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Residents
Our beloved Residents are the "stars" of the program. See below for Resident Profiles and testimonials. 
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Thank-a-Resident-Day 2025!!!
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Welcome Class of 2028!!! (PGY-1)
Taylor Brummond, DO
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences
Undergrad: Chapman University Hometown: Dana Point, CA Clinical Interests: Lifestyle Medicine, Sports Medicine, Community and Underserved Medicine, Behavioral Health Hobbies: Hiking, Swimming/Running and staying active, Classic Film, Exploring new breweries and coffee shops, Beach days, Music (everything from Classic rock to Country) Fun Fact: I have a film collection of over 1400 DVDs and BluRays Why you chose KPOC: I fell in love with this residency during my one month audition rotation. The people are kind, supportive, and genuinely fun to be around. The program also has the opportunities I am looking for to grow into the kind of family physician I want to be. Last but not least, the opportunity to stay in Orange County, close to friends and family, was extremely important to me. |
Lyndon Bui, MD
Medical School: University of Arizona COM - Phoenix
Undergrad: UCLA Hometown: Orange, CA Clinical Interests: Lifestyle Medicine, Community Medicine, Women’s Health, Health Advocacy, Medical Education Hobbies: Spikeball, pickleball, tennis, board games, escape rooms, cooking, movies, trying new restaurants, stargazing, naps, hiking Fun Fact: I have a bottomless stomach when it comes to All You Can Eat hot pot, KBBQ, or sushi. Why you chose KPOC: The people! The residents and faculty are a fun and supportive family, focusing on both learning and wellness, and though I am biased, nowhere beats OC! |
Ioana Cirjan, MD
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson
Undergrad: Arizona State University Hometown: Phoenix, AZ Clinical Interests: Women’s health, reproductive justice, community medicine, adolescent medicine, LGBTQIA+ medicine / gender-affirming care, healthcare equity and advocacy Hobbies: Tennis, thrifting, discovering new vegan restaurants, spending time with my cat and partner, video games, naps Fun Fact: I’ve been to Dracula’s castle Why you chose KPOC: The people, the culture, and the training opportunities! I love how supportive and down to earth everyone is, the emphasis on community health, being able to tailor my training to pursue specific interests, and serving a diverse patient population. Orange County is also beautiful with a lot of culture and good food! |
Chae Lee, MD
Medical School: University of California, Irvine School of Medicine
Undergrad: UC Berkeley Hometown: Irvine, CA Clinical Interests: Lifestyle Medicine, Women’s Health, Health Advocacy, Procedures, Geriatrics Hobbies: Spending time with my dogs (Danchu and Becca - they are such characters), playing video games, singing, discovering new restaurants, hiking, pottery painting, saying “pspsps” to stray cats, re-watching ‘Friends’ Fun Fact: My nostrils don’t lie Why you chose KPOC: My first interaction with KPOC goes all the way back to elementary school, when my family and I had just immigrated to the United States. We didn’t have insurance at the time, and the clinic in Santa Ana was where my sister and I were able to receive the care we needed. I still remember how kind everyone was and how grateful we felt to have access to healthcare. That experience stayed with me and played a big part in why I chose to pursue medicine. When I got to know the program again as a medical student, I felt a genuine warmth from the residents during my interview and second look—they were happy, supported, and clearly thriving. The supportive faculty, strong sense of community, and proximity to home so I can stay connected to my family—I truly couldn’t have asked for more. |
David Lee, MD
Medical School: California Northstate University
Undergrad: UC Davis Hometown: Sacramento Clinical Interests: medical education, sports medicine, lifestyle medicine, community medicine Hobbies: Basketball, watching movies, playing board games, playing the drums Fun Fact: I used to breakdance when I was younger Why you chose KPOC: I loved the residents and faculty I had the chance to meet, and I could see that they were very happy to be a part of the program |
Amanda Pacheco Lebron, MD
Medical School: University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus
Undergrad: University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus Hometown: San Juan, Puerto Rico Clinical Interests: Geriatrics, Hospice and Palliative Care, Global Health, Preventative Medicine Hobbies: every type of outdoor activity (surfing and hiking are my favorite!), baking, photography, traveling, and discovering new coffee shops. Fun Fact: I lived in Germany for two years before entering medical school! Why you chose KPOC: A comprehensive program which allowed me to pursue my interests in global health, research, community medicine, and serving a diverse patient population, specifically the Hispanic/Latino community. As a bonus, coming from an island in the Caribbean, having the beach close by reminds me of home :) |
