Meet the Residents
2025 Residents
Samira Ali, M.D.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School: Northeastern State University
Medical School: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Samira, and Tulsa, Oklahoma is where I call home. Previously I worked as a Certified Nurse Assistant. I am at PVHMC because I believe in the mission of the program, the scope and volume of excellent training opportunities, the OB & Women’s Health track, and the wonderful people. It is important to me to make a positive impact on those around me. I enjoy a good mocha, all things brunch, dancing, home décor, visiting museums, parks & botanical gardens. Random facts about me is that I have double-jointed elbows, and my Hogwarts house is Hufflepuff! In the future, I want to take care of patients with empathy and work with people of diverse backgrounds. The best piece of advice I have ever received is, be like water—go with the flow!
Janae Moment, M.D.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Undergraduate School:University of Houston
Graduate School: University of North Texas Health Science Center
Medical School: Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Janae, and I was born in San Diego, California and raised in Arlington, Texas. I am a first generation college graduate and the first in my family to pursue medicine. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Houston in Health Promotions. Immediately after graduating, I started my master’s degree in Medical Science at the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth. I later went on to attend medical school as a part of the inaugural class at the Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine in Nutley, New Jersey. I previously worked in fast food, retail, delivery, and as a home health aide. I am at PVHMC because I was drawn to the diverse patient population, high volume of obstetrics deliveries, and the emphasis on community medicine. I appreciate that this is an unopposed medical residency program that teaches the full scope of family medicine. I am most excited about the obstetrics and gynecology training, and I hope to join the Obstetrics and Women’s Health Specialty Track. In addition, I am grateful to be afforded the opportunity to rotate at a FQHC and participate in street medicine. My family is most important to me (and that makes me a great fit for FAMILY medicine!). I enjoy being at home, binge watching Netflix shows, eating, most things nature (excluding bugs), amusement parks, and bowling. One random fact about me is that I played the violin from fifth grade throughout high school. The Sorting Hat says that my Hogwarts house is Gryffindor. In the future, I want to continue my training in an obstetrics fellowship. The best advice I’ve ever received is whatever will be, will be.
Hoang Pham, M.D.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Undergraduate School: University of California at Irvine
Medical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine California
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Hoang, and Anaheim, California is where I call home. Before residency, I worked as an immunization coordinator at a community pharmacy prior to medical school and as a peer tutor while I was a medical student. I was attracted to PVHMC FMRP for the multiple specialty tracks, especially Community Medicine and Geriatrics, and the appealing residency wellness program. During my interview, the welcoming staff, down-to-earth faculty, and happy residents moved me. I immediately felt that I already belonged to the program. My family is the most important thing in my life. They are the reason and the motivation for me to be who I am today. My career as a family physician is the next one on the list. The ability to help my patients stay healthy and enjoy their quality of life gives me the purpose to keep working and learning. I enjoy fishing, gardening, landscaping, and the doing construction around my house. One random fact about me, I have been fishing at multiple piers in California for more than 12 years. My Hogwarts house is Hufflepuff, and in the future, I want to collaborate with passionate healthcare providers to set a good standard of medical care in my hometown and serve my community. The best piece of advice I have ever received is, self-compassion is important because we (physicians) deal with burnout every single day.
Edgar Ricardo Ramos Maldonado, M.D.
Pronouns: He/Him
Medical School: Universidad de Guadalajara Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Ricardo, and the places I call home are Anaheim, California, Arkansas, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico but anywhere near my family feels like home to me. I graduated medical school from Universidad de Guadalajara Centro Universitario de la Costa and did 6 months of radiology residency at San Javier, hospital Guadalajara, México. I’ve previously worked as a rural physician serving low socioeconomic population, hospitalist and urgent care physician in Mexico. I also worked as a medical assistant with a nephrologist in Arkansas. I choose PVHMC Due to its community commitment; serving a diverse population and high volume of deliveries were some aspects that influence my decision. Education, trust and being at peace are important to me. I enjoy international food, learning new things and relaxing. Some random facts about me are that I am learning mixology, I have tried skydiving, and I love to travel. My Hogwarts house is Gryffindor, and in the future, I want to pursue a Family Medicine/OB fellowship. The best piece of advice I have ever received is, everything is a learning process.
