Academic Coaching Program | Meet the Coaches

Alejandro Jimenez , M.D.
Primary Care Faculty 
I wouldn’t have achieved my goal of becoming a doctor without seeking mentorship from others. Growing up in an economically disadvantaged community, I didn’t have exposure to doctors or health professionals. As an academic coach, I hope to mentor and support medical students so that I can pass on the lessons I have learned and make sure that they also take time to maintain their well-being.

Ajay Sampat, M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor
Medical school was such a formative time for me, and I feel that was largely due to the wonderful mentors I had at Pritzker. They not only helped me chart my career path, but also provided me with trusted guidance when I decided to make a career change after medical school (I switched residency from anesthesiology to neurology). I hope to be able to "pay forward" this guidance and mentorship so that I can be part of the formative experience for other students at UC Davis.

Brian Young, M.D.
Health Sciences Clinical Associate Professor
I love working with medical students. I remember when I was a student many years ago that I was lucky to have mentors and educators that spent dedicated time with me, becoming fantastic role models and helping to shape my career. They were passionate and inspiring. I hope to be the same for the students that I work with as an academic coach.

Candice Sauder, M.D.
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Medical school can be hard and is often a time of transition. I find that this is where people struggle, in the transitions. We see it time and time again in all areas of life, but it is the relationships we make that help us get through. This is the same in medicine--teachers, mentors, coaches make all the difference.

Carolina Candotti, M.D.
Hospitalist, Internal Medicine
I enjoy working with students because I care about their learning, I enjoy witnessing someone grow and students are fun! I learn every day.

Elise Harris , M.D.
Internal Medicine Primary Care Faculty 
Medical school is an exciting but challenging time for many students. I still remember the many challenges I endured during my time as a medical student and the very mentors and advisors who walked with me every step of the way through it. I’m passionate about coaching because I know the important role that mentors can play in the trajectory of medical students' success, and I want to play an integral part in the process of seeing my students grow and develop both personally and professionally! I want medical students to know that I strive to be a judgment-free, no bias, supportive and encouraging coach and student advocate, and that I truly have their best interest at heart. 

Elora Negose, M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor, Internal Medicine

Medical school is a time of growth and self discovery. It holds some of my fondest memories, on both a personal and professional level. I believe the future of medicine is in the students we teach today, and with the right mentorship and support, our students will go far and achieve great things. It is my honor to help them along their journey towards their goals. 

Emily Marquet, M.D.
Hospitalist, Internal Medicine
The students bring so much energy and positivity to learning! I enjoy helping them apply their studies to clinical experiences and appreciate the thoughtfulness that they bring to patient care.

Erik Fernandez y Garcia, M.D.
Associate Professor of Clinical Pediatrics
Working with students provides me with the opportunity to pay forward all of the support that I have received throughout my career. Selfishly, it is rewarding in that way. I also enjoy helping students realize what is important for them so that our workforce can grow stronger and hopefully, help it avoid angst later in life.

Farah Shaheen, M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor, Internal Medicine
I enjoy not only imparting knowledge but also, learning from my students. I consider the bond between student and teacher to be dynamic, where in its best form, both individuals give and receive knowledge in a friendly atmosphere. Furthermore, I love being a mentor to students, and helping them on their journey to accomplish their dreams. I have been privileged to have had innumerable mentors who have helped pave the way to where I am today. I hope to be able to do the same for students.

I absolutely love working with students and having the unique opportunity to watch them grow over time. As a sports medicine physician, I look at academic teaching in a similar fashion as I do athletic coaching. A great coach is one who inspires, builds up his or her athletes, and leads by example. However, unlike the sporting realm, in the academic setting we aren't simply trying to win a sporting event, but rather we are preparing our next generation of medical leaders, all of whom will undoubtedly play a tremendous role in building our local communities. As such, it is truly a pleasure working with our medical students, as through them I see a glimpse into our bright future. It is a tremendous honor to play the pivotal role of instructor in their learning process, and I hope that each and every student feels encouraged, enabled, and full of confidence after they have worked with or rotated with me at the UC Davis School of Medicine.

Kirti Malhotra, M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor, Internal Medicine
Watching students understand difficult concepts, apply their knowledge and gain confidence in their clinical reasoning is a highly rewarding experience. In addition, lifelong learning is one of my deepest values, and teaching future generations is one way to ensure that I continue to improve myself and my skills. I enjoy encouraging a growth mindset among my students, so they can focus on improving their knowledge rather than proving it. In addition, I strongly believe in diversity. As an immigrant, I understand the importance of culture and life-experiences in shaping our approach and perspective on medicine. As a future clinical educator, I am dedicated to understanding the culture, background and learning abilities of my students to create a learner-centered environment.

Leland Bourdon, M.D.
Assistant Clinical Professor, Emergency Medicine
Students have an eagerness to learn and soak up anything they can!

Maha Sami, M.D.
Hospitalist, Internal Medicine
I remember the vulnerability and fear of being a medical student all too well - it's gratifying to be able to provide support and mentorship!

Micaela Godzich, M.D.
Co-Associate Residency Program Director
Assistant Clinical Professor
Our students inspire me and help me be a better doctor and a better person. It's easier to be optimistic about the future of medicine when I work with them. 

Noelle Boctor, M.D.
Hospitalist, Associate Physician Diplomate
It is a true privilege to be able to work with students and learners, understand their journey and background, and contribute to their professional development. Teaching and mentoring has been an integral part of my medical journey and is one of the things I look forward to the most in my career. I believe an excellent mentor has the ability to be your teacher, your cheerleader, and your guide while truly having your best interest in mind. I aim to be that for my learners and give guidance in the way I exceptionally received (and continue to receive) from my mentors.

Rory Kamerman-Kretzmer, M.D.
Attending Pediatric Pulmonologist
Assistant Clinical Professor & Director of Coaching Program 
I sincerely enjoy seeing students find their passion - there are so many ways to further the art and science of medicine! I enjoy seeing the first time that a student realizes that the mere act of attentive listening, being present, and bearing witness is a form of service immensely appreciated by many patients and families. (A good listener often makes an accurate diagnosis as well!) And, I enjoy seeing students push themselves in new and challenging ways, discovering new skills, talents, and capacities that they did not know that they had before starting medical school.

Sean Munoz, M.D.
Attending General Pediatrician
Assistant Clinical Professor 

I am passionate about being an Academic Coach because of the opportunity to mentor students from all walks of life during their journey through medical school. 

Shubha Anantharishnan, M.D.
Associate Clinical Professor
I realized that I loved working with students when I was in high school and taught my younger cousins, trying to come up with creative ways to help explain concepts better. I love the challenge and the excitement of figuring out where the student/learner is with their learning and help propel them forward to the next level. I find very few things in life are as rewarding as when your student finally gets that difficult concept and has their "AHA" moment! Working with students also makes me better everyday, thanks to the students' curious minds!

Sonia Singh, M.D.
Associate Professor,
Pediatric Emergency Medicine
Over the last 20 years, I have taught and coached students at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and Queensland Children’s Hospital in Australia. Having just completed a Ph.D., I have the time and energy to inspire and guide medical students at UC Davis School of Medicine as they begin their journey in medicine. 

Swati Patki, M.D.
Hospitalist, Internal Medicine

I enjoy working with students! Their enthusiasm and desire to learn inspire me as well. I hope to be a source of support as they navigate through a sometimes challenging few years. 

Theresa Duong, M.D.
Hospitalist, Internal Medicine
Assistant Clinical Professor
Each individual medical student brings a fresh take and perspective to medicine, which reminds me of what an honor it is to be a doctor and how professionally rewarding it is to be in medical education.