Meet the Residents
2027 Residents
Hazem Ammar, M.D.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Resident Year: 2027
Undergraduate School:
Medical School: Ain Shams University
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
Resident Year:
Undergraduate School: University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, WA.
Medical School: University of Massachusetts
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
Undergraduate School: University of California, Davis
Medical School: ATSU-SOMA
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
Undergraduate School: California State University, Los Angeles
Medical School: Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
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
Undergraduate School: University of California, Irvine
Medical School: St. George's University
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 the University of California, 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
Undergraduate School: University of California, Davis
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences
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:
Hi, I’m Angela Aguirre, and my pronouns are she/her/hers. I grew up in Clovis, CA, and studied at the University of California, Davis (go Ags!). An interesting fact about me is that during college, I worked as an EMT with the UCD Fire Department and responded to medical calls on a fire engine! After graduating, I worked at UC Davis Medical Center as a clinical research assistant. I then moved to Riverside, CA, to attend medical school at the California University of Science and Medicine. I chose PVHMC for its 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 like to run, hike, and read. 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
Resident Year: 2028
Undergraduate School: University of Calabar, Nigeria
Medical School: University of Calabar College of Medical Sciences, Nigeria
Describe Yourself:
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 love to cook and participate in religious activities when I am not working.
Genokristo Ochieng, M.D.
Pronouns: He/Him
Resident Year: 2028
Undergraduate School: Oakwood University, Huntsville, AL
Medical School: Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Geno. I grew up in Riverside, Kenya. Before medical school, I worked as a janitor and a substitute teacher. Family, friends, and the LA Clippers mean a lot to me.
I enjoy cooking, experimenting with recipes, and connecting with people through food and culture. I also consider myself an amateur artist. A proud member of #ClipperNation, I bring that same passion for teamwork and perseverance into my medical career.
In the future, I hope to care for patients in diverse communities in Southern California—the places that have shaped me. The best advice I’ve ever received is: “Stay ready, so you don’t have to get ready.”
DEAN PHAN, D.O.
Pronouns: He/Him/His
Resdient Year: 2028
Undergraduate School: University of California, Berkeley
Medical School:
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Dean. I grew up in Irvine, California. Before medical school, I worked as both a medical assistant and an EMT, and those experiences deepened my commitment to patient care.
I chose PVHMC because of its exceptional faculty, comprehensive training, and great location. I value spending time with my family and friends. In my free time, I enjoy basketball and football, exploring new foods, playing video games, and watching TV. Fun fact: I’ve never experienced a brain freeze.
In the future, I hope to practice both inpatient and outpatient family medicine. My favorite fandom is Harry Potter, and I’m a proud Hufflepuff (according to my Hogwarts house sorting). The best advice I’ve ever 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: University of California, Riverside
Medical School: SUNY Upstate Medical University
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Riley Sotelo (she/her), and I was born and raised in the Riverside/San Bernardino area. I got my undergrad degree in neuroscience from the University of California, Riverside, then briefly worked as a construction site environmental inspector before returning to school and earning an MS in biological sciences from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. I then enrolled in medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, as part of a dual-degree MD/MPH program. Now, I’m here at PVHMC because it’s close to home and because I’m excited to get training in both OB and gender-affirming care.
In the future, I want to become known as the go-to doctor for LGBTQ-competent and, particularly, 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.
2029 Residents
Jessica Brooks, D.O.
Pronouns: She/Her
Resident Year: 2029
Undergraduate School: University of Pittsburgh
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Jessica! I was born in Denver and raised in the mountain town of Evergreen, Colorado. I chose PVHMC because of its diverse patient population, strong involvement in the community, and its robust clinical training in women’s health. What matters most to me is building meaningful relationships with patients and creating an environment where people feel heard, empowered, and cared for throughout every stage of life. Outside of medicine, I’m a lifelong basketball player and enjoy weight lifting, spin classes, and getting lost in a good book, especially romance, fantasy, and thrillers. One random fact about me is that I have three dogs, which definitely keeps life busy and entertaining. My fandom is Colorado sports, especially the Denver Nuggets and Broncos.
