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The New Faces of Health Care Research, Pt. 2

Research priorities and postdoctoral education strengthened by a new class of research fellows

Atlanta. New York. The Philippines. These are just some of the many hometowns represented by a new class of postdoctoral fellows at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Division of Research. The seven early-career researchers began their appointments this year and represent not only diverse communities but diverse research interests as well. Two have advanced degrees in nursing; at least one enjoys playing competitive ultimate frisbee, and several enjoy hiking and exploring their new California locales. And, all came to the Division of Research for its seminal work in understanding the health care challenges of society.

Meet some of the new faces that will be changing how patients are cared for in the future. We asked all of them the same set of questions and you can find the first part of this series here.

Carlo Hojilla, PhD

Why did you choose the Division of Research to continue your research activities?

I completed my PhD in nursing at UC San Francisco and stayed on to complete my postdoc. I’m in my first year of the National Institute on Drug Abuse substance use T32 training program in the Department of Psychiatry at UCSF. I was excited to work at the Division of Research as it provided a seamless transition to my clinical work at the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Transitions Clinic, a transgender program.

What sorts of activities do you like to do outside of work?

Exploring hiking trails, traveling.

Where do you see yourself 5 to 10 years from now, and what kind of research would you like to be doing?

Geez…That’s a long time from now! At this point in my career, I take it one week at a time.

 Monika Izano, PhD

Why did you choose the Division of Research to continue your research activities? 

The incredible mentorship at the Division of Research paired with rich electronic health records data, allows me to bridge clinically relevant epidemiologic research with complex biostatistical methods.

What sorts of activities do you like to do outside of work? 

I enjoy live music, hiking, snowboarding, and spending time with my family.

Where do you see yourself 5 to 10 years from now, and what kind of research would you like to be doing? 

My goal is to become a Research Scientist here at the DOR, conducting independent research that aims to improve the short and long-term health of women, particularly in marginalized populations.

Julia Glanternik, MD

Why did you choose the Division of Research to continue your research activities?

I recently completed a fellowship in Pediatric Infectious Diseases at Yale University in New Haven, CT. I came to the Vaccine Study Center here at the Division of Research to pursue a career in vaccine research. Kaiser Permanente has an incredible wellspring of healthcare data which can provide us with the tools to ensure vaccine safety and efficacy for the entire population in the United States as well as worldwide.

What sorts of activities do you like to do outside of work?

 I love being outside — which is why I love California — biking, hiking, running, surfing, you name it. Yoga plays a large role in my health. Mostly, I enjoy spending time with my husband, family, and friends.

Where do you see yourself 5 to 10 years from now, and what kind of research would you like to be doing?

I would still like to be doing clinical research in vaccinology and infectious diseases. I hope to be an expert by then!

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To read part 1 of our profile series, go here.

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