Second Year Fellows:
Javier Barranco-Trabi, MD
Residency: Tripler Army Medical Center
My decision to train at USC/LA General Hospital for infectious disease stems from my commitment to serving diverse, underserved communities and tackling complex cases. The hospital's high patient volume and case complexity are ideal for enhancing my clinical skills. I appreciate the strong emphasis on education and mentorship, which aligns with my goal of educating future healthcare professionals and advancing patient care. Although new to Los Angeles, I am eager to engage with the local community and make USC/LA General Hospital my permanent home. As a young physician, I look forward to exploring the city's vibrant culture, connecting with colleagues, and giving back to the community, all while contributing meaningfully to patient health and well-being.
Esteban Martinez, MD
Residency: Kaiser Permanente San Francisco
What excites me most about Infectious Diseases is how it is at the intersection of social justice and medicine. From a young age, I became acutely aware of the devastating impact infectious diseases and limited access to healthcare resources can have on a person's life, witnessing family members debilitated by preventable infections. In my early career working with children experiencing homelessness I came to understand the critical role that socioeconomic factors play in the acquisition and persistence of infectious diseases and was the impetus for me to pursue a career in medicine. I chose to pursue a fellowship in Infectious Diseases at USC/LA General because training in a county hospital and transplant center that serves one of the most diverse populations in the nation will allow me to gain specialized knowledge and expertise with varied and complex cases. This experience will enhance my ability to make a significant impact in the field by providing comprehensive care to vulnerable populations, addressing critical healthcare disparities, and improving patient outcomes.
Kevin Yu, MD
Residency: University of Southern California/Los Angeles General
I chose Infectious Diseases as a specialty because of the specialty’s emphasis on comprehensive patient histories and patient care. I appreciated that ID treatment plans could change solely based on a patient’s exposures, work, travel, or recreational history. I chose USC/LA General to complete my fellowship because of the underserved patient population we serve here. Our patients have taught me so much as a medical student and resident, and I am so excited to continue to learn from them as a fellow. I also appreciate the resources LA General has to offer our HIV+ patients in our positive care clinic as well as our LGBTQIA+ patients at the Alexis Project clinic. I am excited to continue my work in both the ID and LGBTQIA+ fields here at LA General.
First Year Fellows:
Sarah Grant, DO
Residency: East Alabama Medical Center
I’ve long been passionate about advancing health equity, with a particular focus on serving underserved populations. My commitment to infectious diseases stems from the belief that equitable access to care is essential for improving outcomes across diverse communities.
I chose to pursue infectious disease training at USC because of its strong academic environment, its mission to serve vulnerable populations, and the opportunity to care for immunocompromised patients, including transplant recipients. I’m eager to grow in a setting that combines clinical complexity with meaningful community impact. Outside of medicine, I look forward to exploring Los Angeles’s vibrant food and art scenes and reconnecting with the dynamic culture of the West Coast.
Matthew Palm, DO
Residency: Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
I chose a career in infectious disease because of the fascinating and diverse pathology it offers, as well as the opportunity to work with every organ system. I am also drawn to the social aspects of infectious disease, which often involve working closely with diverse and underserved populations. I chose USC/LA General because it serves this very patient population. This fellowship program offers the unique opportunity to work at both a safety-net hospital and an academic medical center. I am originally from the Minneapolis area and completed my medical school and residency training in Chicago. I am excited to explore everything LA has to offer, including the local food and nature. I am also looking forward to some warmer weather!
Paloma Reta-Impey, MD
Residency: Case Western Reserve University
I chose ID because of my appreciation for complex cases that require a thorough history, and often times, some serious detective work. ID also provides the variety and flexibility to work in multiple practice environments (clinic, ICU, inpatient wards) with plenty of opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration with other specialists. I am excited to work at LA General Medical Center for the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population and to help those in a largely underserved community. I am originally from California but have been living in Ohio for the past 12 years. I am excited to be relocating to LA to be closer to family and better weather. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, camping, kayaking, gardening, and making jewelry and can’t wait to see what LA has to offer!