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Jonas Addae , PhD, MBA, MBChB

Education

MBChB - University of Ghana Medical School, Legon, Ghana
PhD - University of London, UK
MBA - Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK

Biography

Dr. Jonas Addae is Professor of Physiology and Medical Education. He was previously Professor of Physiology at the University of the West Indies (UWI) where he served as the Chair of the Preclinical Sciences Department and a Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences. He also served as a member of the University Senate and the University Council - the highest decision making body that includes Ministers of Education of the 16 countries of the English-Speaking Caribbean. His diverse interests got him appointed as the chair of a number of university committees including "Innovation and Entrepreneurship Committee" and "Committee to optimize online learning across the four campuses of the UWI".
His interest in promoting "institutional effectiveness" got him involved in accreditation of medical schools by the Caribbean Accreditation Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions (CAAM-HP) - serving as the secretary or committee chair on some occasions. He is the recipient of the two highest teaching awards at UWI - "Guardian Life Premium Teaching Award" and "Vice-Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching". He has published on small group learning and conducted training workshops on the topic for instructors. He is a member of the American Physiological Society (APS), Society for Neuroscience (SFN), American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and Caribbean Academy of Sciences where he served as an executive member.

Publications

• PubMed
• Google Scholar

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Faiza Ahmad, MD, MPH

Research Interests

Public health,Medical Education

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Samy Allam, MD

Education

M.D. - Alexandria University School of Medicine M.H.A Robert Morris University

Biography

I Graduated medical school from Alexandria University School of Medicine. Then, I completed a general surgery residency at the same teaching hospital. Also, I obtained a Master's degree of Healthcare Administration from Robert Morris University in Chicago. Throughout my career I've occupied many leadership positions in acute and ambulatory care settings from which I developed a significant book of business for effective healthcare quality management, healthcare organizational mapping and restructuring.

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Hani Atamna, PhD, MSc

Education

MS in Biological Chemistry - The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
PhD in Biological Chemistry/Biochemistry - The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
BS in Biology - The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel
Certificate in Science Education - The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel

Biography

Dr. Atamna was awarded his Doctoral degree in Biological Chemistry (Biochemistry) from the Hebrew University at Jerusalem. He completed his Post-Doctoral training at the MCB department of the University of California at Berkeley. In year 2000 he Joined Children's Hospital Research Institute (CHORI) as a research scientist, where he advanced to become a principle investigator in 2003. Until this point of his career, Dr. Atamna concentrated on research and students mentoring at the laboratory settings. In 2008, Dr. Atamna joined the Commonwealth Medical College (TCMC, currently Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine or GCSOM) where he combined his research interest with teaching interest. He taught medical students as well as master students. Dr. Atamna research has been funded by the National Institute of Health (NIH), the American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR), as well as by the Ames foundation.

Publications

• PubMed
• Google Scholar

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Michael Basch, MD

Education

M.D. - St. Goerge's University School of Medicine
Residency - Albany Medical Center
B.S. - Chemical Engineering, Long Beach State University

Biography

Private practice , temecula 1998-present Medical director /CEO TVPMG Medical director / CEO Inpatient physicians network / Hospitalist Medical director, Inland Valley Hospice Medical director, Madison home health Clinical Assistant Professor, UCRSOM Clinical Assistant Professor, Weatern university

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John D Branch, DO

Education

DO, Western University of Health Sciences/COMP Residency, Family Practice. MSU/St Joseph Hospital
Bsc, Medical Sciences, California College of Podiatric Medicine
BA, Biology, University of California, San Diego

Biography

Dr. Branch practiced and taught Family Medicine in Riverside, from 1988 through 2023. This included office practice, in-patient management, obstetrics and urgent care. He has served as clinical faculty, teaching medical students from Loma Linda, Western University, and UC Riverside. Dr Branch has served as Chairman of the Board for Good Samaritan Medical and Dental Ministries for over 15 years and has co-led more than 20 medical teams to Viet Nam. He has also served as a volunteer physician at Path of Life Homeless Clinic in the Inland Empire. He is a founding member of Raincross Medical Group, Raincross Urgent Care, and Orangecrest Medical Group

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Neal Christopher, DO

Education

BA, University of Mobile
MDiv, Southeastern Seminary
Post-Bacc, La Sierra University
DO, Western University of Health Sciences
Psychiatry Residency, Loma Linda University
Health Board Certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine
MSQM in Health Analytics (Candidate), Duke

Biography

Neal Ryan Christopher was born in Tennessee, and raised in North Alabama. Before medical school, he earned a BA in Religion & History and a Master of Divinity with an emphasis in ancient languages and philosophy and served as a minister in North Carolina and California. During a transition toward medicine, he completed a post-Baccalaureate in pre-medical sciences from La Sierra University. During medical school at the Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, he was awarded the Outstanding Service Award as President of the Pomona Pipeline to Health Careers Club. He was elected to the office of Executive President of the Student Government Association, followed by serving on the Student/Resident Committee of the Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons of California. He graduated in 2016 and was honored with the President's Award. Dr. Christopher completed his psychiatry training at Loma Linda University Health as Chief Resident and achieved the Administrative Excellence Award at graduation. He holds board certifications in Psychiatry from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and Addiction Medicine from the American Osteopathic Association. Currently, Dr. Christopher serves as Vice Chair of Psychiatry at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center and the psychiatry and addictions consultant for the Federally Qualified Health Centers at the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health. He also serves as clinical co-director of the Nervous System & Behavior course here at the California University of Science and Medicine and regularly teaches psychopharmacology & psychotherapy at LLU, Arrowhead, and COMP. He is working towards a Master of Science in Quantitative Management in Health Analytics at the Duke University Fuqua School of Business. His goals include integrating systematic reviews into the foundation of medical education and making data analysis more understandable for mental health and addictions research.

