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Department of Surgery Department of Surgery
  1. Department of Surgery
  2. Divisions
  3. Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, Burns & Acute Care Surgery
  4. Education
  5. Fellowship Programs
  6. Current Fellows

Current Fellows

  • Michelle Lippincott, M.D.

    Michelle Lippincott, M.D.

    Acute Care Surgery Fellow

    Undergraduate Institution: University of Florida
    Medical School: University of South Florida
    Residency: University of South Florida
    Clinical interests: Surgical critical care, emergency general surgery, robotic surgery and clinical outcomes research
    Why UC San Diego? I loved the sense of collegiality amongst the faculty and staff and the institutional culture of excellence in academic medicine.
    What do you like about San Diego? The perfect weather and the food.

  • Lara Spence, M.D.

    Lara Spence, M.D.

    Acute Care Surgery Fellow

    Undergraduate Institution: California State University, Long Beach
    Medical School: UC Davis
    Residency: Harbor-UCLA
    Clinical interests: Advancement of trauma surgical critical care, especially in austere environments. 
    Why UC San Diego? I wanted to work at a place that makes differences and is a top-notch health care system. Furthermore, I wanted a trauma program that was AAST to further my career and knowledge.
    What do you like about San Diego? I have lived here for several years and I love the culture, the weather, the food and the activities. It has all the big city perks with many areas that feel more rural.

  • Fereshteh Salimi Jazi, M.D.

    Fereshteh Salimi Jazi, M.D.

    Pediatric Surgical Critical Care Fellow

    Medical School: Isfahan University of Medical Sciences
    Residency: University of Texas - Medical Branch
    Clinical Interests: Pediatric trauma, critical care and general pediatric surgery
    Why UC San Diego? Great training and the opportunity to work in free-standing children's hospital
    What do you like about San Diego? Nice weather, hiking and outdoor activities
  • Mariam Astarabadi, M.D.

    Mariam Astarabadi, M.D.

    Surgical Critical Care Fellow

    Undergraduate Institution: UC Irvine
    Medical School:     University of Arizona - Tucson
    Residency:     University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson
    M.S.:     Applied Cognition and Neuroscience, University of Texas at Dallas
    Clinical Interests:     Trauma, emergency general surgery and surgical critical care
    Why UC San Diego?     I loved the collegiality and team dynamics within the department and felt that mentorship here would help me become a better trauma surgeon. I also wanted to train at a great volume trauma center that served refugee and border populations, which are dear to me.
    What do you like about San Diego?     Southern California is home to me and I am so excited to be back! Also, the great weather for outdoor activities, beaches, and the best food!
  • Briana DiGiore, M.D.

    Briana DiGiore, M.D.

    Surgical Critical Care Fellow

    Undergraduate Institution: CUNY Hunter College
    Medical School:     University at Buffalo JSMBS
    Residency:     University at Buffalo JSMBS
    Clinical Interests:     Comprehensive care of critically ill and injured patients, trauma systems development and emergency general surgery
    Why UC San Diego?     It’s a place known for clinical and academic excellence, strong critical care and trauma resuscitation. A rigorous yet supportive environment that allows for growth.
    What do you like about San Diego?     The weather, beaches, food, hiking and so many other outdoor activities
  • Matthew Hatch, D.O.

    Matthew Hatch, D.O.

    Surgical Critical Care Fellow

    Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University
    Medical School: Midwestern University
    Residency: HCA HealthONE Swedish Medical Center
    Clinical Interests: GME, trauma surgery
    Why UC San Diego? Distinguished trauma program with national recognition, warm and friendly attendings interested in bettering me as a physician and surgeon and a structured trauma program.
    What do you like about San Diego? So much to do outside with temperate weather year round, beaches, restaurants of all varieties and friendly citizens.