DEPARTMENT OF PEDIATRICS LAS VEGAS: RESIDENT PROFILES
University of Nevada School of Medicine
PEDIATRIC RESIDENCY PROGRAM
2009 – 2010
Chief Residents
Rosalie S Kalili, MD
Place of Birth: Manila, Philippine Islands
Medical School: John A. Burns School of Medicine, Hawaii
Year of Graduation: 2005
Dr. Cabrera was born in Manila, Philippines and was raised in Kapolei, Hawaii. She received her BS in Biology from Chaminade University before matriculating to the John A. Burns School of Medicine at the University of Hawaii. Rosalie has complemented her career by serving as local coordinator of the Tar Wars Program and serving with community based groups to provide quality health care to underserved populations. Rosalie also brings with her a talent of music through the piano and a flair for crafts. She wishes to pursue a career in community-based pediatrics
Obiageri Ekeh, MD
Place of Birth: Enugu, Nigeria
Medical School: University of Port Harcourt
Year of Graduation: 2001
Dr. Ekeh attended the University of Port Harcourt in Nigeria. She faced many challenging experiences while working in the pediatric emergency room in Abuja, Nigeria, and decided to travel to the US to further her medical training. Obiageri has volunteered with the National Youth Service Corps and has been involved with antimalarial drug research. She likes to debate and travel. She will be attending a neurology fellowship upon completion of her chief residency.
PL III Class
Sandra Cetl, MD
Place of Birth: Inglewood, California
Medical School: University of Vermont College of Medicine, Vermont
Year of Graduation: 2007
Dr. Cetl was born in California and completed her undergraduate training at the University of California, Los Angeles with a degree in Neuroscience. She left the warm west coast to attend medical school in the cold northeast of Vermont. Some of her accomplishments include organizing the Tour de Cure for the American Diabetes Association, working with Planned Parenthood to educate junior high school students about reproductive health issues and being fluent in Croatian. In her free time she enjoys photography, traveling and cycling.
Kimberly Dixon, MD, MPH
Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California
Medical School: Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, Michigan
Year of Graduation: 2007
Dr. Dixon was born in Los Angeles, California and spent most of her pre-med years there. She has a degree in Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles. She went cross-country to Michigan to begin her medical training, receiving an MD degree and a degree in public health. She has a strong background in teaching, having been a health educator and a third grade teacher. Outside of her career interests, she enjoys reading, history and travel. She hopes to provide medical care to the underserved population as a pediatrician.
Melissa Emerson, MD
Place of Birth: Topeka, Kansas
Medical School: University of Kansas, School of Medicine, Kansas
Year of Graduation: 2007
Dr. Emerson has lived and done her undergraduate studies and medical studies in the state of her birth, Kansas. She has a degree in Cellular Biology and has had laboratory experience as an agricultural research assistant examining food-borne illness. Outside of the laboratory, she enjoyed being a member of the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. Her personal interests include museums, science centers, outdoor activities, food and culture.
Susan Hirata, MD
Place of Birth: Stockton, California
Medical School: University of Sint Eustatius, Netherlands Antilles
Year of Graduation: 2006
Dr. Hirata was born in California and received her undergraduate degree in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior at University of California, Davis. She has done volunteer work and research in Georgia, North Carolina, West Virginia and the Dutch West Indies. She speaks conversational Japanese and her hobbies include Japanese folk dancing, golf and fishing. While she is undecided about a career in primary care pediatrics or a pediatric subspecialty, she is looking forward to the challenges and rewards that come from either choice.
Carla Schaefer, MD
Place of Birth: Manila, Philippines
Medical School: University of Nevada School of Medicine, Nevada
Year of Graduation: 2007
Dr. Morada was born in the Philippines and received her degree in Combined Sciences at the University of Santa Clara, California. She is now a transplanted local to Nevada, attending medical school at UNSOM. She has worked with the NV Diabetes Association and volunteered in Student Outreach Clinics. She enjoys working with the pediatric population, having taught Forensic Medicine to 8th graders and mentoring high school students, and aspires to being involved in child advocacy. She speaks Spanish and Tagalog. She enjoys snowboarding, knitting/sewing and tennis.
