Meet our Alumni
Class of 2024
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Ethan Luong, MD
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: San Jose, CA
Undergraduate: University of California, Irvine
Medical School: California Northstate University
When I am out of the department, I play video games, bake bread, and hang out with my wife. I know how to juggle diabolo (Chinese Yo-Yo), rock climb, build computers, and am always excited to learn about technology.
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Emily O'donnell, MD
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: Calgary, Alberta
Undergraduate: University of British Columbia
Medical School: Medical University of the Americas
Fellowship: Ultrasound at St. Joseph’s Medical Center
I was born and raised in Canada and love living on the west coast. My parents inspired a love of travel at an early age and I have been lucky to live in Europe, Australia & the Caribbean. I am happiest on a beach, with friends and family, or fishing/exploring with my husband and my dog. I love working in the ER and am passionate about helping those in need in their most vulnerable moments. My career interests include ultrasound, women’s health and global health.
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Hillary Judnarine, MD
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: Charleston, SC
Undergraduate: Florida State University, Tallahassee
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Fellowship: SIM at St. Joseph’s Medical Center
I met my husband, Nickolas, on the island and we have been married for 3 years! Prior to medical school, I worked several different jobs in healthcare including phlebotomy, microbiology technician, scribe manager, and pharmacy technician. I love all things, including tacos, tequila, and dogs! In my free time I enjoy the outdoors as much as I can- hiking, paddleboarding, beach, and travel!
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Katherine Ku, DO
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Undergraduate: Whitman College
Medical School: Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
I spent two years living and working in West Africa with the Peace Corps and another couple years working in neuroscience research. A fun fact about myself is that I smuggled my pup back to the US with me from West Africa!
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David Maksimovich, DO
Hometown: Antelope, CA
Undergraduate: University of California, Davis
Medical School: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
I grew up in the Sacramento greater area and enjoy training at Joes! Outside of the ED, I love to spend time with my wife and family! Anything outdoors really- running, hiking, skiing, camping, kayaking and mountain biking. (although still rehabbing after a major skiing accident which tore my ACL, LCL and popliteal ligaments. I have 2 adorable (but wimpy) cats. Although I am an introvert at heart, I enjoy good food/drinks with good people.
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Jason Herfindahl, MD
Hometown: Mt. Shasta, CA
Undergraduate: Oregon Tech
Medical School: Oregon Health and Science University
I am a bay area native and grew up in Mount Shasta, CA. I met my wife while we were both working as EMTs for a local ambulance company there. We have two beautiful kids. We moved around Oregon while my wife completed her nursing degree and while I worked as an X-ray tech and began my journey in medical school. Now that I am a resident, I spend my free time cooking, golfing, being outdoors, and spending time with my family. My wife and I plan to return to our rural roots after residency.
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Shikhi Cheruku, MD
Hometown: San Angelo, TX
Undergraduate: Texas A&M University
Medical School: University of Texas School of Medicine
Hi! I’m Shikhi. My previous life was spent in research labs at the NIH and in Italy. I spend my free time knitting, scuba diving, visiting wineries, and spending time with my cat, Oreo.
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Courtney Chinn, MD
Hometown: Sacramento, CA
Undergraduate: Santa Clara University
Medical School: California Northstate University
I moved to Philadelphia for a few years in between undergraduate and medical school, and can now definitively say I love California and never plan on leaving again. I have the sweetest dog Curry, who unfortunately doesn’t live with me but I enjoy getting to see him whenever I can.
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Patrick Terassa, MD
Hometown: Grass Valley, CA
Undergraduate: UC Davis
Medical School: UC Davis
I’m a Dad and a husband. Dog lover. Captain in the US Army Reserves. Love the outdoors. Big fan of booze.
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Tai Wong, MD
Hometown: San Francisco, CA
Undergraduate: University of California, Santa Cruz
Medical School: St. George’s University
I emigrated from Hong Kong and grew up in San Francisco. In my previous life, I was a medical assistant prior to medical school. I enjoy lifting weight, tennis, ping pong, and the occasional dip in the swimming pool. I also enjoy a good fantasy movie or book here and there.
