Residents
CLASS OF 2024
Patali Cheruku, MD
Hometown: San Angelo, TX
Undergrad: Texas A&M University
Med School: University of Texas Health at San Antonio
Previous Life: Hematology researcher.
Professional Interests: Critical care.
Hobbies: Travel, photography, scuba diving, knitting.
Courtney Chinn, MD
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Undergrad: Santa Clara University
Med School: California Northstate University
Previous Life: Wellness guide at Philadelphia Runner.
Professional Interests: A little bit of this, a little bit of that … critical care is cool too!
Hobbies: Running, swimming, baking, playing with the best puppy in the world.
Jason Herfindahl, MD
Hometown: Mt. Shasta, CA
Undergrad: Oregon Tech
Med School: Oregon Health and Science University
Previous Life: Infantryman, roofer, plumber, painter, EMT, x-ray tech, golf bum.
Professional Interests: Rural and wilderness, community emergency medicine.
Hobbies: All things football (go Niners!), cooking (especially BBQ), gardening, golf, whatever my kids are into – currently Minecraft.
Hillary Judnarine, MD
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Undergrad: Florida State University, Tallahassee
Med School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Previous Life: ED scribe manager, pharmacy technician, phlebotomist.
Professional Interests: Trauma and critical care.
Hobbies: Traveling and exploring new places, hiking and being outdoors, video games, game nights, anything involving the beach!
Katherine Ku, DO
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Undergrad: Whitman College
Med School: Touro University
Previous Lives: Peace Corps, neuro research.
Professional Interests: International emergency medicine, disaster medicine, community-based research, becoming a well-rounded empathetic doctor.
Hobbies: Being outside, listening to music, spending time with family and friends, road trips.
Ethan Luong, MD
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Irvine
Med School: California Northstate University
Previous Life: Student.
Professional Interests: Interested in becoming an emergency medicine Jedi, one with the force, knowledge and adaptable to any situation, anywhere. I hope to teach residents someday.
Hobbies: Learning! Learning to do all sorts of useful or interesting skills. Games, building PCs, cooking, baking bread, sports (ultimate Frisbee, running, beginning rock climbing), video editing, photography, Japanese culture, and hanging out with my wife.
David Maksimovich, DO
Hometown: Antelope, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Davis
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Previous Lives: EMT, ED Tech.
Professional Interests: To become a well-rounded community EM physician, wilderness medicine, medical education.
Hobbies: Trail running, hiking, mountain biking, going on adventures with my wife and family.
Emily O’Donnell, MD
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Undergrad: University of British Columbia
Med School: Medical University of the Americas
Previous Life: Sales and marketing, yacht club managing, and once I was a back-up dancer in a Bollywood music video!
Professional Interests: Women’s health, wilderness medicine, preventative medicine, medical anthropology.
Hobbies: Yoga, fishing and boating, hiking, adventuring, indulging in delicious food and wine.
Patrick Terrassa, MD
Hometown: Grass Valley, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Davis
Med School: University of California, Davis
Previous Life: EMS, Navy Corpsman for five years and currently in the Army Reserves.
Professional Interests: Critical care, EMS, wilderness medicine.
Hobbies: Spending time with my wife and kids, camping/backpacking, fishing, running and exercising, and I love sampling the local breweries.
Tai Wong, MD
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Santa Cruz
Med School: St. George’s University
Previous Life: Medical assistant.
Professional Interests: Ultrasound.
Hobbies: Weightlifting, swimming, table tennis, hiking, home renovations, video games.
CLASS OF 2025
Talhia Escobar, MD
Hometown: Miami, Florida
Undergrad: University of Miami, Gainesville
Med School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Other: I have a big family, and one of my favorite things to do is spend time with them! I love long-distance running (mainly without music), exploring new places, being in the ocean, capturing moments in time with my camera, learning about people, and being challenged. I also love emergency medicine!
Matthew Golubianikov, MD
Hometown: San Francisco
Undergrad: New York University, New York
Med School: Rush Medical College of Rush University
Other: Before medical school I worked in legal research, international development, and refugee care. Outside of the hospital I enjoys boxing, playing the guitar, hiking, and sleeping. The last hike I conquered was Mt. Diablo.
Winne Lam, DO
Hometown: San Francisco
Undergrad: University of California, Santa Barbara
Med School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona
Other: If I’m not in the hospital, you’ll probably find me outside, climbing, or playing ultimate frisbee. I recently traveled Western Alberta and hiked through Banff National Park solo.
Malika Morar, MD
Hometown: Bay Area
Undergrad: University of California, San Diego
Gradudate: University of California, San Francisco; MS - Global Health Sciences
Med School: University of Queensland School of Medicine
Other: I like traveling, hiking, hot yoga, puppies, hanging out at the beach, coffee & fancy cocktails, and the Golden State Warriors.
