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Welcome first year fellows Carvalho, Jones, Klaassen and Usala

On July 1, we welcomed our first year Endocrinology, Metabolism & Lipid Research fellows! We’re beyond excited to have them join us. Learn a little about each of them below.

Carvalho

I was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio before moving to Akron, Ohio for college at the University of Akron. I completed medical school at Northeast Ohio Medical University and my Internal Medicine residency at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. While I am extremely thankful for my time in Northeast Ohio, I am excited to move to St. Louis to start my fellowship training in Endocrinology.

Outside of medicine, I am an avid reader and enjoy spending time with my dog Boba and friends and family.

Alyssa Carvalho, MD
Jones

My name is Kai Jones and I am originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma. My parents were both actively involved in community work so I developed a desire to work with historically marginalized populations. I am a Wash U Lifer having completed undergraduate, medical school, and residency at WashU. I was interested in Endocrinology during medical school and got involved with research during my summers with Dr. Herrick. I am currently working in the Bernal Mizrachi lab on a project assessing subclinical markers of cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes and vitamin D deficiency receiving vitamin D supplementation.

During residency, I was also involved in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion House staff Council where I worked with other residents to start a monthly lectureship series for minority faculty to share their wisdom with trainees.

Outside of the hospital, I enjoy using my Peloton, binging Netflix, podcasts, and golf. I am excited to join the Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism.

Kai Jones, MD
Klaassen

I was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico were I completed my undergraduate and medical education at the University of Puerto Rico. My husband and I then relocated to St. Louis for my Internal Medicine Residency at Washington University in St. Louis. We have enjoyed our time here and decided to stay for fellowship.

We enjoy spending time at Forest Park with our small beagle.

Doriann Klaassen, MD
Usala

To the question, ‘where are you from?’ I generally respond, ‘Amarillo, Texas’ (where I lived during the formative period of 10-19 years old) or ‘Alma, Michigan’ (where my Religious Community calls home). I have also lived in Ohio (born in Cleveland), Maryland, the District of Columbia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Oklahoma. After completing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry at Bryn Mawr College outside Philadelphia, I entered the Institute of the Religious Sisters of Alma, Michigan. Eventually, my Religious Community asked me to go to medical school; and I subsequently graduated from Georgetown University Medical school. Since my graduation from internal medicine residency at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in 2020, I have been assigned (being a Sister is a little like being in the military) to Oklahoma and working as a primary care doctor.

My research and clinical interests include adrenal, neuroendocrine, and bone disease; obesity; and female infertility. I am excited to join the Washington University Endocrinology team!

Sister Grace Miriam Usala, MD