Leadership

Daniel Soroudi (MS1) - Communications & Executive Council Coordinator

Born and raised in Huntington Beach, California, Daniel graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a degree in Biology. Throughout his college years, he participated in various research projects focused on molecular biology and genetics.Daniel hopes to continue learning about surgical fields and procedures through SIG. In addition to his academic pursuits, Daniel is passionate about international policy and humanitarianism. He enjoys traveling and immersing himself in new cultures.

Why I'm interested in surgery: Daniel's interest in surgery began during his shadowing experiences in college, where he saw firsthand the tremendous impact that surgeons can have on patients' lives. He was particularly impressed with the tangible results that surgery can produce, such as improved mobility, reduced pain, and increased quality of life. He was also struck by the precision and attention to detail required in surgical procedures, which he found intellectually stimulating. Through his involvement with SIG he hopes to expand his knowledge and skills about the surgical field.

Tina Mai (MS1) - Organ Transplant Elective Co-coordinator​

My name is Tina, and I grew up in Pomona, California. I graduated from UCSD in 2020, and served a year in AmeriCorps during my gap year. In addition to SIG, I am also on the Curriculum Team in HealthLink, a high school mentorship program preparing students into health professional careers. Interested in academia medicine, I hope to join the PTP team and pursue my passion for teaching. During my free time, I love playing tennis, experimenting with new recipes, and going camping with my friends.

Why I'm interested in surgery: I love the procedural aspect of surgery, and hope to improve my technical skills.

Taylor Walker (MS1) - Organ Transplant Elective Co-coordinator 

Taylor grew up in a small beach town in Western Michigan before moving to Arizona where he attended Northern Arizona University for his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences. He then worked in various clinical labs before attending UCSF. In addition to SIG, Taylor is involved with PrideMed and the Point of Care Ultrasound elective. In his free time Taylor enjoys rock climbing, video games and playing the ukulele.

Why I'm interested in surgery: I am interested in surgery because it is a tangible way that surgeons make a difference in the lives of their patients. I am a very visual person so being able to physically see the cause of disease states is super engaging to me. At UCSF I am very lucky to be able to shadow many different types of surgery and I am falling more in love with the specialty(s) every day!

Neema Rashidi​ (JMP) - JMP Representative

Neema grew up in Indiana, Oregon, and the Central Valley of California. He graduated from UC Berkeley where he majored in Molecular and Cell Biology and minored in Data Science. Neema is also involved in White Coats for Black Lives and the OHNS Interest Group. Interests include baking new recipes, weightlifting, board games, and Notion.

Why I'm interested in surgery: I became interested in surgery after my first time in the OR. The team-based approach, the technical skills of the surgeon, and the immediate impact being made all greatly appealed to me. I'm excited to learn more about the world of surgery and connect with classmates with similar interests.

Alex Youn (MS1) - OR Assist Elective/Resident Mentor Match Coordinator

Hi everyone! My name is Alex Youn (he/him), and I am a current MS1. I was born in Pasadena, CA (Go Lakers, Go Dodgers), but I grew up mostly in San Jose, CA. For undergrad, I went to Harvard, and after graduation, I returned to the Bay Area for my gap year! To be at such a wonderful medical school in UCSF—and so close to home—is such a blessing :) Other than SIG, I'm involved in the Admissions Advisory Council (AAC), Orthopaedic Surgery Interest Group (OSIG), Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Interest Group (OHNS-IG), APAMSA, and some other organizations!

Why I’m interested in surgery: In my albeit limited experience and exposure, surgery seems so fascinating; it's almost like an artform that requires not only technical skill but also creativity. Also, surgery provides such a tangible and hands-on way to provide patient care, and I feel like all of these elements fit my personality style really well!

Matthew McLaughlin (MS1) - Surgery Skills Workshops Coordinator​

Hi everyone, my name is Matthew. I grew up in Sacramento, CA but went east to Harvard for undergrad, where I studied chemistry. I took two gap years to work at the SF Department of Public Health on pharmacological clinical trials for people with substance use disorders (harm reduction is a big passion of mine). On campus, I'm involved in the Plastic Surgery Interest Group, help coordinate the Transgender and Gender Expansive Health Elective, and participate in a variety of research projects.

Why I'm interested in surgery: I really enjoy the technical expertise involved in surgery and have always loved to work with my hands. I've always been passionate about working with marginalized populations and want to continue to provide surgical care to these folks. My specific interests include gender-affirming surgery and trauma care.

Natasha Gonzalez (MS1) - Surgery Skills Workshops Coordinator​

I'm from San Diego, California and played tennis at Harvard. Outside of SIG, I volunteer at Clinica Martin Baro and enjoy eating snacks from the MSC!

