The program directors are invested in the success of each of the residents and are dedicated to helping the residents achieve their specific career goals while fostering an optimal learning environment for becoming well-rounded diagnosticians. 

The residents at LLU Pathology exhibit a broad diversity of backgrounds and interests, but share common interests in supporting each other, maintaining a collaborative and collegial atmosphere, and becoming competent, independent pathologists.

Leadership

Nolan S. Maloney, MD

Nolan S. Maloney, MD

Program Director

Associate Professor, Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy

Program Director, Department of Pathology

Medical Director, Pathologists Assistants Program, Pathology and Human Anatomy

Laura Denham, MD

Laura Denham, MD

Associate Program Director

Assistant Professor, Department of Pathology and Human Anatomy

Associate Program Director, Department of Pathology 

Chief Resident

Priscilla Soria, MD

Priscilla Soria, MD

Medical School: Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara SOM, Mexico

Why Choose Loma Linda: For the mission statement, amazing attendings, collaborative learning environment, diversity of cases, and the ability to provide medical care to underserved communities.

Fellowship Interests: Forensic pathology  

Hobbies: I like to watch films, discover new music, collect vinyl records, try new foods, spend time with family/ friends, go to church, weight lift, and go on Sunday long runs. 

PGY-1's

Lauren Borecky, MD

Lauren Borecky, MD

Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Why Choose Loma Linda: The amazing people, attendings, and residents that I worked with were invested in my learning and growth, friendly, personable, and made me feel right at home.

Fellowship interests: Undecided

Hobbies:  surfing, tennis, pickleball, going on foodie adventures, baking, game nights, fantasy football, playing with our pets, puzzles, watercolor/sketching, and spending time with family

Kevin Leeper, MD

Kevin Leeper, MD

Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Why Choose Loma Linda: When I rotated here, I saw that I would receive great clinical training in a collegial work environment. I am also from the area and wanted to stay. Ultimately, I felt Loma Linda was the best fit for me to become the best pathologist I can be.

Fellowship interests: Undecided

Hobbies: watching sports, hanging out with my husky Aspen, watching crime TV shows, scrolling TikTok

Ezra Panjaitan, MD

Ezra Panjaitan, MD

Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Why Choose Loma Linda: The friendly work culture, supportive faculty, and having family in the area.

Fellowship interests: Not sure yet, but leaning towards something AP related

Hobbies: Golf, basketball, fishing, trying new foods, and spending time with family and friends 

Abigail Ware, MD

Abigail Ware, MD

Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Why Choose Loma Linda: The pathology department at Loma Linda is so amazing. They're the ones that talked me into pathology as a specialty! Everyone really cares about your learning and growth as a physician AND a person. The field of pathology is full of great people, but there is something really special about Loma Linda's pathology department.

Fellowship interests: Forensics and pediatrics

Hobbies: Riding my quarter horse mare, Maddy (reining/trail riding)! I take lessons up in Temecula on the weekends with a great reining trainer. When I need some down time, I usually opt for either crocheting or video games (RDR2 online, anyone?)

PGY-2's

Edwina Choung, MD

Edwina Choung, MD

Medical School: Loma Linda University

Why Choose Loma Linda: The sense of community at this program is unmatched. 

Fellowship Interests: Currently open to anything, but I have particular interests in blood banking/transfusion medicine, breast pathology, and cytology

Hobbies: I love creating things-- painting/drawing, baking, knitting, DIY-ing, etc.

Nicholas Chun, MD

Nicholas Chun, MD

Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Brian Ferguson, MD

Brian Ferguson, MD

Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Why Choose Loma Linda: The culture of the program is very supportive and everyone is extremely friendly. The program directors and the attendings are committed to providing the best resident experience possible and really care about us. 

Fellowship Interests: I am still exploring what all of the specialties have to offer! I haven't made up my mind on a fellowship yet.

Hobbies: I spend a lot of time hiking, camping, and backpacking. I also like watching/playing hockey, board games, and fantasy books.

Temitope Idowu, MD

Temitope Idowu, MD

Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine

Why Choose Loma Linda: I chose Loma Linda because of the institution's commitment to whole person care. Additionally, the atmosphere in the Pathology department is warm and jovial. The faculty and laboratory staff are immensely supportive and committed to residents' professional growth.  

Fellowship Interests: I'm currently an open book. Although, I am leaning more towards surgical pathology.

Hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants and revisiting old favorites, all to the detriment of my bank account. I also like playing racket sports, especially pickleball, table tennis, and badminton.

Chanel Lee, MD

Chanel Lee, MD

Medical School: Loma Linda University, School of Medicine

Why Choose Loma Linda: The faculty and residents at LLU are kind, knowledgeable, adaptable, and genuinely invested in your learning and well-being.

