Class of 2023
Elvin Diaz, DO
Medical School
Touro University Nevada
Hometown
Las Vegas
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I enjoy the thrill of knowing anything might come through the doors and being ready for it.
Hobbies/Family
My favorite hobby is music. Whether it be watching a live band or just playing the guitar at home. I also watch movies, hike, bowl, and like trying new foods- a little bit of everything
What is something about you most people do not know?
I once wrote a song about protein kinase. Still waiting for a label to sign me.
Inbal Epstein, MD
Medical School
University of California, Irvine
Hometown
Los Angeles, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
Kaweah Delta serves a diverse population and takes care of its local community. I’m excited to be a part of that and receive exceptional medical training, all while being only an hour from the mountains.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I love being able to take care of anyone and everyone who walks through the door regardless of their condition or insurance status. The unpredictability and constant activity of the ED are perfect for my high-energy personality.
Hobbies/Family
Camping, hiking, board games, gardening, dancing
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Exercise keeps you young
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
What you know is important, but what you do is even more important. Find something that inspires you and that passion will make you a great doctor.
What is something about you most people do not know?
My fiancé and I do the New York Times Crossword together every day.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My mother and my grandmother, both inspirational female physicians.
Jorge Garcia, MD
Medical School
Hometown
Jessi Hill, DO
Medical School
Touro University California
Hometown
Sultan, Washington
Why Kaweah Health?
The high-volume, high-acuity of the ED combined with incredibly supportive faculty made me confident that I'd be well trained and happy here.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I like the variety that emergency medicine gives me. There's a little bit of everything and no two days are the same!
Hobbies/Family
I love being outdoors, particularly rock climbing, hiking, and playing soccer. When inside I enjoy cooking for people, board games, and musical theatre.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
If you have questions, ask. The better you understand what's going on with your health the better we can work together to improve it
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
No matter where you come from, who you are, or how old you are you CAN do this. Have a mentor and a support system and call on them when you need; there will be rough patches but you will make it through
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My decision to pursue medicine was influenced in a thousand little ways by dozens of people: The amazing doctors I've worked with who showed me how much good they do every day. The friends and family who encouraged me when I was unsure about my abilities. And even a few times it was witnessing failures in our healthcare system that made me want to jump in and do better.
Nancy Huynh, DO
Medical School
Touro University Nevada
Hometown
San Jose, California
Why Kaweah Health?
Great residents, faculty, and staff who are supportive and all want you to succeed. Plenty of pathology to learn from.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
Emergency medicine allows me to do a little bit of everything and to take care of anyone who walks in through the door. I love everything from the acuity to the procedures to the camaraderie that comes with the job.
Hobbies/Family
Breakfast, farmer's markets, going for long walks up a mountain, live music, books, eating my way through life
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Be kind, work hard. Find meaning in what you do and don't lose sight of why you love medicine because the journey is long and difficult. Let other people take care of you when you need it
What is something about you most people do not know?
I'm an avid TV watcher and have seen every episode of Friends at least 10 times.
Richard Nho, DO
Medical School
Touro University California- College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown
La Mirada, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
The pathology, amazing residents and awesome core faculty. Being close to nature and a few hours from home is icing on the cake!
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
The emergency department always felt like my home in every hospital. The teamwork, variety, and amazing people I met were all reasons I chose to pursue Emergency Medicine.
Hobbies/Family
Backpacking, Motorcycle Repair, Traveling
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Never give up! Every experience you have in life builds your character as a future physician, cherish how those experiences shaped you. Find a mentor and support group who will help you grow, then pass it on to the next generation.
Tamy Rojas, DO
Medical School
Western University of Health Sciences
Hometown
San Fernando Valley
Why Kaweah Health?
The residents, coordinators, and faculty were all very welcoming and it is clear how much they enjoy working and training at Kaweah as a close-knit family. They also have great dedication to giving back to their community and working with underserved populations. Getting to stay near my loved ones is a bonus! Overall best fit for me!
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
The acuity, spontaneity, procedures and teamwork involvement in the specialty while getting to treat the most vulnerable of populations and you must be comfortable making important decisions with incomplete information.
Hobbies/Family
Hiking, soccer, movies, exploring new restaurants, ordering excessively off the menu, cleaning, reality TV, Disneyland
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Don’t be afraid to ask questions.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
The journey is long-- don’t be afraid of set backs, remain persistent and focused because in the end it’s all worth it.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My mom’s OBGYN who went above and beyond during a difficult time. It was her bedside manner and quality care that drew me to medicine.
Preya Sheth, MD
Medical School
California Northstate University
Hometown
San Jose, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
I rotated here as a medical student and felt Kaweah Delta would provide me with very comprehensive training. Plus, the central valley is close to everything! Can make day trips back home, to wineries, mountains, beaches, pretty much anywhere.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I chose EM because I wanted to help anyone anytime they needed it.
Hobbies/Family
Wine and naps
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Ask questions!
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Figure out why you really want to become a physician and remind yourself of it every time you hit an obstacle. It’s a long hard path, but you can do it! Enjoy studying!
