PGY-1 Class

Justin Bayne, MD

MD: California University of Science and Medicine
MM: University of Missouri U.S. Navy Veteran

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
I've lived all over the country. If I had to pick one place to consider as my hometown, then I would say Kansas City because I spent most of my childhood there.

Why did you choose our program? What is your favorite part of the program (so far)?
I chose this program for a few reasons. First, it is a special honor to be able to treat veterans. I am a veteran myself and I know that many service members sacrifice so much in terms of their physical and mental health. This sacrifice doesn’t always end after leaving the military and I think it is essential that we provide world class care to our vets. I am honored to be a part of both the veteran community as a former sailor and the VA healthcare community as a resident physician.

My favorite part of the program is the camaraderie between the program directors, fellow residents and program staff. Everyone has been warm and welcoming. From the interview invite email, to the interview day itself, to the congratulatory phone call on match day, every person involved in the program has been exceptionally kind!

What are your psychiatry interests?
Addiction and Psychosis

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
I enjoy going to concerts with my wife as well as trying out new restaurants around LA. We also love heading up to the mountains for hiking and camping.

Nar Gulvartian, MD

MD: Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
BA: Brown University

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
Los Angeles, but, more specifically the San Fernando Valley…a true valley boy at heart!

Why did you choose our program? What is your favorite part of the program (so far)?
For me, it's all about a feeling. When I interviewed, the program felt like a family and all the residents seemed so happy and supported. Since starting intern year, that's been nothing but the case. Honestly, I like everything about our program so far!

What are your psychiatry interests?
Psychosis, Mania, and Cultural Psychiatry

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
My Saturday tradition—downing a Filipino iced coffee from Obet & Del’s with savory Armenian pastries from Taron Bakery at Barnsdall Art Park while enjoying views of both the Hollywood Sign and Griffith Observatory. Also, training boxing at one of the many traditional, old-school gyms in the Valley.

Afsara Haque

MD: University of Illinois
Special Education: LMU
BS/BA: University of Southern California

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
I was raised in Portland, OR and consider it home, but Southern California is a close second.

Why did you choose our program? What is your favorite part of the program (so far)?
I chose the program because of its culture of camaraderie that shone through even during my Zoom interview. Now that I’m here, I’m glad I trusted that gut feeling! Our residents, attendings, and leadership are not only incredibly warm and supportive, but also clearly dedicated to being great teachers and creating a culture of excellent patient care.

What are your psychiatry interests?
Still trying to narrow them down, but I’m interested in child and adolescent, consult-liaison, women’s mental health, and cultural psych.

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
I love to eat! Some of my favorite places in LA are Mercado la Paloma (highly rec Holbox and Chichen Itza) and Simpang Asia. I also enjoy reading, cooking, gardening, and going to the beach.

Saba Shevidi, MD

MD: Ohio State University
BA: Brown University

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
Los Angeles, CA

Why did you choose our program? What is your favorite part of the program (so far)?
Lovey vibes, ability to work with vulnerable communities, location, wonderful faculty and residents (still holds true :-) )

What are your psychiatry interests?
Geriatric, psychosis, forensics

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
Eat food, bike, whale watch (mostly dolphins around here)

Christina Staroschak, MD

MD: University of Arizona—Tucson
MA: LMU—Education
BS: Baylor University

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
I have lived all over, but let’s say Southern California

What are your psychiatry interests?
In no order: trauma, psychotherapy, integrative psychiatry, perinatal psychiatry, psychosis, and addiction. I am interested in everything and excited to be in this field.

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
Hiking, gardening, audiobooks, and spending time with friends and family at the park or beach. Anything that is outside!

Rabbi Mark Weingarten, MD

Physician Scientist Research Track
MD: Icahn School of Medicine, Humanities and Medicine Program
Rabbinic Ordination: Yeshiva University
BA: Yeshiva University
Summa Cum Laude (Valedictorian)

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
I grew up in New York

Why did you choose our program? What is your favorite part of the program (so far)?
Unparalleled opportunities to serve our veterans while conducting research at UCLA

What are your psychiatry interests?
Working with people who have experienced trauma

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
Soccer, horseback riding, violin, travel, Malibu mountains