma/critical care, which led me to choose a general surgery residency. Throughout my training, I encountered several patients who passed away without clear clinical explanations, highlighting the crucial role of postmortem examinations in determining the cause of death. Additionally, while working alongside pathologists during oncologic surgeries, I observed the significance of obtaining clear margins during the procedures. Each time, I would bring my specimens to the frozen room, where I closely collaborated with the pathologists, gaining a deeper understanding of their assessment techniques. These experiences deeply impacted me and ignited my passion for pathology.

Your hobbies? I enjoy spending quality time with my friends and family, engaging in activities such as watching soccer, staying updated with the latest news, and listening to music.

What you like about Harbor: When considering a program, several factors hold significance. Firstly, a friendly atmosphere is crucial, followed by having a supportive faculty. Additionally, the presence of a diverse range of cases and a high volume of specimens is highly desirable. I was fortunate to discover that all of these factors were present at Harbor-UCLA. Furthermore, the program’s location, coupled with the pleasant weather in the area, served as an additional incentive for me.

Areas of Interest in Pathology: Surgical Pathology, Molecular Pathology, GI pathology

Jesse Wolfsohn, MD

Undergraduate: Queen’s University (Kingston, Canada)

Medical School: Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (Beersheba, Israel)

Something about yourself: I grew up with dachshunds.

Who are you?: I am a Canadian who went on an adventure of a lifetime while studying medicine in Israel. In my free time, I like to explore new places, and spend time with friends and family.

Why are you interested in Pathology?

I want to make critical diagnostic decisions that improve patient care and health. Furthermore, it’s a fascinating field that allows one to fully appreciate how different pathologies develop and progress. I enjoy being able to connect what I see in gross specimens with what I see under the microscope.

Your hobbies?: Travel, trying new foods, and keeping up with current events.

What you like about Harbor: The faculty, staff, and residents are very supportive and strive to make the best residency experience. In addition, the diversity and breadth of interesting cases provides outstanding training.

Areas of Interest in Pathology: GU pathology, surgical pathology, cytopathology.

AKUDO “MERCY” AKARAONYE, MD

Undergraduate: University of Calabar, Nigeria

Medical School: University of Calabar, Nigeria

Something about yourself:

My home town is Mbaise, a well-known hamlet in Imo State, Nigeria. She is known for her diverse musical talent, one -of-a-kind cuisine, and creative heritage. I earned my undergrade and medical degree from the University of Calabar in Nigeria. I spent my entire life there until moving to the United States to join my spouse after we married few years ago. My curiosity, inquisitive mentality and desire for detail originally drove me to research early in my career when I worked at variety of clinical and pharmaceutical settings. My desire to help humanity has led me to participate in and pioneer various humanitarian projects and volunteer opportunities particularly in youth empowerment and initiating health equity for underprivileged and marginalized populations. Curiosity, joy and sense of satisfaction are the three most essential motivators that drive me to search out possibilities to provide explanations to numerous baseless claims of unknown medical disorders that are regularly met in medicine. Throughout my sojourn as a clinician, I have always been unsure whether I am capable of achieving my career and personal ambitions as well as aspirations as a Physician. Finding Pathology locked the fit dilemma; an analogy likened to the enzyme and substrate key hypothesis.

Why are you interested in Pathology?

I am about to create an animation of me the day I jumped into Pathology sans a life jacket! If you’re inviting me to deliver a brief (10 mins) case presentation, please note that I must first always begin from the etiology through pathogenesis before providing the pathologic diagnosis. I’m obsessed with chronology and details. After spent many years looking for a good career fit, partly owing to lack of earlier orientation and exposure in Pathology, I discovered Pathology. This is the only career fit that could allow me use science and emerging technology in conjunction with my creativity, curiosity to solve numerous medical puzzles while achieving family goals and professional satisfaction.

