Family Medicine Woodland Hills Medical Center - Residents

Undergraduate School

University of California- Santa Barbara

Medical School

Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine-California

Clinical Interests

Women's Health, Pediatrics, Adolescent Care, LGBTQ+ Medicine, Behavioral Health

How I Thrive

I have six (!) siblings. Growing up we drove around in van that looked like an airport shuttle which we called "the big blue bus."

Why Kaiser?

I chose KPWH for its people, culture of kindness, and well rounded, evidence based training! I spent the majority of my medical school clinical years rotating through various Kaiser hospitals, and appreciated practicing in a system that centers itself around evidence based, patient centered care. I am also thrilled to be coming back to the LA area to be close to family and to return to the community where I grew up and intend to practice some day!

Hello all! My name is Sammy and I grew up just over the hill in Brentwood, Los Angeles! For undergrad, I moved up to the coast to Santa Barbara and attended UCSB, and then moved even further up the coast to the Bay Area for medical school at Touro CA (I’m a California girl through and through!). Between undergrad and medical school, I did clinical research in spine orthopedics. Counterintuitively, working in such a specialized field made me recognize the value of continuity of care, and I knew primary care was my calling. In medical school, I enjoyed pieces of every clerkship, and I ultimately chose family medicine because it was a piece of everything. Through experiences as both a patient and a provider, I realized the impressive impact this specialty could have on a patient’s life, cementing that Family Medicine was what I was meant to pursue.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my huge family (almost all of whom are LA based!), cooking new recipes with my husband (Half Baked Harvest is our favorite!), and going on long walks (whether they be in the mountains or on the beach) with our golden retriever Ellie.

Undergraduate School

University of California, Los Angeles,

Medical School

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Clinical Interests

Community medicine, underserved population health, outpatient procedures

How I Thrive

I have been playing the piano since I was 5 years old and love covering songs from my favorite artists and movie soundtracks!

Why Kaiser?

I got to experience the KPWH FM Residency Program firsthand as a fourth-year medical student through a Community Medicine rotation. During this rotation, I found that this program truly offered everything I was looking for, including a strong unopposed training, a friendly and supportive environment, and many opportunities to serve the community. I am honored and excited to return to KPWH as a resident!

Hello, my name is Jennifer! I was born and raised in LA County and attended undergrad at UCLA, where I majored in Human Biology and Society. After seeing the many homeless and underprivileged communities surrounding campus, I was inspired to start volunteering with vulnerable populations at a free family clinic, where I promoted pediatric literacy and served as a clinic assistant, and at Title 1 elementary schools, where I taught fitness and nutrition. During my time in medical school at Western University, some highlights included volunteering at various free primary care clinics and cooking and serving free dinners to the homeless populations around campus. All these experiences laid the foundation to my lifelong commitment to caring for those in need. I found my calling in Family Medicine, which allows me to achieve exactly that. I also enjoy building personal and long-term relationships with my patients, caring for people of all ages and backgrounds, and treating a variety of pathology through acute, chronic, and preventive care. All of this made Family Medicine a natural fit for me. In my free time, I love traveling to new places (I have been to 12 countries so far and am continuing to add to the list!), listening to acoustic music on my record player and live in concerts, and making matcha lattes and desserts.

Undergraduate School

Creighton University

Medical School

University of Nebraska College of Medicine

Clinical Interests

Preventative medicine, underserved population health, women's health, medical education

How I Thrive

People's jaws have dropped after seeing my moves on Dance Dance Revolution (DDR).

Why Kaiser?

I chose KPWH because of the warm, supportive community that shined even through Zoom and the unopposed, broad-spectrum training because of my goal to become a well-rounded physician. I was also hoping to leave my hometown and grow as a person as well during training, and I am thrilled to be here because I love being in Southern California!

I was born and raised in Omaha, Nebraska. As the firstborn child to immigrant parents, I was raised in a low-income household that valued dedication and hard work. I am the first in my family to go to college, and therefore, the first to become a physician. At Creighton University, I studied chemistry, worked closely with refugees in a citizenship test preparation course, and went on service trips across the United States. These experiences, along with my personal experiences growing up on Medicaid and with parents who were not fluent in English, heightened my awareness of the needs of patients with low socioeconomic status and those who face a language barrier. I hope to utilize these experiences to help advance our practice as future family medicine physicians. I chose family medicine because I want to help people reach their full potential in life and to prevent disease from impacting a patient’s chance to experience everything that life has to offer. Also, I enjoy being able to treat a wide range of conditions in any age group! In my free time, I enjoy trying new restaurants, lifting weights, yoga, board games, video games, and reading.

