Brandon Fennell, MD MSci

# CV

# Education

University of California, San Francisco, Internal Medicine Residency · 6/2023 – present
Categorical Tract
Health Professions Education Pathway
Clinical Informatics, Data Science, and AI Pathway

University of California, Davis School of Medicine, M.D. Candidate · 8/2019 – 5/2023
Gold Humanism Honor Society

Stanford University, M.S. Chemistry · 8/2011 – 12/2013
National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow

Whitman College, B.A. Honors Chemistry · 8/2007 – 5/2011
Summa Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa

# Professional Society Membership

  • American College of Physicians
  • American Medical Informatics Association

# Research Experience

Analyst/Informatician in the Rashidi Group, UC Davis/Cleveland Clinic/UCSF/University of Pittsburgh · 1/2020 – present Developed a review app for the HematologyOutlines.com Atlas (opens new window) (see publications). Summer 2020 research focused on learning the foundations of machine learning through the development of a supervised binary classifier for the detection of breast cancer in parameterized pathology slides (see posters). Recorded poster presentation (opens new window). Continued to work on additional novel research studies and review articles in the area of generative AI (see publications).

Graduate Research Assistant in the Wender Group, Stanford University · 8/2011 – 12/2013
Funded by NSF Graduate Research Fellowship. Synthesized diacylglycerol-inspired scaffolds to modulate protein kinase C, showing nanomolar binding affinity and activity in real-time GFP-based translocation assay. Also employed ynol ethers as ketene equivalents in novel rhodium-catalyzed [5+2] cycloadditions to access functionalized 1,4-cycloheptadiene (see publication list). Extended the reactivity to [4+2] reaction to access Birch Reduction products.

Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Götz Group, Whitman College · 5/2009 – 8/2011
Funded by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. Synthesized a library of peptide-based inhibitors targeting Trypanosoma cruzi (see publication list). Synthesized alkynyl-based ligands for applications with quantum dots (see publication list). Mentored younger students in organic laboratory techniques.

Undergraduate Research Assistant in the Calhoun Group, Whitman College · 1/2009 – 5/2009
Developed a triboelectric collagen extraction method from an industrial waste stream. Achieved >99.5% purity in the crude separation, determined using TGA and FT-IR analysis

# Development, Data Science, and Informatics Experience

Machine Learning and Software Developer, Machine Intelligence Learning Optimization (MILO) · 7/2021 – present
MILO-ML (opens new window) is an automated machine learning platform for rapid development of binary classification models, specializing in small clinical datasets. Role focuses on developing data pre-processing and post-processing pipelines, including data segmentation tools, multicollinearity assessment, feature selection, and imputation of incomplete data sets. The tool functionality and detail are published in the user guide: User Guide (opens new window)

Product Manager, IXL Learning· 9/2015 – 6/2018
IXL (opens new window) is a K-12 Learning Platform used by 1 in 5 US students. Led Teacher Experience Team to define, design, and develop new product directions focused on tools to support our more than 400,000 teachers. Worked directly with the Head of Product and CEO. Interfaced with sales/marketing, content, design, and engineering to transform ideas to deliverables. Developed and deployed multiple approaches for user behavior analysis.

Product Manager & Data Team Lead, Piazza · 2/2014 – 7/2015
Piazza (opens new window) is an online question & answer platform for university students and professors with an associated internship and career opportunities tool which enables STEM students to connect with industry. Defined the product road map and drove features from concept to release. Oversaw fidelity of platform data and managed data QA team. Served as Account Manager for key accounts, including SpaceX, Microsoft, and other Fortune 500 companies. Analyzed product activity to understand user behavior.

# Publications, and Communications

# Publications

Rashidi, H. H., Pantanowitz, J., Hanna, M., Tafti, A. P., Sanghani, P., Buchinsky, A., Fennell, B., Deebajah, M., Wheeler, S., Pearce, T., Abukhiran, I., Robertson, S., Palmer, O., Gur, M., Tran, N. K., and Pantanowitz, L. "Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in Pathology & Medicine: Generative & Non-Generative AI Basics." Review of Modern Pathology, January 2, 2025, 100688. Read (opens new window)

Rashidi, H. H., Pantanowitz, J., Chamanzar, A., Fennell, B., Wang, Y., Gullapalli, R. R., Tafti, A., Deebajah, M., Albahra, S., Glassy, E., Hanna, M., and Pantanowitz, L. "Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Pathology and Medicine: A Deeper Dive." Review of Modern Pathology, December 15, 2024, 100687. Read (opens new window)

Rashidi, H. H., Ikram, A., Dang, L. T., Bashir, A., Zohra, T., Ali, A., Tanvir, H., Mudassar, M., Ravindran, R., Akhtar, N., Sikandar, R. I., Umer, M., Akhter, N., Butt, R., Fennell, B. D., and Khan, I. H. "Comparing Machine Learning Screening Approaches Using Clinical Data and Cytokine Profiles for COVID-19 in Resource-Limited and Resource-Abundant Settings." Scientific Reports, June 28, 2024, 14(1):14892. Read (opens new window)

