PGY1 Residents
Sydney Brown, MD
Medical School
UC Davis School of Medicine
Hometown
Tulare, CA
Why did you choose Family Medicine?
Family medicine is a specialty of broad stokes. I get to train in the fields of adult medicine, pediatrics, and obstetric care to be able to take care of the whole family!
Why Kaweah Health?
I have grown up in the Central Valley and have so much respect for the people of this community. I have always wanted to give back to the community that helped get me to this position.
Hobbies
Vintage shopping and being with family!
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
The best medicine is exercise! Moving our bodies can help heal, if you are capable never stop moving.
Gurpreet Kaur, MD
Medical School
Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine
Hometown
Lovelock, NV
Why did you choose Family Medicine?
Variety of patient disease states, patient demographic, outpatient setting
Why Kaweah Health?
Scope of practice, training specifics, patient demographics
Hobbies
Reading, Painting
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
It’s your health and we are here to facilitate YOUR health in whatever capacity we agreed, together, is necessary
Julio Lopez Guillen, MD
Medical School
St. George's University
Hometown
Woodlake
Why did you choose Family Medicine?
I chose family medicine because it aligns with my passion for preventative care, community health, and patient education. With a background in public health and experience working as a health educator, I have seen firsthand how social determinants have an impact on health outcomes and how a primary care physician can play a role in bridging those gaps. Family medicine allows me to combine my clinical skills with my public health knowledge to provide holistic, patient-centered care that goes beyond treating illness and empowers individuals and communities to lead healthier lives. My experience as a health educator reinforced my commitment to advocating for preventative medicine, patient education, and care that takes cultural competency into consideration. Lastly, and most important for me, is that family medicine gives me the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients and make a meaningful impact in the communities I serve.
Why Kaweah Health?
I chose Kaweah Health because of its strong commitment to serving the diverse and underserved communities of the Central Valley, a mission that is a part of who I am. Growing up in Woodlake, I witnessed the challenges that many families in the region face when accessing quality healthcare, from language barriers to limited medical resources due to lack of insurance or lack of providers. I want to give back to the community that I grew up in by providing compassionate, comprehensive care to those who need it most. Kaweah Health offers the perfect environment for me to develop as a well-rounded physician, with top-tier clinical training, a supportive faculty, and a focus on community-based medicine.
Hobbies
I enjoy sports! including soccer, boxing, and football. In addition, I enjoy working on my cars focusing on paint correction and interior maintenance
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Ask questions and express your concerns! Every time you see your PCP, you're paying for a service, so don't be scared to ask questions and bring up all your concerns regarding your health.
Jemimah Ganal Ostrea, D.O.
Medical School
Pacific Northwest University
Hometown
Visalia, CA
Why did you choose Family Medicine?
I chose family medicine because it gave me a broader perspective in caring for patients. While learning as a medical student, I found that family medicine will give me opportunities to care for a diverse patient population giving me the opportunity to learn more on how to improve the health and lives of my patients.
Why Kaweah Health?
I selected Kaweah Health's program because I was able to experience a nurturing and learning environment while rotating with the family medicine residents and attendings as a medical student. I also have worked in Kaweah Medical Center as an ICU nurse for six years and have enjoyed working for Kaweah.
Hobbies
My hobbies include playing the guitar, painting, baking, cooking Filipino dishes, and gardening.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
My advice is to work with me as their physician. We are a team,
and my goal is to improve their lives and help them enjoy their lives despite the challenges of their health and their circumstances.
Pooja Prasad, D.O.
Medical School
Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Hometown
San Ramon, CA
Why did you choose Family Medicine?
Family medicine is the perfect blend of everything I love—building lasting relationships with patients, solving complex medical puzzles, and having the flexibility to do a little bit of everything. I love that family medicine gives me the opportunity to provide continuity of care while keeping my days interesting with a mix of procedures, preventative care, and patient education.
Why Kaweah Health?
I chose Kaweah as I was looking for a program that values hands-on training, strong community involvement, and serving a diverse patient population—especially in California’s Central Valley, where I have deep roots. Kaweah Health stands out because it offers all of that while fostering a supportive learning environment. I want to train somewhere that will challenge me to grow while also allowing me to connect with the community I hope to serve long-term.
Hobbies
Music has always been a huge part of my life! I play the piano and violin, and I also love singing indian classical music. I also love traveling, trying new restaurants, and finding the best coffee shops in whatever city I’m in.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Be your own biggest advocate! Ask questions, stay engaged, and don’t hesitate to speak up about your health concerns. Your relationship with your doctor should be a partnership, and the more you’re involved, the better your care will be. Also—prevention is key! Taking small steps now can make a huge difference down the road.
Paola Rodriguez, MD
Medical School
UC Davis School of Medicine
Hometown
Woodlake, CA
Why did you choose Family Medicine?
I chose Family Medicine because it allows me to work with all sorts of people – from babies to grandparents – and form meaningful, long-lasting connections with patients. This specialty offers the unique opportunity to care for patients through all stages of life, building trust and understanding as they grow and change. The ability to make a real impact on a person’s life, over the course of many years, is something I find deeply fulfilling.
Why Kaweah Health?
I grew up in Woodlake, just down the road from Visalia! My goal has always been to give back to my home community as a primary care physician, and Kaweah Health offers me the unique opportunity to train in the very community I plan to serve. I’m excited to provide care for the people who have shaped me and to contribute to the health and well-being of the Central Valley.
Hobbies
Outside of medicine, I love getting lost in fantasy-adventure novels and spending time outdoors – preferably at the same time! When I’m not reading or exploring, you’ll likely find me tending to my many houseplants or hanging out with my cat, Frankie. My absolute favorite way to unwind is by watching the sunset with my loved ones – there’s nothing more peaceful.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Be an active participant in your own health journey. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, express any concerns, or make sure you fully understand your care plan. Also, remember that even small changes in your daily routine can have a significant impact on your overall health. By taking charge of your well-being, you’re taking the first step toward a healthier future.
Kimberly Yew, D.O.
Medical School
Touro University California
Hometown
San Jose
Why did you choose Family Medicine?
I chose family medicine because it would allow me to learn a wide range of skills and work with people of all ages. I love the continuity of care that is part of this specialty.
Why Kaweah Health?
On the day of my interview, I could sense that everyone genuinely enjoyed what they were doing and wanted to help the people in their community. The faculty and residents were kind, down-to-earth, and supportive, and I felt like this is an environment I could see myself doing well in.
Hobbies
I enjoy baking, hiking, traveling to other countries, listening to music, trying new foods, and spending time with friends and family.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Don't be afraid to ask questions! It is never too late in the appointment to ask questions.