Columnists
Kelly Erickson, MD 2010, graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular and Cell Biology and is currently completing her fourth year at the Keck School of Medicine at USC. As an undergraduate and medical student, Kelly has always had an interest in both basic science and clinical research, particularly in the field of oncology. She has worked on a number of publications in the field of radiation oncology, her field of interest, in the areas of lung and breast cancer. She enjoys translating her understanding of the often-perplexing world of research and statistics into accessible information for our readers.
Despite her medical school schedule, Kelly is avidly committed to exercise including kick-boxing, running, weight-lifting and cycling. She enjoys discovering new methods of exercise that are both challenging and fun. Kelly is also a food-lover and often spends her free time in the kitchen, garden and at the local farmers market. She is particularly interested in the use of fresh and seasonal ingredients and transforming traditionally unhealthy recipes into meals that are sensible and nutritious.
Contact Kelly: erickson@myhousecallmd.com
Leah Frankel, MS, RD, is currently working at multiple Skilled Nursing Facilities in both the Los Angeles and Orange County as a Registered Dietitian, assessing the medical nutrition needs of the residents, participating in interdisciplinary team meetings, and ensuring the kitchen is in compliance with state standards. Leah earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles, graduating Cum Laude and with Departmental Honors. While at UCLA she was an active member of her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta, and served as Membership Vice President. As a result of her love of health, fitness and science she decided to pursue a career in nutrition and began working as a volunteer at UCLA’s Center for Human Nutrition.
After graduating from UCLA, she pursued a Master’s of Science in Nutritional Science at the University of Arizona. During her 2 years at the University of Arizona Leah worked as a Teaching Assistant, teaching several undergraduate nutrition classes, conducted research in a Nutrition Assessment Lab, and completed a thesis entitled,” Relationships between nutrient intakes and bone mineral density in healthy postmenopausal women in year 6 of the Bone, Estrogen and Strength Training (BEST) study.” After graduating with a Master’s in Nutrition, Leah completed a dietetic internship at USC + LAC Medical Center.
In her free time Leah enjoys staying active by running outdoors, lifting weights and taking fitness classes at the gym. She recently completed her second half marathon. When she’s not working out, she enjoys baking and making healthy vegetarian meals.
Contact Leah: frankel@myhousecallmd.com
Jessica Goldman, RN 2011, is currently acquiring her Bachelors of Science in Nursing at the University of California San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus. She is currently in her OB/GYN rotation at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, California so stay tuned for the latest news from the labor and delivery wards straight from our nurse on the ground. Jessica spent two years studying at the University of Arizona in Tucson. While in Arizona, Jessica worked at the Women’s Health Clinic and was an active member of her sorority, Gamma Phi Beta. In high school, Jessica was a regionally recognized sprinter, specializing in the 100m, 200m, 4 x 100m, and 400m races. She set a number of school records during her time as part of the Track & Field team at Palm Desert High School.
In her spare time, Jessica enjoys exercising including running, spinning, hiking, lifting weights, and plyometrics. She is also very knowledgeable regarding nutrition and enjoys cooking (she is known for her lactose-free meals as well as meals that are low in cholesterol like many of us need). Jessica will be bringing the latest in fitness and health-conscious culinary arts to you each week.
Sarah Gilman-Short, MD 2010, a lover of the literary arts, has always been fascinated by the humanistic side of medicine. In her past life, she studied Comparative Literature at UC Berkeley, and her days were spent reading Dante and Shakespeare, perfecting her yoga poses, and eating great quantities of Korean food. Currently she is a fourth-year medical student at USC, and she has been tirelessly working toward two goals: to get into a good Family Medicine Residency program, and to be able to run a half marathon in December. She’s not exactly sure what the future holds for her yet, but she’s imagining that there will be international travel, plenty of reading (and hopefully writing!) of books, and, of course, the prevention and treatment of disease in her patients.
Tania Houspian, PharmD 2011, is currently in her third year of pharmacy school at the University of Southern California. She graduated from UCLA in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. Having spent 4 years as a Bruin and now living in the world of the Trojans, she prefers the politically correct term “Brojan.” While she does prefer one school over the other, she chooses to keep that preference to herself. In her free time she loves to read, watch movies, go hiking, and laugh. In the future she hopes to use her PharmD in a clinical setting to ensure excellent patient outcomes and proper medication use. She sees herself working one-on-one with patients in an ambulatory care setting to help them control and overcome their ailments.
Contact Tania: houspian@myhousecallmd.com
G. John Mullen, DPT 2011, graduated from Purdue University in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Health Science and a certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation. He is currently completing his 2nd year at USC’s Doctoral of Physical Therapy program. At Purdue University, John swam collegiately earning Academic All-Big Ten honors. In 2008, John was also awarded first place in the Burton D. Morgan business plan competition at Purdue University. John currently coaches a Master’s swim team in Los Angeles, privately trains swimmers and triathletes, and works at the Clinical Exercise Research Center at USC where he pursues his interest in the effects of resistance training in aging men and exercise in high-risk diabetic children.
In his free time, John enjoys swimming, weight lifting, reading non-fiction books, spending time with family and attending hip-hop concerts.
John also writes an outstanding Swimming Blog for the swimmers in the room.
Contact John: mullen@myhousecallmd.com
