Class of 2022
Lauren Bacon, MD
Medical School
Howard University College of Medicine
Hometown
Los Angeles, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
I really enjoyed my interview day and found that there is genuine love that exists for the specialty, the residents, staff, and the community itself. The program also offers strong clinical training, dedicated residents and staff, a diverse underserved patient population and opportunities for professional growth in a fostering environment. It is the perfect place for me to continue my training and I am beyond excited.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
It has always been my dream specialty and being an EMT prior to medical school provided the exposure to the field that I needed. I enjoy the high-acuity, sometimes fast paced environment that exists and the ability to be able to manage anything that walks through the door. Also, procedures!
Hobbies/Family
Anything active, basketball, kickboxing, hiking, running, documentaries, sci-fi and action films.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Be empowered. Often times patients don’t feel they have a voice to speak about their own care. So reminding them of that and staying in their corner is very important.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Don’t Stop Believin’ - Journey
What is something about you most people do not know?
Not only am I an identical twin, but I have parents who still can’t tell us apart. Also, I have a life-goal of backpacking through Latin America, from Mexico down to Chile/Argentina. Expected travel time is 1 year.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
Not who, but what. I experienced a multiple casualty incident as a teenager that sparked in me a desire to pursue medicine. Since, I have had an intense aim to put myself on the path to be trained to do the most good for those around me in any setting, at any time.
Jeffrey Castrillon, DO
Medical School
Western University of Health Science
Hometown
Granada Hills CA
Why Kaweah Health?
I came into medicine wanting to work with the underserved, minorities and lower social economic individuals. After rotating here during my fourth year away rotations not only did I fall in love with the hospital but the patient population and mission.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
You get to see a little bit of everything and have to constantly use your critical thinking skills. You also have the privilege of helping people out on their worst day.
Hobbies/Family
Skiing, Surfing, Rock climbing, working out, traveling, Hiking, computer gaming, going to Disneyland
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Try to follow up on any medical conditions to make sure you are taking the proper medications
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Follow your dreams, it will be tough and many road blocks will come your way but it will all be worth it at the end.
What is something about you most people do not know?
Ran with the bulls in Pamplona Spain
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My Pediatrician, who happened to be Peruvian and became my first mentor answering all my questions about the human body.
Eric Donn, DO
Medical School
Touro University California - College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown
Saratoga, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
I rotated here as a fourth-year medical student and I was very impressed by all of the residents and faculty I worked with. I imagine myself working in an emergency department similar to Kaweah’s in the future, and I knew that doing a residency here would prepare me very well for any challenges I might one day face. The location was also a big plus for me.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I like the fast paced environment and the fact that when I am at work I am fully engaged in what I’m doing. I also like the challenge and mystery of seeing new patients all the time and figuring out the best way to help them.
Hobbies/Family
Backpacking, photography, cooking, baking, travelling, snowboarding, piano
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Eat well, live well.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Study hard, but don’t forget to enjoy life. Don’t be afraid to ask for help because nobody does this alone.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I have an extra bone in my foot
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
Jean Valjean - So this is going to sound strange, but I watched Les Miserables for the first time when I was 7 or 8 and it had a profound impact on me. Here’s a man who gets a second chance at life and dedicates himself to bettering the world around him. He treats people with compassion, empathy, and dignity, and genuinely tries to help those in need. That led to me wanting to be a doctor because this profession gives me a chance to do all those things every day.
Puneet Gill, DO
Medical School
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine- New York
Hometown
Chino, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
I chose Kaweah Health because it’s a three-year Emergency Medicine program in California, fairly close to home. As the only trauma center between Bakersfield and Fresno this hospital has a huge catchment area with a diverse patient population and pathology. On interview day the residents and faculty were very welcoming and enthusiastic. In addition Visalia is situated in the Central Valley with a low cost of living, minimal traffic and is within a few hours drive of LA and the Bay.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I fell in love with Emergency Medicine while scribing in Southern California prior to medical school. No other third year rotation appealed to me as much as EM. The attendings I worked with were always enthusiastic, willing to teach and had a good sense of humor; a dynamic which was important to me. I enjoy being on the frontline, the variety, the fast paced environment, diverse patient population, the procedures and no call! It is also an honor to take care of patients at their most vulnerable state and make an impact in their lives.
Hobbies/Family
Running, hiking, traveling, exploring new places, cooking, baking, wine-tasting, and spending time with family and friends
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Eat well, move often, hydrate frequently, make time for yourself, sleep regularly, love lots, laugh daily- it’s the best medicine.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Perseverance and determination are key. Remember that failure is not an option. Surround yourself with a strong support system!