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Linda Connelly, PhD

Education

BSc(Hons) Biochemistry with work placement, University of Glasgow, UK
PhD Molecular Pharmacology, University College London, UK

Biography

Dr Connelly received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry at the University of Glasgow. Her undergraduate program included work placement experience at Merck, Sharp and Dohme's Neuroscience Research Center in Harlow, UK. She went on to complete her PhD in Molecular Pharmacology at the Wolfson Institute for Biomedical Research at University College London, UK. Following completion of her PhD, Dr. Connelly was awarded an International Travelling Post-Doctoral Fellowship from the Wellcome Trust which she completed at the University of California Los Angeles and University College London, UK. Dr. Connelly completed further Post-Doctoral training in the Department of Cancer Biology at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. In June 2009 Dr. Connelly joined the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Daniel K. Inouye College Pharmacy at the University of Hawaii at Hilo and was promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in 2015. During her time at UH Hilo, Dr Connelly taught Pharmacology, Physiology, Pathophysiology and Cancer Biology and was elected by the PharmD students to receive Teaching Excellence Awards on seven separate occasions. Dr. Connelly was elected to serve as the Department Chair for Pharmaceutical Sciences from October 2016 until her departure in December 2018.

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Joseph Dhahbi, MD, PhD

Education

Dr. Dhahbi earned an M.D degree from the University of Tunis – School of Medicine, completed a residency program, and practiced medicine for several years in his native country, Tunisia. He moved to the United States, and joined the department of Biochemistry at the University of California Riverside where he earned a Ph.D degree in Molecular Genetics.

Biography

Dr. Dhahbi is a Professor of Biochemistry, Genomics and Medical Education at CalMed. He previously taught Biochemistry, genetics and Genomics at California Northstate University, School of Medicine, and the University California, Riverside. Dr. Dhahbi also served as a clinical Fellow at Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute supported by a grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), as a Senior Research Scientist at Lifespan Genetics Research, and as a Director of Research at BioMarker Pharmaceuticals, Campbell, California.

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Maegen Dupper, MD

Education

MD - Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Biography

Maegen Dupper grew up in the Inland Empire and after completing her undergraduate degree at UCLA, she returned for medical school at Loma Linda University. She completed her family medicine residency at Kaiser Permanente Fontana and then spent a year completing a Community Medicine fellowship. Following her training, Dr. Dupper served as both a primary care physician and a leader in the education team at UC Riverside. Since working in academic medicine, Dr. Dupper has completed training in leadership in medical education through the AAMC, education training through the Teaching Excellence Academy at UCR, and partnered with experts in the humanities to develop innovative medical curriculum.

Publications

• PubMed
• Google Scholar

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Rajuno Ettarh, MD, PhD, FRSM, FAS

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Vasavi Rakesh Gorantla, PhD

Education

Ph.D., MSc Medical Anatomy

Biography

Dr. Rakesh Gorantla holds both an MSc in Medical Anatomy and a PhD in Neuroscience from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, where he developed a strong foundation in human anatomy and advanced neuroscientific research. Over the course of 18 years, Dr. Gorantla has gained significant teaching experience, educating a diverse range of students in the medical, dental, and allied health sciences. In August 2024, Dr. Gorantla joined the California University of Science and Medicine faculty, where he continues to be an active educator and researcher. His contribution to academic medicine is highlighted by his extensive research portfolio, with over 100 peer-reviewed publications in esteemed journals. These publications span various aspects of neuroscience and anatomy, further solidifying his reputation as a scholar. Dr. Gorantla has consistently been recognized for his exceptional teaching abilities, earning several awards, including best teacher awards in 2016 and 2017. His teaching philosophy emphasizes critical thinking, active learning, and the integration of research with practical knowledge, all of which have contributed to his student's success. As he continues his work at CUSM, Dr. Gorantla remains committed to advancing the field of medical education, focusing on integrating research findings with pedagogical strategies that enhance student learning outcomes, particularly in anatomy and neuroscience.

Research Interests

Neurogenesis and hippocampal morphological changes

Research Description

Dr. Rakesh Gorantla's research focuses on understanding key aspects of neurogenesis and the brain's response to various stimuli. His work delves into the behavioral and morphological changes in the brain, exploring how these changes impact cognitive and emotional functioning. One of his significant areas of study is the role of stress on brain function, examining how prolonged exposure to stressors can influence neural pathways and brain plasticity. Additionally, Dr. Gorantla has investigated EEG recordings in humans, utilizing this technique to monitor brain activity and correlate it with behavioral outcomes. His research aims to bridge the gap between neural activity patterns and the observable changes in behavior, contributing valuable insights into how stress and other environmental factors shape the brain's structure and function over time. This body of work is not only important for neuroscience but also for understanding mental health conditions that involve stress-related brain changes.

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Janel Gracia, MD

Education

Medical Degree (UC Riverside School of Medicine), Bachelors of Science in Biochemistry (UC Riverside)
White Memorial Family Medicine Residency Program

Research Interests

Graduate Medical Education

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Gordon Green, MD, MEd, EdD

Education

B.B.A., Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, B.C., Canada
B.Sc. (Hons.), Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
M.D., University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
M.Ed. (Education Technology), Athabasca University, Athabasca, AB, Canada
Ed.D., University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada

Biography

Dr. Green received undergraduate degrees in Business Administration and Life Sciences before entering medical school. He obtained his M.D. and completed residency and fellowship training at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. He worked as a Pediatric Emergency Physician at Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, West Virginia, where he directed the education program for the department and later went on to be the Medical Director of the Patient Simulation Center. He trained in medical education and curriculum development through the Harvard Macy Programs and went on to academic and administrative roles at three international medical schools. He completed his Master's in Education focusing on educational technology and his Doctorate in Education at the University of Calgary exploring decision making in acute care teams using a high fidelity simulation environment.