Brian Strain, DO
Medical School
Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown
Native of San Bernardino, CA. I grew up in the Highland/Redlands area and moved to the Coachella Valley early in my career where I resided prior to moving to Arizona.
Why Kaweah Health?
I was fortunate to rotate in the KDHCD Emergency Department as a 4th year medical student. The combination of the people in the department who I came to know and the resources available for resident training led me to pursuit GME at KDHCD
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I became a physician as a continuation from my prior career in Emergency Medical Services. Despite enjoying many of the different specialty rotations I completed during medical school, there was nothing that pulled me away from Emergency Medicine.
Hobbies/Family
Most of my hobby time goes to flight simulation- including aircraft and scenery design.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Please stay current and informed regarding your ongoing medical conditions. This includes medication regimen and doses, past medical tests, surgeries or procedures. Have copies of any advanced directives or medical power of attorney available when coming to the hospital as this is not always accessible “on file.”
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Take your time. If there are other careers that appeal to you, try them out. The life experience I gained prior to medical school made me a better medical student and more prepared to enter post-graduate training.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I have an irrational fear of open heights like ladders and open-stepped staircases.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
I have had many people throughout my career who inspired and encouraged me on my journey to becoming a physician.
Aaron Wille, MD
Medical School
Oregon Health & Science University
Hometown
Flagstaff, AZ
Why Kaweah Health?
Emergency medicine encompasses a very broad scope of physician practice and procedures. I was searching for a program where residents train to the fullest extent of EM practices and no other program fit that bill quite like Kaweah Delta. Also, we are thrilled to be located at the gateway to the central Sierras.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I am drawn to the fast-paced, high-pressure, multi-task driven environment where cohesive and collaborative teamwork is of fundamental importance. Emergency medicine demands familiarity with a wide breadth of presentations in a far more expansive patient population than other specialties. Over time, I have come to recognize that working with pediatric, geriatric, minority, and underserved populations is essential to my fulfillment as a physician.
Hobbies/Family
Restlessness and the ensuing outcomes. Outdoor adventures involving rock-climbing, mountaineering, snowboarding/Skiing, mountain biking, backpacking, camping, fly-fishing. At home, I spend my time gardening, woodworking, or playing music.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
When it comes to staying healthy, the importance of a balanced diet and daily exercise cannot be overemphasized.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Always think about ‘health’ by its broadest definition.
Rachelle Yellin, DO
Medical School
A.T. Still School of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown
Santa Cruz, California
Why Kaweah Health?
I selected Kaweah Delta for residency as a major focus of theirs is helping the community. From a young age, my parents made it a priority to always treat the community as a member of one’s own family. Our community is, in essence, one large family able to help one other. This is exactly what Kaweah Delta focuses on, helping the community in order to be one successful family. This is especially seen with the Street Medicine program which prioritizes providing healthcare and other essential services to those in need, especially the homeless community. While completing residency, I aspire to join Kaweah Delta in bringing success and health to our community.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I chose Emergency Medicine as I love the challenges provided by the variety, unexpected and, at times, the chaos that comes in through the doors. I thrive in high stress environments where my mind is taken to manage numerous tasks. I also enjoy the mystery and detective work Emergency Medicine requires the need to put together the lost pieces to figure out the case for the patient. Having a father who is an Emergency Medicine physician also showed me how rewarding the career can be as, on a daily basis, one makes a difference in people’s lives.
Hobbies/Family
Traveling, cooking, eating, taking my dogs hiking/swimming, relaxing with my fiancé and parents.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
The most important advice I have for patients is to always be honest and open to those taking care of you. No matter how embarrassing or difficult it may be to tell your story, it is always best to tell the whole truth. In the end, it will benefit yourself the most. Those of us in the health field have heard a wide range of “stories” and circumstances. We make our decisions based, in a large part, on the history we are given. Being given inaccurate, misleading or incomplete information makes our ability to provide the care being sought much more difficult and challenging. We want to know the full truth in order to give you the best care and possible outcome.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
For any students wishing to become a physician, my biggest advice would be to never give up. It is a very difficult, long and stressful process from beginning your undergraduate career, to taking the MCAT and then applying and interviewing for medical school programs. There will be numerous times where you will want to give up and live a much simpler and relaxed life where you have endless hours to see family/friends. But, always remember why you want to be a physician. Keep that passion and desire to help others as your constant fire pushing you forward. All of your hard work and dedication will pay off. But no matter how hard you work, always enjoy the process and be thankful for those who helped you succeed.
What is something about you most people do not know?
Growing up, I was fortunate to own and board my two horses in my backyard. I would spend my free time caring for and riding my horses. I’m also in the process of getting my California Real Estate License as I love real estate/ interior design.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
I have been very fortunate to have grown up with a family in the medical field. Having had multiple uncles, cousins as well as my father being an EM physician and my mother being a nurse, I have been surrounded by the medical field my entire life. Although this must have played some aspect in my desire to be a physician, I believe the biggest influence was my brother. My brother was unfortunately born with a rare genetic disease and suffered from many medical complications throughout his life. I have seen, and experienced, the realities of being a family member in the emergency room, scared and anxious waiting for the outcome. I want to be a physician that helps patients and families in times of darkness and need.
