Karen Resnick, MD (She/Her)

Hometown: Cerritos, CA
Undergraduate: Rice University
Medical School: Baylor College of Medicine
Future Plans: Hematology and Oncology
Hobbies:  Painting, Exploring coffee shops, Movie nights with friends

Bio: I am originally grew up in the SoCal area before moving to Houston, Texas for college and medical school. I studied Asian Studies at Rice University and subsequently entered Baylor College of Medicine as part of the Rice/Baylor Combined Medical Scholars program. During that time, you might have caught me walking around campus as a tour guide or coloring the sidewalks for the Via Colori festival. I feel fortunate to have joined the USC community which has trained and shaped me as a physician. Along the way, I’ve had the support of my incredible co-residents and mentors. I am excited to share that experience with future classes and serve as the Chief Resident of Recruitment!

One Day in LA: Every good day in LA starts with brunch, so would head to Manuela in the Arts District for the fresh eats and the indoor art gallery. From there I’d go to see the newest exhibits at any of our many museums including the LACMA, the MOCA or the Broad. Afterwards, can spend the afternoon hiking and walking around Griffith Park ending at the Griffith Observatory by sunset to see the city light up at night. You can never go wrong with late-night tacos from any of the many food trucks around the city.

Audrey Chai, MD (She/Her)

Hometown: Pasadena, CA
Undergraduate: University of Southern California
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Future Plans: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Hobbies: Running, spinning, Peloton strength classes, beach days, trying new restaurants, wine nights with friends

Bio: I was born and raised in Pasadena, CA. I attended high school at Polytechnic School and then migrated a few miles over to USC for college, where I have remained ever since. I graduated with a BA in Psychology in 2016 and completed medical school at the Keck School of Medicine of USC in 2020. I enjoyed my time at USC so much that I made the decision to stay here for residency. Beyond the incredible clinical training this program offers, I am most grateful for the group of lifelong mentors, colleagues, and friends that I have gained across all departments, divisions, and specialties. The USC family is truly an honor to be a part of, and I am grateful to be in the position to serve our surrounding Los Angeles community. I look forward to serving as the Chief Resident of Medical Education this year and working with all of our housestaff and faculty.

One Day in LA: Oh my gosh so many things to fit in. Wake up, start the day with something active (run around Lacy Park or the Rose Bowl, take a Yoga Sculpt class at a nearby CorePower Yoga). Get breakfast tacos at HomeState or brunch at Home Restaurant. Head to Santa Monica for a day at the beach and shopping around the Third Street Promenade. Lunch options there are endless… Make sure to stop by Sidecar doughnuts and Philz coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up. Head to the Huntington Gardens, Descanso Gardens, or the Arboretum for the rest of the afternoon. Then spend the evening in Old Town Pasadena: enjoy dinner (Café Santorini, Craft by Smoke & Fire, Gale’s, Agnes, Malbec or Osawa are some of my favorites), have dessert at The Pie Hole or Salt and Straw, and end with a movie at iPic theater or a drink at the Speakeasy.

Justin Choi, MD (He/Him)

Hometown: Yorba Linda, CA
Undergraduate: UCLA
Medical School: Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
Future Plans: Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine / Sleep Medicine
Hobbies: Basketball, Bouldering, Technology, Drumming/Music, Traveling

Bio: I was born in Seoul, South Korea and moved to New Jersey when I was 8 months old. I spent 6 years there before I moved to Lake Zurich, IL where I spent another 8 years. I moved to Yorba Linda, CA for high school then stayed in Southern California for my undergraduate years at UCLA. I returned to Illinois to attend medical school at Northwestern University and was thrilled to be able to come back to Southern California for my IM training at USC! I’ve absolutely loved the people, experiences, and training I’ve had here and am honored to be able to give back to the program as Chief Resident of Scheduling.

One Day in LA: My perfect day would start with playing some basketball at Angels Gate Park (amazing views of the ocean) followed by lunch at Tsujita (best ramen ever). Then I’d spend some time exploring the beautiful art and architecture of the Getty Museum. I’d head to downtown LA afterwards to get dinner from the amazing food vendors at Grand Central Market. I’d finish the night by heading to any of the incredible concert venues in Los Angeles to see my favorite bands.