Class of 2023
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Christy Vong, MD
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: San Gabriel Valley/626/Alhambra
Undergraduate: University of California, San Diego
Medical School: Chicago Medical School
My interests in medicine include graduate medical education, community engagement and sharpening my EM skills daily. I absolutely love dogs and am one of those who will go out of my way to pet EVERY SINGLE DOG. I also enjoy cooking/eating and TRY to balance things with working out in my free time (HIIT, powerlifting, basketball and even cardio).
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Kim (Ivy) Pham, DO
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: Garden Grove, CA
Undergraduate: University of California, Los Angeles
Medical School: Western University of Health Science, COMP
On an average day, you’ll find me snuggled up in bed with Amazon Prime/borrowed Netflix and wine. If I’m feeling adventurous, you can find me hiking, dipping my toes in any pool, lake or beach, losing badly at board games, playing beach volleyball and football, creating IG-able charcuterie boards, and probably planning the next elaborate party. Two of my favorite hike thus far is hiking the coast line in Colombia and Lake Twentytwo in Washington.. I love to travel and am hoping to increase the number of “traveled countries” to 15 by 2025!
My interests in Emergency Medicine include global health & POCUS
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Kristi Thomas, MD
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Undergraduate: San Diego State University
Medical School: American University of Antigua College of Medicine
Fellowship interest: Ultrasound
I am an avid outdoor long distance runner; I’ve run multiple 5k’s, 10k’s and even a few half marathons. I enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible and have a life goal of hiking in every US National Park. I also love spending time in the kitchen experimenting with new Mediterranean flavors and making old family recipes.
My interest in Emergency Medicine is ultrasound; I love the ability to connect with patients by showing their images in real time and making early clinical decisions based on images obtained during resuscitations.
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Manny Lopez, MD
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: Oaxaca, Mexico
Undergraduate: Sonoma State University
Medical School: St George’s University School of Medicine
The most important aspect of my life is spending time with my family and loved ones. I also enjoy mountain biking, hiking, playing any sport and finding a nice lake to swim in.
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George Idehen, MD
Hometown: Sherman Oaks, CA
Undergraduate: University of California, Merced
Medical School: American University of Antigua
I’m currently in the process of looking for jobs post residency and hoping to end up in a community ER. So far I’ve loved my time at Joes and wouldn’t trade it for any other ER in the country. In my spare time, I enjoy cooking a gourmet meal, playing basketball, and visiting friends and family across the country
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Juliana Thong, DO
Hometown: Mukilteo, WA
Undergraduate: Brigham Young University
Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
In my former life, I majored in studio art and was a graphic designer. I found my love for EM as a volunteer in the ED, then quit graphic design to be an ED clerk and tech. I’m passionate about social issues in EM, global health, and critical care. When not at the hospital, you can find me with my dog, friends, or family hiking, hunting for good food, painting, or traveling.
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Preston Jones, MD
Hometown: Orlando, FL
Undergraduate: University of Central Florida
Medical School: American University of Antigua
I’ve been described as a Floridian cowboy. I enjoy the outdoors and anything on the water. I dabble in the art of golf and can fish just about anything and anywhere.
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John Muraski, MD
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Undergraduate: California Lutheran University, BS Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Graduate: University of California San Diego, PhD Biology, Cellular & Molecular Biology Emphasis
Medical School: St. George's University Medical School
I am an avid snowboarder, scuba diver, gourmet cook, audiofile, wine and whiskey connoisseur, and gardener. I enjoy long walks on the beach, collects vinyl from old big band era to punk rock and lifts weights to Godsmack. My Spanish is passable, but really I’m Siciliano.
