Our Fellows
First Year Fellows
Alejandro "Itzam" Marin, MD
Undergrad: Colorado State-Pueblo
Medical School: University of Colorado
Residency: University of Colorado
After a rewarding experience playing professional soccer in Mexico, Itzam pursued higher education at Colorado State University-Pueblo, attending on a soccer scholarship. He went on to complete his medical degree and residency at the University of Colorado. Throughout his training, Itzam embraced leadership opportunities that aligned with his goal of contributing to academic medicine, including serving as the inaugural chief resident and being an active member of the University of Colorado’s curriculum steering committee.
Itzam’s research interests are broad and focuses on three key areas: understanding the complement system in eye conditions, developing innovative medical education curriculums, and addressing healthcare disparities. Itzam is known for his ability to build strong connections with patients and for his dedication to empowering others to achieve their aspirations.
In his free time, Itzam enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, salsa dancing, and staying active through soccer.
Cherilyn Palochak, MD, Capt USAF
Undergrad: University of California - Berkeley
Medical School: Chicago Medical School
Residency: San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium (SAUSHEC)
Dr. Palochak completed her undergraduate degree in Molecular and Cell Biology at Cal. She graduated from Chicago Medical School under a full scholarship sponsored by the United States Air Force and was awarded junior AOA for her academic performance. She then went on to complete her internship at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium and received an Air Force Achievement Medal for her performance as an intern during the COVID-19 pandemic. She subsequently completed her residency training, serving as Chief Resident of the ophthalmology residency in her PGY-4 year, receiving awards for both outstanding resident (Air and Space Commendation Medal) and researcher. During her time as a resident, she was known for her clinical acumen, surgical prowess, and passion for teaching residents. Outside of work, Cherilyn is an avid baker (her sourdough starter is 10 years old), foodie, and singer. She is also a mother to a baby girl and miniature golden doodle, and enjoys spending any free moment with her husband, family and friends over some good food, wine, and (usually freshly baked) dessert.
Prashant Tailor, MD
Undergrad: Georgia Institute of Technology
Medical School: Medical College of Georgia
Residency: Mayo Clinic
Dr. Prashant Tailor completed his undergraduate studies at Georgia Institute of Technology, where he earned a degree in Industrial & Systems Engineering with Highest Honors. He then went on to receive his medical degree from the Medical College of Georgia, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha and the Dean’s Clinical Honor Society. During his ophthalmology residency at the Mayo Clinic, Dr. Tailor was recognized for his research contributions, receiving multiple awards, including the VitreoRetinal Surgery Foundation Research Awards and the Douglas Johnson Resident Research Award. His clinical interests lie in applying artificial intelligence to ophthalmology, particularly in enhancing diagnostics and patient care. Dr. Tailor is excited to join the world-renowned retina faculty at UCLA Stein Eye Institute for his fellowship. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the LA food scene and staying active through hiking and running.
Second Year Fellows
Adrian Au, MD, PhD
Undergrad: University of Southern California
Medical School: Case Western Reserve
Residency: UCLA
Dr. Au was an undergraduate at USC and completed medical school at Case Western Reserve University. During medical school, he was a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cole Eye Institute, where he most notably studied molecular mechanism of photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa. He returned to California, where he completed the UCLA EyeSTAR residency program studying a novel anti-angiogenic biologic independent of anti-VEGF. He is an avid soccer fan, dreams about surfing, and enjoys spending time with his two kids and wife.
Blake Fortes, MD
Undergrad: University of Miami
Medical School: Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine
Residency: Mayo Clinic
Graduating from a dual enrollment program in high school enabled Dr. Fortes to complete his undergraduate degree in chemistry (minor: mathematics) in 2.5 years in his hometown at the University of Miami. He subsequently graduated from medical school at Florida International University in Miami where he was awarded a full-tuition scholarship and was awarded Junior AOA for his academic performance. He then went on to complete his internship and ophthalmology residency training at Mayo Clinic in Minnesota. During his time as a resident, he was known as a prolific researcher with many peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, as well as an excellent teacher, thoughtful clinician, and a skilled, high-volume surgeon. He is excited to work with the incredible retina faculty at UCLA Stein Eye Institute who are experienced with some of the most advanced retinal pathology in the country. Outside of work, Dr. Fortes enjoys spending time with his wife and two dogs, and enjoys outdoor activities like running, and hiking.
Former Fellows
Albert Liao, MD, MS
Undergrad: Princeton University
Medical School: Emory University School of Medicine
Residency: Emory Eye Center
2022-2024
Current Practice: Private Practice: Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston
Jiwei Sheng, MD
Undergrad: University of Maryland, College Park
Medical School: Tufts University School of Medicine
Residency: Baylor College of Medicine/Cullen Eye Institute
2022-2024
Current Practice: Retina Group of Washington
Former Fellows
We look forward to meeting you!
Contact information:
Debbie Sato
Academic Programs Administrator
100 Stein Plaza, Rm 2-132
Los Angeles, CA 90095
(310) 825-4617
Second Year Fellows
Adrian Au, MD., PhD
Undergrad: University of Southern California
Medical School: Case Western Reserve
Residency: UCLA
Dr. Au was an undergraduate at USC and completed medical school at Case Western Reserve University. During medical school, he was a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellow at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation Cole Eye Institute, where he most notably studied molecular mechanism of photoreceptor degeneration in retinitis pigmentosa. He returned to California, where he completed the UCLA EyeSTAR residency program studying a novel anti-angiogenic biologic independent of anti-VEGF. He is an avid soccer fan, dreams about surfing, and enjoys spending time with his two kids and wife.