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Anita Gupta, DO, MPP, PharmD, GMP, FASA

Education

DO - University of Medicine and Dentistry - School of Osteopathic Medicine (2003)
MPP, HHP - Princeton University (2018)
PharmD - Rutgers University School of Pharmacy (1999)
BS - Rutgers University School of Pharmacy (1997)
GMP - Ambassador; Harvard Business School (2020)
Residencies Anesthesiology - Harvard Business School (2020)
Fellowships Interventional Pain Medicine - Rutgers University School of Pharmacy (1997)
Board Certifications American Board of Anesthesiology (Anesthesiology-General) (2011)
American Board of Anesthesiology (Pain Medicine) (2012)

Biography

Dr. Anita Gupta is Professor of Medical Education, Lead of the IDEAS Innovation Lab, and Board Certified Anesthesiologist and Pain Physician at California University of Sciences and Medicine. Her areas of clinical expertise include pain medicine, health policy, biotechnology, drug development, corporate and government affairs. Dr. Gupta has served in prestigious positions as Chief Surgeon in the City of New York and appointed advisory member of the World Economic Forum, Milken Institute, Gates Foundation, the US Food and Drug Administrations. Dr. Gupta is recognized by the American Society of Anesthesiologists, as the first appointed woman physician anesthesiologist to lead the expansion of the first opioid overdose antidote, naloxone, at the U.S. FDA appointed by leaders at the American Society of Anesthesiologists. She is also recognized as the first woman physician anesthesiologist to Co-Chair the American Society of Anesthesiologist Committee on Prescription Opioid Abuse and the first anesthesiologist alumni of both Princeton University and Harvard Business School. Recognized as a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academies of Practice, for her lifelong commitment to addressing global public health in pain, drug safety, and policy. She is an active, practicing, healthcare professional for over 20 years and she serves as a member of the National Academies of Science's Global Forum on the transformation of the patient experience, with one of the top 50 most cited publications of the NASEM consecutively in 2020-2022. At the National Academies of Sciences, she has pioneered the understanding of digital patient experience in pain and the role of digital transformation, particularly with pain. Awarded Patient Advocacy Award by the National Academies of Practice, Top 10 Women of Influence by Fierce Healthcare©, Top 100 Inspiring Leader Award by PharmaVoice©, Top 10 Emerging Leader Award by Pharmaceutical Executive©, Goldman Sachs 10K Business Scholar Award, Harvard Business School GMP Ambassador, and a Princeton University Women's Network Leadership Member. Featured expert on Washington Post, Forbes, CNN, on emerging threats including the COVID-19 pandemic, Opioid crisis, Zika crisis, Philadelphia Amtrak catastrophic train crash, and several other high-profile expert medical cases. Dr. Gupta serves as an executive officer, board director of public and private sector organizations, and an appointed member of the National Academies of Sciences Global Forum, National Quality Forum, and has served the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Defense, and The Milken Institute Faster Cures advisory council. Dr. Gupta has a dual doctorate in medicine and pharmacy and is an alumna of both Harvard Business School's General Management Program and Princeton University's Masters of Public Policy, Health Policy Program. She completed her residency in anesthesiology at Georgetown University School of Medicine and her pain fellowship at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She received her doctorate in pharmacy from Rutgers University in New Jersey and doctorate in medicine from University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey.

Research Interests

Healthcare workforce models and team-based care Pain management access, protocols and guidelines Gender differences in pain management Clinical trials optimizing pain treatments Precision medicine for pain conditions Accelerating biopharma innovation in pain and women's health Drug development for pain, addiction and mental health Telehealth policy and virtual care expansion Reducing disparities in access to care Digital patient engagement and experiences AI and advanced analytics in healthcare Individualized and patient-centered models of care Transformative technologies for care empowerment Healthcare innovation and transformation Health policy research and reform Public-private partnerships for health equity Improving patient outcomes across populations Increasing access, quality and inclusion in healthcare Addressing social determinants of health Advancing value-based care and new payment models

Research Description

Dr. Anita Gupta is an acclaimed researcher and innovator in healthcare transformation. Through pioneering studies, she advances pain medicine, drug development, policy and technology to improve patient outcomes. As Professor of Medical Education and Lead of the IDEAS Innovation Lab, Dr. Gupta conducts groundbreaking research on the healthcare innovation, pioneering new models of team-based care and education to enhance access to pain management. Her clinical trials research also informs protocols optimizing treatments for diverse patient populations. Dr. Gupta's drug development research expands treatment options for pain and other health conditions. She advises cross sector industry leaders, advancing innovations in precision medicine and accelerating access to new therapies. Her transformative health policy research establishes best practices for increasing equitable access to care, closing disparities in access. At the National Academies of Sciences, Dr. Gupta pioneers research harnessing advanced digital tools to enhance patient experiences. Her studies demonstrate how these technologies can provide individualized care and empower patients as partners in their health. Through her diverse research portfolio, Dr. Gupta exemplifies leadership at the intersection of healthcare innovation, policy, and improving patient outcomes. Her pioneering studies continue accelerating access, quality and inclusion across the continuum of care.