Undergraduate School

University of Southern California

Medical School

Creighton University School of Medicine

Clinical Interests

geriatrics, underserved population health, community medicine, health technology, women's health

How I Thrive

I danced ballet for almost two decades!

Why Kaiser?

I knew the KPWH FM Residency Program was right for me because of the supportive culture that I immediately felt on my interview day. It was clear to me that the residents felt supported and the faculty truly cared about providing an excellent education. I am so grateful and excited to be starting this new chapter of my medical career at KPWH!

Hello! Born and raised in Los Angeles, I’m ecstatic to be back home for residency. My grandparents played a large part in raising me and my brother, and they are the reason why I’m passionate about geriatrics. I went on to study biology and aging at USC (go Trojans!) and after graduating, worked at the LA County Elder Abuse Forensic Center before starting medical school. During my rotations, I was immediately drawn to Family Medicine because I knew I wanted to advocate for my patients by developing long-lasting relationships and exploring the various social determinants of health affecting their wellbeing. I could not have found my passion in medicine without the support of my wonderful mentors in medical school, incredible partner, winsome group of friends, and loving family. Outside of medicine, my hobbies include spending time with my partner, painting, any and all crafts, cooking, photography, and traveling.

Undergraduate School

California State University Channel Islands

Medical School

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Clinical Interests

Preventative medicine, women’s health, biopsychosocial health, procedures, point-of-care ultrasound, medical education

How I Thrive

I was born at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills!

Why Kaiser?

I chose Kaiser Woodland Hills for the robust clinical training within a supportive team of administrators, faculty, and residents. During my medical school sub-internship at KPWH, I was immediately welcomed as a part of the family medicine team while being taught, challenged, supported, and encouraged to grow in my clinical abilities.

Hello! My name is Lynn Utley. I grew up in the San Fernando Valley and began gravitating towards the sciences from an early age. I continued those interests during undergraduate years while studying at CSU Channel Islands. There, I obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology and a chemistry minor while conducting research in nucleoside synthesis. While simultaneously volunteering at local hospitals and free clinics, I gained a deep appreciation for the medical field’s blend of science, innovation, and human connection.

Attending the Keck School of Medicine of USC allowed me to expand my curiosity in medicine and service. There, I was able to contribute to teams in research, leadership, and advocacy. Throughout clinical training at Keck, I discovered a love for primary care, continuity of care, holistic well-being, and ultimately, a passion for family medicine. Outside of medicine, I enjoy exercising, live music, and spending time with family.

Undergraduate School

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Medical School

Frank H Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University

Clinical Interests

Hospice and palliative medicine, integrative medicine, preventative medicine

How I Thrive

During college, I got to spend a semester studying abroad in Hong Kong and visiting other countries in Asia!

Why Kaiser?

I was drawn towards Kaiser Permanente’s integrated model of healthcare delivery, which prioritizes Family Medicine and preserves its values. Physicians at Kaiser are incentivized to provide high quality primary care and promote population health. During my interview day with KPWH, I could immediately sense the warmth and friendliness of all the residents and faculty I interacted with. It was easy to envision myself as a resident there.

Hello! My name is Shane Varghese. I was born and raised in the Chicagoland area. Growing up, my only exposure to healthcare had been through my mom, who immigrated here from India and has worked as a nurse for over 20 years. During college, I originally pursued a career in accounting but then had a change of heart and decided to pursue medicine instead. I began volunteering at the local hospice and discovered how therapeutic longitudinal relationships can be for patients. In medical school, Family Medicine resonated with me the most. It was the only specialty that captured the essence of why I chose medicine: to combine scientific knowledge with compassionate care and build lasting relationships with patients. When I’m not busy studying or working, I enjoy playing basketball, rooting for my hometown Chicago Bears and Bulls, and listening to interesting podcasts.

Undergraduate School

California State University, Monterey Bay

Medical School

University of Arizona College of Medicine - Tucson

Clinical Interests

Preventative medicine, procedures, integrative medicine

Why Kaiser?

I chose KPWH for its supportive atmosphere and unopposed, high-quality training. On interview day, I made connections with residents and faculty, and really believed I would be valued and feel like part of the team here.

