2026
Class of 2026
Eduardo Amaya, MD
Medical School
USC Keck SOM
Hometown
Las Vegas, NV
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I enjoy Emergency Medicine because it provides me with the opportunity to manage a diverse range of patients and pathologies that walk through the door. I enjoy the high acuity, procedures, and teamwork of the specialty.
Hobbies/Family
I love being outdoors, particularly hiking and playing basketball. Also cooking, music, traveling, movies, exploring new restaurants.
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Be an active member of your own healthcare team. Ask questions and make sure you understand the answers, and advocate for yourself.
Sergio Arreguin, MD
Medical School
Rush Medical College
Hometown
Cicero, IL
Why Kaweah Health?
Diverse patient population, supportive program, high-acuity environment, great location
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
Emergency medicine has great opportunities to work with underserved communities, as well as work with a variety of pathologies that makes each day unique.
Hobbies/Family
Weight training, basketball, hiking, horror movies
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Personal Health is a journey, there is no need to sprint to the finish, small steps add up to form the habits that allow you to live a healthier lifestyle.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Everyone has tough days. It is okay to take yourself aside and enjoy the trip to becoming a physician. Don’t sweat the details and keep your eyes on the big picture.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My community during my gap year as an Alzheimer’s research assistant. Being able to provide knowledge about their disease processes was the most fulfilling part of working in the medical field.
A. Yemi Bankole, MD
Medical School
University of Illinois
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
The undifferentiated patient, patient populations, pathology and procedures
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Please ask for help overcoming barriers to care (i.e. certified interpreters, accessible exam rooms, transportation, home health aide, etc)
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Self-care is essential to success
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My mom. She’s built different.
John Betz, DO
Medical School
AT Still University
Hometown
Fort Collins, CO
Why Kaweah Health?
The culture of the program and how welcoming the residents and faculty are. I am also very excited about the diversity and acuity of the patient population that the hospital serves.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
My first job in medicine was as a tech in the emergency department and I was hooked. Prior to medical school, I worked for over a decade as a street medic and as an emergency medical provider in Antarctica. Emergency medicine has always been my home.
Hobbies/Family
Skiing, Mountain Biking, Auto mechanics, Welding/Fabrication, Cooking, hockey
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
|
Ask lots of questions and become invested in your health. It's never too late to enhance your quality of living through improved diet and exercise. |
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
You will receive lots of advice from everyone you encounter along the way but remember that this is a very personal journey and what works for others may not always work for you. If you truly want to be a physician, don’t ever give up, persistence is crucial.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My mom was my biggest influence in pursuing a career in medicine and shares my passion caring for others.
Sonia Dave, MD
Medical School
St. George's University
Hometown
Thousand Oaks, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
10 minutes into my interview, I knew I would gain an incredible family here. Seeing the amount of support given while getting to work with a patient population I love makes me feel at home.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
EM chose me. I knew it was the perfect fit when I realized how much I loved working traumas in the ED overnight. And also, that I didn’t have a circadian rhythm.
Hobbies/Family
Anything outdoors that doesn’t require brute strength; Seeing how fast I can go on a jet ski; Cooking without recipes; Curating customized Spotify playlists for others; Being grateful for every day
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
It’s not about how much you know, but how badly you want it. The biggest rewards come from having the perseverance to keep going.
Find what makes you feel refreshed that doesn’t take more than 30 minutes everyday and stick to it religiously.
Julia Heaton, MD
Medical School
Eastern Virginia Medical School
Hometown
Clovis, CA
Why Kaweah Health?
Kaweah Delta is a stone’s throw from my childhood home- a great chance to reconnect with family and friends.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I wanted to continue procedural medicine, but in a world with less hours and down to earth people. I wanted to always have a story from my work day. After 2 years General Surgery and 1 year of a Hand and Plastic Surgery, Emergency Medicine will be a wonderful challenge and chance to learn!
Hobbies/Family
I once had hobbies before surgical residency. I used to lift, sing, play the violin. We’ll see if I can resume those hobbies in my new life as an EM resident.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Anyone can become a doctor. You don’t have to be special, you just have to know what you want. You have to be able to recognize the people in your life who know how to get you to your goal. Ignore naysayers who try to put you in a box (metaphorically that is).
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
I was 15 years old when House, MD convinced me that the world’s sarcastic (but intelligent) people become doctors. I wish I were kidding.
Stephin Jose, DO
Medical School
Nova Southeastern University
Hometown
Mineola, NY
Why Kaweah Health?
I have always loved exploring new places and taking on new journeys. Coming to Kaweah Health gives me the opportunities to go hiking and explore the national parks more easily.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
With emergency medicine, you never know what your day will be like – and thus, you just have to go in with the mentality of being ready for anything. Emergency medicine is a specialty that trains you to be a jack of all trades.
Hobbies/Family
Exploring new areas, astronomy, watching good tv-shows, movies, and documentaries
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
If you do not take care of yourself, you cannot properly take care of all the other things you are worrying about. Health is wealth.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Just keep swimming” & the words of Haruki Murakami: "Once the storm is over, you won’t remember how you made it through, how you managed to survive. You won’t even be sure, whether the storm is really over. But one thing is certain. When you come out of the storm, you won’t be the same person who walked in. That’s what this storm’s all about."
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My mom: As a nurse, she would tell me all about her job and the healthcare field since I was very young. Her compassion for her patients motivated her and gave her a sense of purpose. It made me start to think that I could find my purpose in life by serving others in the health care field as well.
