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Humans of Surgery

In 2017, the UC San Diego Department of Surgery began the Humans of Surgery project. Inspired by the Humans of New York, we aim to capture the stories of our staff, faculty and trainees both in and out of the hospital. We have interviewed countless department members, unpacking their inspirations, motivations and challenges in life as well as the surgical field.

The people in the Department of Surgery are more than just their position. They are people with rich histories, clear ambitions and a unique desire to make a difference in this world. From work-life balance to decision-making in the operating room, Humans of Surgery covers it all. The stories you find may make you laugh or shed a tear, but we’re proud to present the people that make our work possible.

             Volume 1                                Volume 2

HOS1HOS2 

             

 

 

 

 

 

Volume 3 in Progress Below: 

  • Pamela Lugo

    Pamela Lugo

    Residency Program Coordinator — Division of Plastic Surgery

    "I first came to UC San Diego as a medical assistant, and now I’m in the academic office as a residency program coordinator. My role blends admin support, event coordination and resident engagement. I love supporting the plastic surgery team and making a difference behind the scenes.

    I spend a lot of time with the residents and often reflect on my relationships with those who have graduated. They're out there in the real world, having beautiful results in their surgeries. I once played a role in their life, and it makes me so proud to see their growth and continued success. I plan to stay in plastic surgery for the rest of my career and continue playing a part in building a program known for producing skilled and compassionate leaders.”

    Pamela Lugo is from Chula Vista, California, where she fondly recalls life as a 90’s kid playing with friends until nightfall. Outside of administration work, she enjoys cosmetology and spending time with her family.
  • Janeen Williamson, B.S.N., R.N., C.B.C.N.

    Janeen Williamson, B.S.N., R.N., C.B.C.N.

    Case Manager and Certified Breast Care Nurse — Division of Breast Surgery

    "My maternal grandfather was diagnosed with a very rare blood cancer, so I spent a lot of time in an oncology ward as a child. Thinking about it now, it is an unusual place for a child to be. But it was comfortable because I spent so much time there, and the staff always helped to normalize my environment.

    My first nursing job was supposed to be in medical-surgical floor, but the hiring manager offered one in oncology. Accepting the oncology position made me eligible to apply for the surgical nurse case manager position here at the Department of Surgery. To know a loved one who is going through a terminal illness is a unique position to be in. There's a certain level of empathy that I can provide having had that experience.

    I try to be honest and compassionate in the way I deliver information to my patients and coworkers. I also like to be a trusted messenger. If a patient tells me about their experience, I acknowledge their vulnerability and try to advocate for them. Even if I can’t solve something for a patient, I hope that when they look back on their experience, they can at least say the person they engaged with was positive, helpful and provided a listening ear.

    Also, I gotta give a shout out to my team! This is a place where I truly believe the people actually want to be here and help patients. We all have the same goal and know we're going to do our absolute best to provide exceptional, compassionate care to everyone we serve.”

    Janeen Williamson is from Southern California and Alabama. Outside of nursing, she enjoys spending time with family, being at church and exploring the outdoors with her poodle, Louis.
  • Winta Mehtsun, M.D.

    Winta Mehtsun, M.D.

    Assistant Professor — Division of Surgical Oncology

    "‘One day at a time. Stay humble. Continue learning.’ Those are the things that guide me in moments of doubt, frustration or burn out. I remind myself that there's a lot of gratitude in what I do. I focus on stomach cancers and sarcoma. I do other general surgical oncology, but I really love the patient population that I get to take care of. Early on, it was very clear to me that I'm not here to just save people. It's all about the framing. If you only consider a win saving someone's life and eliminating their cancer forever, then it's going to be a real tough journey in this career. Sometimes, it's about giving them the opportunity to have more quality time with their family — be around for a birthday or an anniversary, right? That's the win.

    Currently, I'm focused on health disparities and the quality of cancer care that we deliver nationally, locally and internationally. We have a high gastric cancer population here in San Diego and within the UC System. My team’s looking for molecular drivers of the differences we see between minority and non-minority patient outcomes. Then, we’ll examine that research within the context of socioeconomic factors like insurance access, income and neighborhood. I want to address some of the dramatic disparities we see within the United States healthcare system and make novel, meaningful contributions.”