Gabriela Sibrian
Pronouns: She/Her
Undergraduate School: Mills College
Medical School: Escuela Latinoamerica de Medicina
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Gabriela and I call Pacoima, California home. Previously I worked as an operations manager for a homeless shelter for recently arrived immigrants and refugees. I am interested in working with PVHMC’s ethnically, culturally and socioeconomically diverse patient population. I like that the program has rigorous inpatient and OBGYN training. I have gotten to know the program through the interview process and in speaking to residents and faculty, I felt like I would receive strong training at PVHMC. Kindness and helping others is what matters to me. I enjoy all things art, music, and dance, spending time with family and friends, cycling and reading. In the future, I want to continue merging my interests in medicine, human rights, and social justice. The best piece of advice I have ever received is, "never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed individuals can change the world. In fact, it's the only thing that ever has." Margaret Mead.
Irene Velarde
Pronouns: She/Her
Undergraduate School: University of California at Irvine
Medical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine California
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Irene and I call Vallejo, California. Prior to medical school, I worked as a medical assistant. I choose PVHMC because of the community focus, and unopposed training. The things that matter to me are social determinants of health, and procedures. I truly enjoy music, and traveling. One random fact about me is that I have a very cute dog. In the future, I want to be an excellent clinician, an educator, and to utilize my training to serve my community. The best piece of advice I have ever received is, take a breath.
2026 Residents
Sohee Chung, D.O.
Pronouns: She/Her
Resident Year: 2026
Undergraduate School: University of California, Irvine
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Sohee and I was born in South Korea and immigrated to the states as a teenager with my family. I grew up in Torrance, CA and I consider it to be my hometown. I chose PVHMC because of the full-spectrum training and diverse patient population. I have many interests within the field of family medicine; I find PVHMC to be a perfect place for me to venture my interests. Family and friends and their wellbeing matter to me. I enjoy multiple hobbies including crocheting, knitting, gardening, cooking, going on road trips, playing board games and pool, and watching good whodunit movies. I enjoy learning new things as well. My Hogwarts house is Gryffindor and a random fact about myself is that I have low caffeine tolerance. But I’m ready to drink some coffee for the next few years.
Alma Alejandra Cortez, M.D.
Pronouns: She/Her
Resident Year: 2026
Undergraduate School: University of California, Riverside
Medical School: Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina Guadalajara
Describe Yourself:
I am a proud daughter of Mexican Immigrants who was born in Sylmar, California but raised partly in Nayarit, Mexico and Moreno Valley, California. I attended Crafton Hills College before transferring to UC Riverside. After graduating UCR in June 2016, I then moved to Guadalajara, Mexico to attend the Universidad de Guadalajara school of Medicine. The experiences I lived in Guadalajara through volunteering with FM4 El Paso and GUIMEDIC further sparked my passion for providing comprehensive and compassionate primary care and reducing healthcare disparities in underserved communities. After my first two years in Guadalajara, I completed my clinical rotations in Las Vegas, NV, and now I am excited to serve the community of Pomona.
Outside of Medicine I enjoy spending time with loved ones and my two dogs: Blue and Waffles, traveling, outdoor activities, movies, cooking, and baking. One random fact about me is that I am a huge Lego builder. My Hogwarts house is Gryffindor.
Best advice I have ever received is that we shouldn’t be afraid of the thing we are most afraid to do, because sometimes that is exactly what we need to grow.
Cecilia Cusimano Murillo, M.D.
Pronouns: She/Her
Resident Year: 2026
Undergraduate School: Pitzer College
Medical School: Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina Guadalajara
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Cecilia.
My pronouns are she/her.
I was born in Tijuana, Mexico and immigrated at a young age to Southern California. I was raised in Pomona, California and this is where I call home. I am the first in my family to attend college and pursue medical school. It is an honor to be a part of PVHMC FMRP because I will be able to give back to my community and its wonderful people. What attracted me the most to Family Medicine is that it allows me to work full spectrum medicine, build long lasting relationships with my patients, and practice preventive medicine. Before residency I worked as a clinical research coordinator, did nail art, volunteered in food banks around my community, and waitressed. I love to bake cookies and cakes, play frisbee with my Australian Shepherd fur baby–Roger, and have adventures with my husband. My Hogwarts House is Hufflepuff. Two random facts about me are that I like to try new cuisines and I love Disneyland! In the future I would like to help the underserved communities and make a difference in my hometown. The best advice I have ever received is to never give up on my dreams.
