PGY-4 Class

Sean Awakuni, MD

MD: University of Hawaii
BS: Creighton University

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
Waipahu, HI

Why did you choose our program?
On my interview day there was such a warm and welcoming attitude from all the PDs, attendings, and residents I met. I also love LA!

What is your favorite part of this program (so far)?
Working with and learning from so many awesome attendings. Also hanging out with my co residents!

What are your psychiatry interests?
Right now I don’t have a single particular interest, but I really enjoy Geri psych!

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
Going to the beach, hiking, theme parks (hoping they reopen sometime) trying all the KBBQ spots in Ktown and all the ramen spots on sawtelle.

David Carlson, MD

MD: UC San Dieg
BS: UC San Diego

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
San Diego, CA, by way of Penticton, BC, Canada, where I was raised for 8 years

Why did you choose our program?
The kindest program leadership I met on the interview trail. Everyone I met - even the residents - seemed genuinely happy, and it seems like they still are!

What is your favorite part of this program (so far)?
The people

What are your psychiatry interests?
The field of psychiatry is so engrossing, I'm tempted to say "everything." I'm particularly interested in topics at the intersection of mental health and society, like exploring cultural narratives and reframing how people conceptualize mental illness

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
Talking about life, concerts, new dining experiences, trivia/crosswords, playing guitar, reading, writing, and learning new things

Serop Chalian, MD

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

Why did you choose our program?
Program Leadership, Faculty, Patient population, Location

What is your favorite part of this program (so far)?
Learning from and getting to know the other residents and attendings

What are your psychiatry interests?
Everything

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
Be outside. Spend time with family and friends

Karim Farrag, MD, MS

MD: Dartmouth
MS: Northwestern University
BS: UC Davis

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
From LA, specifically the San Fernando Valley (Woodland Hills).

Why did you choose our program?
It combines the best of UCLA’s world class teaching/research with a wonderful and dynamic culture. My father completed residency in this program’s predecessor and only had wonderful things to say about his training.

What is your favorite part of this program (so far)?
The faculty and diversity of training.

What are your psychiatry interests?
Interventional, ED, and Child Psychiatry.

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
Eat and explore, there are endless hidden gems to be found.

Amy (Yu Min) Kang, MD

MD: Albert Einstein COM
BS: Johns Hopkins University

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
Born in Taiwan, moved to Michigan in 4th grade

Why did you choose our program?
I wanted to be in a program where leadership is flexible and willing to engage with its residents, that offers great training, and located in a fun area

What is your favorite part of this program (so far)?
Everyone who works here seem happy! :)

What are your psychiatry interests?
Undecided at this point but I'm interested in CL and outpatient mood/anxiety clinic

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
Go to the beach, explore the food scene, hang out with my co-residents

Nicole Sfeir, MD

MD: University of South Florida
BS: UC San Diego

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
I was born in Newport Beach, CA and moved to San Diego when I was 5 years old. My home town is Del Mar - a quaint, charming beach town nestled on the border that separates North from South San Diego County.

Why did you choose our program?
Personally, I was ready to come back home to Southern California, my family, and one of my truest loves - the Pacific Ocean. Professionally, I loved the idea of working with veterans and helping those who have sacrificed so much for our country. My grandfather was a WWll Navy vet and also served as captain of the UCLA football team, so having a connection with both the veteran population and UCLA was really special to me. The warm welcome I received during my interview truly solidified my decision to train at this program.

What is your favorite part of this program (so far)?
My co-residents. I couldn’t have handpicked a better group of people to go through this journey with.

What are your psychiatry interests?
Anxiety disorders and addiction psychiatry

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
My favorite thing to do in LA is surf at Malibu. The waves are perfect and the setting is spectacular, especially during that evening hour glow. Other than that, I love hanging out with my friends, eating good food, and relaxing at home with my giant TV.