Publications

• PubMed
• Google Scholar

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Vy Han, MD

Education

B.S. - University of California Irvine
M.D. - SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine

Biography

I graduated from SUNY Stony Brook School of Medicine in 2015 and soon after started my Emergency Medicine Residency at the University of California, Irvine. After my residency graduation, I started to develop a passion for medical education. I decided to come back to the UC Irvine School of Medicine to be an adjunct instructor for their Clinical Foundations Course. I also assisted with teaching the emergency medicine clerkship curriculum in the fall with our rotating emergency medicine sub-internship students. I eventually became a Dean Scholar at UC Irvine in my final year before coming here to CUSM.

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Sameer Hassamal, MD

Education

BS Biology, University of California, Irvine
MD, American University of the Caribbean
Geriatric Psychiatry Research Training, SUNY Downstate Medical Center
Internship, Virginia Commonwealth University
Residency, Adult Psychiatry, Virginia Commonwealth University
Fellowship, Addiction Psychiatry, University of California Los Angeles and Kern Medical

Biography

Sameer Hassamal holds an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University of California, Irvine, and a medical degree from American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine. Dr. Hassamal completed his residency in Adult Psychiatry at Virginia Commonwealth University, and a fellowship in Addiction Psychiatry with a focus on chronic pain management at the University of California Los Angeles-Kern and Cedars Sinai Medical Center. He is board certified in Adult Psychiatry and Addiction Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.

Dr. Hassamal has had a broad clinical exposure to the field of general psychiatry, psycho-oncology, chronic pain and addiction medicine. He has worked in various relevant capacities including as a Director of a Psychiatry Consultation and Liaison Service, an Administrative Consultant with Los Angeles County Substance Abuse Prevention and Control, and an Assistant Professor of Supportive Care Medicine at City of Hope National Cancer Institute. Given his clinical and research expertise, Dr. Hassamal routinely teaches CME activities related to pain and opioid use disorders. Dr. Hassamal’s research experience has focused on the intersection of pain management and opioid use disorders. Please see a complete list of published work in MyBibliography.

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Elvin A. Hernandez, DrPH, MPH, MCHES

Education

MPH - Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health
CHES - National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC)
MCHES - National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC)
DrPH - Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health

Biography

Dr. Hernandez is Professor of Medical Education and the Director of CUSM School of Medicine’s College Program where he has oversight of the Learning Communities, College Colloquium Course Series and Clinical Case Presentation Series. He joined the Faculty of the Department of Medical Education at CUSM School of Medicine in 2023 bringing with him over 18 years of higher education experience. Dr. Hernandez received his Master of Public Health degree from Drexel University’s Dornsife School of Public Health in 2001 specializing in Community Health and Prevention. He received his Doctor of Public Health degree from Loma Linda University’s School of Public Health with extensive training in Health Education and Biostatistics. Additionally, Dr. Hernandez is credentialed by the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing (NCHEC) as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) for over 22 years and Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) for over 12 years. Dr. Hernandez teaches didactic coursework in various health sciences such as public health, health education, health systems, biostatistics and epidemiology, pharmacoeconomics, clinical research and methodology, and social behavioral theory. Over his teaching career, Dr. Hernandez has been voted Teacher of the Year several times with outstanding student and peer evaluations of his teaching style and delivery. He chaired various committees related to Curriculum, OSCE, Research & Scholarship (CAPSTONE), Promotion & Tenure, and Bylaws, as well as served in highly productive committees in ACPE & WASC accreditation, Assessment, and Admissions. With his passions in teaching and conducting mixed-methods and outcomes research, Dr. Hernandez has also conducted medical missions to the Philippines.

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Aaron Jacobs, PhD, BS

Education

BS in Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine (1993)
PhD in Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles (2003)

Biography

Dr. Jacobs received his PhD in Pharmacology working under the mentorship of 1998 Nobel prize recipient, Louis J Ignarro. While in the Ignarro lab, Dr. Jacobs studied the regulation of nitric oxide synthesis in the immune system. His doctoral thesis was on the autocrine control of iNOS gene expression in macrophages by interferon beta. After receiving his PhD in 2003, Dr. Jacobs was postdoctoral fellow and research instructor with Lawrence Marnett at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center. There, his research was focused on cell stress pathways and pro-inflammatory gene expression in colorectal cancer. In 2009, he became a faculty member at the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Hawaii at Hilo College of Pharmacy. There, he developed a research program in natural products and pulmonary fibrosis. He also spent two years as interim Associate Dean for Academic Affairs before leaving his position for CUSM.

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Daryoush Javidi, MD, MACM, CHSE

Education

M.D. - Shiraz University of Medical Sciences
MACM (Masters in Academic Medicine) - University of Southern California (USC)
CHSE (Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator) - Society of Simulation and Healthcare (SSH)
(Fellowship in Cardiac Surgery - University of London
Fellowship in Cardiac Surgery - Iran Heart Center
Residency in General Surgery - Tehran University)

Biography

Dr. Javidi is a Professor of Medical Education and Director of the Department of Clinical Skills and Simulation at California University of Science and Medicine. He has been doing Cardiac Surgery since 1987. His last academic assignment was Associate Professor of Cardiac Surgery at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. At the University of London, he spent four years of fellowship in cardiac surgery at Guy's Hospital, Kings College Hospital, and Hospital for Sick Children (GOS), apart from three years of fellowship at Iran's Heart Center. He has been given full & permanent registration to practice by the British General Medical Council since 1993. Dr. Javidi is a member of the American Society of Thoracic Surgery, the European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgery, and the American Heart Association. He has been involved in a research program in Lung Transplant at UCLA in 2013-14 and developed a database with research capabilities. Dr. Javidi got his degree in Masters in Academic Medicine (MACM) from the University of Southern California (MACM). He has been involved in surgical and cardiac surgery residency programs and conducts simulation sessions for medical students, residents, and faculties. He is the program director of the M1 Clinical Skills Program.