Class of 2022
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Federica Sarti, DO, PhD
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: Santarcangelo di Romanga (Italy)
Graduate School: UC Berkeley - Molecular and Cell Biology
Medical School: Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Whats next: I will be working at Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch and St. Joseph's Medical Center in Stockton
I plan on using my newly found extra time learning to play guitar, spinning and hiking. My advice to all new and old physicians is to stay humble, but always stand up for your patients. You might be the only advocate they will ever have. Be nice to everyone and welcome input from all, some have decades of experience and can really save your a$$.”
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Jason Darr, DO
Hometown: Corona, CA
Medical school: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
Whats next: I will be working at St Joseph’s Medical Center, Doctors Hospital of Manteca and Regional Medical Center
The biggest lesson I learned during my residency is to be open and willing to learn from anyone, regardless of who they are or what their role is. Take responsibility for your own learning and your own experience as a resident. You are not a resident just to learn how to pass the boards, but also to better care for patients whose lives depend on you. Your co-residents will become your family; no one goes through this journey alone. Most importantly, enjoy it. Continue learning and pushing yourself everyday.
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Jordan Baker, DO
Hometown: Modesto, CA
Medical school: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
What next: I will be working at Lodi Memorial, Kaiser Santa Rosa, and Manteca Ambulance
I bought a house my 2nd year, and I'm just finishing the electrical and drywall for our shed in between playing catch with my Belgian Malinois. Like my father and grandfather before me, I intend to build my own home one day. Their memory and legacy continues to inspire me. I am also excited to start biking again and traveling post-pandemic. Glacier and Banff here we come!
Residency is hard and intern year is by far the worst. Nourish your sense of self by embracing your non-medical relationships and hobbies on a regular basis, even if it is just once or twice a month. Care for your physical and emotional wellbeing as you advise your own patients. As a physician resident, you have achieved and sacrificed a great deal to earn the title of "doctor." Practice humility. Welcome the feedback from your peers and seniors. You will learn when to stand your ground and when you must be flexible. Ask for help before you need it. You will simultaneously be both your patient's and your own best advocate. Perhaps above all, practice patience. Patience with your patients, your staff and even with yourself.
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Justin Leach, DO
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine at Seton Hill
What’s next: I will be working with Banner Health in the Phoenix Area
I felt that my training here at St. Joe’s was exceptional. With the busy department there were abundant opportunities to learn and attain competent procedural skills. If given the opportunity to “redo” my residency training, I would choose St. Joe’s all over again!
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Kandria Ledesma, MD
Hometown: Toms River, NJ
Medical school: American University of Antigua
Fellowship: Ultrasound Fellowship at Northshore University/Long Island Jewish
In order to achieve life-work balance, I made sure I had time to run and hike, enjoy wine tasting, attend music festivals, and hang out with my pup, Koda. St. Joe’s has the craziest pathology I’ve ever seen. I believe the training I received from here was phenomenal and will serve me well wherever I end up working. I’ve also met and made many friends that I would gladly call my family. Residency is difficult but spending time with your residency family helps you stay grounded. My biggest takeaway is don’t assume anything at Joes!
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Kyle Hill, DO
Hometown: Provo, Utah
Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine
Fellowship: Ultrasound Fellowship St. Joseph’s Medical Center
What’s next: I will be doing my fellow, as well as working as an attending at St. Joseph’s Medical Center
Outside of work, I spend my time hanging out with my two amazing kids and fiance. You will usually find me running, biking, and climbing a mountain. I also enjoy a good Mezcal Sour.
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Michelle Wong, DO
Hometown: South San Francisco, CA
Medical School: Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine
What’s next: I will be working in the Central Valley. You are stuck with me! Providing care at an ED near you.
My goals are to move back to the Bay Area to be closer to family and to continue to learn and be smarter than I am today (June 18, 2022). My advice to residents is to ask all your “dumb” questions as they come, because they might not be so dumb. As I came closer to practicing on my own, I wished I asked more questions - about medicine, logistics of the department, growing wealth to retire comfortably, etc.
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Scott Bugsch, MD
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: Palmdale, CA
Medical school: University of Queensland - Ochsner Clinical School
What’s next: I will be working as an attending at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. I also accepted a position as the new EM Clerkship Director at SJMC.
