Class of 2020
Lillian Batizy, MD
Medical School
University of Toledo College of Medicine
Hometown
Akron, OH
Why Kaweah Health?
Kaweah delta has a high volume of ED so there is opportunity to see anything and everything. This combined with their well trained faculty who take great pride in teaching leads to a fantastic learning environment.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
EP's have the resources, knowledge, and skills to treat the sickest and neediest of patients. I also enjoy the fast-pace and the ability to see a wide variety of cases.
Hobbies/Family
Biking, hiking, camping, swimming.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Be an active participant in your health care and well-being.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
It's never to late to do what you love.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I lived in Budapest till I was 7.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
I was a biostatistician for a number of years and worked closely with physicians and nurses on their research. That work and their stories, along with their encouragment, made me realize that I wanted to work directly with patients.
Kevin Carpenter, MD
Medical School
UC Davis School of Medicine
Hometown
Livermore, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
3-year program that serves a large underserved population with abundant Spanish speakers. Also very close to so many great outdoor destinations.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
Fast, exciting, shift work in a fun environment treating a most diverse patient population.
Hobbies/Family
Snowboarding, backpacking, yoga, rock climbing, ukelele, surfing, barbecuing.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Exercise your body if you are able. There are many patients who wish they could, but are physicially limited in ability to exercise or even perform ADLs. Enjoy the body you have and take good care of it so it will last you into your elder years.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
There are many routes to becoming a healer. Find one that fits your interests and personality.
What is something about you most people do not know?
One of my favorite genres of music is pop songs covered by punk/screamo bands.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
I was injured often as a young athlete, requiring many doctor visits, mostly with orthopedic and emergency physicians. These experiences exposed me to doctors and encouraged me to pursue a career in medicine. My mother also played a large role and supported my passion for biology and physiology from a young age.
Braxton Duncan, DO
Medical School
A.T. Still University -Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown
Roosevelt, UT
Why Kaweah Health?
Kaweah is a high volume ED where residents get real hands-on experience early in their training that prepares them well to practice anywhere. Visalia seems like a great, affordable place to live.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
The diversity of patients and pathologies, wide array of practice environments, fast-paced work-day, and jack-of-all trades mentality made emergency medicine a perfect fit for me.
Hobbies/Family
Basketball, anything outdoors and off the beaten path, auto restoration, spending time with family.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Take care of yourself. Exercise, eat right, be happy.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Study hard and be responsible, but don't be in a hurry to get through your education. Develop a real satisfaction in helping and serving others.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I don't have a dancing bone in my body but met my wife country swing dancing.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My dad is a veterinarian. He is great at what he does and is a great example in his service to others. Helping him with emergencies growing up inspired me to become a physician.
Matthew Henschel, DO
Medical School
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown
Fresno, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
After rotating here as a medical student, I knew I would receive the highest quality medical training. As a native to the central valley, it was the perfect fit for me and my family.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
Emergency Medicine is a fasted paced environment that always keeps me moving. An additional bonus is no call when I'm off.
Hobbies/Family
Angels baseball, ultimate frisbee, frisbee golf, saltwater aquariums, and summer cruisin.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Take control of your own health. Ask questions, know your medications, and stay informed.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
It's a long road. Know what lies ahead and make a plan. Spend time in the healthcare field to ensure this is the right path. Find a practicing physician who will mentor you.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I speak Thai to my mother and Teo-chew to my father, but during large family gatherings, I can pretend to understand Cantonese and Vietnamese.
Brian Ho, MD
Medical School
UC San Diego School of Medicine
Hometown
Fremont, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
California weather, 3-year program, unopposed residency, large catchment area, friendly culture
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
See a little bit of everything, good mix of procedures, great work environment, fast paced.
Hobbies/Family
Music (piano, cello, learning guitar), video games, weightlifting, hiking, exploring slow cooker recipes
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Exercise and eat as healthy as you can.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
fee! tree explore something else before medical school. That way you have no regrets.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I used to have long hair.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
All the patients that I have taken care of throughout my time as a hospital volunteer and medical student.
Mark Monterroso, MD
Medical School
Loma Linda University
Hometown
Bakersfield, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
Residents and faculty. Robust patient population. Family in the central valley.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I wanted to be the most well rounded doctor I could possibly be.
Hobbies/Family
Backpacking, fishing. surfing, snowboarding, skateboarding, gardening.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Enjoy your life and don't be too serious.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Start developing discipline and time management skills now.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I love plants.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My mom encouraged me throughout my entire journey. She continually told me I would make a great doctor someday.
Camille Enriquez, MD
Medical School
University of utah School af Medicine
Hometown
West Jordan, Utah
Why Kaweah Health?
Friendly residents and innovative residency program.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
EM is exciting and is the perfect blend of medicine and hands on procedures,
Hobbies/Family
Baking, Traveling, and Calligraphy
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
The most Important advice I have for my patients is fo not be afraid to ask questions regarding your care.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Any student wanting to pursue a career in medicine is inevitably going to face an obstacle to their path. My advice is to stay grounded, remember your motivations for medicine, and as cliche as it sounds, never give up. Part of the path to medicine is adaptability and persistence.