Research Interests

Clinical Research: Cardiac studies, Preventive Medicine
Education: Use of Technology in Simulation, Educational Tools in Clinical Skills and Electronic Health Record Systems Application in Medical Education.

Research Description

My research intersects the fields of cardiology and preventive medicine, focusing on exploring innovative treatments and preventive strategies for heart diseases. This work merges with my commitment to enhancing medical education, mainly through technology. I investigate the integration of simulation technologies and educational tools in teaching clinical skills, aiming to elevate the training experiences of medical students. Additionally, I examine the application of Electronic Health Record (EHR) systems in medical education, assessing their potential to improve patient management skills and interdisciplinary communication among students. My overarching goal is to advance patient care and medical education through these integrated research efforts.

Publications

• PubMed
• Google Scholar

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Dhrupad Joshi, DO

Education

Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) - Touro University Nevada

Biography

Dr. Dhrupad Joshi is a board-certified Neurologist and fellowship-trained Clinical Neurophysiologist. He has been licensed to practice medicine in CA since 2015. Dr. Joshi received his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from UCLA in 2010. He served as a supplementary instructor/tutor for his contributions to teaching undergraduate students college-level physics and organic chemistry from 2009-2010. After college, Dr. Joshi went to Touro University in Nevada and received his medical degree in 2014. As a medical student, he received honors for his outstanding clinical performance during both internal and external neurology clinical clerkships. After completion of medical school, Dr. Joshi did his Internal Medicine internship at NYU-Woodhull Medical Center in Brooklyn, NY in 2015. After the internship, Dr. Joshi completed a Neurology residency and Neurophysiology fellowship at Harbor- UCLA Medical center in Torrance, CA in 2018 and 2019, respectively. During his residency and fellowship, he developed additional expertise in Headache and Epilepsy disorders. Dr. Joshi's special interest in headache disorders and cranial neuralgias led him to get further expertise in treatment options including Botox therapy. As a fellow, Dr. Joshi educated interns, residents, and medical students when he supervised them in outpatient neurology clinics. He also gave multiple presentations to students, residents and neurology attendings on various neurological diseases.

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Shawn Koh, MD

Education

M.D. - Loma Linda University, School of Medicine
Board Certification - American Board of Internal Medicine
B.S. - Biology, La Sierra University

Biography

A native of the Inland Empire, Shawn Koh completed his undergraduate degree in Biology at La Sierra University before training at Loma Linda University School of Medicine. His desire to provide primary care led him to Loma Linda University’s Internal Medicine Residency Primary Care Track, which he later led as Core Faculty for several years. Other residency leadership roles included serving as Associate Program Director and developing a resident coaching program. Dr. Koh attributes his fulfillment as a physician educator to the ongoing support of mentors, including those who first encouraged him to accept the role of Chief Resident. Their guidance inspired and equipped him to become a mentor himself, assisting in the training of students and residents at Loma Linda University and the University of California, Riverside. It is with a spirit of gratitude and a passion for coaching and education that Dr. Koh joined the faculty at CUSM.

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Carol H Lee, MD

Education

MD - UCLA School of Medicine
Internship/Residency - NYU/Bellevue

Biography

Joined Arrowhead Regional Medical Center (ARMC) Dept of Emergency 1999 as an attending physician -Held various roles including PI Director and Assistant Medical Director -Inaugural Core Faculty Member of the new ARMC Emergency Medicine Residency Program at ARMC -ACGME EM Residency Program Director since January 2018

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Jun Ling, PhD

Education

B.Sc. in Biology: Anhui Normal University, China

M.Sc. in Plant Physiology: Shanghai Institute of Plant Physiology and Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology: Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences

Post-doctoral training: University of California, Riverside; Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

Biography

Dr. Ling is by training a Biochemist and Molecular Biologist with a PhD degree from the Shanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Chinese Academy of Science. He completed his postdoctoral training at the University of California, Riverside and Loma Linda University School of Medicine, where his research focused on post-transcriptional gene regulation through mRNA translation, cell signal transduction, and mucosal vaccine development. By the time he became an independent faculty at Geisinger Commonwealth School of Medicine (GCSoM), Dr. Ling's research was concentrated on the investigation of breast cancer molecular heterogeneity aimed to identify novel molecular targets for advancing breast cancer diagnosis and therapies, especially for the most aggressive triple-negative breast cancer. With his achievements in research and education, he was promoted to Associate Professor at GCSoM. Throughout his research career, NSF, NIH, and DoD grants have supported his research projects. Currently at CUSM, Dr. Ling's research is focused on the following projects: 1) Regulation of breast cancer development and progression by glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling; 2) Targeting eIF4A3 as a critical regulator of mRNA metabolism for triple-negative breast cancer therapies; and 3) Roles of PAK2 as a stress-activated kinase in the development of drug resistance during breast cancer therapies. Dr. Ling is also an Adjunct Associate Clinical Professor at Loma Linda University School of Medicine.

Dr. Ling's teaching skills have been developed since he was a faculty member teaching both MD and master programs. He has taught biochemistry, cell biology, genetics, molecular biology, immunology, and many system-based medical program courses. He has taught in lectures, small group learning, flipped classrooms, and case-based learning settings as course director and participating faculty. Thus, Dr. Ling has broad experience in teaching medical school curricula. His teaching philosophy is to deliver complicated knowledge concisely and organized to facilitate students' understanding through integrative and interactive approaches. In addition to teaching, Dr. Ling is also experienced in mentoring students for their academic and career development.

