Current Fellows

Undergraduate School: Loyola University Chicago      

Medical School: Creighton University School of Medicine

Residency: Indiana University

Why did you pursue a Peds Pulm fellowship?  The pulmonary population is at an (obvious) increased risk of respiratory failure -- and as a Pulmonologist, I'd like to be part of the team that helps prevent it! I know their care can be particularly complicated (daily medications, different breathing treatments, vents, etc.), so I'd like to work closely with families to turn an overwhelming disease into something more manageable.

What do you like about the IU School of Medicine program? Having done residency here, I knew I'd get good exposure to the Pulmonary patient population - and the faculty and staff are some of the best I've ever worked with! We get both primary service and consult experience at a busy institution, but work-life balance never seems to be compromised - as evidenced by how cool, calm, and collected all the fellows are.

Research/QI interests? Aerodigestive, Neuromuscular, Chronic Vent patients

Future plans?  I'd like to stay involved with medical education (and possibly some administration work) in addition to caring for the patient populations above.

Hobbies/ Interests? Concerts, breweries, and tacos.

What do you enjoy in Indianapolis? Biking along the Cultural Trail, canal, or Monon. Going out to the different neighborhoods. And finally, the Rooftop Bar in Fountain Square!

Undergraduate School: Northwestern University      

Medical School: University of Cincinnati College of Medicine 

Residency: Indiana University

Why did you pursue a Peds Pulm fellowship?  I started medical school thinking I wanted to do neonatology, but quickly I realized I enjoyed more patient interaction and more longterm relationships with my patients. During my residency at Riley, I came to love learning about lung physiology, vent management, and helping premature babies thrive. I was also drawn to the balance of inpatient time, clinic, and procedures. I couldn't see myself doing anything else!

What do you like about the IU School of Medicine program? During my pulmonary rotations as a resident, I realized that our pulmonary department has amazing faculty that are both great teachers, as well as just fun people to work with. On top of that, our research opportunities have grown dramatically, and our faculty are doing amazing work, creating so many opportunities for fellows to participate. Finally, our leadership truly cares about fellow education, and advocates for our time to be used well. They quickly respond to feedback, and the program is constantly changing to provide us with the best education possible.

Research/QI interests? My clinical interests include treatment of infants with BPD, chronic trach/vent, and patients with aerodigestive disorders. My previous research has primarily used UTE MRI in patients with congenital diaphragmatic hernia or bronchopulmonary dysplasia. During fellowship, I am exploring the inhibition of S-nitrosoglutathione reductase in the airway of patients with bronchopulmonary dysplasia as a possible intervention to help with airway malacia.

Future plans?  I hope to continue to specialize in BPD, chronic vent management, and aerodigestive disorders, depending on how my interests evolve during fellowship. I also plan to continue working in research, possibly as a physician scientist.

Hobbies/ Interests? I enjoy spending time with my husband and 2 kids, cooking, eating at whole-in-the-wall ethnic restaurants, crossfit, and serving in kids ministry at my church. I've recently started growing an herb garden as well!

What do you enjoy in Indianapolis? We love the restaurants and international grocery stores near Layfayette road, walking on the canal, exploring Garfield park, and living close to downtown. We also have an awesome children's museum and zoo!

Undergrad: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (Peru)

Medical School: Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heridia (Peru)

Residency: Indiana University School of Medicine

Hometown: I am from Lima, Peru and came to Indy for my pediatric residency. 

Research interests: My interest in Cystic Fibrosis was one of the reasons I decided to become a pulmonologist. CF is a tremendous example of how research can truly impact the life of our patients. Physicians working alongside scientists from different fields have been able to understand, theorize and ultimately modify the disease course of CF. My work so far has revolved around meconium ileus and its correlation with disease severity. I am also currently involved in a project that utilizes Lung clearance index (LCI) measured by multiple breath washout as an alternative to assess pulmonary function in young patients with CF. 

Hobbies: I am an avid fan of Formula 1 racing. I also enjoy biking and spending time with my wife, dog and two cats! 

Why Peds Pulm?
My exposure to pulmonology was very limited before residency, however the pulmonary division and rotation at Riley are so robust that allowed me to get all the experience needed to really understand (and fall in love with) it. The pathophysiology of respiratory illnesses allows physicians to objectively assess the degree of care and support patients need. Understanding this really took my interest in the field to another level and made my decision to pursuit a career in pulmonology very easy.

Why IU/Riley?
Riley is such an impressive academic center. It provides all the tools a fellow need to become a successful pulmonologist including vast exposure to all the different types of pulmonary diseases, procedural experience, amazing research infrastructure and teaching opportunities. Also, working alongside my wonderful co-fellows, attendings and everyone within the pulmonary division gives me a joy I wouldn't change for anything. 

Undergraduate School: Texas State University

Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine

Residency: Ascension St. Vincent Pediatric Residency program

Why did you pursue an Allergy/ Immunology – Pediatric Pulmonary fellowship? I realized so much of pediatric medicine involves the pulmonary system. I want to help and optimize every breath of a child, from their first breath when they are born and throughout all their childhood.

What do you like about the IU School of Medicine program?
Everyone in the IU system and even more so in the pediatric pulmonary/allergy and immunology group are amazing physicians, staff and even better people, so it's an honor to work in this system. Not to mention, this is a wonderful place to grow your clinical and research interests.

Research/QI interests?
I am interested in pulmonary hypertension, asthma and cystic fibrosis.

Future plans?
After fellowship, I would like to continue to cultivate my clinical and research interests as I am a junior faculty. I enjoy education and would like to give back to a medical school with teaching and further education.

Hobbies/ Interests?
Outside of work, I enjoy running, swimming, and various sports. I also enjoy reading philosophy and psychology.

What do you enjoy in Indianapolis?
I was lucky enough to have my residency in Indianapolis so I still have many friends here so hanging out with them. I also enjoy the atmosphere and local festivals, fairs, or events.

Undergraduate School: Manchester University

Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: University of Florida College of Medicine- Jacksonville

Why did you pursue a Pediatric Pulmonary fellowship? I was originally drawn to the specialty because my nephew was born with Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia. I found that I enjoyed pulmonology physiology the most and found I connected with the patient populations the most.

What do you like about the IU School of Medicine program? I found this program to be the most welcoming and engaging during interview season and prior alumni had spoken highly of the experience they gained while in fellowship and that they felt prepared to be confident Pediatric Pulmonology attendings in the community.

Research/QI interests? Improving antenatal Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia detection and postnatal clinical outcomes in this population

Future plans? I look forward to honing my clinical and procedural skills in Fellowship and continuing my clinical career in Indiana.

Hobbies/ Interests? Avid board game player, fluent in Disney/Friends/Office quotes and enjoy spending any spare time with my husband, dog and family/friends

What do you enjoy in Indianapolis? I enjoy being close to my family, Mass Ave, and Metazoa Brewing Company.