    Winta Mehtsun is an assistant professor in the Division of Surgical Oncology and an adjunct assistant professor at the Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science at UC San Diego. Outside of work, she enjoys raising her son, exercising, concerts and travel.  
  • Isaac Meyer, N.P.

    Isaac Meyer, N.P.

    Nurse Practitioner — Division of Plastic Surgery

    "I grew up with six sisters. During high school, my sister was a nurse's assistant. She would come home and tell me the most remarkable stories about the patients she attended to. I just found the work she did to be so fascinating.

    Now, as male nurse practitioner, I'm a minority in the nursing field. I feel like having sisters has really shaped the way that I work with my colleagues by helping me relate to women more intuitively and understand the challenges they face, both in the workplace and in life. Growing up surrounded by strong, empathetic women has made me more compassionate, open-minded and attentive to the needs of everyone around me. I'm around so many strong women every day, and it makes me appreciate the power of teamwork and mutual respect in nursing."

    Isaac Meyer is a nurse practitioner in the Department of Surgery's Division of Plastic Surgery and at the Asylum Seekers Shelter. When he isn’t working, you can find Meyer skiing, beekeeping or camping with his husband and 10-year-old daughter.
  • Ellen Fink, P.A.

    Ellen Fink, P.A.

    Physician Assistant — Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery

    “I enjoy being a resource for patients. Being a physician assistant is great because you can communicate with and reassure them. I'm always in direct contact with the surgeons, so I'm kind of like a gateway between the two. It’s very fulfilling.

    One of the best aspects of my job is definitely the procedures. I've always loved procedures, such as abscess drainage, banding, skin tag excision or any minor procedure. I'm in the operating room Wednesday mornings, which I really love. I always loved surgery, and that's how I ultimately got involved in colorectal surgery. What you’re doing is just so tangible — I'm making this person feel better.”

    Ellen Fink is originally from Lake Orion, MI. When she isn’t at the hospital you can find her jogging along the Bay or horseback riding.
  • Carmina Mariduena, M.S.N., R.N., C.A.P.A.

    Carmina Mariduena, M.S.N., R.N., C.A.P.A.

    Clinic Manager

    “My youngest brother had a massive heart attack at 34, and he was unconscious for 20 minutes. Being a healthcare provider, I knew being down for 20 minutes means no brain activity. It is hard when you know as a healthcare provider the prognosis of the outcome. It is really really hard sometimes, but you have to think as a healthcare professional, ‘What would he want?’ He wouldn't want to suffer. He wouldn't want my mom, my dad or myself taking care of him in this vegetative state. He was in the hospital for seven days, and on that fourth day I asked for an MRI, and there was minimal brain activity. I had to tell my mom and my dad, ‘I think we need to put him on comfort care.’ This is one of the hardest things that I’ve ever had to do. I had these conversations with families when I worked at the ICU, but when it comes to your own family it's very difficult, even though I dealt with this situation at work multiple times.

    Tomorrow is never promised. Hold you family members tight and enjoy their presence. You don't know what the future will bring.”

    Carmina Mariduena is originally from Chicago, IL and is currently a Clinic Manager for UTC Digestive Diseases at the Department of Surgery. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling and going on hikes, as well as treasuring small moments with her parents, husband, two sons and dog.
  • Katharine Hinchcliff, M.D.

    Katharine Hinchcliff, M.D.

    Assistant Professor — Division of Plastic Surgery

    “I'm part of a surgical charity called Fresh Start Surgical Gifts. It flies uninsured children to Rady Children’s Hospital, so we can perform surgeries at no cost to them. I started participating in that program right when I got to UC San Diego Health. It is my favorite thing that I do because these are not only patients that need help but patients that wouldn’t get help if you weren't there.

    A fun fact about me is that I’m a triplet. I have two sisters. I remember it took me a long time to figure out who I was outside of them. But, when you are on your own, you come to realize what your strengths are.”

    Katharine Hinchcliff is a plastic surgeon in the Department of Surgery's Division of Plastic Surgery, Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rady Children's Hospital. Outside of the hospital, her favorite thing to do is take her kids to the Y.M.C.A.
  • Olatunde Bashorun, M.D.

    Olatunde Bashorun, M.D.

