First 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.
Second Year Fellows:
John Hershberger, MD
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine
I chose Infectious Disease so that I may continue my training in a field that melds human nature and human physiology across the spectrum of wellness and disease. I am so excited to train at USC/Los Angeles General so that I may realize my passion for serving the often medically neglected and underserved population provided for by a county hospital system. As a lover of warm weather and good food, I can't wait to explore all the amazing culinary options that Los Angeles has to offer!
Paloma Khamly, DO
Residency: Loma Linda University Medical Center
My fascination with infectious diseases originated in my college intro to microbiology class, where I learned about microbes’ unique abilities to invade the human body and how we, in turn, can design antimicrobials to fight back. I specifically chose USC/Los Angeles General due to the diverse population that it serves and the opportunity to engage with immunocompromised patients and transplant medicine. Although I’m an Orange County native, LA is still uncharted territory for me so I am looking forward to exploring the local food scene, checking out concerts and shows, and going on outdoor adventures while finally being able to dive deep into my passion for infectious diseases.
Julie Lin, MD
Residency: Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara
As a native of California, I am excited to continue serving my community by training in infectious diseases here in LA. My interests in public health and antibiotic stewardship led me to choose USC/Los Angeles General for the diversity in both the patients we serve as well as the pathology we treat. I am confident in the training I will receive in general infectious diseases, particularly through working with our robust antibiotic stewardship program. I am an active foodie and like to get outdoors whenever I can, with some of my favorite outdoor trips being Big Sur and Joshua Tree. I am excited to continue exploring the local food and hikes.