Brandon Phong, MD
Hometown: Cerritos, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Riverside
Med School: University of California - Riverside School of Medicine
Other: Just a SoCal kid, ready for the next chapter and adventure! I’m a big fitness junkie, foodie, basketball fan (Go Lakers Nation!!), tennis lover, and traveler! I am very excited to be a part of the St. Joe’s Family.
Nicole Popp, DO
Hometown: Murrysville, PA
Undergrad: California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Med School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona
Other: My hobbies include horseback riding, cooking/ baking, and traveling. To date my favorite destination is Japan. On my to-do list are the coral reefs of Australia and a cruise to Antarctica to see penguins in person. One of my life goals is to travel to all the Disney parks internationally. I love animals and have a horse named Carina. I am a Navy HPSP scholarship recipient.
Alissa Sabatino, DO
Hometown: Phoenix, AZ
Undergrad: Arizona State University, Tempe
Med School: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
Other: I was born and raised in Arizona which ignited my passion for hiking and nature. I was previously working as a neuroscience researcher, dance instructor, and chemistry teacher. I enjoy trying new restaurants, staying active, playing with my French bulldog and nurturing a house full of plants. My professional interests include EM toxicology and trauma.
Lisa Tenorio, MD
Hometown: Valencia, CA
Undergrad: Pepperdine University, Malibu
Graduate: University of Denver, Masters of Music, Vocals
Med School: Saint Louis University School of Medicine
Other: I received my undergrad degree at Pepperdine University in music/vocal performance. I went on to earn a Master's in Music and Opera at The University of Denver. I then took a 180, did a premed post-bac, and began my medical training at St. Louis University School of Medicine. You bet I still love to sing and perform! My other passions include spending time with family, hiking, playing soccer, golfing, watching baseball (go Dodgers!) and discovering new vineyards. My cat, Clyde, is a Missouri native, but loves California birds and lizards.
Katya Trousset, DO
Hometown: Bend, OR
Undergrad: University of Oregon, Eugene
Med School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine; Yakima
Other: I was born in San Diego, CA, but I've spent most of my time in Bend, OR, and claim it as my hometown. I attended medical school at Pacific Northwest University in Yakima, WA, nicknamed the "Palm Springs of Washington." My biggest hobby is collecting more hobbies, where I can either spend time with my loved ones outside or feed them something yummy (ideally, both!). I am the emotional support person to a cat-dog named Charlie, and he loves company as much as I do. My special interests in medicine include trauma and critical care, women's health, traumatic brain injuries, and sports medicine.
Ian Tsun, MD
Hometown: Cary, NC
Undergrad: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
Med School: Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
Other: I grew up playing a lot of soccer and believe Messi is the greatest player of all time. Skiing is my favorite thing to do and I wish I could go more often than I have been. I enjoy exploring new restaurants, weight lifting, video games, and (of course) spending time with friends. This little pupper's name is Ember and I love spending time with her. Even though she is a handful, adopting her was the best decision I have ever made. I always wanted to live in California and am happy that I now get to call it home.
Taylor Strange, MD
Hometown: Stockton, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Davis
Med School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
Other: I was born and raised in Stockton, California and am very excited to be home and taking care of patients in San Joaquin County. Some hobbies of mine include traveling, hiking, scuba diving, home renovation projects, FOOD, baking, wine tasting, and hanging out with my husband and dogs. You can catch me on every opportunity I can traveling the world experiencing new cultures and cuisines. Some of my most recent trips over the past few months have been - Cabo, Honolulu, Fiji, and Costa Rica. Excited to be here as a new intern at St. Joes!
Andy Williams, MD
Hometown: Abilene, TX
Undergrad: Abilene Christian
Med School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Other: Before going to medical school, I was a Flight Paramedic and a firefighter. I’m engaged and getting married in October to my wonderful and beautiful fiancé, Gloria Abbey. She is also a first year Resident Physician going into radiation oncology. In my spare time I enjoy buying, selling and restoring old things. From antique books dating from the mid-to-late 1800’s to a 1952 American LaFrance fire truck. Another important project to me is helping oversee the medical program/clinic at Sam’s Place Deaf Orphanage in Kenya, Africa. Gloria and I spent April 2022 there at Sam’s Place working in the clinic and initiated the first vaccination program for all the children.
Doron Volcani, DO
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Undergrad: University of Southern California
Med School: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific; Pomona
Other: Like your classic SoCal EM dude, I like all things outdoors - surfing, snowboarding, scuba diving, hiking, traveling. I play guitar and love concerts. My favorite foods are tacos and sushi. But what's best is sharing these experiences with good people!
