Current Renal Fellows

Katy Garber, DO

Hometown: Hastings, Michigan

Medical School: Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: Western Michigan University Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine

Research/Clinical Interests: Critical Care Nephrology, Acid Base Disturbances and Health Disparities. Still exploring all aspects of Nephrology.

Hobbies: Gardening, booth indoor and outdoor plants. Running, hiking and swimming, or really any outdoor activity my dog can participate in. 

Why did you choose the University of Colorado? I was drawn to the wide range of clinical experience. During my interview it was also clear that the faculty and fellows have a great working relationship and there is an emphasis on wellness. 

 

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Austin Graham, MD

Hometown: Carlsbad, New Mexico

Medical School: University of New Mexico School of Medicine

Residency: Baylor Scott and White All Saints Medical Center - Fort Worth, Texas

Research/Clinical Interests: Medical education, hypertension, acid-base disorders, health disparities, home dialysis.

Hobbies: Snowboarding, fly fishing, hunting, cooking with my wife, discovering new restaurants with my wife, watching college football and any other sport, playing with our two dogs, and adventuring.

Why did you choose the University of Colorado? Given the outstanding contributions to the field of nephrology and the long-standing history of producing exceptionally trained nephrologists, I was drawn to the University of Colorado. Hearing from both faculty and current fellows, I understood that the program prioritized the well-being and education of its fellows. Working in three different healthcare systems would provide a diverse range of patient populations and clinical exposure, enabling me to become a well-rounded nephrologist with exposure to both academic and private practice. Additionally, being back in the Mountain West would allow me to enjoy all the available outdoor activities!

 

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Nana Lai, MD

Hometown: Walnut, CA

 

Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine

 

Residency: McLaren Macomb Medical Center, Mount Clemens, MI

 

Research/Clinical Interests: peritoneal/home dialysis, hypertension, glomerulonephritis, medical education

 

Hobbies: hiking, camping, craft projects, soap making, traveling, trying new activities

 

Why did you choose the University of Colorado? I chose University of Colorado because I was impressed by its rich history, distinguished faculty and the wide range of electives offered by the fellowship. The program’s emphasis on comprehensive training and career development aligns perfectly with my professional goals. I am also excited about the opportunity to explore Denver and experience the many outdoor adventures Colorado has to offer.

 

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Francisco Santamaria Garcia, MD

Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico

 

Medical School: Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico

 

Residency: RWJBH/Trinitas Regional Medical Center

 

Clinical Interests: Critical care and interventional nephrology. Electrolyte and acid base disorders. Glomerulonephritis. Medical education.
 
Hobbies: I love music, playing, producing, listening, dancing, etc music. I am a huge fan of sports and I love going to games as well as concerts. I like to hang out with friends and family and play with my little daughter. I enjoy driving and working on my car or motorcycle. I like working out, jiu jitsu, mma and playing board games. One of my Colorado objectives is to learn how to snowboard.
 
Why did you choose the University of Colorado?  The very first thing I wrote in my notes after the interview was, "Everyone seems genuinely kind and nice". I really appreciated the warm and welcoming atmosphere. What stood out to me was CU's strong commitment to both fellow education and well-being, a balance that reflects the program's values. I believe CU is among the top nephrology programs in the country, with world-renowned faculty. The fact that it's located in one of my and my wife's favorite cities made it an easy and exciting choice.

 

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Deepon Sarkar, MD

Hometown: Bettendorf, IA

Medical School: University of Iowa

Residency: Hennepin County Medical Center

Research/Clinical Interests: Medical education, health disparities, quality improvement, and critical care nephrology

Hobbies: Playing and watching sports (basketball and golf), trivia, movies, trying new restaurants, and hiking 

Why did you choose the University of Colorado? I chose the University of Colorado because of the strong curriculum that provides a wide breadth of training, including clinical, research, and education opportunities at multiple, unique training sites. In particular, the clinician educator track stood out to me. I was also impressed with the prioritization of fellow wellness and mentorship within the program. In addition, having so many fun things to do outside of the hospital in Denver and the surrounding areas was a plus. 

Olivia Drummond, MD

Hometown: San Antonio, TX

Medical School: University of Texas at Houston (McGovern Medical School)

Residency: Tulane University 

Research/Clinical Interests: Medical Education, AKI, Electrolytes, Acid- Base, Still exploring specific interests within Nephrology 

Hobbies: I like to read, swim, play volleyball, try new restaurants and spend time with my pets. I don't know much about the classic Colorado hobbies like skiing, but I am excited to have pretty nature to explore with my dog.

