Fall 2026
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Legislative Update Annual Membership Dinner Medical Therapy Program
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ProAssurance has the experience, financial resources, and network of defense litigators you can rely on. For five decades, ProAssurance has stood alongside physicians and healthcare professionals through some of the most complex and challenging moments in medicine. We were founded during a time of profound change in healthcare liability. Since then, the industry has evolved—but our focus has remained the same. Through experience gained, cases defended, and trust earned, we have remained committed to supporting good medicine with strength and stability. As we mark our 50th year, we honor the physicians, partners, and professionals who shaped our story.
2 SAN JOAQUIN PHYSICIAN • 800-282-6242 ProAssurance.com
FALL 2026
VOLUME 74, NUMBER 3 • SEPTEMBER 2026
6
A MESSAGE FROM EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
40 HEALTH PLAN SCHOLARSHIPS
10 A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT
44 MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
16 IN THE NEWS
45 RESIDENCY MATCHES
22 ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DINNER
48 RESIDENTS REPORT
26 DECISION MEDICINE
52 PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 54 PUBLIC HEALTH
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PRESIDENT Stephen Tsang, MD PRESIDENT ELECT Sanjeev Goswami, MD TREASURER Alain Flores, MD BOARD MEMBERS Maggie Park, MD, Sujeeth Punnam, MD, Ripudaman Munjal, MD, Manreet Basra, MD, Kinnari Parikh, MD, Bhagya Nakka, MD, Sunny Philip, MD, Rahuljit Bajwa, MD, Wenjie Zhang, DO, and Dheeraj Nandanoor, MD
MEDICAL SOCIETY STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Lisa Richmond MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR Jessica Peluso
SAN JOAQUIN PHYSICIAN MAGAZINE EDITOR Lisa Richmond EDITORIAL COMMITTEE Lisa Richmond, Sujeeth Punnam, MD MANAGING EDITOR Lisa Richmond
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS CMA AFFAIRS COMMITTEE James Halderman, MD CMA TRUSTEE Ramin Manshadi, MD DECISION MEDICINE Kwabena Adubofour, MD MEDICAL EDUCATION PROGRAMS Kelly Savage, DO
CREATIVE DIRECTOR Sherry Lavone Design CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jo Ann Kirby, Stephen Tsang, MD, Armando Valerio, PT, DPT THE SAN JOAQUIN PHYSICIAN MAGAZINE is produced by the San Joaquin Medical Society
SCHOLARSHIP LOAN FUND Alexander Fodor, MD SUGGESTIONS, story ideas are welcome and will be reviewed CMA HOUSE OF DELEGATES REPRESENTATIVES
by the Editorial Committee.
Aisha Chaudhry, MD, Dheeraj Nandanoor, MD, James R. Halderman, MD, Raissa Hill, DO,
PLEASE DIRECT ALL INQUIRIES AND SUBMISSIONS TO:
Richelle Marasigan, DO, Sujeeth Punnam, MD,
San Joaquin Physician Magazine
Wenjie Zhang, DO, Ripudaman Munjal, MD,
3031 W. March Lane, Suite 222W
Stephen Tsang, MD, Alberto Del Pilar, MD
Stockton, CA 95219 Phone: (209) 952-5299 Fax: (209) 952-5298 E-mail Address: lisa@sjcms.org MEDICAL SOCIETY OFFICE HOURS: Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
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A N N UA L
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SYMPOSIUM Clinical Updates in Metabolic Disease, Sleep Medicine, and Lifestyle Interventions for the Primary Care Team Earn CME while connecting with colleagues across our medical community.
Saturday
Agenda
7:30am–1:00pm
7:30am:
Breakfast & Exhibits
Hilton Stockton
8:00am:
Welcome Remarks: Stephen Tsang MD, SJMS President
8:05am:
Case-Based Challenges in Diabetes Management Tarandeep Kaur, MD – Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism,
September 19, 2026
2323 Grand Canal Blvd Stockton, CA 95207
Registration For details and registration, visit www.sjcms.org or scan the QR code.