Publications

• PubMed
• Google Scholar

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Alexandra Lopez Vera, PhD, MPH

Education

Ph.D. - Hispanic Languages, Applied Linguistics, University of California, Santa Barbara
MPH - Master of Public Health, Claremont Graduate University
DrPH - Doctor of Public Health (in progress), Claremont Graduate University
M.A. - Applied Linguistics, West Virginia University
B.A. - Linguistics, Newcastle University, University of Regina, Millikin University, and University of Murcia
B.Sc. - Education, University of Murcia, Spain

Biography

Dr. Alexandra Lopez Vera is the Director of the Medical Spanish Program and an Assistant Professor of Medical Education. She developed and implemented a comprehensive, mandatory medical Spanish curriculum for the MD program, ensuring that future physicians are equipped with the essential language skills and cultural competencies to effectively serve Spanish-speaking communities.

Dr. Lopez Vera holds a PhD in Second Language Teaching and Acquisition, and a Master of Public Health (MPH) and is currently a Doctor of Public Health (DrPH) candidate. Her interdisciplinary expertise spans linguistics, public health, and medical education, enabling her to address the critical intersection of language proficiency, healthcare delivery, and health disparities. Her work specifically focuses on overcoming linguistic barriers in clinical settings to improve patient care outcomes for underserved populations.

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Maria (Cony) Martinez, PhD

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Shabana Masood, MS, MPH

Education

PhD Candidate Health Promotion Sciences: Claremont Graduate University Claremont
MPH/Epidemiology and Biostatistics: Claremont Graduate University Claremont, CA (2017)
M.S. Exercise Physiology: The Citadel, Charleston SC (2013)
Bachelor of Arts in Biology: College of Charleston, SC (2009)

Biography

Ms. Masood is on the dissertation phase of completing her PhD in Health Promotion Sciences from the Claremont Colleges in Claremont, Ca. She received her masters in Biostatistics and Epidemiology from Claremont Graduate University and her MS in Exercise Physiology and bachelors in biology and minor in psychology from Charleston, SC. Ms. Masood has teaching experience in undergraduate and graduate level Epidemiology and biology. Along with her teaching experience, she has worked on design and development of health related projects and interventions targeting the minority and underserved populations at the hospital and county level. She worked alongside the Riverside County Population Health Director and Deputy CEO in attaining multi-million dollar federal and private grants for county wide projects and created a multi-departmental referral system for ease in healthcare access for an underserved population. Ms. Masood was also the project lead in developing a validated survey to be utilized with project specific Parkinson’s Disease patients at Loma Linda University, Dept. of Neurology.

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Emad Mishriki, MD

Education

MD - Ain Shams University - Cairo
Egypt Post graduate Diplomat of Surgery - Ain Shams University - Cairo
Egypt MA Ed - Argosy University - Ontario, CA

Biography

I Practiced general and trauma surgery for 17 years abroad, including sometime in an open war zone in Africa as a trauma surgeon. In California and for over 20 years I have been in higher education in various roles as an educator and in management and leadership positions. I developed, updated, and wrote programs for basic medical sciences and advanced medical technology courses at the associate and bachelor level and taught these courses as well. I developed and taught multiple programs for clinical skills, professional development programs for educators, as well as continued education units, and teaching skills' seminars for instructors Along the my years of experience as an educator, director of education, campus director and chief academic officer, I obtained multiple certifications and credentials related to higher education. I am a certified post secondary instructor, certified accreditation professional, and national board certified in phlebotomy and electrocardiography. I served as a national board item writer with the national center of competency testing \"NCCT\" and served as a volunteer team leader of accreditation team on behalf of the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges \"ACCSC\", nationwide in the U.S.

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Hina Mohsin, MD

Education

Doctor of medicine - Karachi University, Pakistan ECFMG certified

Biography

Dr. Mohsin is an accomplished Associate Professor of Medical Education, Clinical Skills, and the Director of the CARE Program at CUSM. One of her primary focuses is to simplify the complexities of clinical medicine through interactive teaching and incorporating different teaching styles. Hina has an extensive and diverse background in academic research including, clinical medicine and teaching. Along with her role in teaching, she also completed Medical Education training through the Teaching Excellence Academy. Her continuous awards include the Outstanding Teaching Award – one in 2019-2020 and the other in 2020 - 2021 at UCR SOM.
Dr. Mohsin has multiple areas of scholarly interest, including Academic Medicine, Women's health, Nutrition in Medicine, and students' incentive and motivation for Scholarly work. She enjoys mentoring learners of all levels and is always willing to put her student's and peers' interests before herself. She sincerely values every person as essential to the continuation and growth of Medicine and Science.

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Devadas Moses, MD

Education

MD - UTESA, Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
MPH and Dr. PH - Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
MA - Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI

Biography

After completing medical school abroad, I completed a categorical internal medicine residency at USC school of Medicine in Los Angeles. At the completion of the residency in 1991 I joined the SCPMG and worked in the Fontana Medical Center until my retirement from SCPMG at the end of 2006. Subsequently I opened up a private practice in 2007 in the area and was an Assistant Professor of Medicine from 2009 to 2017 in the Loma Linda University School of Medicine. Overlapping this time I was also the Medical Director of a FQHC in the city of Riverside, CA from 2011 to 2014. My private practice continues to the present along with the medical directorship of a skilled nursing facility in Cherry Valley, CA.