Faith Sumandea, MD
Medical School: California Northstate University
Undergrad: UC Davis Hometown: Chicago Clinical Interests: Sports Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Procedures Hobbies: Whittling, Hiking, Crocheting, Skiing, and Tidepooling Fun Fact: I skied from Switzerland to Italy once and got caught in a blizzard on the way back! Why you chose KPOC: The residents, faculty, and staff were all very kind and welcoming; the diverse training opportunities; the chocolate chip cookies; and the opportunity to live in SoCal, close to friends and family |
Trinity Webster, MD
Medical School: Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
Undergrad: University of California San Diego Hometown: Mission Viejo Clinical Interests: Outpatient, Women’s health (gyn procedures and abortion care), Global Health, Health Policy, Gender Affirming Care, Preventative Health Hobbies: Sewing, Camping, Dirt-Biking, Budget Traveling, Board Game nights, Cooking, Hiking, and Rock Concerts/Festivals Fun Fact: I have ridden camels in the Sahara desert Why you chose KPOC: I am excited to work in a system that is primary care first, and offers comprehensive training in all my areas of interest—global health, preventative health, women’s health, LGBTQ+ care, and community medicine. I grew up in the area and I am so excited to get reconnected to the people in my community here! |
Class of 2027 (PGY-2)
Ashvin Antony, MD
Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Undergrad: Vanderbilt University Hometown: Boston, MA Clinical Interests: Community Medicine, Health Equity Advocacy, Preventative Medicine, Outpatient Procedures Hobbies: Diehard Boston sports fan (Go Celtics!), exploring breweries and new cuisines, boba runs, cooking South Indian food, and concerts! Fun Fact: I won a raffle to see Beyonce and Jay-Z in concert for free! Why you chose KPOC: The residents always looking out for each other, the family-like community, the structured wellness, and can’t beat the OC weather, food and vibes. |
Victoria Dinh, DO
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences COMP
Undergrad: UC Riverside Hometown: Tustin, CA Clinical Interests: Community Medicine, Preventative Medicine, Outpatient Procedures Hobbies: Board game nights, houseplants, picnicking at parks, traveling with my husband, watching reality TV shows/K-dramas/anime, trying and failing to cuddle with my two huskies Fun Fact: I am a Disney Annual Passholder so you know where to find me after work! Why you chose KPOC: I chose KPOC because of the people, dedicated specialty clinics, and healthy work-life balance! I’m incredibly grateful for this family that makes long days at work feel like hanging out :’) |
Deborah Kim, DO
Medical School: Midwestern University - Arizona COM
Undergrad: UC San Diego Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Clinical Interests: Community Medicine, Preventative Medicine, Maternity Health Hobbies: Yoga, trying out new restaurants/bars, camping, traveling, spending time with my people, binge watching good shows, buying new sneakers Fun Fact: I tried out for the Lion King Broadway Musical when I was 9 years old and passed two rounds, and then I never heard from them again Why you chose KPOC: Great training, the residents, unbeatable weather, and because it’s home sweet home |
Ryley Lee, MD
Medical School: Chicago Medical School
Undergrad: UC Berkeley Hometown: Diamond Bar, CA Clinical Interests: Sports Medicine, Medical Education, Critical Appraisal of Literature Hobbies: Modernizing older technology, house music, exploring thrift stores and night markets. Fun Fact: I was delivered at Kaiser Anaheim! Why you chose KPOC: I chose this program for the passionate, inspiring teachers, built-in wellness that keeps us balanced, endless sunshine, and genuinely great people. |
Cynthia Liu, DO
Medical School: William Carey University COM
Undergrad: UCLA Hometown: Chongqing, China/ Irvine, CA Clinical Interests: Behavioral/Mental Health, Women’s and Men’s Health, Community Medicine Hobbies: Road-biking, snowboarding, Pilates, playing tennis, hiking, roadtrips and national parks, traveling, cooking, stargazing, reading, concerts and operas, watching ball games… Fun Fact: I can smell the adrenaline rush on rare occasions when I feel super excited or nervous -- even though adrenaline is odorless. Maybe it's because adrenaline enhances odorant contrast? Why you chose KPOC: The people! I did a sub-l at KPOC and was immediately drawn to the residency, particularly because of the senior residents and the welcoming faculty. It felt like home. We have faculty that is dedicated to our growth not only as medical residents but also as human beings. We also have a great resident alliance, with a dedicated wellness committee that listens to our concerns and suggestions for a better place to be. I also chose it because of the location. The golden coast is unparalleled, and it is home sweet home- good to be back and contributing to the community. Oh, did I forget to mention that I ended up having such amazing co-interns? |