Dignity Health Medical Group 8:40am:
Gurtej Malhi, MD – Gastroenterology, Dignity Health Medical Group
9:15am:
• Physicians, Advanced Practice Providers, and Fellows welcome • Participants may earn up to 5.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™
Sanjeev Goswami, MD – Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Medicine, Pacific Sleep Disorder Center
9:50am:
Break/Exhibits
10:10am:
Prescribing Vitality: Modern Lifestyle Metrics in Coronary Care
Jignesh Patel, MD – Interventional Cardiology, The Permanente Medical Group
10:45am: Obesity as Chronic Disease: A Modern Framework for Management
Dheeraj Nandanoor, MD – Internal Medicine, Synergy Med
11:20am:
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Bariatric Surgery: The Forgotten Solution for Morbid Obesity
Tarig Samarkandy, MD, FACS, FASMBS – General/Bariatrics, Minimally Invasive & Robotic Surgery, Sutter Gould Medical Group
Planning Committee • Stephen Tsang, MD, Chair • Sujeeth Punnam, MD • Sanjeev Goswami, MD • Manreet Basra, MD
Sleep Disordered Breathing Updates
Pacific Sleep Disorder Center & Jagjeet Kalra, MD – Pulmonary & Sleep
RSVP by September 11 Accreditation
Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease in Practice: Diagnosis, Risk Stratification & Management
11:55am:
AI in Medicine: Towards One-to-Many Autonomous Care
Ashish Atreja, MD, MPH – Professor, Stanford Medicine / Founder, Genserve.AI
12:30pm: Light Lunch & Networking SAN JOAQUIN PHYSICIAN 5
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT
CELEBRATING SERVICE, INSPIRING THE FUTURE It is hard to believe how quickly summer has flown by! We kicked off June by honoring our Young Physician and Lifetime Achievement Award recipients, Drs. Anureet Gill and Henry Wong, respectively, and celebrating the passing of the gavel from Dr. Sujeeth Punnam to Dr. Stephen Tsang. We thank Dr. Punnam for his leadership and service to his colleagues and welcome Dr. Tsang as our new president. Be sure to check out photos from the evening in this issue.
LISA RICHMOND
July brought the usual excitement of Decision Medicine. This year’s cohort was especially collaborative and thoughtful, making the most of every experience throughout the program. One of the most impactful days each year is the opportunity for students to spend one-onone time with a physician mentor. Just one day alongside a physician in practice can have a lasting impact and, in some cases, change the trajectory of a student’s future. As I read through the post-program surveys, one response in particular stood out. When asked, “Which person made the strongest impression on you and why?” Marwha Hussain of Aspire Langston Hughes Academy shared: “Every piece of advice Dr. Adubofour gave left a lasting impression on me. I went home after that day, seriously reflecting on the kind of doctor I want to become. He shared that becoming a doctor isn’t just about completing your residency and waiting for a paycheck, it’s about having a heart that carries you through the entire journey.” Her words are a wonderful reminder of why Decision Medicine and the physicians who give their time to our students matter so much. We know you will enjoy reading more about this year’s program and seeing photos from their experiences, as well as catching up on updates from our Bridge to Medicine and Decision Medicine alumni on page 26. Finally, registration is open for our 2nd Annual Fall Healthcare Symposium, taking place Saturday, September 19, at the Hilton Stockton. This year’s theme, Clinical Updates in Metabolic Disease, Sleep Medicine, and Lifestyle Interventions for the Primary Care Team, is sure to deliver an engaging morning of education, networking, and collaboration. RSVP by September 11 at www.tinyurl.com/FallCME.
Best wishes,
Lisa Richmond
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Life’s waiting.
Advanced orthopedics to help relieve joint pain. As a physician, your patients have places to go, people to see, goals to achieve. And St. Jospeh’s Medical Center is here to help them keep pace with their plans. Our orthopedic and spine specialists work with patients with all types of joint pain to identify the source of discomfort and to develop personalized treatment plans. Help your patients live their best life. Learn more about our advanced solutions—and find an experienced joint pain specialist to refer them to—at dignityhealth.org/stockton/ortho.
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Partnering with you for your minimally invasive spine surgery referral needs Richard Price, M.D.
Enhanced referrals, closer to home The multidisciplinary UC Davis Spine Center offers endoscopic, minimally invasive, robotic- and augmented reality-assisted surgical options for both routine and complex spinal conditions. Your referred patients benefit from the academic expertise of nationally ranked UC Davis Medical Center, plus care closer to home and lodging on our Sacramento campus. We recently increased our surgical capacity thanks to the opening of our new 48X Complex — one of the nation’s largest outpatient surgical centers of its kind, with 14 surgical rooms, advanced imaging and more. Our physician referral liaisons are here to help navigate referrals and: ■
Facilitate access to our secure EMR system, PhysicianConnect
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Keep you abreast of new services and providers
Connect with your local Physician Referral Liaison: Joaquin Muñoz 916-701-7161 joamunoz@health.ucdavis.edu FALL 2026
referrals.ucdavis.edu SAN JOAQUIN PHYSICIAN 9
A message from our President > Stephen Tsang, MD FACOG
Social Capital Starts with Saying Hello
For those I have not yet had the pleasure of meeting, I would like to share a little about myself. I grew up in San Jose before heading to New Orleans, where I studied biomedical engineering and attended medical school at Tulane University. I completed my OB/GYN residency at the Ochsner Clinic. My wife and I returned to Northern California in 1999, raised our four children, and made Tracy our home. I spent 20 years in solo private practice before joining Sutter Gould Medical Group in 2019. Since then, I have experienced medicine as an independent practitioner, a member of a medical group, and now as a physician leader. Through all of those experiences, one thing has remained constant: medicine is ultimately built on relationships.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Stephen Tsang, MD FACOG is the current president of the San Joaquin Medical Society and practices obstetrics and gynecology at Sutter Health Medical Group in Tracy.
