PGY3 Residents
Eduardo Amezcua, MD - Resident Physician
Medical School
University of California - San Francisco
Hometown
Aliso Viejo, California
Why did you choose FM?
I chose family medicine because I wanted to build long-term meaningful connection with people. Kids, adults, pregnant woman, and elderly patients, people from all walks of life can be cared by family medicine.
Why Kaweah Health?
I was interested in Kaweah Health because I am dedicated to serving the underserved community. During my interview, I connected with the faculty and residents based on their desire to produce the best physicians to serve the Central Valley and resident wellness.
Hobbies
Weightlifting, playing video games, baking, running, mountain climbing (all seven summits one day).
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Ask questions and feel empowered to advocate for you and your loved one’s wellbeing. The only bad question is the one you don’t ask.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
It’s ok to struggle either as a premed or medical student. Be kind to yourself and trust the process.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I absolutely love Japanese anime.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My grandparents. They believed in me at the start of my journey and wish they were here to see me now.
Roberto Bonilla, MD - Resident Physician
Medical School
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine
Hometown
Chicago, Illinois
Why did you choose FM?
Opportunity to alleviate health disparities among Latinos
Why Kaweah Health?
Location, underserved medical population, historical significance of the area in Latino US History
Hobbies
Running, cycling, hiking, camping, fishing, video games, and watching movies & TV
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
You have the power and ability to change your health
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
This journey is hard, expensive, competitive, and there is no guarantee for success. If you really want this, you will work harder than you ever thought possible, and sacrifice more than others will understand.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I am part of the first generation of my family to attend college, let alone medical school.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My brother, who always nurtured my love of science. And my co-worker Salvador, who told me I was too educated to be a landscaper and should be doing more with my life.
Jasmeen Chahil, MD - Resident Physician
Medical School
Gian Sagar Medical College
Hometown
Visalia, CA
Why did you choose FM?
I chose Family Medicine because I love connecting and interacting with my patients. Family Medicine gives me the opportunity to see various age groups and build meaningful relationships with my patients.
Why Kaweah Health?
I chose Kaweah Health because I wanted to serve my hometown community. Kaweah Health’s residency programs have a great reputation and I always dreamed of being able to train here. My love for Visalia and the Central Valley as a whole is what kept me here.
Hobbies
I enjoy cooking and baking. I also like to sew little outfits for my daughter. Trying new restaurants and cuisines is something I love to do as well.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
My advice for patients would be to prioritize your health and focus on prevention. See your doctor regularly and take time to relax and enjoy life.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Anything is possible! Becoming a physician is a long journey but a definitely worthwhile one.
What is something about you most people do not know?
Something most people don't know about me is my obsession with cheese
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My father was the one who influenced me to become a physician. Growing up and seeing his rewarding career is something that always stuck with me.
Grace Guadalupe, MD - Resident Physician
Medical School
Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences at the University at Buffalo
Hometown
Woodbridge, NJ
Why did you choose FM?
Family medicine allows me to care for patients across the entire spectrum of life and there's lots of variety where I can do a little bit of everything!
Why Kaweah Health?
The people! Everyone was so friendly and seemed so happy. I also loved that I'd be able to train in full spectrum family medicine while working with the underserved community.
Hobbies
cooking, zumba, concerts, traveling
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Remember, we are a team and in this together! Don't hesitate to ask any questions or express any concerns.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Every dream and goal is achievable. Just keep working hard and never give up!
Rebecca Kawagoe, DO - Resident Physician
Medical School
Touro University - California
Hometown
Wichita, KS
Why did you choose FM?
I chose Family Medicine because I want to build lasting relationships with entire families of patients, and walk alongside them for their entire lives. Family Medicine gives me the chance to explore my many passions, including women’s health, LGBTQ medicine, osteopathic treatment, and minor procedures.
Why Kaweah Health?
I have a lot of family members in the nearby town of Reedley, and it was important for me to be near them as a support system. Also, I have a passion for serving the population of the Central Valley and love Kaweah Health’s commitment to serving the local community.
Hobbies
Video games, reading comics and graphic novels, collecting miniatures, crafting
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
One of the most important aspects of medical care is communication. As your provider, I want you to feel heard, respected, and supported no matter what.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Find your tribe! Mentors, family, and friends are invaluable during the medical school journey.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I took 8 years of horseback riding lessons when I was younger.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
Several family members who work in healthcare, as well as my college biology professor. They demonstrate not just medical and scientific expertise, but a deep sense of empathy and compassion for others.
Sahar Ludin, MD - Resident Physician
Medical School
Ross University
Hometown
Jalalabad, Afghanistan and San Diego, CA
Why did you choose FM?
Through my experience as a first generation immigrant, I appreciate the colossal impact of psychosocial determinants of health and the need for health education, especially in the underserved communities. Family Medicine gives me the opportunity to not just treat a diverse patient population from different age groups, but also be an advocate who addresses health inequities within these populations.
Why Kaweah Health?
I chose Kaweah Health because of its genuinely supportive faculty, strong focus on resident wellness and its diverse patient population. I’m excited to be part of a community-centered program with dedication towards preventative and patient-first care.
Hobbies
Traveling, exploring new parks and parts of town with my hubby and toddler, trying new coffee shops, cooking Afghan food, taking on DIY projects.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Take care of your mental health and everything else will follow.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Never lose sight of why you wanted to become a physician in the first place. It’ll make challenges easier to overcome and the journey worthwhile.
What is something about you most people do not know?
I grew up speaking four languages.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My dad. An Afghan physician who is still remembered for his dedication towards medicine in his country. Despite losing him in my childhood, he has been the biggest guide and source of inspiration for me.
Dorathea Smith, MD
Medical School
St.George’s University
Hometown
Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada
Why did you choose FM?
It matches my personality! I’m a people’s person and thrive on building relationships. Family medicine allows you to see the entire spectrum of ages, from prenatal care all the way to geriatrics. The broad scope of pathologies associated with each age group will always keep me curious for medicine.
Why Kaweah Health?
For it’s community based setting, a good team environment and support from faculty and colleagues.
Hobbies
Running, golfing, playing tennis, paddleboarding, cooking and entertaining for friends+family!
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Small steps and stay the course! Overall wellbeing means taking care of your physical, mental and social health.
