S u r g i c a l E d u c a t i o n N e w s l e t t e r ● Issue 162| 1

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Dr. Veronica Sullins is Appointed Physician Wellness

Officer for the Department of Surgery

In her new role, Dr. Veronica Sullins will develop and implement the

department’s wellness measures, initiatives, and research to promote

the health and wellbeing of physician and faculty members, and she

will represent the department on the Physician Wellness Oversight

Committee. Drs. Sullins and Juillard have been instrumental in co-

leading resilience training and meditation sessions for surgical residents

during Wednesday conferences.

Dr. Joe Hines Named as ABS 2020-21 Vice Chair

Dr. Joe Hines has been elected to serve as Vice Chair of the American

Board of Surgery and will serve as the Chair in 2021-2022 succeeding

Dr. John D. Mellinger.

In addition to his role at the ABS, Dr. Hines is president-elect of the

American Pancreatic Association. He has also served as president of the

ACS Southern California Chapter, president of the Society of University

Surgeons, vice president of the Pacific Coast Surgical Association, and

governor of the American College of Surgeons.

Read more in the ABS E-Newsletter:

https://www.absurgery.org/quicklink/absnews/enews_fall2020.html

Residency News

December 2020 - January 2021. Issue 162

Kudos

Anaar Siletz won the SoCal Resident Trauma Paper

Competition, in the Basic Science category, with her

paper titled, “Stored Whole Blood Versus Component

Therapy for Civilian Trauma Patients: Preserved

Platelets Function, Equivalent Outcomes.” Lab

resident, Kevin J. Blair, also presented his work at the

competition.

JAMA Network featured a research study led by Chris

Childers and faculty mentor, Dr. Melinda Gibbons.

The study found that clinical registries or

claim-based sources are prone to bias, but are heavily

used to shape health care policy. Read it here:

https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://jamanetwork.co

m/journals/jamasurgery/article-

abstract/2773448__;!!F9wkZZsI-

LA!Qr2J_Rxh2AMqiCIEhcqIjaGYZhmVyt05PsV2q9Es5jK_

nrBUBlLGgekyybM2ZERARbBfjXg$

S u r g i c a l E d u c a t i o n N e w s l e t t e r ● Issue 162| 2

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

DGSOM and UCLA Health Launched a New

Research Theme in Health Equity and

Translational Social Science;

Drs. Dicker and Hansen are Named Co-Leads

This theme was born from the joint mission of UCLA Health

and the DGSOM and has a dual focus: “1) to foreground

health equity in all of UCLA’s research efforts while

developing and studying new forms of health care that

address social-structural determinants of health, and 2) to

foster social sciences as fundamental sciences of

medicine. The Theme will build collaborations among

social scientists on the Arts and Sciences campus, life

scientists, clinicians and clinical researchers at DGSOM,

as well as develop partnership projects within the UCLA

Health System and throughout the greater Los Angeles

community, that integrate social interventions with

medical care”(quoted from the DGSOM announcement

by Deans Martin and Smale).

Dr. Rochelle Dicker, will be leading the Health Equity

component, alongside Psychiatry and Bio Behavioral

Sciences faculty member, Dr. Helena Hansen, who will

lead the Translational component.

In Memoriam: Jeffrey J. Eckardt, M.D

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jeffrey J.

Eckardt, MD on November 13, 2020. Dr. Eckardt was a

member of the UCLA family for more than 40 years and

served as Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery

from 2010 to 2016.

Dr. Eckardt was a world famous orthopedic surgeon and

oncologist and held the Helga and Walter Endowed

Chair of Musculoskeletal Oncology. He was known for

developing many of the limb sparing surgical techniques

for bone and soft tissue sarcomas and innovative

extremity reconstructions using large metal

endoprostheses following major limb resections.

Dr. Eckardt originally joined the UCLA faculty in 1980

following his service as a Navy Flight Surgeon. He

completed his orthopedic surgery residency at UCLA and

orthopedic oncology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. We

send our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to his

family.

Dr. Ronald Busuttil Awarded the ALF Lifetime

Achievement Award

The American Liver Foundation (ALF) awarded former

Chair of Surgery, Ronald Busuttil, MD, PhD, the prestigious

and coveted Lifetime Achievement Award at the virtual

Salute to Excellence event held on December 15, 2020. He

was recognized for his continued dedication to improving

the lives of liver disease patients over the past several

decades through research, education, and patient care.

