1st Year Residents/Interns

Hometown:  Pasadena, CA

Medical School:  Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Pomona California

Dr. Erickson was born and raised in Pasadena, California. He graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts in Molecular & Cell Biology with an emphasis in Cell & Developmental Biology. He attended medical school at Western University where he served as President of the Homeless Outreach Project and was also involved in leading plenary sessions for K-12 children participating in their Pipeline Program. His interests in Family Medicine include “Food as Medicine” and addressing the social determinants of health especially for chronic illnesses and underserved communities. His future plans are to establish long-term relationships with his patients in community clinics and provide outreach care. In his free time, he enjoys baking, playing guitar, photography, skateboarding, and eating Filipino food with friends and family.

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Medical School: St. George University School of Medicine

I’m a Southern California native originally from Victorville. I attended California State University, San Bernardino where I received a Bachelor of Science in Biology. My work with underserved and vulnerable patient populations throughout my medical training has been very meaningful. An especially meaningful experience was a medical selective trip during medical school to Karad, India where I learned rural and global medicine practice. My interests are in Community Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Preventive Medicine, and Public Health. I plan to continue serving the community of Los Angeles. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, camping, yoga, traveling, and time with my family.

Hometown: Torrance, CA

Medical School: St. George University School of Medicine

I was born and raised in the County of Los Angeles. I attended UCLA where I received a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics. During medical school, I participated in Project Freedom which assists migrating refugees from Syria.  Throughout the experience, I gained insight into the forms of oppression, suffrage, violence that many faced and continue to overcome.  My interests in Family Medicine are in Women’s Health and Palliative Care.  I would like to be a full-service provider in an underserved community. In my free time, I like to go on hikes, and participate in Escape Rooms.  I also enjoy gardening, Refromer Pilates, and time with my rescue cats.

Hometown:  Vinh Long, Vietnam

Medical School: Midwestern University, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine

I was born in Vinh Long, a small city in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam. My family came to Orange County, CA when I was nine years old and that is where I grew up most of my life. While there, I attended UC Irvine and received my bachelor's degree in anthropology. I was first drawn to medicine when I returned to Vietnam to care for my family member at a hospital in Saigon. The harsh condition that many patients and their loved ones faced, along with the harmony among the people I have met inspired me to become a physician where I can be on the front line to improve the quality of life for those in need. I like to support my community, whether this is through working in mobile clinics to reach patients who have difficulties accessing care or building agricultural systems for communities facing food insecurity. My future plans includeworking with a team to provide access to care for underserved populations and getting involved with community improvement projects. My interests are street medicine, addiction medicine, and sports medicine. In my free time, I enjoy running and exploring local cuisines, music, hiking trails, and sightseeing.

Hometown: Morelia, Michoacan

Medical School:  St. George University School of Medicine

I was born in Michoacan, Mexico and my mother brought me to the United States at the age of 3. We settled in Southern California and lived in the city of Bell Gardens. I was the first person in my entire family to obtain a college degree. I attended California State University, Long Beach and earned a Bachelor of Science with majors in Microbiology and Chemistry. Coming to this country changed my life forever. Had I stayed in Mexico I never would have had the opportunity to study medicine and provide healthcare to those in need. I will forever be beyond grateful for having the opportunity to come to the United States. As a future family medicine physician, I intend to take full advantage of this opportunity and apply a holistic model of care to patients to the best of my abilities. My interests are in continuity of care, addressing health care disparities, preventative health, obstetrics, and sports medicine.  My future plans are to obtain fellowship training in either community medicine, obstetrics, or sports medicine. Upon completion of fellowship training, I plan to work at an FQHC and give back to the community where I came from. My ultimate goal is to start my own practice and provide low-cost/affordable healthcare to low-income communities in the Los Angeles area.  In my free time I enjoy spending time with friends and family, going to the beach, trying new restaurants, traveling, and being a mobile DJ.

Hometown: Los Angeles, CA

Medical School: La Universidad Autònoma de Guadalajara

Dr. Santiago was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She received her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology from UC Santa Barbara. Upon graduating, Dr. Santiago stayed in Santa Barbara and worked for the Santa Barbara Neighborhood Clinics, a non-profit organization. She started as a medical assistant and self-taught her way to Senior Clinic Manager, where she had the opportunity to open a new Federally-Qualified Health Center. She has been involved in primary care for over a decade, serving the underserved and most vulnerable populations, and plans to continue to do so now as a physician. She chose family medicine because of the versatility of the field. It allows her to exercise her passion for patient education, patient advocacy, and preventative medicine. Dr. Santiago is excited to be back in her hometown, ready to give back to her community. She is interested in all aspects of family medicine and may pursue an Urgent Care or OB/GYN fellowship. She plans to open a community-based family practice or work for an organization whose values and mission align with hers. Dr. Santiago is happiest when hanging out with family and friends, traveling, camping, hiking, gardening, or simply working out.

Hometown: Monrovia, CA      

Medical School:  Liberty University of Osteopathic Medicine

I was born and raised in Monrovia California. I attended Cal Poly State University, Pomona where I received a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Marketing with an emphasis on Advertising.  I attended Liberty University of Osteopathic Medicine in Lynchburg, Virginia.  During medical school I co-founded the Latino Medical Student Association, was involved in fund raising activities for the homeless, and was the Public Relations Director for the Osteopathic Medical Students Association.  My interests in Family Medicine are in Women’s Health, Lifestyle/Integrative Medicine, and dermatological procedures.  My business background taught me the value of teamwork, adaptability, humility, and dedication to become a part of a family medicine residency program that encourages comradery as well a mentorship and accountability for the benefit of learning and patient care.  I hope to work in an outpatient setting to implement outpatient programs in lifestyle medicine and preventive medicine, and reduce barriers for women seeking health services.  During my free time I enjoy dancing, Reformer Pilates, hiking, True Crime documentaries, traveling, trying new foods, and going to LA King games!

Hometown: Pico Rivera, CA

Medical School:  Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine, Harlem-New York.

I was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in Pico
Rivera. I attended UCLA and received a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry. I’m ecstatic to be returning home after spending medical school in New York City! During medical school, I mentored and tutored K-12 students who were housing insecure. Working with these students taught me how vital education is to a healthy and happy life. I’m interested in community medicine and building lasting community relationships. I plan to continue working in Los Angeles at an FQHC. I want to especially work with Spanish speaking patients and participate in advocacy projects to help address health disparities. During my free time, I love spending time with my two cats. I also enjoy spending
time at Knott's Berry Farm.