Current and Recent Fellows

“I am so pleased to have the opportunity to be a clinical research fellow. Prior to starting the fellowship, I was in community practice for a couple of years. It is nice to be back in an academic setting and taking part in all of the opportunities and intellectual energy that the Academic Health Center provides. My interest is in conducting complementary and alternative medicine research. I have found the faculty to be very supportive of my research interest and helpful in contacts both in the family medicine department and University-wide. I feel confident that after completing the fellowship I will have acquired a set of skills (grant writing, research design, etc.) that will serve me well in my goal of becoming an independent clinical researcher.”
Nicole Winbush, MD, current fellow 

“Taking the integrative research seminars designed specifically for family medicine fellows, I find that discussing fellows’ progress, both the accomplishments and the hurdles, has been very informative. It has been invaluable to learn how fellows and faculty have managed the challenges of negotiating contracts, establishing authorship, getting papers accepted for conferences and publications, and working with difficult colleagues or mentors. This fellowship has enriched my research career development and has reaffirmed the importance of family medicine research in my life.”
Antoinette Lopez, MD, MPH, current fellow

“My clinical interests are focused on HIV and STI prevention in women and vulnerable populations. In gaining research skills, I feel I can serve these populations in a new and profound way. The fellowship not only supports my aspirations, but also provides me with invaluable skills in becoming a successful academician—from grant writing and networking to overall career development.  The faculty members who run the fellowship clearly care about my success and well-being as a physician, researcher, and a colleague. Overall it’s been a fantastic experience!”
Ina Park, MD, MS, 2007 graduate

“What an amazing opportunity it has been to go back to school and complete a research fellowship! This is one of the biggest gifts I have given myself. The fellowship program has been one of the most caring and supportive groups I have ever worked with. Their commitment to excellence and quality in clinical research is truly contagious and commendable. I am now back in practice in the Latino community. I expect to integrate my clinical practice with research and to conduct this research on the topics that impact people’s health, access to health services, and quality of life. I highly recommend this fellowship to clinicians who want to learn research skills.”
Sara Velasco, MD, MS, 2005 graduate

“I became a fellow because I wanted to make research a more vital part of my career. It has been very rewarding to have been financially supported throughout the fellowship, and to have had administrative support (including grant writing support) through the research program. I have had senior faculty members with whom I worked closely and who have shown me by their example how academic faculty can be successful in research, teaching, patient care, and leadership roles.  I am excited about my future in family medicine research.”
Leah Bergen, MD, MS, 2004 graduate

 “The fellowship gave me, a new researcher, an opportunity to complete a master’s degree in clinical research. It also provided guidance, support, and direction for clinical studies. The fellowship was an avenue to discuss real life research dilemmas, and it helped me formulate study ideas and write and submit grant proposals and articles. I am now a faculty member in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health and my experiences as a fellow will help me immeasurably as I teach, provide patient care, and continue to focus on researching topics about which I am passionate.”
Carolyn Torkelson, MD, MS, 2004 graduate