Congratulations Dr. Gerald S. Lipshutz!

Dr. Gerald S. Lipshutz has been awarded a $10,000 grant

for the project entitled “Gene Therapy for

Guanidinoacetate Methyltransferase Deficiency”.

Dr. Curtis D. Holt Retires from UCLA

after Nearly 3 Decades

Dr. Curtis D. Holt, clinical professor of Surgery with the

Division of Liver and Pancreas Transplantation, has retired

from UCLA in December. He has been an integral part of

the transplant programs, an exemplary educator and a

well-respected colleague. Congratulations!

Dr. Karen Woo Receives her PhD

Congratulations to Dr. Woo who received her PhD at UCLA

in the Fielding School of PublicHealth! Dr. Woo continues to

be a leader at UCLA and nationally with her dedication

and achievements in vascular surgery research and

improving quality of care. Her PhD work in dialysis access

will meaningfully contribute to the field-and again

exemplifies the stellar achievements of UCLA Surgery and

of its people.

S u r g i c a l E d u c a t i o n N e w s l e t t e r ● Issue 162| 3

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

OR Instrument Course for R1s Many thanks to Ms. Julie Fahndrick, RN, for teaching our

interns and for her numerous contributions to our

teaching programs over the years!

Alumni Spotlight

UCLA General Surgery alumna, Dr. Lorraine Kelley-Quon,

first-authored “Guidelines for Opioid Prescribing in

Children and Adolescents after Surgery” which was

published in JAMA. Read the publication here:

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamasurgery/article-

abstract/2772855

UCLA Surgical Faculty in the News

HemOnc Today reported on a study led by Dr. Maggie

DiNome, chief of breast surgery and member of the

UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center. The

study found certain factors, such as tumor size, lobular

histology and nodal metastasis size, can help predict

which patients could avoid having lymph node surgery.

https://www.healio.com/news/hematology-

oncology/20201201/certain-patients-with-breast-

cancer-could-avoid-lymph-node-surgery

Forbes published a guest column written by Dr. Nina

Shapiro professor of pediatric head and neck surgery at

UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital, on the discrepancy of

COVID-19 testing access for professional athletes versus

health care workers. Dr. Shapiro also commented in a

USA Today story on people of all ages being at risk for

becoming critically ill from COVID-19. MSN, Yahoo!

News, Detroit Free Press and 20 other outlets syndicated

the USA Today story.

Surgery residents rotating at Olive View are

getting their vaccinations for COVID-19! We are grateful to the UCLA Health System and GME

office for expediting the process.

S u r g i c a l E d u c a t i o n N e w s l e t t e r ● Issue 162| 4

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Community Site Spotlight: Breast Surgeon Care Team at Pasadena and Burbank UCLA Health Burbank Breast Care is located at 191 S. Buena Vista St, Suite 415 Burbank, CA 91505, and UCLA Health Pasadena

Breast care at 625 S. Fair Oaks Ave, North Tower, Suite 300, Pasadena, CA 91105. Both clinics deliver personalized,

multidisciplinary breast cancer care in a compassionate and supportive environment Dr. Deanna J. Attai and Dr. Carlie

Thompson work with Nurse Practitioner, Laura Zibecchi at the Burbank Clinic, while Dr. Jeannie Shen serves as the main Breast

Surgeon at the Pasadena location. Dr. Shen works closely with the medical oncology staff, Drs. Alexander C Black, Dorcas Chi,

and Evangelia Kirimis.

Pasadena clinic (pictured left) and Burbank clinic (pictured right)

Meet Dr. Deanna J. Attai

and delivering talks and working on research projects. Monday evenings for the past 9 1/2 years have been spent co-

moderating a breast cancer support community on Twitter.

How long have you been a member of UCLA? Why work at UCLA?

After 19 years in private practice, I joined UCLA in August 2014. I am thankful that I can still maintain my presence in the

community where I built my practice but have all the resources of the UCLA health system at my fingertips, including a

network of expert colleagues, research opportunities, and the ability to participate in student and resident education.

What advice do you have for current residents and prospective residents?