Tommaso Meregalli, DO
Medical School: Touro University, New York
Undergrad: Trinity College Hometown: Milan, Italy Clinical Interests: Integrative Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine Hobbies: Cooking Italian food (risotto is my specialty), learning new languages, anything Dune-related, watching Love Island with my wife Fun Fact: I have tried a slice of pizza on every continent! Why you chose KPOC: The supportive faculty, the fun and genuine residents, and the stunning OC weather! |
Sophia Nguyen, DO
Medical School: Midwestern University - Arizona COM
Undergrad: UCLA Hometown: Laguna Hills, CA Clinical Interests: Community Medicine, Preventative Medicine, Women’s Health, Geriatrics Hobbies: trying new restaurants, Pilates, cycling, binge watching trash reality TV-shows, skincare Fun Fact: I have a pet chicken and her name is Bawk Bawk! Why you chose KPOC: I chose KPOC because: of the people!! Residency is pretty tough so to have such a strong, kind, and supportive group of people who uplift you was exactly what I was looking for. I felt very welcomed even as a sub-I and I’m grateful to learn medicine in a safe environment. And it also helps to be in OC with good weather, good food, and good people (: |
Alexander Wong, DO
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences - COMP
Undergrad: UC San Diego Hometown: Arcadia, CA Clinical Interests: Preventative Medicine, Academic Medicine, Inpatient Medicine Hobbies: Watching and playing basketball, hiking, trying new recipes Fun Fact: I can spin a basketball on all 5 fingers on my right hand! Why you chose KPOC: Because of all of the amazing people that I worked with when I rotated here as a medical student! Everyone was supportive of me and had my back. It genuinely felt like a safe and fun environment to learn and grow as a resident! |
Class of 2026 (PGY-3)
Sarah Calove, MD
Medical School: University of Massachusetts Medical School
Undergrad: UCLA Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA Clinical Interests: LGBTQIA+ Health, Reproductive Health, Community Medicine Hobbies: Soccer, basketball, hiking, running, exploring new food places and drinking boba, traveling, singing, playing piano/guitar/ukulele Fun Fact: I have a pizza-shaped discoloration in my left eye! Why you chose KPOC: I chose the KPOC family medicine residency because of the strong sense of community and family feel between the residents and faculty. Everyone has been so supportive of one another, and the positive environment in this residency has helped me to succeed greatly. |
Amanda Hale, DO
Medical School: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad: Texas State University Pronouns: They/Them Hometown: Magnolia, TX Clinical Interests: LGBTQ+ Health, Addiction Medicine, Community Medicine, Sleep Medicine Hobbies: Hiking, making ice cream, running, crocheting, trivia, ceramics, listening to obscure podcasts, indoor plants, and the list goes on! Fun Fact: I applied for an art show with a cute little ceramic pot I made and it was accepted. The piece was titled “baby’s first pot” and the plant that inhabits the pot is somehow still alive! Why you chose KPOC: I'm here for the people! I remember interviewing here and feeling like I was part of the family, then solidifying that feeling during my second look. I wake up every day excited to see my co-residents <3 |
Sheryl Hefti, DO
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences
Undergrad: University of Kansas Hometown: St. Francis, KS Clinical Interests: Preventative and Lifestyle Medicine, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Behavioral Health, Academic Medicine/Teaching Hobbies: Disney, hiking, wellness activities, spoiling my border collie Wally, wine and craft beer tasting, sleeping Fun Fact: I completed an internship at Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World during undergrad that was completely unrelated to my degree in Community Health Education Why you chose KPOC: At first, because I liked that it was a community residency with an academic focus, but after rotating with the program, it was the focus on wellness and the people. |
Brendan Hong, DO
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences
Undergrad: Johns Hopkins University Hometown: Palos Verdes Estates, CA Clinical Interests: Sports Medicine, LGBTQ+ Health, Lifestyle Medicine, Preventative Medicine Hobbies: Volleyball (beach, grass, and indoor), pop music (I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan), weight lifting, drinking boba, traveling Fun Fact: I earned my AAA rating in beach volleyball, the highest rating you can achieve in the California Beach Volleyball Association Why you chose KPOC: The friendly, knowledgeable faculty and residents as well as its ideal location to family and friends! |