Robert Nielson, MD
Place of Birth: Logan, Utah
Medical School: Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University, Pennsylvania
Year of Graduation: 2007
Dr. Nielson was born in Utah and did his undergraduate studies at Utah State, graduating with a degree in Biology. He left for the east coast to attend medical school at the Hershey Medical Center at Pennsylvania State University. His life experiences have ranged from missionary work in Alabama to being a pyrotechnician at the 2002 Olympics at Salt Lake City, Utah. In his free time he enjoys fishing, volleyball and gardening. He dreams of doing general pediatrics in rural setting and is interested in research in autism.
Shawn Reese, MD
Place of Birth: Phoenix, Arizona
Medical School: Ross University, Dominicana
Year of Graduation: 2007
Dr. Reese was born in Arizona and attended University of Utah for his undergraduate degree in Biology. He relocated to the tropical Caribbean to attend medical school at Ross University. He has done work as a laboratory technician in a Hepatitis Retrovirus laboratory, research assistant in the area of Celiac Disease in children, phlebotomist and Spanish translator. In his down time, he enjoys golf, soccer, and guitar and is an eagle scout.
Shawn Rowles, MD
Place of Birth: Las Vegas, Nevada
Medical School: University of Nevada School of Medicine, Nevada
Year of Graduation: 2007
Dr. Rowles is a native Nevadian. He was born in Las Vegas and did his undergraduate studies at University of Nevada, Las Vegas, achieving a degree in Biochemistry. He stayed in Nevada to attend medical school at UNSOM. He has done research in thermotropic liquid crystalline polyesters and in the field of genetics. He has been an avid volunteer in programs such as Nevadians Into Medicine, UNSOM Pediatric Outreach Clinic, the UMC Pediatric Emergency Room and missionary work in Guatemala. He speaks Spanish, plays tennis and enjoys movies, bicycling and spending time with his wife, precocious son and gorgeous newborn twins. He would like to practice pediatrics in an underserved area after residency.
Jeremy Siegrist, MD
Place of Birth: Norfolk, Virginia
Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School, Virginia
Year of Graduation: 2007
Dr. Siegrist was born in Virginia. He went north to attend Johns Hopkins University in Maryland, graduating with a degree in Biology and Italian and Hispanic Studies. He returned to Virginia to attend medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School. His experiences are multi-faceted. He has been a Reach Out and Read Coordinator with the Jesuit Volunteer Corp., a laboratory researcher working with viruses and bacteria, a Children’s Art Project Leader volunteer at the Village Learning Place, a painter and computer technician. He looks forward to a career in general pediatrics.
Kultida Soontarapornchai, MD
Place of Birth: Thailand
Medical School: Faculty of Medicine, Ramathaibodi Hospital
Year of Graduation: 1999
Dr. Soontarapornchai completed a three year residency and one year fellowship training at the University Hospitals in Thailand. Her transition to life in the United States did not dim her goal of working in pediatrics medicine. She did her first half of her internship year in Chicago before transferring to our program. Her rich background of clinical experience makes her a valuable addition to our training program. She looks forward to a neonatology fellowship and work as a clinician and researcher. Her hobbies include dancing, drawing and other creative arts.
Huy Truong, MD
Place of Birth: Vung Tau, Vietnam
Medical School: University of Nevada School of Medicine, Nevada
Year of Graduation: 2007
Dr. Truong was born in Vietnam and spent most of his time in California. He received a degree in Biology from the University of Redlands, California. He has a strong background in education, having been a middle school science teacher and a high school biology instructor prior to attending medical school at UNSOM. He enjoys tennis, skiing, running and spending time with his wife and three daughters. He is interested in doing a fellowship in Neonatology and aspires to a career in academics.
Angela Weiner, MD
Place of Birth: Martinsville, Indiana
Medical School: University of Nevada School of Medicine, Nevada
Year of Graduation: 2007
Dr. Weiner was born in Indiana and eventually moved to Nevada to attend University of Nevada in Las Vegas as an undergraduate student and obtained a degree in Nursing and Pre-Medicine. She went on to Beth El College of Nursing at the University of Colorado, graduating with an RN degree and subsequently became a neonatal nurse practitioner. She returned to Las Vegas to work in the NICU at Sunrise Hospital and at Valley Hospital. She discovered a desire to go to medical school and became a student at UNSOM. She has done volunteer work at outreach clinics. She has been a member of the Admissions Committee at UNSOM and the Vice President of her medical school class. She enjoys soccer, kickboxing, martial arts and spending time with her husband and lovely daughters. It is no surprise that she is interested in doing fellowship training in Neonatology.