Hobbies

I found happiness and pleasure in a variety of activities, including spending time with family and friends. In my kitchen, I enjoy being creative with local spices and preparing delicious meals which I like to enjoy with family and friends. Nigerian-style pastries and rolls intrigued me. Growing green vegetable garden all year round is pleasurable to me. When I find it difficult to read it, I make efforts to teach it; this culture has made teaching one on my favorite activities.

What do you appreciate about Harbor?

I’m still dazed, attempting to wake from sleep and questioning reality. I’ve seen at Harbor- UCLA a unique curriculum truthfully focused on resident well-being and education. Faculty that are truly committed and passionate about resident education, success, and accomplishments. Leadership that is pure, unbiased, and dependable. What else constitutes an ideal well-structured residency training program? Before beginning my journey to Harbor, I was drawn to it because of its location in California, coverage of multiethnic and diverse population in Los Angeles, and close proximity to my family. However, now that I’ve arrived, I’m astounded by the quality of training and life residents enjoy here.

Areas of Interest in Pathology

I am still shopping around. I know I have got some returns in my cart. However, my final buy would be determined after I have meticulously shopped around.

Tanin Zadeh, DO

Undergraduate: University of California, Irvine

Medical School: College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Something about yourself: Born in Vienna, Austria

Who are you? Tanin Zadeh

Why are you interested in Pathology? I like anatomy, chemistry, puzzles, and working in the lab

Your hobbies? Hiking, skiing, music festivals

What you like about Harbor: Location + staff

Areas of Interest in Pathology: Blood bank vs. Forensics

Tianjiao (Tina) Jin, MD

Undergraduate: Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University

Medical School: Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University; Peking Union Medical College

Something about yourself:

My name is Tianjiao (Tina) Jin. Originally from China, I graduated from Shanghai Medical College and completed my post-graduate training at Peking Union Medical College. I relocated to the US with my family and served as a preliminary surgery resident at Brooklyn Hospital Center in New York before joining the UCLA Harbor Pathology Residency Program.

Why are you interested in Pathology?

Pathology appeals to me because I enjoy the meticulous work pathologists do—examining slides under microscopy, using stains for differential diagnoses, and making critical diagnostic decisions that guide patient care.

Your hobbies?

Outside of medicine, I find joy in hiking, reading, gardening, and cooking.

What you like about Harbor:

I chose Harbor for its robust pathology training program and the supportive environment it offers. Torrance is also an ideal place to live—a welcoming, family-friendly community.

Areas of Interest in Pathology:

While I haven’t yet settled on a subspecialty, I am considering surgical pathology, GI pathology, dermatopathology, blood bank, or cytopathology. I look forward to exploring these options further during my rotations.

Yoon Seon Oh, MD

Undergraduate: University of Virginia

Medical School: University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine

Something about yourself:

I was born in South Korea, but I grew up in Northern VA. It is my first time living on the West coast, and I am looking forward to exploring the food scene and beaches in CA.

Why are you interested in Pathology?

I think it is very exciting to be able to see changes on a cellular level that is causing the symptoms that clinicians are seeing. I like the sheer variety of pathology, and pathology as a whole seems like a very open and supportive community.

Your hobbies?

Movies, reading, nail art, cross stitching, knitting, trying new restaurants, kayaking.

What you like about Harbor:

Free food at the hospital and eating said food with co-residents.

Areas of Interest in Pathology: Cytology and forensics

Gina Ramierez, MD

Undergraduate: University of California, Irvine

Medical School: The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson

Something about yourself:

I was born and raised in central California and am very happy to be back to complete my residency and be closer to family. In my free time, I enjoy cooking & baking, gardening, lifting weights and reading. I also enjoy spending time at the beach with my dog.

Why are you interested in Pathology?

I love learning about disease processes and the diversity of cases pathologists see. I enjoy both the macroscopic and microscopic components of this field, as well as the medicolegal aspects involved in forensic pathology and death investigation.

What you like about Harbor:

I like the diversity of cases we see, as well as the autonomy we have, and especially my co-residents! I also like being close to the beach, and the free food at the hospital.

Areas of Interest in Pathology:

Forensics.