Why I'm interested in surgery: I'm interested in surgery because I like working on a team to solve acute problems. I'm especially interested in surgical education for left-handed people.

Elizabeth Raby (MS1) - Lecture Series Coordinator

I am from new Mexico and graduated in 2021 from the University of New Mexico with a BSc in Biochemistry and BA in Spanish. I took a gap year after graduating to work in a translational cancer research lab that studied Breast Cancer Metastasis. In addition to SIG I am a Co-Lead Director for the UCSF Cardic Camp and a coordinator for the High Value Care elective. Outside of school I love spending time outdoors hiking and running!

Why I'm interested in surgery: Surgery interests me because surgeons have the ability to diagnose the problems their patients present with and with innovative technology and surgical techniques intervene to treat their conditions and provide effective relief from illness.

Maria Denalene Tiu (MS1) - Cardiothoracic & Vascular Interventions Elective Coordinator

Denalene grew up in Fresno, California, and graduated from UCSD with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and a Master of Science in Biology. Prior to medical school, Denalene was involved in research related to the connection between atherosclerosis and the gut microbiome. At UCSF, Denalene is the curriculum committee co-director for Cardiac Camp, medical clinic coordinator for the Mabuhay Health Clinic, and a coordinator for PRIME Time. In her free time she loves singing Opera, playing video games, and spending time with her family and dogs, Bimbi and Max

I am interested in surgery because I love learning new technical skills, problem solving, and working with an interdisciplinary team. I believe that surgery is both intellectually challenging and extremely rewarding. As a part of SIG, I am excited about exploring surgery and meeting individuals with similar passions.

Lejla Pepic (MS1) - Cardiothoracic & Vascular Interventions Elective Coordinator

Lejla grew up in Central Valley California and attended Stanford University for her undergraduate education where she majored in Molecular Biology with a minor in Psychology. During undergrad Lejla performed research in a cardiovascular medicine lab studying iPSC derived exosomes as biomarkers of cardiovascular disease. Lejla has a passion for cardiovascular medicine and in addition to SIG is also a member of the curriculum development team for Cardiac Camp at UCSF.

Why I’m interested in surgery: I became interested in surgery during my gap year before medical school while working as an emergency department scribe at a level II trauma center. I was very interested in observing the procedures that were performed in the emergency department and realized that I have an inclination towards the procedural and hands-on aspects of medicine. Surgery is inspiring because it presents the opportunity to enact tangible operations and interventions that can immensely improve patients' quality of life. SIG has allowed me to further explore this interest in surgery and meet peers who have similar passions.

Connie Zhou (MS3) - Class Representative

Connie is originally from Canada but now based in Northern California. She graduated from Duke University with a bachelor's in biology and minors in psychology and dance. At UCSF she’s the Disability Advocacy and Alliance Support Group co-facilitator, APAMSA Community Engagement Co-chair, and involved in ENT research and planning the Intrinsic Value Arts Series. Outside of school, you can catch her dancing, exploring SF's nature and food, and attempting to become a Peloton ambassador.

Why I'm interested in surgery:  In undergrad, I worked on immunological projects involving lymph node dissections in mice and thoroughly enjoyed the hands-on aspect and fine-motor skills needed. The more I learn about the wide application of surgical interventions, the more I am interested in exploring the field. I am excited to explore surgery more through SIG and the incredible mentors at UCSF.

Luke Sang (MS1) - Lecture Series Coordinator

Luke grew up in Austin, Texas and attended Duke University for undergrad where he studied Biochemistry. After graduating, he took a gap year to do research at the NIH. Outside of SIG, he is involved in Medicine in Motion and organizing fitness events for the UCSF community. He loves basketball, working out, and all things food!

Why I’m interested in surgery: I am interested in surgery because of the hands-on and procedural aspects of the field. I love being active and working within a team to accomplish a goal. I am excited to learn more about surgery through SIG and meet incredible mentors in the field!

Wesley Dixon (MS4) - Class Representative

After growing up in Culver City, California, Wesley attended Stanford University, where he received a B.S. in Bioengineering with honors and was a recipient of the Terman Engineering Scholastic Award for being among the top engineering students in the graduating class. Wesley has a passion for teaching and for basic and translational immunology, particularly with a focus on autoimmunity and peripheral tolerance induction. In addition to SIG, he is involved in the Peer-to-Peer tutoring program, myriad volunteer activities, and a basic immunology research project investigating novel cases of monogenic autoimmune diabetes. Wesley also loves playing on intramural basketball teams, skiing, and camping in his free time.

