Meet the Fellows

Krystal Jin, MD

Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Residency Program: Valley Children's Healthcare

Research: As medical technology evolves, there has been a notable rise in technology-dependent children, many of whom require tracheostomies and home ventilators. While these interventions are crucial and often life-preserving, they also carry inherent risks. One of the most prevalent risks associated with tracheostomies and home ventilators is bacterial acute respiratory infections (bARIs) requiring hospitalization. Despite how common bARIs are in this population, clear guidelines for the duration of antibiotics remain undefined, often leading to unnecessarily prolonged antibiotic courses in children. Utilizing data obtained from six major children’s hospitals nationwide, my research project involves looking at the comparative effectiveness of short versus long courses of antibiotics in this population and assess whether the duration affects hospital re-admissions. The findings will inform interventions to improve management of bARIs in this vulnerable population, potentially leading to reduced unnecessary antibiotic exposure.

Prior Experience: My interest in pediatric pulmonology started during my intern year as I was taking care of complex patients with cystic fibrosis and interstitial lung disease. As I progressed through my training and continued to learn about various respiratory diseases-- such as complex asthma, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and chronic lung disease-- I realized my passion to become a pediatric pulmonologist. The aspect I love most about pulmonary medicine is the ability to take the basic science knowledge I learned throughout medical school and apply it directly into clinical practice. I am very excited that I will be working with the Stanford Children’s pediatric pulmonary team and learn from a very hard working group of people who are dedicated to the world of pediatric pulmonology.

My hobbies include spending time with my family, hiking with my adorable dog Bruce, and watching Netflix!

Spoorthi Davala, MD

Medical School: Boston University
Residency Program: UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland

Mentor: Erik Jensen, MD, MSCE
Research: Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) is a chronic neonatal lung disease that affects many preterm infants, resulting in long-term respiratory, neurodevelopmental, and growth complications, as well as increased healthcare utilization and costs. Despite advancements in neonatal care, there are limited evidence-based therapies to treat this disease. Dornase alfa is a therapeutic often used in infants with BPD despite a lack of evidence on its safety and efficacy. My research aims to characterize the clinical effects of dornase alfa in infants with BPD through both clinical and translational studies, enhancing our understanding of its potential risks and benefits.

Prior Experience: I was born and raised in the South Bay Area and ventured out to Boston University for both undergrad and medical school. I was fortunate enough to come back to the west coast for my pediatrics residency at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland. During residency, I found myself drawn to pulmonary medicine because of the wide range of acuity and pathophysiology it encompasses. Additionally, I am passionate about caring and advocating for children with complex respiratory illnesses in both the acute and non-acute care settings. 

Outside of work I love oil painting, gardening, baking, being outdoors, hiking and spending time with family and friends!

Daniel Nachreiner, MD

Medical School: University of Massachusetts T.H. Chan SOM
Residency Program: Children's Hospital of Philadelphia

Research: Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure performed in children to establish a secure airway for a variety of indications, including ventilator dependence, congenital or acquired airway obstruction, neurological conditions, and medical management for other issues. Regardless of the primary cause of chronic ventilation, children with tracheostomies are medically complex with significant morbidity and mortality. Comprehensive research is urgently needed to define the heterogeneous landscape of the non-medical needs for children with tracheostomy to develop actionable solutions to reduce length of stay (LOS0 disparities and ensure equitable cost-effective and high-quality care. To address the knowledge gap, my research is a population-based retrospective cohort study that will utilize existing data to investigate pediatric patients with a tracheostomy and their respiratory outcomes as well as factors leading to their LOS including the patient’s social and clinical factors.

Prior Experience: My passion for pulmonology started when I was doing research at Boston Children’s Hospital and making a de-escalation pathway off of continuous albuterol for patients presenting with asthma exacerbations. My favorite part of pulmonology is that it provides continuity of care, complex physiology and a mix of procedures and clinical care. My favorite part of my pulmonology training so far is applying complex physiology to clinical care.

My hobbies include running, playing tennis, hiking, and enjoying the beautiful weather.

Amrita Sunkad, MBBS

Medical School: Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences – India
Residency Program: Newark Beth Israel Medical Center

Born in a small coastal town of South India, I finished my medical education back home. The advancement in evidence-based medicine brought me to the east coast of the United States for my residency. I grew interested in Pulmonology for the wide pathology ranging from foreign body and asthma to the respiratory care in patients with chronic disease. The most fascinating aspect of pulmonology is how the remarkable development of the lungs throughout the first ten years of life affects the respiratory health.

In my free time, I enjoy painting, hiking and spending time with my family and friends.

Kathleen Mackin, MD


Medical School: University of Southern California
Residency Program: Stanford University

I was born and raised in Cleveland Ohio and went to Tufts for undergrad. I moved to the West Coast for medical school at the University of Southern California and then completed pediatrics residency at Stanford. My interest in pulmonology started in residency, where I loved rotating on the Yellow team,  learning about respiratory physiology, and getting to know our amazing patients and families. I’m so excited to be staying at Stanford for pulmonology fellowship!  In my free time I enjoy exploring national parks, yoga, hiking, and baking.