Current Fellows

Elizaveta Bokova

• What brought you to Children’s National’s fellowship program?

  I was dreaming of going to a US pediatric hospital since I was a medical student. During my rotation in Oxford, one of my supervisors suggested that I look for a research fellowship at Children’s National Hospital. After contacting Dr. Levitt, there was no doubt anymore - I realized that this was the place where I wanted to be!

• What does a typical day look like for you?

  It is difficult to describe a typical day as every day is different. Since January 2022, I have been taking part in multidisciplinary research projects in collaboration with urologists, gynecologists and gastroenterologists. In addition to research, I have an opportunity to observe clinic and OR cases and take part in all team meetings which makes me feel not so distanced from clinical work. 

• Where are you from? What do you miss about home?

  I am originally from Russia. Since I was a teenager, I have traveled a lot but I have to admit that I miss my family a lot. Even being so far, they give me permanent support during my fellowship, filling me with energy.

• What is most exciting to you about this program?

  The opportunity to conduct research in a multidisciplinary center is a fascinating opportunity to learn not only about colorectal diseases but about comorbidities as well. Also, the program allows various options of up-to-date activities such as working on podcasts, participating in international congresses and gaining experience not only in conducting research but in presenting the results of your work as well!

• When your fellowship is over – what do you hope to do?

  I would like to continue working in a multidisciplinary center and contribute to taking care of children from all over the world. I also find the opportunities to collaborate with international pediatric surgeons very important as it allows for providing a high-quality level of care to children.

Shimon Jacobs

• What brought you to Children’s National’s fellowship program?

  I started in Fall 2021 to learn how to treat kids with complex colorectal and pelvic issues at a growing comprehensive center that addresses colorectal, urologic and gynecologic issues. While the surgical anatomy and pathology are fascinating to me, helping children poop and stay clean requires a lot of non-surgical post-operative care from a multidisciplinary team.

• What does a typical day look like for you?

  My variety in my days is an exciting appeal of my program. After rounding on inpatients, three days a week we perform operations ranging from follow-up exams under anesthesia to complex cloacal malformation reconstructions. One day a week is dedicated to in-person and telemedicine clinic appointments with children and their families in the DMV area worldwide. Otherwise, we are spending time conducting and publishing research on our surgical techniques, outcomes or innovations.

• Where are you from? What do you miss about home?

  I was born and raised in Tokyo, Japan. I miss the variety of fresh seafood available around winter--Japanese amberjack, pufferfish, snow and spider crabs, and sea urchin, to name only a handful of delights available this season, not to mention the noodles, hot pots and other wintertime favorites.

• What is most exciting to you about this program?

  The ability to thrive as a surgical trainee, clinician, researcher and member of a collaborative team consisting of excellent nurses, advanced practice providers, administrative staff, urologists, gynecologists and world-renowned surgeons.

• When your fellowship is over – what do you hope to do?

  I will continue my surgical training dedicated to pediatric surgery and spread the good clinical practice obtained here at all locations I may work at during my career.

Laura Tiusaba

• What brought you to Children’s National’s fellowship program?

  Having rotated through Children’s National earlier in my training showed me what a wonderful place it is, and how fortunate I would be to come back. I was thrilled to return to care for its diverse patient population and work with the best in the field. Children’s has the best nurses, techs and overall staff and I knew from day one that the fellowship program would be the perfect fit to continue my training.

• What does a typical day look like for you?

  Early morning rounds with the general surgery team and then get ready for the operating room vs clinic. Those days when things are not too busy I find time to focus on my research. When we are finished with our cases we see our patients and their families one more time before heading home for the night.

• Where are you from? What do you miss about home?

  I was born in Colombia but Washington DC has been home to my family and me for about 10 years. I used to miss Colombian food before moving to the city, but DC has delicious arepas to make me feel right at home.

• What is most exciting to you about this program?

  Definitely working with a team that takes care of children from all around the world. Some children and their families travel great distances to be seen and cared for at our institution and seeing the impact the team makes is incredibly rewarding.