Why I’m interested in surgery: I had no exposure to surgery until I came to UCSF. Only after having the deeply transformative experiences of scrubbing into transplant surgery cases and interacting with surgical mentors did I consider surgery as a future career. Now I am aware that it is entirely possible to combine my passions for biology and discovery with the immediate impact of surgical clinical care. I joined SIG to get more exposure to the surgical subspecialties and to help my classmates access similar transformative experiences that I had as a first-year medical student.

Natalie Kucirek (MS5) - Class Representative

Natalie is a Bay Area native from Piedmont, California. She studied Molecular and Cell Biology at UC Berkeley and spent a year doing basic science research before coming to UCSF. At UCSF, she is involved with basic science and clinical research in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, the Muriel Steele Society, an organization promoting women in surgery, and Scrubs Addressing the Firearm Epidemic, a national organization aiming to reduce firearm-related morbidity and mortality. In her free time, she enjoys running, skiing, backpacking, and playing the flute.

Why I’m interested in surgery: II have always loved anatomy, and the ability to directly visualize and work with anatomy in the OR initially drew me to surgery. I appreciate that surgeons have a direct, tangible impact on their patients’ lives and I also enjoy the technical aspects of operating. I hope that through our work in SIG, we can make surgery more accessible to medical students and and showcase the diversity of backgrounds, personalities, and clinical practices of surgeons at UCSF.

Chris Johnson (MS5) - Class Representative

Chris is a bay area native, having grown up in Oakland, CA. Before pursuing a career in medicine, he studied literature and completed a Masters degree in Paris, France in French literature and philosophy. For fun, he likes to visit his mom in Oakland and relax in the sun while listening to music.

Why I’m interested in surgery: Chris is interested in building a career in surgery because he appreciates the immediate and intense relationship surgeons build with their patients. He joined the SIG as a preclinical student in order to develop an understanding of the wide variety of surgical speciality and to build community with other medical students who share an interest in surgery. The SIG has provided Chris with the chance to learn from faculty and residents and gain mentorship to help guide him through medical school.

Alex Merriman (MSTP5) - MSTP Representative

Alex was born and raised in Buffalo, NY. He graduated from Duke University with a B.S. in Biology with a Cell and Molecular Biology concentration and an A.B. in Chemistry with a Biochemistry concentration. At Duke, he performed research in regenerative medicine and stem cell biology, studying zebrafish fin regeneration as a model for appendage regeneration. He is currently in the second year of the Developmental & Stem Cell Biology PhD program. His thesis project is aimed at dissecting the molecular mechanisms underlying congenital heart disease using high-throughput single-cell multi-omic approaches and human genetics analyses. In his free time, he loves to explore San Francisco restaurants and parks, spend time with friends, and bake. 

Why I’m interested in surgery: A former mentor once remarked, “the ‘re-‘ in research is for redo.” While science is often characterized by iterative failures and delayed gratification that (hopefully) culminates in discovery, surgery carries with it concrete and immediate impact in patients’ lives. The immediacy of this impact and the technical skill development underlying these repairs have attracted me to the field as a future career path. SIG continues to provide me with ample opportunities for career exploration and has helped me to connect with surgeon-scientist mentors.

Caitlin Collins, MD, MPH (PGY5)

What got you interested in surgery? I actually went into school thinking about pursuing emergency medicine, but I found trauma surgery most interesting in my clerkship rotations. The immediacy of trauma surgery was similar to that in EM, but I found a lot of enjoyment in the continuity of care for critically ill patients that EM lacked. I participated in the UPenn Botswana Collaborative, a 2-month block where students rotate at the University of Botswana. This experience was a main contributor to my current interests in surgical disparities both in the US and globally.

What’s your current research about? I’m currently working within the Department of Surgery at UCSF on a bundled payment pilot program for general surgery patients. Historically, physicians are reimbursed via fee for service payments in which they bill for each medical procedure or order performed. This payment structure quickly drives up healthcare costs without incentivizing quality care. Bundled payments, on the other hand, give a lump sum of money for all of the care required around specific surgical procedures. The onus is then placed on the surgical team to provide high quality care while attempting to contain cost. We are currently working on a number of quality improvement projects to achieve this aim and assess the feasibility of bundled payment for a general surgery population. There are only a handful of academic institutions across the US participating in this pilot program for major bowel surgery, and I’m excited that UCSF will be helping to improve the quality of patient care and provide input on this new reimbursement practice.

While working on this initial project, our data showed that there are health disparities among our patient population here in San Francisco. We noticed that African American patients had higher rates of surgical site infections compared to the rate in the general surgical population. We haven’t found any other differences, but I hope to add a qualitative component to understand how we can create more equity in our care delivery.

