Meet the Residents
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. I was born in South Korea and immigrated to the United States as a teenager with my family. I grew up in Torrance, CA, and consider it 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 pursue my interests. The well-being of family and friends matters 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 from the University of California, Riverside in June 2016, I then moved to Guadalajara, Mexico, to attend the Universidad de Guadalajara school of Medicine. The experiences I had 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 completing my first two years in Guadalajara, I undertook my clinical rotations in Las Vegas, NV, and I am now excited to serve the community of Pomona.
Outside of Medicine, I enjoy spending time with loved ones and my two dogs, Blue and Waffles, as well as traveling, engaging in outdoor activities, watching movies, cooking, and baking. One random fact about me is that I am a huge Lego builder. My Hogwarts house is Gryffindor.
The best advice I have ever received is that we shouldn’t be afraid of the thing we are most scared to do, because sometimes that is precisely 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 to Southern California at a young age. 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 a career in medicine. It is an honor to be part of PVHMC FMRP, as I will be able to give back to my community and its wonderful people. What attracted me most to Family Medicine is that it allows me to work in a full spectrum of 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 at food banks in my community, and worked as a waitress. 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 enjoy trying new cuisines and I'm a big fan of Disneyland! In the future, I hope to contribute to underserved communities and make a positive impact 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 thrilled to live at home while completing my residency at PVHMC! Since my first language was Spanish, I served as an interpreter for my mom during her medical appointments. I remember that when my mom’s doctor spoke Spanish, she would light up. I hope to utilize what I have learned to meet the needs of and help care for patients, allowing them to shine like my mom once did. I am a first-generation college graduate and the first in my family to pursue a career in 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, which 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. I hope that children will see that I worked hard to make my dream possible and that they will know their dreams are possible too. My Hogwarts 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, pickleball, and picnics. I have completed two marathons and qualified for 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 completing my residency, I hope to pursue a fellowship in sports medicine and would love to work at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. 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 the University of California, San Diego, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Human Biology and Public Health. Afterwards, I attended Touro University California, where I obtained a Master’s and a D.O. Degree. Before 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 enjoy spending time with friends, crocheting, exercising, cooking, eating delicious food, and savoring 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 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 participate in medical school at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I selected PVHMC because of its fantastic faculty, diverse patient population, comprehensive 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 aspire to pursue a sports medicine fellowship and continue to contribute to 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. Before attending medical school, I studied at the University of California, Los Angeles, where I majored in Biology. I chose to be a part of the PVHMC family because it is near home, is my family’s principal 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 aspire to serve my community, promote lifestyle medicine, and collaborate with other healthcare providers to make a meaningful and 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. Although I'm going away to school, Southern California remains my home, and I’m excited to be close to friends and family again.
I chose Family Medicine because of its emphasis on preventive 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 aim to prioritize working with displaced populations, including refugees and asylum seekers. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, cooking, and 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 the University of California, 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 California State University, 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 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 contributing to the improvement of my community's health. 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 access to healthcare, 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 I can still distinguish between red and green traffic lights. I'm also a proud Hufflepuff.
In the future, I aspire to establish my own practice, continuing to serve 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 the University of California, 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 four-month 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 helps patients navigate the healthcare system, particularly during the transition from hospital to primary care.
I am intensely 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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2028 Residents
Angela Aguirre, M.D.
Pronouns: She/Her/Hers
Resident Year: 2028
Undergraduate School: University of California, Davis
Medical School: California University of Science and Medicine
Describe Yourself:
I grew up in Clovis, CA, and studied at the University of California, Davis (go Ags!). An interesting fact about me is that during my time in college, I worked as an EMT with the UCD Fire Department and responded to medical calls on a fire engine! After graduating, I worked as a clinical research assistant at the University of California, Davis Medical Center. I then moved to Riverside, CA, to attend medical school at the California State University, San Bernardino. I chose PVHMC because of the full-spectrum training, unopposed residency program, and community medicine outreach. I enjoy spending time with friends, family, and most importantly, my dog and cat. When I have the time, I enjoy running, hiking, and reading. My Hogwarts house is Hufflepuff! The best advice I’ve received is “focus on what you can control and meet everything else with grace.
