Biography
Dr. Aliaga is currently pursuing a Master of Health Professions Education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, where his thesis aims to establish a framework to help educators implement error-based learning strategies across diverse medical education settings. He collaborates with colleagues across the globe and is building the FERN: the Failure-Enabled Research Network.
Dr. Aliaga brings a unique background to his work, having trained in neurosurgery before transitioning to emergency medicine. That experience shaped how he thinks about expertise and the role of struggle in becoming a truly excellent physician. He also draws from his earlier career in fine arts and photography to shape his approach to teaching, helping learners “see” through the layers of clinical complexity. He’s known for delivering visually rich learning experiences that help residents turn missteps into mastery.
Professional Summary
Education & Certifications
- Fellowship, Stanford Emergency Medicine, Medical Education Scholarship (2023)
- Board Certification: American Board of Emergency Medicine, Emergency Medicine (2022)
- MHPE Candidate, University of Illinois at Chicago, Health Professions Education
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- Residency: UC Davis Emergency Medicine Residency (2021) CA
- Residency, UCLA Neurosurgery Residency (2013 - 2017) CA
- Medical Education: Pritzker School of Medicine University of Chicago Registrar (2013) IL
Honors & Awards
- Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society Induction, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine (2013)
- Best Resident Research Project Award, University of California Davis, Emergency Medicine Annual Research Forum (2021)
- Bo Tomas Brofeldt, M.D. Humanitarian Award, University of California Davis, Department of Emergency Medicine (2021)
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- Chief Resident, University of California Davis, Emergency Medicine Residency Program (2020 - 2021)
- John Van Prohaska Award for outstanding career potential in teaching, research & clinical medicine, University of Chicago, Pritzker School of Medicine (2013)
- NIH Research Scholar, Howard Hughes Medical Institute (2010 - 2012)
- Resident MVP Award, University of California Davis, Department of Emergency Medicine (2021)
- SAEM/RAMS Innovative Educator Award, Society of Academic Emergency Medicine (2021)
Publications
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A novel scoring system for assessing Chiari malformation type I treatment outcomes.
Aliaga, L., Hekman, K. E., Yassari, R., Straus, D., Luther, G., Chen, J., … Frim, D. (2012). A novel scoring system for assessing Chiari malformation type I treatment outcomes. Neurosurgery, 70(3), 656–64; discussion 664–5. -
Positive and negative predictors for good outcome after decompressive surgery for Chiari malformation type 1 as scored on the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale.
Hekman, K. E., Aliaga, L., Straus, D., Luther, A., Chen, J., Sampat, A., & Frim, D. (2012). Positive and negative predictors for good outcome after decompressive surgery for Chiari malformation type 1 as scored on the Chicago Chiari Outcome Scale. Neurological Research, 34(7), 694–700. -
a-synuclein, LRRK2 and their interplay in Parkinson's disease.
Liu, G., Aliaga, L., & Cai, H. (2012). a-synuclein, LRRK2 and their interplay in Parkinson's disease. Future Neurology, 7(2), 145–153. -
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-related VAPB P56S mutation differentially affects the function and survival of corticospinal and spinal motor neurons.
Aliaga, L., Lai, C., Yu, J., Chub, N., Shim, H., Sun, L., … Cai, H. (2013). Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-related VAPB P56S mutation differentially affects the function and survival of corticospinal and spinal motor neurons. Human Molecular Genetics, 22(21), 4293–305. -
Partial loss of TDP-43 function causes phenotypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Yang, C., Wang, H., Qiao, T., Yang, B., Aliaga, L., Qiu, L., … Xu, Z. (2014). Partial loss of TDP-43 function causes phenotypes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 111(12), E1121–9. -
Rethinking Radiology: An Active Learning Curriculum for Head Computed Tomography Interpretation.
Aliaga, L., & Clarke, S. O. (2022). Rethinking Radiology: An Active Learning Curriculum for Head Computed Tomography Interpretation. The Western Journal of Emergency Medicine, 23(1), 47–51. -
Man With Right Flank Pain.
Prendergast, N., & Aliaga, L. (2022). Man With Right Flank Pain. Annals of Emergency Medicine, 80(3), 278–288. -
Error Management Training and Adaptive Expertise in Learning Computed Tomography Interpretation: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Aliaga, L., Bavolek, R. A., Cooper, B., Mariorenzi, A., Ahn, J., Kraut, A., … Gisondi, M. A. (2024). Error Management Training and Adaptive Expertise in Learning Computed Tomography Interpretation: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open, 7(9), e2431600. -
Diagnostic radiology curriculum for emergency medicine trainees in India: comparing simulation and didactics.
Durgun, K., Aliaga, L., Douglass, K., & Ahluwalia, T. (2025). Diagnostic radiology curriculum for emergency medicine trainees in India: comparing simulation and didactics. EDUCATION FOR HEALTH, 38(1), 46–56.
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Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-related VAPB P56S mutation differentially affects the function and survival of corticospinal and spinal motor neurons.
Clinical Trials
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Practice Locations
Marc and Laura Andreessen Adult Emergency Department Palo Alto, CA
Palo Alto, CA
Marc and Laura Andreessen Adult Emergency Department
1199 Welch Rd
Palo Alto , CA 94304
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