First Year Fellows:
Clay Carter, MD
Medical School: UCSF
Residency: University of New Mexico
Why infectious disease? Unlike other medical specialties, the diseases we treat are caused by living microorganisms that are complex and remarkable in and of themselves. These viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites are constantly evolving new ways to colonize the human body, exploit features of human society, and of course, resist our treatments. The work of an ID doctor is as dynamic and compelling as the microbes we fight, not to mention the diverse patient’s we treat and the complex social issues we strive to overcome.
Why USC/LA General? I grew up in Southern California, and I want to spend my career helping the people here. Plus, as one of the nation's busiest public safety-net hospitals, LA General offers one-of-a-kind training and exposes its doctors to the full breadth of ID pathology, a diverse patient population, and the complexities of implementing public health policy in a major city.
Liam John, MD
Medical School: University of Vermont
Residency: Maine Medical Center
I grew up and trained in predominantly white, rural communities in Vermont and Maine. As I pursue a career in Infectious Disease, I seek broader exposure to patients from diverse socioeconomic, racial, geographic, and occupational backgrounds, along with strong mentorship in health systems and microbiology diagnostics. For these reasons, Los Angeles General + USC is a natural fit. I look forward to learning from new patients, collaborating with county health officials, and gaining experience in the microbiology laboratory—while exploring the canyons of Malibu by bike and the Sierra on skis.
Tiffany Khaw, MD
Medical School: Wayne State University
Residency: University of Southern California/Los Angeles General
I was drawn to USC/LA General because of the remarkable diversity of cases we see, ranging from endemic infections to globally acquired illnesses that reflect the city’s vibrant, multicultural population. Having completed my residency here, I’ve come to appreciate how truly unparalleled this clinical environment is, along with USC’s strong culture of mentorship and deep commitment to health equity. I am excited to continue advocating for underserved communities and feel empowered by the program’s mission-driven approach to make an impact at both the individual and population levels. The emphasis on multidisciplinary teamwork, especially in the context of the unique socioeconomic challenges faced by our patients, resonates deeply with me, and I am thrilled to begin my Infectious Diseases training here. Outside of medicine, I love to knit and crochet, watch horror movies, and explore the SGV’s incredible food scene!
Second Year Fellows:
Sarah Grant, DO
Medical School: A.T. Still University
Residency: East Alabama Medical Center
I’ve long been passionate about advancing health equity, with a particular focus on serving underserved populations. My commitment to infectious diseases stems from the belief that equitable access to care is essential for improving outcomes across diverse communities.
I chose to pursue infectious disease training at USC because of its strong academic environment, its mission to serve vulnerable populations, and the opportunity to care for immunocompromised patients, including transplant recipients. I’m eager to grow in a setting that combines clinical complexity with meaningful community impact. Outside of medicine, I look forward to exploring Los Angeles’s vibrant food and art scenes and reconnecting with the dynamic culture of the West Coast.
Matthew Palm, DO
Medical School: Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Advocate Lutheran General Hospital
I chose a career in infectious disease because of the fascinating and diverse pathology it offers, as well as the opportunity to work with every organ system. I am also drawn to the social aspects of infectious disease, which often involve working closely with diverse and underserved populations. I chose USC/LA General because it serves this very patient population. This fellowship program offers the unique opportunity to work at both a safety-net hospital and an academic medical center. I am originally from the Minneapolis area and completed my medical school and residency training in Chicago. I am excited to explore everything LA has to offer, including the local food and nature. I am also looking forward to some warmer weather!
Paloma Reta-Impey, MD
Medical School: Wright State University
Residency: Case Western Reserve University
I chose ID because of my appreciation for complex cases that require a thorough history, and often times, some serious detective work. ID also provides the variety and flexibility to work in multiple practice environments (clinic, ICU, inpatient wards) with plenty of opportunity for multidisciplinary collaboration with other specialists. I am excited to work at LA General Medical Center for the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population and to help those in a largely underserved community. I am originally from California but have been living in Ohio for the past 12 years. I am excited to be relocating to LA to be closer to family and better weather. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, camping, kayaking, gardening, and making jewelry and can’t wait to see what LA has to offer!