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My grandfather, parents, physician mentors, and the patients I’ve encountered along this journey have been my inspiration to pursue medicine.
Alfredo Guerrero, DO
Medical School
Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Hometown
Norwalk, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
The people. I have always had a desire to work with underserved communities and give back to the communities that gave my family the opportunity at the American dream. The leadership, faculty, residents, and patients at Kaweah Health made me feel welcomed in Visalia, and I am glad to call it home for this next step in my career.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
Anyone, Anything, Anytime. Emergency Medicine gives us the privilege of interacting with patients on what it possibly their worst day of their lives and with that comes a responsibility to provide the best care possible to whomever comes through the department doors. The fast pace, diversity of patients, procedures, and teamwork exhibited in the Emergency Department all cemented my choice to join the best specialty in medicine.
Hobbies/Family
I am a wrench monkey and love working on cars, I have a passion for soccer, and I enjoy being outdoors.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
You CAN do it. The road is long and strenuous, but very rewarding. Seek mentorship, network, and develop a plan to achieve your goals.
Hady Khalifa, MD
Hometown
Kingston, Ontario, Canada
Why Kaweah Health?
From my first interactions with the residents and faculty, it was clear that training was at Kaweah Health was among a close-knit family. Dedication to ultrasound training, procedural exposure and KD’s high volume ED in central Cali with a large catchment area stood out. Lastly Visalia’s location with low cost of living and proximity to LA, San Fran, the beach, and the mountains was unparalleled.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
Fast paced shift work, which allows me to learn and help patients who have a wide variety of personal backgrounds and medical diseases in a myriad of different specialties.
Hobbies/Family
Billiards, backpacking, Soccer, Tennis, Snowboarding, dystopian fiction, rock climbing
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Doctors are experts in Medicine, and patients are experts in themselves. Don’t shy away from expressing your concerns about a doctors plans. A good doctor will encourage your honesty and work with you to find a plan suitable for you. If you just nod and agree with a doctor’s plan but know you can never fulfill it, it’ll only lead to more doctor visits
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Truly figure out why you want to go into Medicine. Talk with physicians at various stages of training to learn what your path looks like, and understand what sacrifices need to be made along the way. Medicine is a wonderful field for those that love it, but a very demanding field for the rest of your life for those whose passions lie elsewhere
What is something about you most people do not know?
While I am Canadian born and raised in Ohio, I am the biggest freeze baby, you will ever meet.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
Daniel Khushigian, DO
Medical School
Liberty College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown
Fresno, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
I grew up in the Central Valley and wanted to return home to serve my community. I also worked as an emergency room scribe at Kaweah Health prior to starting medical school. It is exciting to return to a hospital system I am familiar with and to many of the people with whom I previously worked.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I chose emergency medicine because of the diverse patient population and their medical needs.
Hobbies/Family
Fitness, Sports, San Francisco Giants baseball, Guitar, Backpacking through the Sierras
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Value your health, exercise and eat in moderation.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Work hard in all you do but enjoy some life while you are young. Gain some perspective and maturity. It will be wise to gain some experience in medicine prior to starting medical school. Make sure it is what you want. Medical school is tough but also enjoyable if you truly love it.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I do not like coffee or chocolate.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
I don’t think I was influenced by any one person. But my previous medical experiences at work and in missions led me to the conclusion that this is a unique platform to serve people at home and abroad in their most vulnerable times.
Andre Lee, MD
Medical School
University of South Florida, Morsani College of Medicine
Hometown
La Mirada, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
Completed a 4th year rotation here and loved the comradery of the residents and faculty. Excellent hands on training and patient ownership. Attendings are dedicated to furthering the program and giving back to the community of Visalia.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
The unique team dynamics of the ED, versatility of training in both diagnostic and procedural work, having something to offer for anyone who comes in the door.
Hobbies/Family
Music, Judo, boxing, live shows, scary movies
Benfie Liu, DO
Medical School
Touro University California
Hometown
San Leandro, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
Great pathology and lots of procedures! 3 hours away from home.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I enjoy seeing patients of all backgrounds regardless of their socioeconomic status.
