Class of 2027

Med/Peds Residents

  • Cintya Beltran

    Hometown: Talpa de Allende/ Indio
    Undergrad: College of the Desert and University of California San Diego
    Medical School: University of California, Riverside School of Medicine
    Why LA General/USC: I have always dreamt of a place where everyone is welcome with open arms, regardless of race, language or literally anything and after doing an away at LA General I knew this was the place for me from day 1.  Everyone I met had a heart of gold and CARED so much about their patients. It was really hard to picture my life without being a part of a team that was able to provide exceptional care to such a diverse community. 
    Plans for after residency: MEDPEDS hospitalist, with street medicine on my days off or maybe addition medicine or gender affirming care 

  • Zain Khalifeh

    Hometown: Los Angeles
    Undergrad: UCLA
    Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of USC
    Why LA General/USC: The mission-driven community at LA General was the highlight of my medical school training. Every off-site rotation made me miss LAGMC even more. I couldn’t imagine a more supportive professional community and a more deserving patient population.
    Plans after residency: I am still figuring out who I want to be when I grow up! Some days, I’m toying with the idea of adult congenital cardiology. Other days, I imagine myself as a pediatric intensivist who picks up medicine ward shifts. I’m excited to pave my path over the next 4 years!

  • (Joseph) Nick Polanco

    Hometown: Miami, FL
    Undergrad: Florida State University
    Masters: Tulane University
    Medical School: University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago
    Why LA General/USC: Community was very important to me, both the service in the community of patients serve and the strength of community within the residency program. From the start, LAG/USC felt like home and it was clear I wanted to be at a program with likeminded individuals who strive to provide excellent care for underserved folks. I also have a special interest in serving minority Spanish speaking populations and wanted a program that reflect this in their patient population.
    Plans after residency: I would like to possibly pursue fellowship in Cardiology, either adult or pediatric, and pursue a career in Adult Congenital Heart Disease

  • Nyah Rodman

    Pronouns: she/they
    Hometown: Lakewood, California
    Undergrad: California State University, Fullerton
    Medical School: University of California, San Diego
    Why LA General/USC: I wanted to train in an environment that prioritizes providing care for underserved communities, as I wanted my training to reflect my future practice. Health equity and social justice is something I’ve always valued and advocated for- and once I met the Med-Peds squad during interview season, I knew this was the place for me!
    Plans for after residency: Adolescent Medicine, Pediatric Cardiology, or Pediatric Hospitalist Fellowship. Or perhaps Med-Peds Primary Care. The sky’s the limit!

  • Niko Victoria

    Hometown: Santa Barbara, CA
    Undergrad: Loyola Marymount University
    Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of USC
    Why LA General/USC: The community and people in and out of the hospital.
    Plans for after residency: Not sure yet