With my new found freedom, I will be traveling with my wife and our labradoodle Finley. I am taking up gardening (currently growing tomatoes, herbs, sprouts/microgreens, mushrooms, and lettuce) and learning about nutrition.I feel ready to practice independently and am confident that I can handle anything thrown at me. I owe this to my training at Joes. There were many sleepless nights and long work hours but the skills, knowledge, and friends/family gained along the way were invaluable.
To future residents, I say never be afraid to ask questions or ask for help because everyone wants you to succeed. Always say hello and introduce yourself to everyone you encounter. Find the thing that allows you to mentally switch on and do it every time you come into work to get yourself ready for shift. Find a way to keep yourself happy–hobby, exercise, knitting–even if you have to sacrifice other non urgent work-related things. Listen to EM podcasts to and from work, you’ll be surprised how much you retain and learn.
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Yorick Yang DO
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: Millbrae, CA
Medical School: Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Fellowship: Critical Care Fellowship Medstar Washington Hospital Center
What’s next: I'm currently packing essential possessions for my long drive to Washington, DC! I lived there from 2013-2015 prior to attending medical school in Vallejo, CA.
I love working at Joe's and living in Stockton. The people are truly diverse and authentically nice. Being a resident during COVID was an amazing and unforgettable experience. My advice is always prepare for the worst and expect the unexpected, but also go with the flow and just because we could doesn't mean we should. Be nice to everyone and see y'all in two years.
Class of 2021
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Brendan Leach, DO
Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA
Medical School: Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Fellowship: Ultrasound Fellowship in Arizona
What’s next: Outside of the fellowship, I would occasionally travel back to California and work at St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Stockton.
I am interested in ultrasound, resuscitation, metacognition, and why our healthcare system is broken. My favorite part about working in the ED is telling the patients to follow up with their primary doctor as I discharge them.
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Christine Ren, MD
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: Seattle, WA
Medical School: Texas A&M University College of Medicine
Fellowship: Surgical Critical Care Fellowship at University of Maryland Shock Trauma
One of the things I took away from Joe’s was how to cultivate self confidence and to be respectful of my own learning process and others. There will invariably always be people or situations that introduce doubt into your mind during residency and it’s important to keep trusting yourself. I met a lot of exceptional people here that supported my growth as a doctor and I am grateful!
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Dave Somers, MD
CHIEF RESIDENT
Hometown: Jacksonville, FL
Medical School: Louisiana State University Health Science Center, New Orleans
What’s next: I moved to Florida and am working primarily at Pensacola and Okaloosa, Fl. During my free time, I like working some more and work per diem in Stockton, CA, Morganton, NC and Scranton, PA
My biggest takeaway from being a resident at Joes is the unparalleled ability to handle high acuity and high volume patients. I did not feel like and was not treated at a “new” or junior attending my first year after graduation.
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Hardeep Hunjan, DO
Hometown: West Nyack, NY
Medical School: Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
What’s next: In between traveling the work, I work at Mercy Medical Center and St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Stockton
If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to adopt a growth mindset. Be kind to yourself as you grow.
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Keona Childs, MD
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Medical School: Howard University
What’s next: I am working at Regional Medical center and Doctors Hospital of Manteca.
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Matt Nottingham, MD
Hometown: Norfolk, VA
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University
What’s next: I moved back home and am working in Virginia
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Pia Gallindo, DO
Hometown: San Francisco Bay Area (South Bay), CA
Medical School: Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Whats next: I will be working at Kaiser Modesto and Kaiser Manteca
Aloha! My biggest take away from Joe’s is how much the program has prepared me to take care of critically ill patients. Given the population size of Stockton and the size of the hospital, it is baffling that the Emergency Department consistently sees such high volumes and acuity with a vast variety of pathology.
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Sam Kaplan, MD
Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA
Medical School: University of California, Irvine
What’s next: I am working at Dameron Hospital and St. Joseph's Medical Center, Stockton
One advice I would give to new residents and prospective medical students is to expect the unexpected at SJMC.