    Plastic Surgery Resident

    “I find the difference that plastic and reconstructive surgery can make in a patient's quality of life very gratifying. I appreciate working with patients to devise a personalized plan before operation, having the privilege to bring their desired outcome into fruition and seeing their recovery process throughout follow-up. The journey that plastic and reconstructive surgeons embark on with their patients — towards restoring a significant level of confidence, independence and function — is one that truly fills my cup.

    Plastic and reconstructive surgery is very unique. All of the distinct experiences each patient population presents with greatly varies based on your sub-focus within the discipline. Furthermore, there is a lot of diversity in problem solving, especially when interfacing with other surgical specialties. It sparks your curiosity, keeps it fresh and challenges you to grow. The aspect of ‘lifelong learning’ is truly fostered with each patient interaction.

    Lastly, I am passionate about mentorship, education, representation and mitigating health disparities. As a first-generation African-American and the first person in my family to traverse unfamiliar roads in medicine, I think it is essential to lift as you climb.”
     
    Olatunde Bashorun is from Staten Island, NY. Outside of his residency, he enjoys basketball, hiking, half-marathons, working out, exploring San Diego and spending time with family.
  • Michael Turner, M.D.

    Michael Turner, M.D.

    Plastic Surgery Resident 

    “There are three things that motivate me in my work. One is my family. I want to do something that my wife and kids will be proud of. Two, when you get to know your patients, you become invested in them and want to see them do well. I spend a lot of time thinking, worrying and reading about my patients, trying to figure out how I can help them. I want to see them get better. Third, I always want to be better. In this field where perfection will never be achieved, I believe you should always try to be excellent. I remember my mistakes — the things I wish I knew or was better at — and I try to improve. I wake up every morning with the goal of being a better doctor.”
     
    Michael Turner is a chief general surgery resident at the Department of Surgery. After finishing his residency, Turner will pursue a surgical oncology fellowship at Massachusetts General Brigham/ Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, MA. When he isn’t working, Turner enjoys spending time with his family.
  • Brandon Harris, M.D.

    Brandon Harris, M.D.

    Trauma, Surgical Critical Care, Burns and Acute Care Surgery Fellow

    “I did my residency in West Virginia, and 95% of my patients were from underserved populations. Naturally, I developed a passion for serving these patients, which I’ve been able to continue through UC San Diego’s fellowship. We're taking care of some of the most critically ill patients in the surgical ICU and seeing them make a meaningful recovery evokes a feeling that I cannot explain. I've driven home so many times to the sun rising and told myself, ‘I made a positive difference in that patient's outcome.’ I don't care how exhausted I am. That alone is worth it.

    I would say, for anyone who wants to get into the medical field — especially as an international graduate or physician of color — it's unfortunate, but you have to be twice as good just to be considered on the same level as your U.S. graduate counterparts. But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. It's a very dim light at the beginning of the journey, and you can't really see it. But it's there, and as you get closer, it definitely gets brighter.”

    Brandon Harris is from Antigua and Barbuda where he did tennis, water sports, martial arts, and track and field. Outside of his fellowship, he enjoys the beach, exploring San Diego, remaining physically active and spending time with his fiancé and six-month-old son.
  • Ann Gaffey, M.D., M.S.

    Ann Gaffey, M.D., M.S.

    Assistant Professor — Division of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery

    “Vascular surgeons are kind of like human plumbers. We operate all over the body on different blood vessels. We can clean out those pipes, we can build new pipes or we can realign those pipes. Our goal is to improve blood flow, which reduces the high rate of limb loss in patients with peripheral arterial disease and diabetes. 

    Amputation is another cause for limb loss. My research aims to reduce instances of amputation by exploring why patients develop early limb loss, better treatments we can offer them, and which devices improve outcomes for limb salvage — an alternative to amputation that preserves the look and function of limbs in critical condition. 

    Vascular surgery is a little different than other specialties in that there’s oftentimes a long term follow up of these patients, and you develop a lifelong relationship with them. I enjoy taking care of patients. But I also enjoy teaching. Every day is a new day, and it's always exciting. I'm very lucky."

    Ann Gaffey is from Boston, MA, where she danced ballet professionally and spent her summers sailing. She still sails to this day and has also picked up mountain biking.  
  • Jennifer Berumen, M.D.