Hobbies/Family
Making ice cream, DIY projects, traveling to other countries
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Prevention is key. Eat healthy and be active.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
You can do it! Find your passions and ask for help. There are many ways to becoming a physician.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I have a grumpy duck as a pet.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My parents. My dad was a Vietnamese refugee and my mom grew up during the Communist Revolution in China. They didn’t have access to higher education and worked incredibly hard after immigrating to the US. They remind me to stay humble, work hard, and help others.
Michael Niechayev, MD
Medical School
UC Irvine
Hometown
Riverside, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
During my elective rotation, I found the faculty and residents to be incredibly supportive and welcoming. I also found Kaweah Health to offer a wealth of procedures and a great patient population to work with. Additionally, Visalia offers a low cost of living, a beautiful location in the Sierra Nevada foothills, and no traffic!
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I enjoy the acuity and pace of the emergency department as well as caring for people in times of need.
Hobbies/Family
Photography, camping, hiking, mountain biking, board games
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Do not be afraid to ask questions.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Make sure that you enjoy what you are doing. Doing so will help you to be happy no matter where you are in life.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I have a twin brother.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
The patients and physicians I worked with through years of volunteer work.
Clayton Starnes, DO
Medical School
A.T. Still University
Hometown
Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Why Kaweah Health?
I had the incredible opportunity to rotate at Kaweah Health, which quickly felt like the perfect fit. Residents were genuinely happy and very well-educated. As a student, it is easy to feel like a burden, but the staff at Kaweah Health was happy to teach and I felt well utilized as a contributing part of the team.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
Emergency Medicine provides an opportunity to provide care for all aspects of medicine in a team based setting.
Hobbies/Family
I enjoy doing almost anything that involves being outdoors. I surf, skateboard, snowboard, ride motorcycles, camp, hike, and love being with my family.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Be patient. Ask questions.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Find a mentor early on that will be someone willing to help you through the process. Also write yourself a letter about the reasons you want to embark on the long, sometimes exhausting journey to become a physician. It will help keep you motivated through the tough times of school.
What is something about you most people do not know?
My biggest fear is the dentist.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
When I was a firefighter/paramedic, one of the emergency room physicians planted the seed that I could be a great physician.
Diana Trumble, MD
Medical School
University of Arizona Tucson
Hometown
San Jose, California
Why Kaweah Health?
I wanted to work in a community ED with an underserved population. The residents and faculty were all so friendly and welcoming, so I knew it would become my new home. Being close to my family was just icing on the cake!
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I love the breadth of knowledge and patient variety that comes with EM. I love working up an undifferentiated patient and the procedures involved. Being the first line of contact with the healthcare system will allow me ample opportunities to teach patients and the community.
Hobbies/Family
Roller skating, crocheting, and baking
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions or take control of your own health. There are no stupid questions, and asking allows us to help you be healthier.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Never give up. It’s a long road, but it’s so worth it. Tenacity will get you very far in medicine.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I love math (which is why I used to be a math teacher!)
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My mom. I grew up watching medical TV shows with her, and when I told her I wanted to be a doctor as a young kid, she always believed that I could.
Joseph Vega, DO
Medical School
Western University of Health Sciences
Hometown
Morristown, NJ
Why Kaweah Health?
Kaweah Health was my first-choice residency program for so many reasons. First, I rotated here as a student and immediately felt like I was a valuable member of the team. I also developed many positive relationships with the residents and attendings which made me feel comfortable knowing these fantastic people were going to help me train over the course of three years. Finally, the unique placement of the medical center allows for unparalleled training; there is a huge catchment area, no other trauma center nearby, great pathology, and a wonderful community who truly appreciates the care that you provide them.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I chose to be an emergency physician because I wanted to treat all the patients in my community. I also loved the idea of being a key member in my patient’s health during some of their most vulnerable moments and helping to form the medical safety net that so many people rely on to preserve their own health. Additionally, emergency medicine offers the best aspects of every medical specialty. We have the opportunity to deliver live-saving care, practice essential medicine, perform emergency surgical procedures, provide critical care, etc. Who wouldn’t want to be an ER doc?!
Hobbies/Family
I love to do anything outdoors which includes hiking, fishing, skiing, etc. I also love to travel and eat all the signature foods of the region.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Lifestyle is everything. It is much easier to maintain good health than it is to reverse the complications and problems associated with poor health.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
The most successful people in life, doctors included, are the people who have incredible work ethic. If you truly want to become a physician, study hard, volunteer often, and always remember that your work will directly benefit your patients one day.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
I had the opportunity to do a clinical care internship as an undergraduate student and was so impressed by all the doctors I worked with.