Crystal Estrada, M.D.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Resident Year: 2026
Undergraduate School: University of California, San Diego
Medical School: Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina Guadalajara
Describe Yourself:
Hola, my name is Crystal. My hometown is La Puente, California. I am very happy that I will live at home while doing residency at PVHMC! Because my first language was Spanish I was an interpreter for my mom for her medical appointments, I remember that when my mom’s doctor spoke Spanish she would light up. My hope is to utilize what I have learned to meet the needs of and help care for patients and allow them to light up like my mom once did. I am a first generation college graduate and the only in my family to pursue medicine. My favorite part of studying medicine abroad was the opportunity I had to serve migrants from Central and South America. During my time abroad I also felt connected to my ancestors when I rotated in the hospital where my grandparents had previously received medical care. I am family oriented and that is why I want to work with patients of all ages and help them live their best lives! My daily activities include walking in my community with my mom and brother, who is in a wheelchair due to Cerebral Palsy, and my dog (Maxi). My hobbies include swimming, reading, hiking, making horrible desserts, eating my mom’s delicious food, exploring new places and gardening, especially when it is time to harvest fruit trees, like Persimmon trees! Advice that has helped me is “You could be the master of your fate, you could be the captain of your soul. But you have to realize that life is coming from you and not at you, and that takes time,” Timothée Chalamet. My hope is that children will see that I worked hard to make my dream possible and for them to know that their dream is possible too. My Hogwart’s House is Hufflepuff, home to my favorite character Newt Scamander.
Rabiah Fresco, M.D.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Resident Year: 2026
Undergraduate School: Hobart and William Smith Colleges
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Describe Yourself:
I am originally from Cambridge, Massachusetts and went to medical school at Saint Louis University so I have been slowly making my way southwest. Some of my hobbies include running, pickle ball, and picnics. I have completed two marathons and qualified to the Boston marathon! One thing I am passionate about is sustainability and I started the sustainability club at my medical school. My Hogwarts house is Slytherin. After residency I hope to complete a fellowship in sports medicine and would love to get to work at the LA Olympics in 2028. I am excited to be moving to the sunny state of California with my partner for residency. We look forward to exploring this incredible area!
Shwe Lew, D.O.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Resident Year: 2026
Undergraduate School: University of California, San Diego
Medical School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Describe Yourself:
Hello! I’m Shwe, and I was born in Myanmar and grew up in Daly City, California. I graduated from University of California, San Diego with a B.S. in Human Biology and Public Health. Afterwards I attended Touro University California where I obtained a Master’s and D.O. Degree. Prior to medical school, I worked as a medical assistant, scribe, and math tutor. I chose PVHMC for its unopposed full-spectrum training, the OB & Women’s Health Track and for its location in Southern California. In my free time, I love to hang out with friends, crochet, exercise, cook, eat yummy food and drink boba. My Hogwarts house is Ravenclaw. The best advice I’ve received is that everything will work out in the end.
Bijan Origel, D.O.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Resident Year: 2026
Undergraduate School: University of California, Merced
Medical School: Marian University College of Osteopathic of Medicine
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Bijan and I was raised in Modesto, California. I attended the University of California Merced, where I majored in Human Biology. I then went to Indiana to attend medical school at Marian University College of Osteopathic of Medicine. I selected PVHMC because of the amazing faculty, patient population, full spectrum care, and sports medicine track. In my free time, you can find me working out, playing tennis, watching movies, and playing video games. My Hogwarts house is Gryffindor. In the future, I would like to do a sports medicine fellowship and to continue to help the surrounding community. The best piece of advice I ever received was, “make sure to enjoy the journey”.
Kaylinda Ngoc-Han Tran, D.O.
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Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Resident Year: 2026
Undergraduate School: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Kaylinda, and Chino Hills, CA is where I call home. Prior to medical school, I attended UCLA where I majored in Biology. I chose to be a part of the PVHMC family because it is near home, is my family’s main place of care, has strong roots in the community, and provides excellent full-spectrum continuity of care. Things that matter most to me are my family, friends, and personal physical/mental well-being. In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, crafting, spending time with family and friends, exploring new food places, planning events, and giving gifts! Random fact about me is that I dance when I eat, but am too stiff to dance any other time, and my Hogwarts house is Hufflepuff! In the future, I want to serve my community, promote lifestyle medicine, and collaborate with other healthcare providers to make a positive impact. The best piece of advice I have ever received is, “In this life, the challenges we are given are those that we are capable of overcoming, so never hesitate to JUST GO FOR IT.”
2027 Residents
Hazem Ammar, M.D.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Resident Year: 2027
Describe Yourself:
Hi! I'm Hazem, born and raised in Egypt, the land of the pharaohs. I graduated from Ain Shams University with a degree in Medicine and subsequently pursued a career as a primary care physician. My passion for women's health led me to complete an OB/GYN residency in Egypt, where I honed my skills in both clinical practice and patient care.