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Amelia Murray, MD

Education

MD, University of Irvine, Irvine
Residency - aiser Permanente Fontana

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Zinah Nadhim, MD

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Sunny Nakae, PhD, MSW

Education

Doctorate - Loyola University Chicago
Master of Social Work - University of Utah
Bachelor of Science - (Human Development & Family Studies) University of Utah

Biography

Dr. Nakae works with national organizations to increase access and equity in higher education and healthcare for undocumented, underrepresented, minoritized, and marginalized students, trainees, and practitioners. She is known for her expertise in equity practice, inclusive/trauma-informed approaches, and mission-driven, intersectional, holistic processes. Dr. Nakae is dedicated to improving inclusive institutional excellence through co-liberatory practice. Her scholarship centers on access, equity, diversity, and outcomes across the spectrum of premedical preparation through faculty development in medical education. She is passionate about campus and community partnerships, cultural humility, structural justice, antiracism, physician well being, and health equity. Dr. Nakae is the Senior Associate Dean for Equity, Inclusion, Diversity, and Partnership, and Professor of Medical Education. Prior to joining CUSM she served as Associate Dean for Student Affairs at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine where she holds an adjunct appointment in the department of Social Medicine, Population and Public Health. Dr. Nakae's previous roles have included a broad scope of admissions, recruitment, student life, diversity, education, outreach and pipeline programs at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, and the University of Utah. Dr. Nakae completed a BS and MSW at the University of Utah, and a PhD in Higher Education at Loyola University Chicago. She is the author of Premed Prep: Advice from a Medical School Admissions Dean, from Rutgers University Press.

Research Interests

Holistic practices in admissions and selection equity practice and bias mitigation health disparity and inequity medical education outcomes medical education programming medical education support minoritized student experiences inclusive pedagogy communities of practice community partnerships service scholarship.

Research Description

My scholarship centers on innovations, outcomes, experiences, and explorations related to representation, equity practice, and psychological safety in higher education, medical education, and healthcare. I am interested in pathways, influences, barriers, and critical factors in developing and sustaining a diverse healthcare workforce at all levels from K-20 through postdoc, fellowship, and faculty. My positionality as a researcher is informed by my identities and experiences as a woman of color, mixed race, first-generation college student, first-generation professional, limited-income student, parent, cisgender, heterosexual, female-presenting person. I believe that the purpose of scholarship is positive change and that the fruits of education belong to us all.

Publications

• PubMed
• Google Scholar

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Fauzia Nausheen, MD, FCPS, MSc, RDMS

Education

RDMS: Registered Diagnostic Medical sonographer Masters of Science (MSc), Clinical Anatomy, University of Western Ontario Canada
Fellowship Obstetrics and Gynecology (FCPS), Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, University of Health Sciences (Fellow College of Physicians and Surgeons Pakistan)
Residency Internal Medicine and Anesthesia, Jinnah Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan, University of Health Sciences
Residency Obstetrics and Gynecology, Nishtar Medical College/Hospital, Pakistan
Bachelor of Medicine (MBBS) and Bachelor of Surgery, Punjab University, Pakistan

Biography

Dr. Fauzia Nausheen, an OB/GYN specialist with many years of clinical practice experience, transitioned to medical education after completing an MSc and medical education training in Canada. With over 12 years of teaching anatomy at American Medical Schools, she specializes in reproductive sciences, Gross Anatomy, virtual histology, embryology, neuroanatomy, and ultrasonographic anatomy. Dr. Nausheen employs various teaching modalities like PBL, TBL, and CBL, emphasizing hands-on learning and immediate clinical concept application. She developed the Distinguished Ultrasound Scholars Program curriculum and serves as Faculty Advisor for the Student's Ultrasound and OBGYN Interest Group.

Additionally, Dr. Nausheen directs the Modalities of Complementary Health Approaches program and leads as Assistant Dean for structured wellness at CUSM, championing mindfulness and wellness initiatives. She holds certifications in Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Yoga Teacher Training. Passionate about community wellness, Dr. Nausheen is also an experienced public speaker advocating for awareness. As a Reiki Master and Yoga Teacher, she leads yoga sessions for residents and meditation sessions for faculty, staff, and students. She writes weekly wellness messages, incorporating complementary and integrative health applications in medicine. Her research focuses primarily on yoga/wellness, ultrasound, and medical education. Dr. Nausheen is dedicated to creating a positive, innovative, and respectful working environment.

Research Interests

Impact of yoga and meditation on menopausal women Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on health, mental stress, and depression Strategies and modalities for medical education in modern healthcare systems

Research Description

Impact of yoga and meditation on menopausal women: Investigating how practices such as yoga and meditation affect the physical and psychological symptoms experienced by women during menopause, including hot flashes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances.

Effects of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) on health, mental stress, and depression: Exploring the benefits of MBSR techniques in reducing stress, improving overall health outcomes, and alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Strategies and modalities for medical education in modern healthcare systems: Examining innovative approaches and methods for medical education that are tailored to the evolving needs and challenges of contemporary healthcare systems, with a focus on integrating technology, active learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration

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Eric Neilson, MD

Education

BS in Microbiology - University of California, Santa Barbara
MD - Ross University School of Medicine
Family Medicine Residency - Presbyterian Intercommunity Health/University of California, Irvine - Whittier, CA
Global Clinical Education Fellowship - Massachusetts General Hospital/Peace Corps/SEED Global Health - Dodoma, Tanzania

Biography

Dr. Neilson was born and raised in Long Beach, CA and attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology with High Honors. He then went on to teach high school science before pursuing medicine at Ross University School of Medicine in Dominica, where he achieved Highest Honors. He returned to Los Angeles, CA as a family medicine resident at University of California, Irvine affiliated Presbyterian Intercommunity Hospital, with an emphasis in Tropical Medicine. As a resident, Dr. Neilson spent time training in Cameroon, Zambia, Honduras and India, taking his passion for medicine in the pursuit of aiding those with little access to health care around the world. After completing residency, he worked as a family doctor for the Department of Veterans Affairs and then in Taupo, New Zealand, while awaiting an assignment with the Peace Corps. The Peace Corps’ Global Health Service Partnership, a collaboration with Seed Global Health and Massachusetts General Hospital, provided the opportunity to teach medicine at the University of Dodoma in Tanzania, while completing a Global Clinical Education Fellowship. Dr. Neilson then achieved a decade long dream of returning to Ross University as a professor to continue teaching and participate in the healthcare and community development of the indigenous Kalinago people in Dominica. He returned to Southern California excited to work in the Inland Empire as CUSM faculty in the Department of Medical Education with current roles as Course Director of Year 2 College Colloquium and as adjunct faculty with our partners in Rwanda at the University of Global Health Equity.