    Jennifer Berumen, M.D.

    Associate Professor — Division of Transplantation & Hepatobiliary Surgery

    “Growing up, I always liked doing things with my hands. My dad was an OBGYN, and my mom was a nurse. Being around medicine got me interested in it. My dad was a big mentor in general. But he had an orthopedic surgeon friend who I spent a lot of time shadowing and was fairly influential in getting me interested in surgery too.

    I would say the most influential person during my residency at UC San Diego was Dr. Kristin Mekeel. She took me under her wing and has been a huge mentor for the last 15 years. Having someone who believes in you and says, ‘You’re doing a good job. Let's take it to the next level. What do you want to do with your life?’ It's helpful to feel like someone thinks you can do it.

    Being open and honest without fear of judgment is incredibly important. When you run into failures, you know someone who can help you through it. I know I have this with Dr. Mekeel, and that’s led me to be that way with a lot of my mentees.

    One of the rewarding parts of being a mentor is recognizing early on that there's someone who you share the same interests as. It's nice to be able to reach out to that person and be like, ‘I want to help you and get more involved.’ What goes around comes around.” 

    Jennifer Berumen is from Fort Smith, AR. Her childhood was full of science, softball and soccer. Outside of surgery, she continues to play softball and enjoys spending time with her family and dog.
  • Javier Bravo, M.D.

    Javier Bravo, M.D.

    General Surgery Resident

    “Communication is a key feature of quality healthcare. There's a point when you start treating patients where you are almost amazed at how little patients know about what's going on in their body, so it is very rewarding to help them better understand. I would say around 30–40% of the patients we treat at UC San Diego are Spanish speaking patients, and I’m bilingual, which helps with navigating that. You need to communicate things well for patients to be satisfied with the care they’re receiving.

    I am currently in a surgical oncology lab that focuses on fluorescence-guided surgery. Essentially, we work with molecular technology that lights up cells, tumors and other structures to make surgery more effective and safer for both surgeons and patients. The nature of the profession of surgery is that there are always new technologies and techniques coming out. It’s a constantly evolving field, and you get to perfect your craft and learn new things. The more tools you add to your repertoire — in terms of knowledge, research and skills — the better you are prepared to treat patients in the right way.”

    Javier Bravo is from Mexico City, Mexico. When he isn’t in the operating room or doing research, you can find him at a golf course or continuing childhood hobbies such as swimming and soccer.
  • Martin Lhuaire, M.D., Ph.D.

    Martin Lhuaire, M.D., Ph.D.

    Visiting Scholar — Divison of Anatomy

    “Anatomy and teaching medical students are two of my passions. In France, every anatomist must teach using diagrams on a blackboard, which allows students to fully grasp every aspect of the human anatomy. 10 years ago, when I met Professor Geoffroy Noel, Ph.D., I fell in love with American teaching methods. Noel emphasizes compassion, which I believe is very forward-thinking because it prepares students for clinical practice. Teaching should not only include the anatomical structures I draw on blackboards but also the different lived experiences of patients.”

    Martin Lhuaire is a clinical anatomist at the University of Paris Cité, plastic surgeon at the Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris and visiting scholar in the Department of Surgery at UC San Diego. When he isn’t at the hospital (or on a plane), you can find Lhuaire spending time with his family at their vineyard or riding the country roads of the Champagne region on his motorcycle.
  • Oluyemisi Bolonduro

    Oluyemisi Bolonduro

    Communications Intern

    “I mostly write autofiction or autobiographical fiction, and my writing is full of conversations I have with myself. My ideal resonator would be anyone who doesn't always find themselves relating to societal norms. I like to explore the nuances of identifying as a non-binary woman and Nigerian American, tearing constantly between places that people view as binary. Biculturalism is also a big focus in my writing because there are different aspects of my Nigerian background that I'm very in tune with and others that I'm not in tune with — I often experience a kind of national x ethnic imposter syndrome.

    I'm drawn to all creative mediums, which is why I enjoy communications so much. I also love the interviewing part of it. I think the aspect where someone shares a part of themselves and celebrates that with the larger community sparks inexplicable joy for me."