PL II Class
Katherine J. Clifford, DO
Place of Birth: Tarzana, California
Medical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Henderson, Nevada
Year of Graduation: 2008
Dr Clifford was born in Tarzana, California. She earned her BS in Psychobiology from UCLA in 2001 and then went to Touro University where she was vice-president of the student osteopathic medical association. During her undergraduate studies she coordinated fund raising activities for the Ronald McDonald House Charities. She has also volunteered her time at Shade Tree, a shelter for abused women and children. She looks forward to a career in pediatric primary care. She also hopes to incorporate holistic practices that encourage emotional and spiritual health for both children and parents. She is fluent in Spanish.
Juan Carlos Collazos, Sr, MD
Place of Birth: Cali, Colombia
Medical School: Universidad del Valle
Colombia
Year of Graduation: 2002
Dr. Collazos was born in Columbia. After obtaining his medical degree, he practiced as a rural physician in a small Colombian town as well as practiced as an emergency medical physician. He moved to the United States in 2006. Since then he has gained research experience as a research scholar under the supervision of the pediatric cardiologists at the Children’s Heart Center of Nevada. His research endeavors have resulted in multiple publications and poster presentations. In his free time, Juan enjoys tennis, soccer, reading and cooking.
Melissa L. Cox, DO
Place of Birth: Silver Spring, Maryland
Medical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Henderson, Nevada
Year of Graduation: 2008
Melissa earned a B.S. in Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering from the University of Arizona during which time she was a volunteer in the pharmacology department, secretary for Tau Beta Pi engineering fraternity and member of Alpha Epsilon Delta fraternity. She also has extensive volunteer experience in the medical field. During medical school she was a tutor in pharmacology and continued to demonstrate her enthusiasm for community service. She looks forward to completing her medical education in Nevada and practicing locally such that she can remain in close proximity to her family. Hobbies include baton twirling, dancing, yoga, horseback riding, hiking and kickboxing. Dr. Cox is also an accomplished violinist.
Chang-Tran Dang, DO (“C.T.”)
Place of Birth: Beaumont, Texas
Medical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Henderson, Nevada
Year of Graduation: 2008
Dr. Dang, who prefers the nickname “C.T.” received her undergraduate degree from University of California-Irvine with a B.S. in Biology in 2001. She then received a Graduate degree in Medical Science from Drexel University in 2004. While receiving undergraduate and graduate degrees, she gained extensive research experience as both a research assistant and research coordinator. Her volunteer experience includes vice president of academic affairs for the Osteopathic Medical Student Government Association, founder and member of the Pediatric Interest Group. Her interests include photography, kayaking, fine arts and cooking.
Tiffiny M. Grace, DO
Place of Birth: Las Vegas, Nevada
Medical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Henderson, Nevada
Year of Graduation: 2008
Tiffiny is a native of Las Vegas who received a B.A. in Biology from Knox College in Illinois in 2004. During her undergraduate studies, she was vice president of D.A.R.E., volunteered with the Big Brother and Big Sister organization, and was a mentor to at risk students who required additional educational support, all while remaining on the Dean’s List. During medical school she had extensive pediatric volunteer experience with private pediatricians as well as Sunrise and UMC Children’s hospitals. Her interests include karate, sewing and volunteer service.
Lillie Hidaji, MD
Place of Birth: Shorem-by-Sea, United Kingdom
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean
Netherlands Antilles
Year of Graduation: 2008
Dr. Hidaji received a B.S. in Biopsychology and French from the University of California at Santa Barbara in 2002. After graduation, she worked as a research assistant at MD Anderson Cancer Center as well as volunteered with the child Life Department at Mattel Children’s Hospital at UCLA. During medical school she continued to demonstrate her commitment to community service by tutoring genetics and volunteering at an orphanage. She is fluent in Farsi and French. Lillie plans to emphasize preventative practices to her patients during residency after which she hopes to pursue a fellowship. Her interests include salsa dancing, piano, and travel.