Lastly, I’m working on a quality improvement project in Cameroon with trauma surgeon Catherine Julliard. Our ultimate goal is to develop a sustainable quality improvement platform in Cameroon through utilization of a pre-existing trauma registry. We have worked on training stakeholders in bread and butter QI methods. The trauma registry will allow physicians in Cameroon to capture important data about patients and later use this data to reveal areas of improvement.

Where do you see yourself going in the future with research/career? I want to ultimately specialize in trauma and critical care, and I plan to continue working for health equity both domestically and globally.

Zachary Matthay, MD (PGY-5)

What got you interested in surgery? My experience during third year general surgery clerkship at UCSF Fresno is what first sparked my interest in surgery. I had not previously had significant exposure to surgical fields, but I was drawn to the combination of performing technical procedures, the team based approach in the OR, with the ability to treat patients suffering from very discrete and often life-threatening conditions.

What’s your current research about? I am currently studying post-injury platelet biology, coagulopathy, and thromboembolism after traumatic injury in Dr. Kornblith's laboratory at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital. Our main focus is in delineating the role of aberrant platelet function in the development of trauma induced coagulopathy, which is a major cause of poor outcomes and mortality in injured patients with severe hemorrhage. By understanding the underlying mechanisms of altered post injury platelet biology, we aim to identify new treatment targets to mitigate coagulopathy and associated complications after trauma.

Where do you see yourself going in the future with research/career? I am interested in pursuing a career in vascular surgery or trauma and surgical critical care with an academic focus on translational coagulation research, clinical outcomes, and medical student and resident education.

Alexis Colley, MD, MS

What got you interested in surgery? I first became interested in surgery before medical school while I was volunteering in the Emergency Department at Highland Hospital in Oakland, CA. In the ED, patients came in with life-threatening injuries from trauma and the surgery team were the ones that got to see that patient through a definitive level of care. I knew I wanted to be part of a team specialized in applying my knowledge and skills to help patients at a critical time. My interest in surgery grew during medical school at the UCSF-UC Berkeley Joint Medical Program because I came to see surgery as a toolkit uniquely suited to solving well-delineated problems and that surgery would allow me to see my impact almost immediately. Surgery represents a complicated, but exciting confluence of technical skill, intellectual challenge, and team-based collaboration.

What’s your current research about? I am working with Drs. Elizabeth Wick and Emily Finlayson, both Colorectal surgeons, as well as Dr. Rebecca Sudore, a geriatrician, to develop a better understanding of the needs of surgical patients regarding Advance Care Planning (ACP). Although ACP has been shown to reduced stress and anxiety among family members and improve end-of-life communication, the rates of ACP conversations among surgeons and patients are very low. My project aims to build an understanding of what patients’ preferences and needs are for perioperative ACP. We are also working with our Advance Practice Practitioners (Physician Assistants and Nurse Practitioners) to get the entire surgical team involved in increasing access to quality ACP conversations.

Where do you see yourself going in the future with research/career? I plan to specialize in Colorectal surgery and to pursue a career that brings together my interests in research, teaching, surgical ethics, and (of course) operating! One of the aspects of academics I enjoy most is working as part of a team, whether it be on a research project or in the operating room.

Tom Sorrentino, MD (Research Resident)

What got you interested in surgery?
Coming into medical school, I knew I wanted pursue a procedural specialty but wasn’t sure if it was going to be surgery or a field like IR or interventional cardiology. As an MS1, I was introduced to a resident named Bian Wu (now an attending vascular surgeon at Kaiser SF) through the SIG Resident Mentor Match. He helped set up shadowing encounters in the OR. I was struck by the immediacy of results, the technical mastery of the surgeons, and the complex problem solving and team approach required for success. These experiences resonated with the type of physician I wanted to be and catalyzed my path to becoming a general surgery resident. 

What’s your current research about?
I am currently a Surgical Innovations Fellow at UCSF. I work with Dr. Shuvo Roy in the Department of Bioengineering on The Kidney Project, specifically leveraging my background in biomedical engineering and basic science to develop an implantable kidney cell bioreactor. In addition, I co-lead UCSF Surgical Innovations’ OR of the Future initiative, developing novel technologies in OR sustainability and surgical ergonomics under the mentorship of Dr. Hanmin Lee. Outside of UCSF, I serve as a consultant to several medical device startups. 

Where do you see yourself going in the future with research/career?
While I’m still undecided on specialty, I plan to have a career that focuses on surgical device development and teaching entrepreneurial skills to physicians in an academic setting.