Rashidi, H. H., Fennell, B. D., Albahra A., Hu B., and Gorbett, T. "The ChatGPT Conundrum: Human-Generated Scientific Manuscripts Misidentified as AI Creations by AI Text Detection Tool." Journal of Pathology Informatics, October 17, 2023, 100342. Read (opens new window)

Wender, P. A., Ebner, C., Fennell, B. D., Inagaki, F., Schröder, B. Ynol Ethers as Ketene Equivalents in Rhodium-Catalyzed Intermolecular [5 + 2] Cycloaddition Reactions. Org. Lett. 2017, 19 (21), 5810–5813. Read (opens new window)

Götz, M. G., Takeuchi, H., Goldfogel, M. J., Warren, J. M., Fennell, B. D., Heyes, C. D. Visible-Light Photocatalyzed Cross-Linking of Diacetylene Ligands by Quantum Dots to Improve Their Aqueous Colloidal Stability. J Phys Chem B 2014, 118 (49), 14103–14109. Read (opens new window)

Fennell, B. D., Warren, J. M., Chung, K. K., Main, H. L., Arend, A. B., Tochowicz, A., Götz, M. G. Optimization of Peptidyl Allyl Sulfones as Clan CA Cysteine Protease Inhibitors. Journal of Enzyme Inhibition and Medicinal Chemistry 2013, 28 (3), 468–478. Read (opens new window)

# Apps

PanVA (opens new window). Fennell, B.D. Sept 2021 - present
A complex tool for managing clinical resources, research queries, and clinical responsibilities with integrated large language models to enhance the workflow.

Casez (opens new window). Fennell, B.D. iOS App Store. March 2023 - present.
A medical case presentation and teaching tool targeting case-based learning.

Omentum Online Learning Platform (opens new window). Fennell, B.D. iOS App Store. Sept 2020 - June 2023.
A spaced repetition learning platform for Medical Knowledge, officially adopted by UC Davis School of Medicine

Hematology Outlines Flash Card Review (opens new window). Rashidi, H.H., Fennell, B.D., Nguyen, J.C. Sept 2020.
A flash card review tool for Hematology Topics from Hematology Outlines.com

# Presentations

Fennell, B. D. "Exploring LLMs in Clinical Care and Education". Advanced Technologies in Simulation Education Symposium 2024. April 5th, 2024.

Fennell, B. D. Education Scholarship Conference (ESCape): AI in Education: Exploring Large Language Models (LLMs) in Clinical Care and Education. March 5th, 2024.

Fennell, B. D. "Use of LLMs in Daily Clinical Practice". UCSF Department of Medicine Leadership Retreat. Jan 26, 2024.

Fennell, B. D., Chatlos, T., and Xiong, G. "A case of leg weakness and paresthesia". UC Davis Department of Neurology Neuromuscular Conference. Dec 17, 2021.

Fennell, B. D., Warren, J. M. Search for the Cure: Designing New Enzyme Inhibitors. Whitman Undergraduate Conference, Walla Walla, WA, Apr 12, 2011.

Fennell, B. D. Optimization of Peptidyl Allyl Sulfones as Clan CA Cysteine Protease Inhibitors. 18th Regional Conference on Undergraduate Research of the Murdock College Science Research Program, Spokane, WA, Oct 29–31, 2009.

# Posters and Exhibits

Fennell, B.D. "Applications of AI in Residents' Clinical Education". AI in Education Conference at UCSF 2025.

Fennell, B.D. and Goupil, J. M. "Casez - An Interactive Integrated Case-Based Learning Tool". ATPXo (2024 Academic Technology Expo at UCSF) IdeaLabs 2024.

Fennell B.D, Rashidi, H.. Foundations of Supervised Machine Learning in Clinical Predictions Research Medical Student Research Poster Day at UC Davis School of Medicine March 2, 2021.

Ebner, C., Jeffreys, M., Fennell, B. F. New Reactions and Step Economy: Metal Catalyzed Cycloadditions for the Synthesis of Therapeutic Leads and Synthetic Building Blocks. Johnson Symposium, Stanford, CA, Oct 4, 2013.

Fennell, B. D., Main, H. L. Parasites, HIV, and Cancer: Designing New Enzyme Inhibitors. Whitman Undergraduate Conference, Walla Walla, WA, Apr 6, 2010.

Chung, K. K., Fennell, B. D. Optimization of Peptidyl Allyl Sulfones as Clan CA Cysteine Protease Inhibitors. 239th ACS National Meeting, San Francisco, CA, March 21–25, 2010.