Publications

• PubMed
• Google Scholar

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Vanessa Orozco, PhD

Education

Bachelor of Science (Biology): The University of California, Riverside (Riverside, California) 2006
Ph.D. in Neuroscience: The University of Vermont (Burlington, Vermont) 2015

Biography

Dr. Orozco is a native of the Inland Empire (IE). She grew up in Fontana and in 2006 received her Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Neuroscience from the University of California, Riverside. In 2015 she received her Doctoral degree in Neuroscience from the University of Vermont. She completed her post-doctoral training at the University of California, Irvine (UCI). At UCI, Dr. Orozco largely focused on her research, with the goal of identifying circulating microRNAs in the CSF released by the choroid plexus in response to nicotine self-administration. Additionally, during her time at UCI, Dr. Orozco was awarded the Tobacco-Related Disease Research program postdoctoral fellowship. However, a passion for teaching was ignited when Dr. Orozco was given the opportunity to teach a neurobiology course at UCI. Soon afterward she joined the Southern California University of Health Sciences as an adjunct professor, dedicating her time to teaching students interested in pursuing a career within the health care field.

Growing up in the IE, Dr. Orozco has first-hand knowledge of an underserved population that exist within the community. Her personal passion of not only being a role model but also serving the community through teaching and mentoring, IE students interested in pursuing a higher education, has led her to the California University of Science and Medicine.

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Greisha Ortiz-Hernandez, PhD

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Maiyon Park, PhD

Education

Postdoctoral Training: HHMI, University of Washington, Seattle WA
Ph. D in Biological Science: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
Master's in Biological Science: University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI Master's in Pharmacology: Chung-ang University, Seoul Korea

Biography

Dr. Maiyon Park received her Ph.D degree in Biological Science from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. She completed her postdoctoral training as HHMI research associate at the Pharmacology Department at the University of Washington Medical School. Dr. Park joined John C Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University as an assistant professor where she served as principal investigator as a member of the NIH COBRE (Centers Of Biomedical Research Excellence) grant awardee. In 2012, Dr. Park moved to Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Pikeville, where she matured as an instructor in medical pathophysiology and researcher in pancreatic cancer.

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Saadia Qazi, MD

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Frank Scali, MD, DC

Education

M.D. - AUC School of Medicine
D.C. - Logan University
B.S. - Stony Brook University

Biography

Throughout medical school, Dr. Frank Scali professionally prosected cadaveric specimens, illustrated for textbooks and published multiple novel anatomical findings in the medical literature. He graduated medical school with fifty-four publications, a patent for a medical device, and contributed as a reviewer for journals such as Clinical Anatomy, The Spine Journal, and The Anatomical Record. Dr. Scali is an acknowledged contributor for Gray's Anatomy, Oxford Handbook, and First-Aid for the USMLE. His major teaching interests include Anatomy, Neuroanatomy and board preparation for the USMLE Steps 1 – 3.

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Lisa M. Schwartz, MD, MBA

Education

BA, Clemson University, Clemson, SC
MD, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
MBA, The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Biography

Dr. Schwartz completed residencies in internal medicine and radiation oncology. She has also completed an associate fellowship in integrative medicine at the University of Arizona. During her radiation oncology career, Dr. Schwartz developed an interest in how her cancer patients were using complementary therapies during treatment. This led her to study traditional Chinese medicine and integrative medicine. She was the founding medical director for the first integrative medicine center to be incorporated into a cancer center in the Los Angeles area at the Disney Family Cancer Center.

Publications

• PubMed
• Google Scholar

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Tsugio Seki, MD, PhD

Education

M.D., Okayama University, Medical School, Okayama, Japan Ph.D., Okayama University, Graduate School, Okayama, Japan

Biography

Dr. Seki earned his M.D. and Ph.D. degrees in Japan before embarking on his postdoctoral training at the University of Florida, where he was appointed as a faculty member in 2004. He subsequently held faculty roles at the Medical College of Georgia and elsewhere before joining CUSM in 2015 as a funding faculty member. At CUSM, he demonstrated exemplary leadership in accreditation work, leading to his appointment as Associate Dean of Accreditation and Continuous Quality Improvement.

Research Interests

Primary Aldosteronism Arteriovenous Malformation

Research Description

Dr. Seki's research interests lie in arteriovenous malformation (AVM) and primary aldosteronism. Prior to his current research focus on aldosterone synthase and primary aldosteronism, he conducted extensive research on AVM model mice.

Publications

• PubMed
• Google Scholar

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Shazia Sheikh, MD, MBBS

Education

MBBS - King Edward Medical College
MD - Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates

Biography

Dr. Sheikh is an Assistant Professor of Medical Education and Clinical Skills at CUSM. She followed her childhood dream to become a Physician. She always wanted to go in the academic field so took her education keeping this in mind. She always had good rapport with students and loved to teach them. In future she sees herself excel in teaching medical students.
She has multiple areas of scholarly interest, including Academic Medicine, Geriatrics, and students' incentive and motivation for Scholarly work. She is a dedicated and selfless faculty who loves her students and keep their interests before herself.

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Julie Smithwick, DO

Education

Internship and Residency, Arrowhead Regional Medical Center