Derek Hung, MD
Medical School: California University of Science and Medicine
Undergrad: UCLA Hometown: Diamond Bar, CA Clinical Interests: Behavioral Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Community Medicine, Preventive Medicine Hobbies: Basketball, badminton, hiking, playing piano and guitar, playing with my puppy, exploring new restaurants, escape rooms, theme parks Fun Fact: I’ve been to 37 National Parks, and my goal is to visit all of them in my lifetime! Why you chose KPOC: I chose KPOC because it was immediately obvious from my interview that this was an organization that truly cared about each other, between not only the residents but also the faculty and the residents. There was a strong emphasis on wellness and protecting residents from burnout but also still having a well-rounded education and curriculum. The residents all looked like they were genuinely good friends with each other and supported each other, and the faculty were so enthusiastic and passionate about residents' wellbeing! |
Kristine Rosas, DO
Medical School: Touro University Nevada
Undergrad: UC Irvine Hometown: Daly City, CA Clinical Interests: Preventative medicine, Women’s Health, Procedures Hobbies: Hiking, running, baking, exploring new restaurants, traveling, watching Netflix Fun Fact: I love traveling and collecting refrigerator magnets to commemorate my trips! Why you chose KPOC: I chose KPOC because of the incredible experience I had during my sub-internship. From the very first day, I felt genuinely welcomed and supported by everyone I met. What stood out most—and ultimately made my decision easy—was the people. The sense of camaraderie, mentorship, and kindness was truly unmatched. I feel incredibly fortunate to have matched at my top-choice program, where I get to learn and grow alongside such an amazing team every day. |
Lilian Scanlon, MD
Medical School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Undergrad: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Hometown: St. Charles, IL Clinical Interests: Lifestyle Medicine, Preventative Medicine, Women’s Health, Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health Hobbies: Yoga, hiking, reading, pickleball, trying new restaurants Fun Fact: My partner and I decided to start fostering dogs, but we ended up adopting the first dog that we fostered! Why you chose KPOC: I chose KPOC because of the people, the amazing location, and the extensive training in all aspects of family medicine! |
Houman Tazhibi, DO
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences
Undergrad: UCLA Hometown: Granada Hills, CA Clinical Interests: Sports Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Preventative Medicine Hobbies: Playing soccer and basketball, boxing, weight lifting, astrophotography, drawing/painting Fun Fact: I enjoy traveling to National Parks and photographing the Milky Way! Why you chose KPOC: The warmth of all the faculty and residents. The amazing teaching environment. |
Class of 2025 -- Just graduated. Congrats!!!
Neely Atamaniuk, DO
Medical School: Des Moines University
Undergrad: Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Hometown: Redondo Beach, CA Clinical Interests: Global Medicine, Women’s Health, LGBTQ+ Health, Preventative Medicine Hobbies: Hiking with my two dogs, exploring tidepools, skiing, running, trying new recipes Fun Fact: I taught English in Thailand to adorable six year olds |
Crystal Cheung, DO
Medical School: Touro University Nevada
Undergrad: UCLA Hometown: Fountain Valley, CA Clinical Interests: Preventative Medicine, Pediatrics, Women’s Health, Procedures, Geriatrics Hobbies: going to Disneyland, Disney pin trading, paint and sip nights, attending concerts, playing with makeup Fun Fact: I’ve been to every Disney park in the world except for Shanghai and Paris, which are next on my list! |
Jonathan Dreiling, DO
Medical School: Western University Health Sciences
Undergrad: UC Santa Cruz Hometown: Santa Clarita, CA Clinical Interests: Preventative Care, Procedures, Behavioral Health, Urgent Care Hobbies: Snowboarding, roller hockey, fantasy football, concerts, running, mountain biking Fun Fact: I used to drive a forklift when I worked at Home Depot |
Rebecca Lee, DO
Medical School: Rocky Vista University- Southern Utah
Undergrad: Brigham Young University Hometown: Kaohsiung, Taiwan Clinical Interests: Academic Medicine, Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine, Community Medicine, Procedures, Dermatology Hobbies: Rock climbing, pickleball, cycling, running, hiking, shopping, cooking, and eating! Fun Fact: I didn’t attend school until fifth grade |
Dana Nguyen, DO