Rani Kharrubi, MD
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, New York
Medical School: St. Georges University
Grenada
Year of Graduation: 2007
Dr. Kharrubi received a B.S. in Biology from CW Post Long Island University in 2001 where he was member of Beta Beta Beta biological honor society. He was also vice president and treasurer of the pre-health professions society. His research experiences have culminated in acceptance of an abstract to a peer review journal. Rani demonstrates a passionate commitment to pediatrics and aspires to a career in academia. He is fluent in Arabic. Hobbies include traveling, cooking, basketball, and swimming.
Aung Kyaw Lynn, MBBS (“Aaron”)
Place of Birth: Pathein, Myanmar
Medical School: Institute of Medicine I
Myanmar
Year of Graduation: 2004
Prior to matriculating into medical school, Dr. Lynn, who prefers the nickname “Aaron”, tutored high school students in the subjects of Burmese, English, math, physics, chemistry and biology. After medical school, he spent 2 years working for a pharmaceutical company as a medical product specialist. After arriving in the United States, he volunteered in a primary care clinic to familiarize himself with the American medical system. Aaron has an interest in preventative medicine and patient/family education. After residency, he plans to serve a rural population. His interests include tennis, soccer, and travel.
Shoba Rao, MD
Place of Birth: New York, New York
Medical School: Saint George’s University
Grenada
Year of Graduation: 2008
Dr. Rao graduated from UCLA in 2003 with a B.S. in Psychobiology, during which time she was also a member of Psi Chi, the National Honor Society in psychology. While attending medical school, she decided to pursue pediatrics in order to achieve her goals of becoming an educator and advocate for children’s health. Her research activities have resulted in a poster presentation and an article currently under peer review. Shoba enjoys playing the piano, Indian dance, travel and learning Spanish.
Natasha Sidhu, MD
Place of Birth: Monrivia, Liberia
Medical School: Ross University
Dominica
Year of Graduation: 2008
Natasha realized at an early age that she had an innate love of learning. Growing up in India and Liberia, Dr. Sidhu tutored others in English and Hindi; she continued to tutor through high school where she taught English to children with learning difficulties. She received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Houston in 2002, where she earned the award for “Thesis of the Year”. Dr. Sidhu has been greatly influenced by the physicians she has encountered who demonstrate great passion and commitment to their work. She hopes to emulate that in her career. In her spare time, Natasha enjoys watching movies, reading and traveling.
Lenore Reeva Simangan, MD
Place of Birth: Sacramento, California
Medical School: Saint George’s University
Grenada
Year of Graduation: 2008
Dr. Simangan received her B.S. in Biology from UCLA in 2003. While affiliated with UCLA, she discovered her love of children and participated in many volunteer activities. Some examples of these activities were volunteering in a pediatric outpatient clinic, tutoring underprivileged ninth graders and providing community health education. Lenore’s interests include singing, tennis, traveling and cooking.
Shannon Wolff, MD
Place of Birth: Sacramento, California
Medical School: University of Nevada School of Medicine
Reno, Nevada
Year of Graduation: 2008
Shannon received a B.A. in Neuroscience from Pomona College, simultaneously earning a minor degree in Spanish. While in medical school, she was the pediatric clinic manager of the UNSOM student outreach clinic, founder of the Medical Spanish student interest group, and traveled to Quito, Ecuador to volunteer in various pediatric clinics. Dr. Wolff realized her love of the pediatric field during her first pediatric clerkship, where she experienced great fulfillment by contributing to the health of children. Her hobbies include outdoor activities, reading, baking and traveling.
PL I Class
AISHA FIRDOS ASIF, MD
Place of Birth: Agra, India
Medical School: Ross University Dominica
Year of Graduation: 2009
Dr. Asif is a graduate of U.C. Riverside, where she earned a BS in Biological Sciences. She has experience as a chart auditor in several research projects, and as a student volunteer for AMSA and other clinical programs. She enjoys traveling, reading, tennis, cooking, and spending time with family.
SEAN PATRICK BRADY, DO
Place of Birth: Nogales, AZ
Medical School: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine,
Year of Graduation: 2009
Dr. Brady is a graduate of Brigham Young University, where he earned a BA in Humanities-Spanish. He has experience as a research assistant, campus housing resident assistant, concessions team leader, and volunteer with organizations specializing in foster care and students with disabilities. He enjoys poetry, theatre, music, ballroom dancing, and spending time with family.