Ahudiya Ochuru, M.D.
Pronoun She/Her/Her
Undergraduate school: University of Calabar, Nigeria
Medical school: University of Calabar College of Medical Sciences, Nigeria
Hi, I’m Ahudiya. I was born and raised in the eastern part of Nigeria in West Africa. I live in Diamond Bar, California. I previously worked as a quality control officer in a beverage production company. I also worked as a general practitioner in Nigeria before migrating to the United States.
I am in PVHMC because of the highly supportive structure and healthy learning environment created by the attendings, residents, and staff.
What matters to me is developing and maintaining a good relationship wherever I find myself. I enjoy cooking and participating in religious activities when I am not working.
Genokristo Ochieng, M.D.
My pronouns are: He/Him
Place(s) I call home: Riverside, Kenya
Educational background:
Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL
Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Describe Yourself:
Dr. Ochieng, who goes by Geno, grew up in Riverside, Kenya. Before medical
school, he worked as a janitor and a substitute teacher. Family, friends,
and the LA Clippers are especially important to him.
He considers himself a home chef and artist at times, enjoying basketball, experimenting with recipes, and connecting with people through food and culture. A proud member of #Clippernation, he brings that same passion for teamwork and perseverance into his medical career.
In the future, Dr. Ochieng hopes to care for patients and work with diverse communities that have shaped him in Southern California. The best advice he has received is: “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.”
DEAN PHAN, D.O.
Hi, I’m… Dean
My pronouns are: He/Him/His
Place(s) I call home: Irvine, California
Educational background: I graduated from Univeristy of Calfiornia, C Berkeley with a degree in Integrative Biology.
Describe Yourself:
Dr. Phan grew up in Irvine, California. Before medical school, he worked
as both a medical assistant and an EMT, experiences that deepened his
commitment to patient care. He chose PVHMC for its exceptional faculty,
comprehensive training, and excellent location.
He values spending time with family and friends and is passionate about basketball and football. His hobbies include going to the gym, exploring new foods, playing video games, and watching TV. A fun fact about Dr. Phan is that he has never experienced a brain freeze.
In the future, he hopes to practice both inpatient and outpatient family medicine. His favorite fandom is Harry Potter, and according to his Hogwarts house sorting, he is a Hufflepuff. The best advice he has received is: “Rome wasn’t built in a day.”
RILEY SOTELO, M.D./M.P.H/M.S.B.S.
Pronouns: She/Her
Resident Year: 2028
Undergraduate School: UCR
Describe Yourself:
I was born and raised in the Riverside/San Bernardino area. I earned my undergraduate degree in neuroscience from UCR, then briefly worked as an environmental inspector on construction sites before returning to school to earn an MS in biological sciences from California Poly Pomona. I then enrolled in med school with SUNY Upstate in Syracuse, NY, as part of a dual-degree MD/MPH program. Now, I’m here at PVHMC because it’s close to home, and I’m excited to receive training in both obstetrics and gender-affirming care. In the future, I aspire to become recognized as the go-to doctor for LGBTQ-competent and, specifically, transgender-competent care in Southern California. It's a long road and residency is rough, but the best advice I ever got was to be as kind to myself as I am to others, and that lesson is definitely helping me get through this. See you on the other side!
Estevan Yepez, D.O.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Resident Year: 2028
Undergraduate School: Chapman University
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University-Health Sciences
Describe Yourself:
I call Santa Ana, CA home. I attended Chapman University, where I double-majored in Religious Studies and Political Science and PNWU medical school in Yakima, WA. I have previously worked at the Mental Health Association of Orange, AIDS United, and as an EMT! I’m at PVHMC because I value its diverse and supportive environment, and I’m passionate about providing community-oriented care—especially for the underserved and Latino populations. Health equity, patient advocacy, and building trust with patients matter deeply to me. Outside of medicine, I enjoy playing guitar, spending time with my wife Anna and our sons Bruce, Max, and Vincenzo. In the future, I hope to practice full-spectrum family medicine in a community health clinic. The best advice I’ve received is to “meet people where they are, not where you expect them to be.