Why did you choose the University of Colorado? I like the diversity of practicing at three different types of hospital systems. I felt the program has the breadth to offer training in all aspects of nephrology and also allow flexibility for me to explore my interests throughout fellowship. I am interested in medical education and the program also has a lot of opportunities and mentors within that field. Also, when I was interviewing, the people seemed nice and happy!

Kayla Gu, MD

Hometown: Nanjing, China

Medical School: UCLA David Geffen SOM

Residency: University of Colorado, Denver CO

Research/Clinical Interests: broad and undifferentiated in everything kidney, plus AI research and medical education

Hobbies: video games, Werewolf game, watching movies/TV shows, hiking/rock climbing

Why did you choose the University of Colorado? I had the pleasure of working with multiple CU renal fellows and faculties during residency and admired the work they did, their dedication to education, and the excellent care they provided. They inspired me to pursue this path and follow it alongside them.

Jayce Pangilinan, MD

Hometown: Chandler, AZ

Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson 

Residency: University of Colorado 

Research/Clinical Interests: transplant nephrology, health disparities, peritoneal/home dialysis, CRRT and critical care nephrology 

Hobbies: hiking, camping, cooking, concerts, international travel whenever I can!

Why did you choose the University of Colorado? During my time in residency at the University of Colorado I was able to work with inspiring and dedicated faculty and fellows within the Nephrology department. The program was exceptionally strong in teaching, research and patient care. It not only offered me ample opportunities to explore my varied interests, but also provided support and community. It was an easy choice for me to continue my training here. Plus, I love living in Colorado! 

Jeff Ramsey, DO

Hometown: Houston, Texas

Medical School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

Residency: Healthone Skyridge Medical Center 

Research/Clinical Interests: home dialysis, hypertension, glomerulonephritis

Hobbies: I enjoy hiking, trivia nights, skiing, spending time with family

Why did you choose the University of Colorado? I chose the University of Colorado because of its focus on fellow education while also balancing wellness for its fellows. I also chose CU due to this program's long-standing track record of producing outstanding nephrologists. 

Kathie Zhang, MD

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Medical School: University of Arizona, Tucson

Residency: University of Iowa

Research/Clinical Interests: Quality improvement, medical education, health disparities

Hobbies:  Exploring new restaurants, post-prandial walks, visiting art museums, crochet, caring for my plants, learning new languages

Why did you choose the University of Colorado? During my interview, I was impressed by the robust curriculum, the dedication of the faculty, and the commitment to support fellows towards their career goals, whatever they may be. In addition, I liked how the three unique clinical sites offer a strong training experience—all while getting to live in a great city, with plenty to enjoy outside of the hospital.

Marko Karakadze, MD

Hometown: Miami, FL

Medical School: Ponce Health Sciences University

Residency: University of Texas Houston (UTH Houston)

Research/Clinical Interests: Vascular access, Home dialysis modalities, AKI

Hobbies: Playing with my dog (Henley, named after Loop of Henle), watching sports, video games, Skiing/snowboarding, playing pickle ball, spearfishing, Netflix

Why did you choose the University of Colorado? Its history of contribution to the world of nephrology as well as the sense of joy I felt from communicating with current fellows. Given that plus its location, it was a no-brainer to rank them #1. 

Amy Li, MD

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawaii

Medical School: University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine

Residency: University of Colorado

Research/Clinical Interests: I love electrolytes (especially hyponatremia), acid/base, AKI, CKD, and dialysis so... All of it! I'm also particularly interested in basic science research.

Hobbies: wildlife/bird photography, cooking, traveling, and kitty cats - I have three cats with more room to love (in my heart but not at home). Also, I am an avid not-skier, not-snowboarder, and I don't follow sports! 

Why did you choose the University of Colorado?

The faculty, no doubt! The faculty is full of supportive, kind-hearted people. I met the renal faculty as early as when I interviewed for residency, and they have supported me throughout the years without fail. They are so approachable and engaging and truly have the best interests of the learners at heart (medical students, residents, and fellows alike). Also, we're so lucky to rotate through three different hospitals - an academic hospital (UCH), our county and safety-net hospital (Denver Health), and the VA. What's not to love about CU?