MARGALIT KOCHAV, MD
Place of Birth: Beersheva, Israel
Medical School: Ross University
Year of Graduation: 2009
Dr. Kochav originally from Beersheva, Israel, obtained her B.S in neurobiology from UC Irvine. As an undergraduate, Margalit was involved in research and volunteer jobs. Her hobbies include running, ballroom dancing and roller-skating.
ALEXANDER MATERNA, MD
Place of Birth: Wayne, NJ
Medical School: Akademia Medyczna Im Karola Marcinkowskiego
Year of Graduation: 2008
Dr. Materna received a B.A in history from College of the Holy Cross, Worcester, MA. and moved to Poland 2 months after graduation. Alex was awarded the university scholarships for outstanding grades and achieved high honors in pediatrics, internal medicine and surgery. His hobbies include triathlon, surfing, rock climbing and bass fishing. He also loves to compose music and volunteered for 3 years in Wielka Orkiestra Swiatecznej Pomocy
REMA MERHI, DO
Place of Birth: Harbor City, CA
Medical School: Touro University of Osteopathic Medicine, NV
Year of Graduation: 2009
Dr. Merhi obtained a B.S in biological sciences from Chapman University, CA. and an M.S in biochemistry and molecular biology from UC Riverside. Rema was the student winner at the Jan., 2008 American College of Physicians’ convention, for her research paper presentation. Volunteering in various organizations; she served as the president of Women in Medicine, founding member of ACOFP, Touro University. She loves hiking, mountain biking and baking.
AMIT CHANDRA MISRA, MD
Place of Birth: Panorama City, CA
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean, St. Maarten,
Year of Graduation: 2009
Dr. Misra is a graduate of UCLA, where he earned a B.S. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. Amit has had extensive experience as a laboratory assistant, tutor, and building supervisor. He enjoys dance, track and field, basketball, reading NY Times best sellers, and finding ways to be green and help the environment.
HARPREET NAGRA, MD
Place of Birth: New Delhi, India
Medical School: Slaska Akademia Medyczna Katowice, Poland
Year of Graduation: 2006
Dr. Nagra is originally from New Delhi, India. While in medical school in Poland, she volunteered in several organizations. Her hobbies include cooking, dancing, watching movies, traveling and reading. Harpreet is fluent in Hindi, Punjabi and English languages.
EMILY KALYN PETERSON, DO
Place of Birth: Ogden, UT
Medical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Year of Graduation: 2009
Dr. Peterson is a graduate of Weber State University, where she earned a BS in Zoology. She has experience as a swim instructor, swim coach, lifeguard, and tutor. She enjoys reading, writing, music, movies, snowboarding, and travel.
ANDREE V. TROMPETA, ,MD
Place of Birth: Tarzana, CA
Medical School: University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines
Year of Graduation: 2007
Dr. Trompeta, the daughter of a Pediatrician, always looked up to her mother as her role model. She obtained her B.S in Biological Sciences from UC Irvine. While in medical school, she was involved in several research and medical missions as well as extra-curricular activities including soccer, volleyball, and ultimate frisbee. She has volunteered with the American Red Cross, teaching first aid and CPR classes to the community. Andree looks forward to a career in Pediatric Primary Care and would like to continue to provide care for the underserved in the US as well as internationally.
NIVRUTHI VANGALA, MD
Place of Birth: Brooklyn, NY
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean , St Maarten
Year of Graduation: 2009
Dr. Vangala was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to California as a young girl. She obtained her B.S in biology from UC San Diego and her medical degree from AUC. Nivi loves research and was involved in various research projects while in UCSD. She was an orientation leader and a teacher's aide to undergraduate students. She has also been involved in several volunteer projects, including but not limited to, volunteering at homeless shelters. Her hobbies include running, tennis, dancing and singing.
CELESTE XOCHITL CABALLERO WIBERG, MD
Place of Birth: El Paso, TX
Medical School: University of Texas Southwestern Medical School
Year of Graduation: 2009
Dr. Wiberg is a graduate of the Univ. of Texas, where she earned a BA in Biology. She has experience as a Sunday school teacher, English class coordinator, and as a Reach Out and Read volunteer coordinator. She classically trained for 15 years in ballet, modern dance, tap, jazz, and clogging.