Fellowship Interests: Not sure! Exploring and enjoying everything so far though.

Hobbies: Reading, drawing, gaming, hiking, and watching movies.

 

Iris Lee, MD

Iris Lee, MD

Medical school: Loma Linda University School of Medicine 

Why Choose Loma Linda: I chose LLUHEC for my residency because I had a great experience while rotating through the pathology department here as a medical student, I love the sunny weather (mostly), and many of my friends/family are in SoCal so I have a great support system here.

Fellowship Interests: I’m currently unsure of what specialty I want to pursue for fellowship 

Hobbies: My recreational hobbies include traveling, yoga, and hiking

Graham Seigler, MD

Graham Seigler, MD

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

Why Choose Loma Linda: I chose Loma Linda because I love the community that Loma Linda has built and I believe in its mission for Christ-centered healthcare.

Fellowship Interests:  I am interested in pursuing a forensics fellowship.

Hobbies:  My recreational hobbies include running, mountain biking, dirt biking, snowboarding, camping, and gaming.

PGY-3's

Madeline Feeney, DO, MPH

Madeline Feeney, DO, MPH

Medical School:  Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Bradenton

Why Choose Loma Linda: everyone was friendly and welcoming despite the craziness of a virtual interview day. staying in southern California was also a priority

Fellowship Interests: Forensic pathology 

Hobbies: I enjoy spending weekends in San Diego

Chelsea Huang, MD

Chelsea Huang, MD

Medical School: Peking University Health Science Center

Why Choose Loma Linda: I chose Loma Linda because of the supportive, diverse, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Fellowship Interests: Dermatopathology

Hobbies: I enjoy playing with my two poodles, eating aesthetically pleasing food, cooking and baking for my family, and traveling with my husband.

Ansel Nam, MD

Ansel Nam, MD

Medical School: Loma Linda University  School of Medicine

Why Choose Loma Linda: The supportive culture. 

Fellowship Interests: Forensic Pathology

Hobbies: Bouldering, sleeping, board games, card games.

Dan Xu, MD

Dan Xu, MD

Medical School: Fourth Military Medical University 

Why Choose Loma Linda: Loma Linda stands out to me because of the incredible people here—they are truly the kindest I have ever met. The institution's deep commitment to health and wellness aligns perfectly with my values and professional goals. Having lived in Southern California for many years, I'm thrilled to continue my journey in a place that feels like home. 

Fellowship Interests: Hematopathology

Hobbies: I enjoy quality time with family, exploring technology to become more tech-savvy, and swimming. 

 

PGY-4's

Yasaman Jaladat, MD, PhD

Yasaman Jaladat, MD, PhD

Medical School: Shahid Beheshty University of Medical Sciences & Case Western Reserve University

Why Choose Loma Linda: Great place to make me the "whole man"

Fellowship Interests: Molecular, Heme

Hobbies: Traveling, Hiking & Camping, Gardening

Dylan Purkiss, DO

Dylan Purkiss, DO

Medical school: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nevada

Why Choose Loma Linda:  I am a Southern California native, I felt that the faculty here was very supportive and would help me succeed.

Fellowship Interests:. Hematopathology

Hobbies:  Basketball, video games, D&D, parenthood

 

Andrea Shields, MD

Andrea Shields, MD

Medical School:  Loma Linda University, School of Medicine

Why Choose Loma Linda: The supportive and friendly faculty who are exceptional teachers and overall superb human beings

Fellowship Interests: Hematopathology, blood bank/transfusion medicine, general surgical pathology

Hobbies: Painting/drawing/art, hiking, museums, playing the switch with my husband and playing with my cats

Priscilla Soria, MD

Priscilla Soria, MD

Medical School: Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara SOM, Mexico

Why Choose Loma Linda: For the mission statement, amazing attendings, collaborative learning environment, diversity of cases, and the ability to provide medical care to underserved communities.

Fellowship Interests: Forensic pathology  

Hobbies: I like to watch films, discover new music, collect vinyl records, try new foods, spend time with family/ friends, go to church, weight lift, and go on Sunday long runs. 

Pathology Assistants

Meghan L. Dorrell, MHS

Bonnie L. Rohweller, MHS

Natalie Martinez, MHS

Rebekah Replogle, MHS

Taylor Ann Grueter, MHS

 

For more information about our pathology assistant program and faculty, please visit their website.

Alumni

Recent Loma Linda pathology graduates have gone on to secure fellowships at: 

  • UCLA Molecular Fellowship
  • MD Anderson Dermatopathology
  • UC Davis GI fellowship/Cytopathology 
  • City of Hope Hematopathology
  • UCSF Transfusion Fellowship
  • USC Cytopathology 
  • Stanford Medical Microbiology