Niklas Eriksson, MD
Medical School
Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Hometown
Culver City, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
I thought the residents and faculty were all great and very welcoming! The community hospital setting of Kaweah Health was also a great motivator for me, I wanted the ER training of a community program that I believe will prepare me very well for my career as an ER attending. I also grew up in California, and my fiance is from the central valley, so we are excited to come to Visalia!
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I really love treating emergency situations and being able to provide immediate interventions and relief for patients. The ER allows me to see a wide variety of patients, and perform many different procedures. I also enjoy being able to treat all patients who come to the ER, no matter what they present with. Every day brings something new.
Hobbies/Family
Gym, swimming, finding new Netflix shows, homebrewing.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Take ownership of your health, stay as informed as you can about which diagnoses you have and which medications you are taking.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Start getting involved with volunteering or shadowing in a medical setting today. The best way to see if medicine is right for you is to start getting as much exposure to the profession as you can, and try to see as many different settings and specialties as you can to get a more complete view of the different responsibilities of each specialty.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I speak fluent Swedish, and love Swedish food
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
During my undergraduate years, I volunteered at a community hospital in Oxnard, CA. The physicians and nurses I worked with there were all so helpful, caring, and enthusiastic about teaching me and taking care of their patients. They all really inspired me to go in to medicine.
Robert Granata, MD
Medical School
University of California, San Diego School of Medicine
Hometown
Fresno, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
The Central Valley is my home. I love this community, and I am thrilled at the opportunity to serve it. Kaweah Health will offer me excellent training in Emergency Medicine, and great mentorship in my academic career.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
The practice of Emergency Medicine allows me to make robust interventions at critical times that can profoundly improve my patients' lifes. It's why I went to medical school.
Hobbies/Family
Snow & water skiing, wakeboarding, tennis, competitive shooting (IDPA), and computers &technology.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Shadow as many different kinds of providers as possible. Set your goals as high as you can, don't be afraid to lean on friends & family for support, and never sell yourself short.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I was a DJ in college.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
The ED staff caring for my grandfather during his numerous visits to the hospital, and who ultimately gave me an additional 10 years with him.
Eric Patten, MD
Medical School
UC San Diego
Hometown
San Diego, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
After doing a 4th year clerkship here, I was blown away by the amazing people here!
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I was looking for a specialty that saw undifferentiated disease, but did not enjoy the rounding of IM.
Hobbies/Family
Rock climbing, boxing, MMA, video games, movies.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
You should always listen to your mother!
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Undergrad and medical school are each for years of your life; be sure to get out there and enjoy it!
What is something about you most people do not know?
I spent 6 years working as an auto mechanic and two as an event planner.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
All the patients that I have taken care of throughout my time as a hospital volunteer and medical student.
Suzanne Shah, MD
Medical School
UC San Diego
Hometown
Northridae, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
The People
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I want lo know how to save a life in the most dire moments.
Hobbies/Family
Cooking,baking, writing (prose, poetry), interior decorating, weight lifting
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Sneak uo and fight for yourself
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Don't quit and keep trying
What is something about you most people do not know?
I love scary movies
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
Mv father- he showed me the value of nood health in this world.
Joanna Sitzmann, DO
Medical School
AT Still University of Health Sciences
Hometown
San Rafael, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
I rotated through the department and was incredibly impressed with the quality of the program. Additionally, residents and attendings seemed happy.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I love the fast-paced nature of the specilty and helping people in their time of most need.
Hobbies/Family
Yoga, hiking, reading, and spending time with my dog
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Medicine and health is a two way street. It is up to you and your doctor to work together for health.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Work hard, but also make sure you are enjoying fife. A happy docotor provides the best quality care.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I went skydiving a year ago! It was the scariest thing I have done.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My aunt is a nurse. I grew up watching her care for people both in her career and at home. She inspired me to pursue medicine.
Emily Trinh, MD
Medical School
Rush Medical College
Hometown
Pasadena, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
The friendly people and the phenomenal training! I felt very welcomed during my interview day and had a great impression of the program. The residents are happy about their training and the attendings are supportive and ready to teach. I also chose Kaweah Health because of its dedicated service to the medically underserved community of the Central Valley. With the diverse pathology encountered and abundance of procedures, I am confident that the education I receive here will help me to become a well-prepared EM physician in the community. I am very excited to be a part of the Kaweah Health family!
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
There is never a dull day at work as an Emergency Medicine physician. We see a large spectrum of illnesses and treat patients of all ages. I love the practicality of the specialty in which we are able to use our training to treat "anyone, anything, and anytime." I enjoy diagnosing undifferentiated cases and treating critically ill patients as well as the opportunities for hands-on procedures. I find that Emergency Medicine is challenging, but fun, and it fits my personality.
Hobbies/Family
Snowboarding, yoga, basketball, guitar, traveling
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Health should be your top priority. Health is wealth--save up and spend wisely.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
It may be a long and tough process, but it is a very fulfilling one. When you are feeling discouraged, remember to remind yourself as to why you want to become a physician. Don't lose sight of the big picture!
What is something about you most people do not know?
I speak Thai to my mother and Teo-chew to my father, but during large family gatherings, I can pretend to understand Cantonese and Vietnamese.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
All the patients that I have taken care of throughout my time as a hospital volunteer and medical student.