Hello! I was born and raised in Monterey, California on the central coast. Although I originally was going to pursue agricultural business for my career, my path took a turn when I developed a deep interest in science. During my undergraduate studies, I majored in molecular biology, and also expanded my passion for medicine as I engaged in physician-shadowing and volunteer opportunities. After working as a medical scribe in San Diego, I was sure medicine was the ideal career for me, so I moved to Tucson and began medical school at the University of Arizona. During my time there I became involved in the student-run clinics, providing free medical care to uninsured patients. Throughout my clinical years, I furthered my interest in family medicine, and was especially drawn to the versatile scope of practice while maintaining a focus on longitudinal care over time. I look forward to providing comprehensive healthcare and building long term relationships with my patients in the future. In my free time I enjoy surfing, hiking, and spending time with my wife and family.

Undergraduate School

University of California, Irvine

Medical School

State University of New York Upstate Medical University

Clinical Interests

Integrative medicine, mental health, women's health

Why Kaiser?

I was won over by how exceptionally welcoming, happy, and helpful the residents, faculty, and staff are. During my interview, I could feel that KPWH fosters a supportive culture that values wellness as well as education, which was the kind of environment I wanted to work and learn in.

Hi! I was born and raised in Southern California and am excited to be back home to take care of the communities I grew up in. I completed my undergraduate studies in biology at UC Irvine. While in college, I enjoyed getting involved with the local community in activities such as teaching underserved students and volunteering with hospice. As a result, I decided to pursue a field which combined science and service, which led me to the East coast to study medicine (and experience a real winter). In medical school, I grew to appreciate the importance of primary care when I volunteered at local free clinics and homeless shelters. I naturally found my place in family medicine with passionate, inspirational mentors who showed me the joy in developing long-term relationships with patients from all walks of life. In my free time, I enjoy reading, drawing, gaming, and cooking.

Undergraduate School

Lawrence University

Medical School

University of South Dakota, Sanford School of Medicine

Clinical Interests

women's health, obstetrics, medication-assisted treatment

Why Kaiser?

I am thrilled to become part of the KPWH family medicine residency program. Logistically, it fit the bill for what I was looking for: unopposed, focused on wellness and located somewhere warm. More importantly though, my virtual interview with residents and faculty helped me see what a supportive environment the KPWH FM residency has and what great mentorship I will receive as I learn and grow throughout residency.

Hello and welcome! I was born and raised in Sioux Falls, South Dakota and then attended Lawrence University in Appleton, WI for undergrad where I studied Flute Performance and Biochemistry. I dabbled in many things throughout undergrad: swing dancing, pickleball, tutoring in several subjects and working with the admissions office. I took a year after undergrad to work in the hospitality industry and as a nanny for a 1 year old. Throughout all of this, a future in medicine was always in the back of my mind and I gained exposure to healthcare through volunteering at the hospital, shadowing pediatricians and spending 5 weeks at a public hospital in La Plata, Argentina. After my gap year, I landed back in South Dakota for medical school. I participated in my school’s Frontier and Rural Medicine program in Parkston, SD (town of 1500!) where I fell in love with the field of family medicine. Getting to practice a little bit of everything through family medicine fits myself as a “dabbler”, and I love the sense of connection family medicine allows both with individual patients and the community as a whole. I am excited to be moving to Southern California with my partner and our 3 cats. Outside of medicine, I enjoy reading, making music, spending time outdoors, playing board games and baking.

Undergraduate School

Temple University

Medical School

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Clinical Interests

Health policy, procedures, behavioral health

Why Kaiser?

I was lucky enough to do a sub-internship here during my 4th year to experience firsthand the supportive learning environment cultivated by the KPWH residents, faculty, and staff. From the very first day they made me feel like a part of the team, providing encouragement and offering advice when I needed it. I also chose the program based on its strong outpatient curriculum and specialty clinics in dermatology and sports medicine.

Hi there! My name is Christina (Chrissy for my family and friends) and I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona as the eldest daughter of six kids. For my undergrad I moved to the city of Philadelphia majoring in Neuroscience at Temple University. While there I was a resident assistant for three years and was able to embrace my love for mentoring that I had inherently gravitated towards from my role as an older sister. I enjoyed the longitudinal aspect of the position and the ability to work with my residents as they grew through the year. For medical school I decided that the East Coast wasn’t for me and I began my move back West to attend Rocky Vista University in Utah. At RVU I was part of the Academic Medicine and Leadership track which fostered my interest in advocacy and health policy analysis. During my third-year clerkships I recognized that my interests of mentoring, advocacy, and longitudinal care were exemplified by the field of family medicine. Coupled with my professional interests in procedures and behavioral health, it was an easy decision from here! Outside of medicine you can find me trying to brew the perfect cup of coffee, spending time with friends and family (including my dog Althea), or binging horror movies in my PJs.