It seems that there is a lot of pressure on medical students to choose a specialty, and on residents to declare their

subspecialty interest early in their student or resident experience. Looking back on my 25-year career, I've been in 6 very

different practice situations, none of which are what I had envisioned as a first-year medical student. Follow your heart (this is

a tough field for many reasons, do what you love) but also your skill set, and it's ok to change course over time.

Learn more about Dr. Attai here: https://www.uclahealth.org/deanna-attai

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

In breast surgery, we tend to develop long-term relationships with our patients. I've been

in the area for 20 years so I have some patients that I've been seeing for quite some

time. I enjoy getting to know my patients as individuals and sharing in their good (and

not so good) times.

What does a typical day look like for you? What do you do?

I love that I do not have a typical day! In my clinic, I see new and follow up patients,

including those with benign breast conditions, women who are at high risk for breast

cancer, and those diagnosed with breast cancer. Some days I have a medical student

or family practice resident working with me, so on those days some extra time will be

spent teaching and helping them improve their interactions with patients. I'm also on

several committees for national organizations and journal editorial boards, so there are

some meetings - of course all are virtual now. Other non-clinical work includes preparing

Pictured to the left:

Dr. Attai’s cats, which

she lovingly refers to as

“the chunky one” and

“the fluffy one.”

Pictured to the right:

Sunflowers from Dr.

Attai’s expansive

Garden

S u r g i c a l E d u c a t i o n N e w s l e t t e r ● Issue 162| 5

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Meet Dr. Jeannie Shen

A random fact about yourself.

I was a member of two choirs throughout high

school, including a competitive show choir. I also

sang in choir at UCLA during undergrad.

A favorite quote, motto, or piece of advice.

I often tell my 4 year old daughter, “You can choose

to be happy, or choose to be sad.” In other words,

you can focus on what you have, or focus on what

you don’t have. I practice gratitude every day. No

matter how big or small, there is always something to

be grateful for.

What made you choose your specific specialty or the

surgery field in general?

I knew I wanted to be a doctor and help people

when I was 5 years old. In undergrad, I learned I

wanted to focus on women’s health. I was originally

leaning towards either Internal Medicine with an

emphasis on women’s health, or OB/GYN

specializing in reproductive endocrinology. Once I

decided on surgery, specializing in breast cancer

was the most natural choice. As a breast cancer

surgeon, I am able to combine my two passions –

women’s health and surgery. I am incredibly lucky to

practice medicine in an era where breast surgery is

recognized as its own specialty. I am incredibly

grateful to be able to come to work doing a job

which I love.

Tell us something that might surprise us about you.

I am a medical acupuncturist. Back in 2009, I

completed a 300-hour course for physicians on

Acupuncture. I firmly believe that Western medicine

does not hold all the answers, and try to take of

breast cancer patients through a mind-body

approach. In addition, by blending the combined

knowledge of Eastern and Western medicine, we

can offer patients the latest scientific advances while

minimizing their side effects through a multi-modality

approach.

Learn more about Dr. Shen here:

https://www.uclahealth.org/jeannie-shen

Meet Dr. Carlie Thompson

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

I am deeply grateful for the relationships that I get

to build with my patients. They each impact my life

in their own meaningful way.

What does a typical day look like for you? What do

you do?

My office is in Burbank, and I operate in Burbank

and at Westwood. I feel that I get the best of both

worlds—community and academic practice.

What hobbies or activities do you enjoy?

My greatest joy in life is spending time with my

husband Ryan, my son Finn (6 years old) and my

daughter Maeve

(1-year-old). I also enjoy practicing yoga.

What made you choose your specific specialty or

the surgery field, in general?

I knew I wanted to be a surgeon the moment I

stepped into the OR as a third-year medical

student. I will never forget that feeling for the rest of

my life. After I made that decision, my passion for

women's health and cancer care made becoming

a breast surgeon an obvious path for me.

What advice do you have for current residents and

prospective residents?

The journey IS the destination, so try to find joy and

meaning in all the moments.

Learn more about Dr. Thompson here:

https://www.uclahealth.org/carlie-thompson

S u r g i c a l E d u c a t i o n N e w s l e t t e r ● Issue 162| 6

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Central Venous Catheter (CVC) Insertion Course Directed by Dr. Areti Tillou

The New Surgical

Science Lab is

coming soon.

Dr. Warwick

Peacock and Dr.

Areti Tillou

(pictured to the

left) take a sneak

peek at the

progress made

thus far.

