Current Renal Fellows
Ali Ahmadzadeh, DO
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Why did you choose the University of Colorado?
Andrew Chandler, DO
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Medical School: Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine New York
Residency: Lenox Hill Hospital
Research/Clinical Interests: Medical Education & General Nephrology
Hobbies: Watching sports, running, and exploring parks with my 2-year-old daughter.
Why did you choose the University of Colorado? Fellowship is a relatively short period of time. I wanted to train somewhere with diversity in patients and pathology without sacrificing my ability to be a father. I felt the University of Colorado had the perfect balance of rigorous academic training while maintaining work-life balance. It also helped that this program is in the same city as my beloved Denver Broncos!
Will Kivlin, DO
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Why did you choose the University of Colorado?
Rithvik Nallapareddy, MD
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Hinal Rathi, DO
Hometown: Littleton, Colorado (Originally from Rajasthan, India)
Medical School: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: University of Alabama
Research/Clinical Interests: Glomerulonephritis, Hypertension, Home Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, Health Disparities, Medical Education, still exploring specific interests within Nephrology
Hobbies: Watching Netflix shows/movies, spending time with family, exploring new restaurants and unique vegetarian food options, shopping, travelling to NYC (best city in the world)
Why did you choose the University of Colorado? Choosing to train here felt like the natural next step in my journey. Colorado is home and what drew me most to the program was its balance of exceptional clinical training, strong mentorship, and a supportive environment. This program not only prioritizes fellow wellbeing but also making sure each fellow learns the ins and outs of renal medicine. Working at three different hospitals provides a comprehensive view of different patient populations which helps in becoming a well – rounded and successful nephrologist. I am very happy to be back home and training under faculty here that are world famous and pioneers in nephrology.
Sophie Sugar, MD
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
Medical School: University of Colorado
Residency: University of Colorado
Research/Clinical Interests: Overlap of substance use disorders and renal disease, quality improvement, health disparities, medical education
Hobbies: Hiking, skiing, floral arranging, walking my dog, watching sports and collecting memorabilia
Why did you choose the University of Colorado? During my residency here, I had the opportunity to work alongside outstanding faculty and fellows who were deeply committed to patient care, education, and advancing the field of nephrology. I was drawn not only to the program's strong clinical and academic training, but also to the collaborative and supportive culture within the division. The mentorship, sense of community, and enthusiasm of the people here made it an easy decision to stay for fellowship!
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.
Austin Graham, MD - Chief Fellow
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!
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.
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.
Deepon Sarkar, MD - Chief Food
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.
Renal Diseases and Hypertension
CU Anschutz
Research Complex II
12700 East 19th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
303.724.4852
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