    Oluyemisi Bolonduro is from Shoreline, WA and Kogi, Nigeria. In her free time, you can find them nibbling on some berries, restarting "The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask" or borrowing too many library books at once.
  • Thomas Handley, M.D.

    Thomas Handley, M.D.

    General Surgery Resident

    “It sounds corny, but I went into medicine so I could help someone who is at the worst point in their life. You're the person they turn to for help. The magical aspect of surgery and medicine is that you're able to help someone in their moment of need, and it's an honor and privilege to be able to do that. Getting into work at five o'clock in the morning doesn't seem so important when it's someone else's life that you've got in your hands.” 

    Thomas Handley is from Southeast London in the United Kingdom. When he isn’t at the hospital, he enjoys running at Torrey Pines State Park and spending time with his wife.
  • Sean Perez, M.D.

    Sean Perez, M.D.

    General Surgery Resident

    “I lost my grandma when I was an intern to COVID-19, and I think that’s one experience that has impacted the way I help patients. 

    A huge reason why I came to San Diego is to work with a large Hispanic population and I can’t imagine myself having the same sense of personal reward elsewhere. I know I’m doing right by my grandma by just the amount of Hispanic patients I see and help. They obviously remind me of her, and I thankfully get the chance make her proud.”

    Sean Perez grew up in Upland, California. As he finishes his last year of research, he is excited about getting back into the operating room. Outside of the hospital, Perez enjoys skiing, playing tennis, watching films and trivia.
  • Jason Llaneras, M.D.

    Jason Llaneras, M.D.

    Plastic Surgery Resident

    “I was a surgery intern in a busy Los Angeles County Hospital during the coronavirus pandemic, when the whole city shut down. I was having to take care of patients when they were alone, and no one was allowed in the hospital. It was one thing being there for the patients as a healthcare provider, but you also had to be there for them on a very personal level. I look back at those memories — some good, some bad — with the perspective that you’re more than just a healthcare provider at times.”

    Jason Llaneras was born and raised in Miami, FL. Now, he loves the gorgeous atmosphere and spending time with friends in San Diego. Outside of the hospital, Llaneras enjoys spending time with friends, running, playing basketball and making the most of every opportunity to relax at the beach.
  • Ruth Laverde, M.D.

    Ruth Laverde, M.D.

    General Surgery Resident

     “With every Spanish-speaking patient, I see a little bit of my family —  their resilience, their quiet strength and concern. I remember as a medical student meeting a Spanish-speaking man facing his second amputation. We sat and talked — not just about the surgery, but about what he was really losing: his independence, his livelihood. He reminded me of my dad. And I remember thinking, ‘What kind of care would I want for him?’ Interactions like that have guided a lot of my approach. 

    I think my upbringing is going to color my life in all aspects. I pursued medicine to provide language-concordant care — to make sure patients like him, like my family, aren’t left behind in translation. I’m proud to be Latina, proud to be Spanish-speaking, and proud to be part of a field where people who look and sound like me are still underrepresented. In a healthcare system where racial and language disparities continue to affect outcomes, I see my presence — and my care — as part of the work to close those gaps. A reminder that we belong here. That we deserve care rooted in dignity and understanding.”

    Ruth Laverde was born in Peru and raised in Miami, FL. Her career is driven by a commitment to providing care for patients with limited English proficiency and increasing representation in surgery. Outside the hospital, she enjoys weightlifting, spontaneous hikes and last-minute adventures with friends.
  • Parisa Oviedo, M.D.

    Parisa Oviedo, M.D.

    General Surgery Resident

    “My parents are both immigrants. My dad is from Peru, my mom from Iran. They sacrificed a lot and worked really hard to give me and my brother the opportunities we have. They taught me to dream big and that I could do or be anything I wanted. I’ve never felt limited by them — I’ve always felt supported, and I’m very lucky to have that.

    What has been a life passion of mine is to do advocacy and disparities research. I’m really interested in how socioeconomic factors affect what kind of care patients receive. My own life experiences and my parents’ and family history have informed that passion.”

    Parisa Oviedo was born in Orange County, California and has since lived in Dubai, Boston and San Diego. Outside of being a general surgery resident, Oviedo loves to travel and read fiction, and hopes to spend some time traveling with her husband and family.