Undergraduate School

University of California, Irvine

Medical School

University of California, Riverside School of Medicine

Clinical Interests

Woman’s health, behavioral health, underserved population health

Why Kaiser?

I chose Kaiser Woodland Hills for its close-knit community, positive culture, and strong well-rounded training. I am incredibly grateful, humbled, and excited to be starting my residency in family medicine at Kaiser Woodland Hills!

I was born in Inglewood and raised in Chino Hills, California. I am the daughter of Nigerian immigrants and the first in my family to become a physician. From a young age, my parents instilled the importance of hard work and compassion which fostered my passion for community service and underserved medicine. As an undergraduate at UC Irvine, I studied biology and psychology with the goal of practicing medicine that considers the physical, emotional, and social factors of patient care. It was during my time volunteering at free clinics that I truly recognized the importance of preventive medicine, primary care, and continuity of care. I ultimately chose family medicine because of the diversity of patients and pathology, longitudinal care, flexibility, and the whole person focus that it offers. Outside of medicine, I enjoy cooking, candle-making, roller skating, exploring new restaurants, and being in nature.

Undergraduate School

University of California, Los Angeles

Medical School

University of California, Riverside School of Medicine

Clinical Interests

Point-of-care ultrasound, addiction medicine, medical education

Why Kaiser?

I’ve been a patient at Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills and even volunteered here for 5 years, writing biographies for patients. So coming back home to this hospital and community was an easy choice for me.

I’m a Los Angeles native born to a Jewish-Iranian family. Growing up, I was the kind of kid who had fun playing chess during recess or looking at bugs under a microscope. Not much has changed.

Undergraduate School

University of California, Irvine

Medical School

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Clinical Interests

Sports medicine, underserved population health, health technology

Why Kaiser?

I chose KPWH’s Family Medicine Residency program because of the family-type of atmosphere shared by faculty, residents, and the support staff. I had the opportunity to spend a month here as a medical student and knew that this is exactly where I wanted to spend my three years of residency.

I was born and raised in the San Fernando Valley. My first exposure to medicine was at an early age because my mother worked at my aunt’s OB/GYN clinic in Panorama City. I attended UC Irvine and majored in the Biological Sciences. Throughout my undergraduate career, I was part of a research team at UCI, volunteered at various hospitals, coached youth basketball, and even lead high school retreats. I was fortunate enough to stay in California for medical school and attended Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pomona, California.
I decided to pursue family medicine for multiple reasons, but one of the main ones was that it would give me the ability to treat entire families of all ages. I believe a family medicine physician can have a huge impact on a community and I would love to be able to give back to the community that helped raise me. Most of my hobbies revolve around the sports world. I love playing basketball, snowboarding, and golfing. When I have free time, you will always catch me checking the score for the Lakers, Dodgers, Titans, and multiple other sports teams.

Undergraduate School

California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

Medical School

Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific

Clinical Interests

LGBTQ Health, Behavioral Health

Why Kaiser?

Kaiser Permanente is a leader so many areas of medicine as a healthcare organization, consistently producing well rounded and passionate providers that I seek to emulate as a physician. Its commitment to LGBTQ health is a standout in the field, making it an ideal destination for me to learn the necessary skills in my goal of serving this patient population in the future. On a personal note, KP has served my family for years and ensured our health and wellness in our hardest times, and it's an honor to join this community to provide the same for others as well.

Growing up in Southern California, I always hoped that I would have the opportunity to serve this wonderful community in my future career. With science always at the center of my pursuits, I studied Microbiology and Molecular Biology at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, then worked in biotech research in San Diego for a few years before I was drawn to the excitement of medicine. After spending four years away in Oregon for medical school, it is a privilege to join KP Woodland Hills and come back home. The passion I discovered during school for expanding discussion of LGBTQ health in medical education will be carried forward with my special interest in primary care for the LGBTQ population. My partner, also a member of COMP-NW DO Class of 2021, will be joining me in the LA Area as a pathology resident at USC. I love spending time with my family including our two dogs, playing games, going to movies, and traveling, especially to pride festivals around the world.

Undergraduate School

University of California, Riverside

Medical School

State University of New York Downstate Medical Center College of Medicine

Clinical Interests

Women's Health, Obstetrics, Geriatrics

Why Kaiser?