CLASS OF 2026
Saketh Akula, MD
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Undergrad: UC Santa Cruz
Med School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine
Previous Lives: Maintenance Specialist & EMT
Professional Interests: Take every step and opportunity to become the best Emergency Medicine physician I can be for my patients. My long term goals are to have an impact in some way or manner to better the community I work in and cultivate a better professional relationship between the emergency department and the public.
Hobbies: I love cooking, roadtripping, traveling, basketball, tennis, and football. More importantly, I attempt at creating new moments and experiences to keep life exciting and fulfilled with my family and friends.
Micah Bondoc, MD
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Irvine
Med School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Previous Lives: Sales associate, hair salon receptionist, doordasher.
Professional Interests: Critical care and Ultrasound, advocating for IMG’s.
Hobbies: Powerlifting, trying new foods and creating foodie mukbangs that no one will ever see, EDM/hip hop concerts, binge-watching Netflix & reality shows, smashburger connoisseur, comedy shows, making new memories with loved ones.
Alexander Chen, DO
Hometown: Cupertino, CA
Undergrad: University of the Pacific
Med School: Touro University, CA
Previous Lives: Air Force Cadet, Pharmacy Technician, Professional Scribbler.
Professional Interests: Critical Care, POCUS, Human factors in healthcare.
Hobbies: TV, video games, often simultaneously.
Omar Ezubeik, MD
Hometown: Waterbury, CT & Union City, CA
Undergrad: University of California, Davis
Med School: University of California, Davis
Previous Lives: EMT, Scribe, ED Technician.
Professional Interests: Sports Medicine, EMS & Ultrasound.
Hobbies: Basically any sport. Huge fan of the Kings, Raiders & Sharks.
Arash Farzan, MD
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Undergrad: San Francisco State University
Med School: RUSM
Previous Lives: I worked as an ED technician and phlebotomist for three years prior to starting medical school.
Professional Interests: I am eager to engage in research and quality improvement projects that focus on optimizing patient outcomes and advancing the field of emergency medicine. My interests extend to the incorporation of new technologies and innovative approaches to enhance patient care, streamline processes, and facilitate interdepartmental collaboration within the emergency department. I am committed to continually expanding my medical knowledge and skills through continued education and professional development, with the ultimate goal of being a highly competent and compassionate emergency medicine physician.
Hobbies: I love working out, hiking, snowboarding, playing & watching soccer.
Sarah Glenister, MD
Hometown: Fremont, CA
Undergrad: Sonoma State University
Med School: American University of Antigua
Hobbies: In my free time, I try to be outside as much as possible; whether it’s running, cycling, hiking, skiing, or mushroom foraging. I enjoy reading any and all books, word puzzles, coffee, and video games.
Joseph Hoffman, DO
Hometown: Simi Valley
Undergrad: UC Davis
Med School: Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Previous Lives: Lab assistant, bartender, camp counselor.
Professional Interests: Trauma, disaster, critical care medicine, wilderness medicine.
Hobbies: Hiking, lifting, body surfing, snowboarding. Spending time with family.
Bahare Kazemi, MD
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Undergrad: University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Med School: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Previous Lives: Before I started medical school I was a scribe at a really busy trauma center on the Las Vegas strip (I have many stories that I always LOVE to share). I spent a lot of time in the community and killed my personal goal of being able to cook and bake amazing tasting/looking foods.
Hobbies: When I’m not in the hospital, you will probably find me in the kitchen with a new recipe, out with my friends at the best spots in town or playing with my goofy goldendoodle Meeko. Cannot wait to start my new journey here in California.
Lillian Lazenby, MD
Hometown: Fall City, WA
Undergrad: Willamette University
Med School: Oregon Health and Science University
Previous Lives: Paramedic, groundskeeper, grocery store clerk.
Professional Lives: EMS, rural medicine.
Hobbies: Trail running, cooking, creative projects, travel.
Cindy Nguyen, MD
Hometown: Garden Grove, CA
Undergrad: UCLA
Med School: California University of Science and Medicine
Previous Lives: Boba barista.
Professional Interests: Pain, sports, ultrasound.
Hobbies: Video games, board games, trivia, piano, tennis, music festivals, food, horror.
Ashley Sherfey, DO
Hometown: Concord, CA
Undergrad: Sonoma State University
Med School: Touro University California
Previous Lives: ED scribe, full-time Mom
Professional Interests: Procedures, SIM, Ultrasound
Hobbies: Spending time with my family & dog, anything with my daughter, hiking.
Emergency Medicine Residency Program
Message from the Program Director
About
Residency Information
People