Seeking further professional growth, I chose PVHMC for its outstanding faculty, dedicated residents, and the unopposed Family Medicine residency program. This setting provides me with the ideal opportunity to receive comprehensive training in both inpatient and outpatient settings, ensuring I am well-prepared to serve my patients effectively.
One piece of advice that has always resonated with me is: "In every patient, there is a teacher." This reminder encourages me to approach each patient encounter with empathy, curiosity, and a commitment to lifelong learning.
Grant Garcia, M.D.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Grant and I grew up in Redlands, California. I received my B.S. in Biochemistry with an emphasis in Bioethics from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA. Following that, I moved to the east coast and received my M.D. from the University of Massachusetts. Despite going away for school, Southern California is my home and I’m very excited to be close to friends and family again.
I chose Family Medicine because of the emphasis it places upon preventative and community medicine. I was drawn to PVHMC specifically because of the supportive work environment and the program’s focus on community service. As I move forward in my career, I want to prioritize working with displaced populations such as refugees and asylum-seekers. Outside of work, I love to garden, I enjoy cooking, and I hope to run a marathon in the next few years.
Ivy Hsu, D.O.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Resident Year: 2027
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Ivy! I was born in Atlanta, GA, but grew up moving throughout the U.S. and Asia. I graduated from UC Davis with a degree in neurobiology and then attended ATSU-SOMA for medical school. I am passionate about community health, preventative medicine, and women’s health. In the future, I hope to practice both inpatient and outpatient family medicine while expanding outreach into the community. During my free time, I enjoy scenic hikes, oil painting, playing music, and baking.
Andre Elias Khawam, D.O.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Resident Year: 2027
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Andre. I was raised in Anaheim, California, and this is where I call home. I completed my undergraduate degree at Cal State Los Angeles, where I received a Bachelor of Science in Exercise Science with a minor in Biology. During my undergraduate education, I worked as a medical scribe at San Antonio Regional Hospital in Upland and worked as a behavioral respite therapy aid for children and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities. I later moved to Cleveland, Ohio, where I completed medical school at Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine. I am thrilled to be back in Southern California, close to my family and lifelong friends. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, exercising, watching movies, traveling, and cooking. In the future, I intend to practice outpatient family medicine and look forward to improving the health of my community. Some of the best advice I have ever received is “take life one day at a time.”
An Luu, M.D.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Resident Year: 2027
Describe Yourself:
I am a first-generation Vietnamese immigrant dedicated to advocating for healthcare access, particularly for immigrant families. Places I call home include Vietnam, San Diego, and Riverside. After immigrating to the US, I became the first in my family to attend a four-year university at UC Irvine and pursue medical school at St. George's University.
Forming and maintaining connections with people, family, and friends is incredibly important to me. Outside of medicine, I enjoy sports like basketball, hiking, and various outdoor activities. One random fact about me is that I am red-green colorblind, but yes, I can still see red and green traffic lights! I'm also a proud Hufflepuff.
In the future, I aspire to open my own practice to continue serving my community. The best advice I’ve received is that there is no meaning without reflection, a principle I carry with me in both my personal and professional life.
Judy Ly, D.O.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Resident Year: 2027
Describe Yourself:
Hi, my name is Judy. I grew up in Oakland, CA, and graduated from UC Davis with a major in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior and a minor in Chicano Studies. My passion for medicine began at UC Davis, where I volunteered at the Vietnamese student-run clinic VNCARES and embarked on a 4month medical mission to Oaxaca, Mexico.
After moving to Southern California, I spent two years as a lab manager, focusing on research on the effects of glutathione on Tuberculosis and other comorbidities. I attended Western University of Health Sciences and completed two master's degrees before starting medical school. During my medical education, I was honored to serve as an Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine Teaching Fellow for one year.
Due to health concerns, I took a break from medical school, during which time I gained a unique perspective as a patient navigating the complexities of the medical system. This experience inspired me to co-found Align Medicine, a patient advocacy initiative that assists patients in navigating the healthcare system, particularly during the transition from hospital to primary care.
I am strongly interested in geriatric and palliative care and am dedicated to providing empathetic care to my patients. Mentoring undergraduate and graduate students is another passion of mine. In my free time, I enjoy baking, gardening, and spending time with my husband and pugs. As a proud Hufflepuff, I live by the advice, "Perseverance is demonstrated by those who keep going when the going gets tough, even when others say it can't be done.”
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