# Teaching and Educational Experience

Health Professions Educator Pathway · 7/2024 – present
Gained foundational training in the skills for clinical education of medical students and residents participating in both longitudinal and immersive didactics and coaching sessions to enhance my teaching clinical teaching. Ongoing pathway/training.

Founder and Lead Developer of Omentum · 8/2019 – present
Designed and coded Omentum (opens new window), a spaced-repetition learning platform and associated iOS app (opens new window). Originally developed as a personal study tool that became popular with the class and was officially adopted by UC Davis School of Medicine for Histology. A variety of other content is also available. Used by more than 90% of UC Davis SOM Classes of 2023-2026. Over 990,000 flashcards cumulatively practiced by over 800 medical students/residents. The platform is provided free of charge.

Doctoring 4 Facilitator, UC Davis · 7/2022 – 5/2023
Volunteer as facilitator and mentor for eight MS2s with didactic sessions on history taking, physical exam, and clinical reasoning. Participate in biweekly didactics aimed at enhancing skills as medical educators. Our capstone project is an interactive case-based learning platform called Casez (opens new window).

EMT Course Evaluator and Guest Instructor · 7/2017 – 12/2018
Completed EMT course in 2017 and continued as a volunteer instructor for EMT skills and pathophysiology concepts. Also served as skill evaluator for skill certification.

Graduate Teaching Assistant, Stanford University · 9/2011 – 6/2013
Delivered traditional lectures, office hours, small group reviews, and organic lab sessions. Supported professors in teaching advanced organic chemistry lectures. Served as head TA for one quarter, managing a team of 11 TAs and all course logistics for 300+ enrolled undergraduates.

Lab Assistant and Chemistry Tutor, Whitman College · 8/2008 – 5/2011
Supervised chemistry lab students and aided in pre-lab instruction. Handled pre-lab preparation. Tutored students in general, organic, physical, and quantitative chemistry courses in both individual and group settings.

# Institutional Service

Medical School Admissions Committee, UC Davis · 7/2022 – 5/2023
After completing my first three years of medical school training, I better appreciate the qualities necessary to uphold my institution's ideals and identify emerging talent in medicine. As an MS4, I have the privilege of serving on the UCDSOM Screening Committee. My role is to evaluate the initial applicant pool, provided in aliquots, requiring timely review and detailed comments.

Wellness Committee, UC Davis · 1/2020 – 5/2023
Organized both web-based and in-person activities to support mental/physical health throughout the pandemic. Advocated for the mental health needs of the class through regular meetings with school administration.

Clinic Manager and Co-Director, Bayanihan Clinic · 12/2019 – 1/2021
Coordinated scheduling and operations of medical student staff of twelve and worked closely with undergraduate leadership to maintain smooth clinic operations, including a rapid transition to telehealth services over two weeks in March-April 2020. Attended clinic every 2-3 weeks to provide patient care in primary care and psychiatry clinics. On call for all clinic emergencies and urgent questions. Delivered regular teaching sessions to undergraduates on medical topics. Example (opens new window)

# Honors and Awards

  • The Doctoring Award, UC Davis SOM · May 2023
    For exceptional leadership in education, curriculum, assessment, professionalism, and humanism in the development of tomorrow's doctors
  • Ernest M. Gold Award for Excellence in Internal Medicine, UC Davis SOM · May 2023
  • Kenneth W. & Phyllis J. Snow Endowed Award in Medicine, UC Davis SOM · May 2023
  • Dept of Cell Biology & Human Anatomy Barry F. King Memorial Award, UC Davis SOM · May 2023
  • Gold Humanism Honor Society Member, UC Davis SOM · April 2022
  • Clerkship Honors, UC Davis SOM · May 2021 – present
    Surgery, Pediatrics, Family Medicine, OBGyn, Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, IM Acting Internship, Dermatology, Radiology, Nephrology, Emergency Medicine, Rheumatology, Medical ICU, and Cardiology
  • Pre-Clerkship Letters of Distinction, UC Davis SOM · June 2020 – Feb 2021
    Nephrology, Neurology, Cardiology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Musculoskeletal, Neuroanatomy, Psychiatry, Systemic Pathology
  • Thomas Depner Award for Excellence in Nephrology, UC Davis SOM · Feb 2021
  • Louise M. Wong, MD Endowed Memorial Scholarship, UC Davis SOM · Feb 2021
  • Co-Director of the Year, Bayanihan Clinic · May 2020
  • William Eric Johnson Endowed Scholarship, UC Davis SOM · January 2020
  • ICARE Award, University of San Francisco EMT Program · May 2017
    Peer nominated award for Integrity, Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Empathy in EMS field.
  • National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship · March 2013
  • Thermo Fisher Scientific Antibody Scholarship Award · January 2013
  • Merck Index Award in Chemistry · May 2011
  • Whitman College Outstanding Student Researcher · May 2011