Cristopher Ortiz, D.O.
Pronouns: He/Him
Resident Year: 2029
Undergraduate School: Loyola Marymount University
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences. Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific.
Describe Yourself:
I was born in Durango, Mexico, and immigrated to the United States at the age of six. Since then, I have spent most of my life in Southern California, primarily in Eastvale within the Inland Empire. I chose PVHMC because of the diverse patient population it serves and its strong reputation for excellence in maternity care. Through its full-spectrum training, I hope to help improve access to healthcare for underserved communities. Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading, staying active, and attending concerts with friends. A fun fact about me is that I have a strong interest in healthcare policy and am passionate about making access to healthcare as free as possible for everyone.
Omar Patel, D.O.
Pronouns: He/Him
Resident Year: 2029
Undergraduate School: University of California Irvine
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences COMP
Describe Yourself:
Hey, I’m Omar. I was born in Portland and raised in Southern California. I also lived in Dubai for several years. I went to UC Irvine for my undergraduate education and Western University of Health Sciences for my medical education. I am at PVHMC because I like working with the underserved in southern California, as I have done during much of my undergraduate and post-graduate career in a volunteer capacity. When I am done with residency, I look forward to working in the FM/EM realm.
My hobbies include sports/activities such as football, basketball, white-water rafting, skydiving etc. I actually ran a flag football league in Diamond Bar for 5 years prior to starting residency. I also enjoy binge-watching The Office, Brooklyn-99, Parks and Rec - basically anything made by Michael Schur. One random fact about me is I refuse to drink caffeine, but I will probably have to try it during residency.
I begrudgingly admit that I am a Hufflepuff, despite every attempt to pick answers that would land me as a Gryffindor. The sorting hat did not take my preference into consideration.
Amanda Ripley, M.D.
Pronouns: She/Her
Resident Year: 2029
Undergraduate School: University of California, Irvine
Medical School: California University of Science and Medicine
Describe Yourself:
My hometown is Diamond Bar, just one city over from Pomona, and I am excited to be training at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center and serving the community I grew up in. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering from UC Irvine. Prior to medical school, I worked at a community college running the science labs, and I also spent many summers as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and coach.
My clinical interests include community medicine, women’s health, and LGBTQ+ health. I am also passionate about teaching and hope to incorporate medical education into my future career.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time at home with my husband and our three cats, playing video games, hiking, backpacking, swimming, embroidery and crochet. I don’t travel much but when I do it's usually to spend time with family or visit the mountains. One random fact about me is I’m a huge Lord of the Rings fan.
Seung Yeon Seo, M.D.
Pronouns: He/Him
Resident Year: 2029
Undergraduate School:
Medical School:
Describe Yourself:
Nguyen Truong, M.D.
Pronouns: He/Him
Resident Year: 2029
Undergraduate School: University of California Irvine
Medical School: Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Describe Yourself:
Hi, I’m Nguyen. I was born in Vietnam and grew up in Irvine, CA. Before medical school, I worked at an ophthalmology clinic that cultivated a great sense of camaraderie between the staff. I thought to myself then that it would have been great to go to a residency with similar vibe.
After my interview with Pomona, I immediately knew this was where I wanted to be for residency. PVHMC encapsulates all that is important to me: full-spectrum medicine, dedication to serving the underserved, focus on wellness, and a deep sense of community both within and outside of the residency. I’m super excited for the opportunity to train at Pomona for the next few years!
Outside of work, I enjoy playing variety of sports such as volleyball, tennis, pickleball, basketball, etc.. On the rare occasions where the weather isn’t nice out in California, I also love reading manga, watching anime, and playing board games with friends! I love everything Disney and I’m a sucker for good detective movies.
The best advice that I received was: “Not all those who wander are lost.”
