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Division of Nephrology-Hypertension Division of Nephrology-Hypertension
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Nephrology Fellows

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First-Year Clinical Fellows

  • Neha Bijjala

    Neha Bijjala

    Hometown: Cerritos, CA
    Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences
    Residency: Scripps Mercy Hospital
    Why Nephrology: My passion for nephrology began before medical school, when I led research focused on disparities in kidney transplantation among Hispanic patients. I saw how language barriers and medical mistrust limited access to care. During my residency, I was drawn to the complexity of the kidneys and the challenge of interpreting their signals across diverse clinical settings. I chose nephrology because it combines intricate physiology with the opportunity to build lasting, trust-based relationships with patients, particularly those navigating chronic illness and difficult decisions.
    Hobbies/Interests: Traveling, trying out new restaurants, going on hikes with my dog, cooking
    Plans After Fellowship: Undecided.
  • Richard "Ray" Ragasa

    Richard "Ray" Ragasa

    Hometown: Cainta, Philippines; Ontario, California
    Medical School: University of the Philippines College of Medicine
    Residency: University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital, Southwest Healthcare Medical Educational Consortium
    Why Nephrology: Nephrology is such an under-appreciated field. Not many people realize that nephrologists are one of the most hardworking doctors and smartest teachers. I argue that there wouldn't be any other model physician besides the nephrologist. They are the most altruistic advocates for their inevitably long-term patients. In a more personal sense, the grit, attention to detail, and breadth of knowledge of all the nephrologists I have met before are simply worth all emulation.  
    Hobbies/Interests: Postcard collection, swimming, baking, learning languages, yoga, karaoke, drag, ancient history documentaries
    Plans After Fellowship: Community general nephrology in the Riverside-San Bernardino area, possibly specialization in hypertension or glomerular diseases
  • Matan Khanian

    Matan Khanian

    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    Medical School: St. George's University
    Residency: Atlantic Health- Overlook Medical Center
    Why Nephrology: My interest in Nephrology sparked early on in Residency. I was amazed by the immense understanding of medicine and teaching by the nephrologists I met. I found Nephrology to be a key aspect of medicine, and an integral part of patient's care. The required vast knowledge of Internal Medicine along with continuity of care accommodates practice in multiple settings- from an acute setting such as ICU to routine outpatient follow-up where a close relationship is formed with the patients. My interest further solidified after immersing myself into the friendliness, openness and latest developments of the field at ASN Kidney Week.
    Hobbies/Interests: Marine life, Scuba diving, authentic cuisines
    Plans After Fellowship: Exploring the possibility of Interventional Nephrology, but keeping an open mind.
  • Philip Thomas

    Philip Thomas

    Hometown: Chicago, IL
    Medical School: Midwestern University – Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
    Residency: University of Illinois Chicago
    Why Nephrology: I was initially intimidated by Nephrology but then had a rotation in medical school with an amazing mentor who laid the pathology out and showed me how interesting it was- from the bread-and-butter AKI/CKD to complex glomerular disease. I gained more experience in residency including a longitudinal clinic and saw how I was able to build meaningful relationships with these patients and how much they come to trust their Nephrologists. It continues to excite me, and I know I can have a fulfilling career in the field.
    Hobbies/Interests: Now that I’m in San Diego I’ve already discovered a love for the beach and boogie boarding. Outside of that I love the outdoors in general, exploring with my dog, playing music, and finding new restaurants with my wife.
    Plans After Fellowship: I would like to pursue general nephrology, whether that be in the academic or private setting.

Second-Year Clinical Fellows

  • Danielle Aliano

    Danielle Aliano

    Hometown: Cold Spring Harbor, NY
    Medical School: University of Queensland Faculty of Medicine
    Residency: Ochsner Clinic Foundation 
    Why Nephrology: My interest in nephrology started after I completed a nephrology rotation while working as a resident in Australia. I enjoy the multi-faceted nature of the field as well as the varied medical settings in which one can care for patients with kidney disease. I also love the friendliness, enthusiasm, and dedication to education that is demonstrated by nephrologists. 
    Hobbies/Interests: Photography, hiking, surfing, jiu-jitsu.
    Plans After Fellowship: Undecided.
  • Jonathan Keyes

    Jonathan Keyes

    Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
    Medical School: University of Central Florida, College of Medicine
    Residency: Emory School of Medicine
    Why Nephrology: I picked Nephrology not just because it utilizes a broad range of general medicine knowledge, but also for the constant variabilities in work environments. In the inpatient setting, you get consulted anywhere between the ICU, the Burn Unit, or even OBGYN. In the outpatient setting, I enjoy the longitudinal connection you build with the patients while still managing their other chronic comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension. Lastly, dialysis clinic is almost a hybrid of inpatient and outpatient renal medicine. Nephrologists are often praised as the smartest doctors in the hospital (along with Infectious Disease). So there is a nice ring to that! 
    Hobbies/Interests: Trying out new restaurants, cooking, hiking, backpacking, traveling. 
    Plans After Fellowship: Undecided, but would like to explore the possibility of Transplant Nephrology. 
  • Daniel Mai

    Daniel Mai

    Hometown: Riverside, CA
    Medical School: Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine - Auburn Campus
    Residency: University of New Mexico School of Medicine
    Why Nephrology: I like Nephrology because of the pathology that we see as well as the degree of overlap that it has with general internal medicine and the intersection with other various subspecialties. From the ICU, the floor, clinic, and dialysis units, there is so much variety in the settings in which we practice and the cases that we encounter.
    Hobbies/Interests: Hiking, going to the beach, trying new restaurants, drumming, rewatching old sitcoms, watching youtube traveling vlogs/videos.
    Plans After Fellowship: Unsure, but I am interested in interventional nephrology.
  • Muhammad Mire

    Muhammad Mire

    Hometown: Minneapolis, MN
    Medical School: George Washington University School of Medicine & Health Sciences
    Residency: University of Chicago 
    Why Nephrology: I used to be very math inclined, so I feel that nephrology gives me an avenue to re-explore that interest (while not fully discarding my IM hat).
    Hobbies/Interests: Soccer, basketball. A nice non-fiction that pulls at the heartstrings or a quirky podcast. 
    Plans After Fellowship: Undecided.