Luiz Souza-Filho, M.D.

What is your favorite place to visit/thing(s) to do in/memory from living in LA? If you have never lived here before, what are you most excited about?

It’s hard to choose, but I’m most excited about LA’s natural beauty. Mountains, valleys, beaches, sunsets. Coming from New York, I knew I needed all the culture, food, art, activities of a big city, but I craved outdoor activities that were not available to me in New York. In LA, on a day off I can go to the beach, go for a bike ride, hike, or even ski. Whatever you’re in to, LA has it. It’s an incredible city that ensures you have a wonderful work/life balance during residency.

Are you involved in any research or national EM committees etc? If so, what?

During medical school I was lucky to be involved in research on concussion in athletes at NYU’s concussion center. It’s a topic we still know little about, and one in which new knowledge can profoundly impact the safety of athletes at all skill levels.

Is there any other info you'd like to share with applicants?

There are so many great programs out there, so pick one where you really see yourself being happy, and one where the people currently there ARE happy. For me this made UCLA an easy choice.