Medical School: Western University Health Sciences
Undergrad: CSU Fullerton Hometown: Anaheim, CA Clinical Interests: Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine, Preventative Medicine, Women’s Health Hobbies: Hosting dinner parties, Discovering new restaurants, Playing fetch with both my dog and cat Fun Fact: One of my favorite joys in life is taking an afternoon nap without needing to set an alarm |
Danny Nguyen, DO
Medical School: Touro University Nevada
Undergrad: UCLA Hometown: Vietnam --> Garden Grove, CA Clinical Interests: Preventative Medicine, Community Medicine, Geriatrics, Procedures Hobbies: cooking, checking out new restaurants, attending concerts, singing karaoke with friends and family, watching shows/movies Fun Fact: I love eating ice-cream and could use it as a pick-me-up any day! |
Jodi Spangler, MD
Medical School: University of Washington
Undergrad: UCLA Hometown: Durban, South Africa Clinical Interests: Preventive and Integrative Medicine, Wilderness Medicine, Community Medicine, Global Health Hobbies: Surfing, hiking, skydiving, yoga, fixing up my Westfalia campervan, family time, and gardening Fun Fact: My favorite scent in the world is the special combination of coffee and surf wax on the way to the beach |
Dean Tran, MD
Medical School: Tulane University School of Medicine
Undergrad: UCLA Hometown: Mission Viejo, CA Clinical Interests: Preventive Medicine, Behavioral Health, Palliative Medicine, Teaching Hobbies: I love cooking! Lately, I’ve gotten into barbecuing. I dream of someday being a proud owner of an offset smoker, but for now, catch me on the weekend lighting up my kettle grill and smoking chicken wings or beef short ribs. Other than that, I love trying and learning new things with my more adventurous other half Fun Fact: Ask to borrow my Atlas pasta machine! |
Class of 2024
Raymar Baesa, DO
Chief Resident Now Working: KP Gardena
Medical School: Touro University Nevada Undergrad: UCLA Hometown: Fullerton, CA Clinical Interests: Sports Medicine, Community Medicine, Preventative Medicine Hobbies: Basketball (go Lakers!), Karaoke, Dancing, all things Disney & Marvel, music, using my air fryer, binge watching shows on all streaming services Fun Fact: At first coerced by my girlfriend, now am a big fan of watching trashy reality TV (Love Island, MTV’s The Challenge, The Bachelor, etc.) |
Chantal Jackson, MD
Now Working: KP NorCal (Davis)
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine- Tucson Undergrad: UCLA Hometown: Berkeley, CA Clinical Interests: Community Health, Dermatology and Preventive Medicine Hobbies: Cultural Studies, Dance, Drawing, Hiking, Painting and Reading Fun Fact: I was once a background actor on the set of House |
Leah Shapiro, MD
Now Working: Torrance Memorial
Medical School: Sackler School of Medicine (NY) Undergrad: Brandeis University Hometown: Los Angeles, CA Clinical Interests: Community Medicine, Global Health, Medical Education Hobbies: Hiking, Cooking with friends, Golf, any water-related activities Fun Fact: I have traveled to over 35 countries |
John Shin, MD
Now Working: Providence St. Jude
Medical School: California Northstate University COM Undergrad: University of Washington Hometown: Anyang, Gyeonggi-do (South Korea) → Puyallup, WA Clinical Interests: Sports Medicine, Preventive Medicine, Procedures Hobbies: Working out, Snowboarding, Gaming, Building PCs, Cooking/BBQ Fun Fact: I have a sous vide machine for that perfect medium rare steak. Recently became a dad |
Joseph St. Pierre, MDNow Working: KP Georgia
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine Undergrad: Tufts University Hometown: Manchester, NH Clinical Interests: Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine, Office procedures, Geriatrics Hobbies: Running, Strength training, camping, cooking food and enjoying it with others, origami Fun Fact: Taking a few minutes for coffee before sunrise is my favorite part of the day |
Ellice Wang, MD
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Brandon Wong, DONow Working: KP La Palma
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences Undergrad: UC Irvine Hometown: San Francisco, CA Clinical Interests: Preventative Medicine, Lifestyle and Integrative Medicine, Community Medicine Hobbies: Grilling and barbecuing, pet photography, anything Star Wars related Fun Fact: I am addicted to grocery shopping |
Claire Stolin, DO
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For More Recent Graduates please click here
The Kaiser Permanente Orange County Family Residency Program
Class of 2024
Class of 2024
The Kaiser Permanente Orange County Family Residency Program
Class of 2025
Class of 2025
The Kaiser Permanente Orange County Family Residency Program
Class of 2026
Class of 2026
The Kaiser Permanente Orange County Family Residency Program
Class of 2027
Class of 2027
The Kaiser Permanente Orange County Family Residency Program
Class of 2028
Class of 2028