S u r g i c a l E d u c a t i o n N e w s l e t t e r ● Issue 162| 7

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Welcome to the Cuteness Corner

Caia, age 4, welcomed her baby sister, Annika, into

the world on October 23. Congratulations to the proud

parents, Drs. Justin Wagner and Adrienne Keener!

The First Grand Rounds broadcast occurred on

November 18. Dr. Dicker spoke on Structural Racism

and its role in Healthcare.

Navigating COVID-19 in 2021

Vaccines

All house staff in training programs were

prioritized into the NASEM/CDC/ACIP highest risk

category, and received a link to the risk

assessment survey. The vaccine is being offered

based on a comprehensive assessment of an

individual's occupational risk, individual risk, and

social vulnerability.

Testing

Automated testing scheduling was

implemented for those who “fail” the symptom

screen or who develop symptoms, thus allowing

HCW to bypass calling the COVID Hotline.

For questions about exposures, please continue

to call the COVID Hotline 310-267-

3300. Unanswered questions about exposures

may be escalated to the Hotline supervisor or to

Infection Prevention

Each sponsoring institution is taking responsibility

for vaccinating their own house staff – please

get vaccinated at RRMC.

Other Information

The main OR schedules will be kept on hold to at

least January 22 for same day admits and

overnight stay patients that require an inpatient

bed.

COVID Curfew-UCLA Healthcare Professional

Decals are available at RRMC information desk

and SMH security.

Form letters, which can be individualized for

residents and fellows to carry while driving after

hours have been distributed.

To be featured in future issues, email the cute photos

that capture the moments in your life to Chi at

cquach@mednet.ucla.edu.

Many thanks to this month’s contributor: Dr. Justin

Wagner

S u r g i c a l E d u c a t i o n N e w s l e t t e r ● Issue 162| 8

ANNOUNCEMENTS AND UPCOMING EVENTS

Counseling & Consultation

The UCLA Staff and Faculty

Counseling Center provides free

counseling assessment, and referral

services to faculty, staff, and their

immediate family Members.

Contact: 310-794-0245

From the Office of

Surgical Education

Department of Surgery

UCLA School of Medicine

10833 Le Conte Ave,

72-235 CHS

Los Angeles, CA 90095

310-825-6643

http://surgery.ucla.edu/general-

surgery-residency

Constructed by Andrea Mclean

"I'd rather regret the risks

that didn't work out than

the chances I didn't take at

all."

Simone Biles

2020-21 Upcoming Events (dates are subject to change)

Wed, January 27 Department of Surgery Faculty assembly

Mon, Feb 1-4: American Board of Surgery Training Exam

Fri, Mar 19: Match Day

December-January Wednesday Conferences

Dec 2

7 am

Zoom

“Building High Performing

Teams in

Academic Surgery:

The Value of an Inclusive

Culture”

Erika Newman, MD

Associate Professor of Surgery Division

of Pediatric Surgery

Surgical Director Mott Solid Tumor

Oncology Program Univ. of Michigan

Dec 9

7 am

Zoom

“Use of Social Media for

Patient-Centered

Outcomes Research”

Deanna J. Attai, MD

Associate Professor of Surgery

UCLA Div. of Breast Surgery Program

Social Media Editor

Journal of Oncology Practice

Dec 16

7 am

Zoom

“Striving to Become an

Optimal Surgeon”

Clifford Y. Ko, MD, MS, MSHS

Professor of Surgery

Director of the American College of

Surgeons National Surgical Quality

Improvement Program (ACS NSQIP)

Dec 23

Dec 30 No Conference Happy Holidays

Jan 6

7 am

Zoom

Surgery Resident Research

Presentations

Part 1

Anaar Eastoak-Siletz, MD

Razmik Ghukasyan, MD

Gabe Oland, MD

Max Schumm, MD

Jan 13

7am

Zoom

Surgery Resident Research

Presentations

Part2

Kevin J. Blair, MD

Rivfka Shenoy, MD

Linda Ye, MD

Michael Mederos, MD

Jan 20

7am

Zoom

Thyroid Surgery Updates

Michael Yeh, MD

Professor of Surgery

Chief, Endocrine Surgery

UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine

Jan 27

7-9 am

Zoom

Faculty Meeting

Surgical Education Updates No Conference

Zoom Link https://uclahs.zoom.us/j/571420558