All the physicians I have encountered as a child: I could tell that my pediatricians and other doctors really cared about me and my family as whole. Even when I was scared, they gave me hope. I saw how much physicians affect the lives of so many seemingly random people in a positive way. I wanted to do the same – help others.
Shadi Kiaei, DO
Medical School
Kansas City University
Hometown
Saskatoon, SK (Canada)
Why Kaweah Health?
The program's location in the heart of California's Central Valley provides a unique opportunity to serve a diverse population with a wide range of medical needs. I am eager to gain experience working in a busy urban emergency department, and I believe that the Kaweah Delta Health program will provide the ideal environment for me to grow as a physician and serve my community.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
Emergency medicine is a dynamic and challenging specialty that requires a unique combination of skills and knowledge. I chose to pursue a career in emergency medicine because I am passionate about providing immediate medical care to patients in their most vulnerable moments. In the emergency department, every day brings new challenges and opportunities to make a difference in someone's life.
I also appreciate the collaborative nature of emergency medicine. Working in a high-pressure environment requires a team-based approach to patient care, and I value the opportunity to work alongside other medical professionals to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Hobbies/Family
Traveling (both domestic and internationally) current goal is to visit all 50 states; Making greeting cards; Hiking
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
My most significant advice to patients is to take ownership of their health and be proactive in their care. Don't hesitate to ask questions and advocate for yourself, and prioritize making healthy choices to support your well-being. Remember that your health is your greatest asset, and investing in it will pay dividends for a lifetime.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Becoming a physician requires a significant investment of time, energy, and resources. My advice for students who aspire to become physicians is to remain focused and committed to their goals, even when faced with challenges and setbacks.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My mother. I grew up watching this wonderful woman who dedicated her whole life to her patients. She was always making sure all her patient’s needs were met, even non-medical related needs. Having such a tremendous role model has been a driving force for my own path in medicine and I hope to one day be a great physician like her.
Tyler Kirkland, MD
Medical School
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Hometown
Floor Mound, TX
Why Kaweah Health?
I got a really good vibe during my interview and after talking to some of the residents felt like there was a good sense of camaraderie between the residents and attendings. I was also really attracted to the close proximity of national parks, skiing, the beach, and everything else California has to offer.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I like the variety and unpredictability of the emergency department. I’m someone who is a quick thinker which I believe will serve me well as an emergency medicine physician.
Hobbies/Family
I love to travel, go to EDM shows and festivals, and doing anything outdoorsy!
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Don’t hesitate to come to the ED if you feel like something is wrong
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Keep grinding…it’s a long process, longer than other careers you could have chosen, but the rewarding nature of the work makes it worth it.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My grandfather - he was a radiologist and someone who never seemed upset that he had to go into work, despite working longer hours than any of my other family members.
Joshua Obamedo, MD
Medical School
Howard University College of Medicine
Hometown
Newark / Union, NJ
Why Kaweah Health?
The welcoming culture of the EM PD, faculty, and staff. I knew I was wanted there and that’s a feeling like no other.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I chose EM because I feel at home in the chaos that is the ED. I love the exciting fast paced environment, the emphasis on procedures, and the diversity of both the patient population and the pathologies that work through the ED doors. The madness is a calming symphony that inspires me to rise to the occasion and challenges me to be the best physician I can for my patient.
Hobbies/Family
|
Cooking, playing basketball and golf, working out, and singing off key |
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Please try to stay on top of your health by going to your primary care physician, paying attention to, and taking your medications, and remember your medical history. It will go a long way and helps those who are treating you. Please keep a picture of your medication list and or your health ailments so that you’re not guessing in the case of an emergency.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Pursue your dreams and connect with those who have gone ahead of you to ask for advice.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My desire to serve my community
Iman Shull, DO
Medical School
Western University of Health Sciences
Hometown
Loveland, Ohio
Why Kaweah Health?
Good fit
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I like solving acute problems and working with my hands
Hobbies/Family
Mountain Biking, Chess, Jiu Jitsu, Cooking, Basketball, Watching A24 Horror Films
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Be thankful in adversity and generous in prosperity
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Find mentors early. Shadow many specialists and get involved in research you are passionate about during your undergrad studies. Reach out to people in all 4 years of medical school to gain a rounded understanding of this commitment you are about to embark on.
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
Physicians at Cincinnati Children's Hospital taught me the meaningful impact a physician can have on empowering patients that feel vulnerable
Shenaya Thomas, MD
Medical School
St. George's University
Hometown
Houston, TX
Why Kaweah Health?
I chose Kaweah Health because I felt that I would be supported by the faculty and leadership. I also believe that I will have a lot of hands-on experience at Kaweah, due to its large patient population.
Why did you choose Emergency Medicine?
I chose Emergency Medicine because I appreciate acute care and look forward to treating a variety of illnesses and working with all patient populations.
Hobbies/Family
I love to sing, paint, and go roller skating!
What is the most important advice you have for patients?
Do not fear judgment and don’t be afraid to advocate for yourself. As medical professionals, we are here to help you and want to address your concerns.
What advice do you have for a student who would like to become a physician one day?
Do not be overwhelmed by statistics. If you focus on learning for your future patients and do your best, you will achieve your goals!
Who influenced you to become a physician and why?
My mom who worked in healthcare and my father who always encouraged me to DREAM BIG!