On my interview day, I was immediately smitten by how warm and friendly the faculty and residents were. Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills can provide a strong unopposed, well-rounded training while advocating for a good work life balance. I am thrilled to be training here and be a part of the KPWH family!

Hi there! I was born and raised in West Covina, California. During my undergraduate at University of California, Riverside, I majored in Biology with minor in Neuroscience. My exposure to medicine really started while I was working in a primary care clinic as a medical assistant. I was impressed with the impact that effective preventative care can have on a person’s long-term health and decided to pursue medicine. I was briefly transplanted to the other coast where I completed my medical education at State University of New York Downstate Medical Center. I knew early on that I had wanted to pursue primary care and gravitated towards Family Medicine as I discovered how versatile the specialty can be. I am super excited to be back to practice medicine in sunny Southern California! When I’m not working, my hobbies include: binging Korean dramas, reading mystery/thriller novels, playing badminton periodically, watching Li Zi Qi youtube videos while eating dinner, and spending time with family and friends.

Undergraduate School

University of Southern California

Medical School

Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California

Clinical Interests

Geriatrics, hospice and palliative medicine, mental health

Why Kaiser?

I chose KPWH FM Residency Program because of the robust, unopposed training and the general sense I felt on my interview day about how supportive and close-knit the program was.

I was born and raised in the High Desert of southern California. After volunteering at nursing homes during high school, I decided to major in Human Development and Aging at USC. I had always been interested in medicine due to my many visits to the pediatrician for asthma and allergies as a child, and I knew early on in college that I wanted to have a career where I could develop long-term relationships with patients and help improve their quality of life across their lifespan. After graduating from college, I remained in LA for medical school at USC where my excitement for treating patients of all ages only grew. In my free time, I enjoy baking, sewing, and reading.

Undergraduate School

Cornell University

Medical School

Cooper Medical School of Rowan University

Clinical Interests

Geriatrics, underserved population health, community medicine

Why Kaiser?

I chose Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills for its warm and supportive culture. I loved seeing that the residents, faculty, and staff were a family! The program stood out to me for the unopposed training with an emphasis on community, mentorship, and resident wellness. I am thrilled to be a part of the Kaiser Permanente family.

Hello! My name is Cecillia, and I was born and raised in Connecticut. I completed my undergraduate studies at Cornell University, where I majored in Human Development and minored in Gerontology and Nutritional Sciences. During college, I volunteered at a federally qualified health center where I had the opportunity to teach nutrition classes at public schools, and in doing so I developed a passion for community health and preventative medicine. I then moved to Philadelphia to start at Cooper Medical School of Rowan University. During medical school, I was active in our student-run free clinic, which provides primary care to uninsured patients. Throughout my clinical experiences, I realized that I want to provide comprehensive, longitudinal care to people of all ages and genders, and so I fell in love with Family Medicine. I look forward to having in-depth discussions with my patients to better understand the multi-faceted frameworks of their lives. While I am not local to Southern California, I am so excited to explore the Los Angeles area and beyond! When I am not spending time with my family and friends, I love trying new cuisines, baking, yoga, watching reality television, and going to art museums.

Undergraduate School

University of California, San Diego

Medical School

University of California Los Angeles David Geffen School of Medicine

Clinical Interests

Procedures, Underserved Population Health, Adolescent Medicine, Addiction Medicine

Why Kaiser?

I had the opportunity to rotate here as a medical student and immediately fell in love with the program and the people. The residents made me feel like I was a lifelong friend, and not just a student. The faculty are incredible physicians and phenomenal teachers yet remain humble, empathetic, and kind. I love that KPWH Family Medicine offers a comprehensive training in a culture that highly values teaching, personal well-being, and patient-centered care.

Hi! I’m from El Centro located in the Imperial Valley, CA– a Hispanic community that neighbors the southwest U.S.-Mexico border. I am a proud daughter of a Mexican immigrant and a New Mexico native. I was the first in my family to attend college where I majored in cognitive science and studied American Sign Language at UC San Diego. My first job in the medical field was working at a behavioral health clinic which encouraged my career in medicine. While in medical school, I delved into many meaningful leadership and teaching activities. I led the Medical Spanish Interest Group at UCLA, an organization designed to teach medical students medical Spanish in order to provide culturally-competent care to our Latino community. I also discovered my love for working with adolescent youth through volunteering with Project H.E.A.L, a student-led organization designed to educate minority youth on health topics and encourage careers in healthcare. Family medicine is the perfect field for me as I am someone who is deeply community-oriented, values longitudinal patient relationships and appreciates aspects of every field of medicine!