Recently, I listened to an episode of the Healthcare Executive Podcast called “Building Social Capital in Healthcare,” featuring Thomas Lee, MD, Chief Medical Officer of Press Ganey. I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Lee when he was a keynote speaker at a Sutter leadership meeting, and I remembered being impressed by his message. That memory made me particularly interested in this discussion, which focused on something simple and increasingly important in healthcare: how we connect with one another. We spend a tremendous amount of time talking about access, quality, productivity, patient satisfaction, physician burnout, finances, and now artificial intelligence. All of these things matter. But underneath them is something more basic. Do our patients trust us? Do we trust each other? Do the people we work with feel that they are part of the same team?
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Dr. Lee describes this as Social Capital: the value created by trust, relationships, teamwork, and our connections with other people. None of us practices medicine alone. Regardless of how or where we practice, taking care of a patient requires a team. We depend on our office staff, medical assistants, nurses, pharmacists, specialists, hospital staff, administrators, and many others. One point in the podcast that stayed with me was the idea that organizations should think about social capital much the same way they think about financial capital. We carefully measure revenue, expenses, productivity, and margins. Yet trust, communication, and teamwork can sometimes be treated as secondary issues. They are not. Think about your own workplace. When you know the people around you and trust them, things simply work better. You are more comfortable asking a question, more willing to help, and more likely to speak up when something does not seem right. When difficulties arise, people who have relationships with one another tend to work together rather than retreat into their own corners. The same is true with our patients. They have more information available than ever, but unfortunately, they also have more misinformation. They are navigating an increasingly complicated healthcare system while deciding whom and what they can trust. We cannot assume that trust comes automatically because we have “MD” or “DO” after our names. We have to earn it. Earning trust starts with listening. It means taking an extra minute to explain why we are recommending something and being willing to admit when we do not know the answer, while helping our patients find it. These may seem like small moments, but they matter.
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As members of a medical society, there is real value in knowing the physicians in our community beyond recognizing their names on a referral or seeing them across the room at a meeting. Those relationships matter when we need to solve problems, advocate for our patients, work with our hospitals, or speak with elected officials. Even though we may practice in different settings, we share many of the same challenges and have the same responsibility to our patients. Social capital also creates resilience. Healthcare will continue to change, probably faster than most of us would like. We will face workforce shortages, financial pressures, regulatory changes, new technologies, and increasing expectations. When people trust one another, they are more capable of adapting to those changes together. That trust cannot suddenly be created when a crisis occurs. It must already be there. And building it does not always require another committee, strategic initiative, or mandatory meeting. Sometimes it starts with something much simpler. I have a challenge for each of you. Get out there and say hello to someone you see at work but don’t really know yet. Introduce yourself. Learn their name. Learn their “why”. It may seem like a small thing, but that is often how relationships begin. I look forward to learning about you when we meet! Healthcare will continue to change. We cannot control every force affecting our profession. But we can control how we treat one another and how deliberately we build trust. Social capital is not created by a mission statement on a wall. It is created one relationship at a time. As physicians and healthcare leaders, building those relationships is one of the most important investments we can make.
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As the Legislature enters the final month of the 2025–2026 legislative session, lawmakers are racing to pass bills by the August 31 deadline. While California’s ongoing structural budget deficit has continued to shape legislative priorities, lawmakers largely avoided significant spending cuts after reaching a budget agreement that delays major reductions until 2027. At the same time, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as one of the year’s defining policy issues, with more than 50 AI-related bills introduced, alongside major debates over Medi-Cal financing, prescription drug affordability and behavioral health services. Throughout the session, the California Medical Association (CMA) has remained focused on protecting physician-led care, reducing unnecessary administrative burdens, advancing responsible use of AI in health care and strengthening patient safety. CMA has sponsored legislation to improve prior authorization, promote transparency in AI-generated health care advertising and modernize e-bike safety laws, while successfully defeating or amending numerous measures that would have expanded scope of practice without appropriate safeguards, increased unnecessary administrative requirements or undermined physician clinical judgment. This report highlights CMA’s sponsored legislation, key advocacy priorities and legislative victories as the 2025–2026 session enters its final weeks.
Patient Safety and Physician-Led Care Protecting physician-led care and patient safety remained a central focus of CMA’s advocacy during the 2026 legislative session. This year, CMA successfully defeated or amended several bills that would have expanded scope of practice without appropriate education, training or physician oversight. CMA successfully stopped SB 1333 (JONES), which would have significantly expanded the scope of practice for naturopathic doctors by authorizing them to independently prescribe Schedule II through Schedule V controlled substances and perform additional medical procedures beyond their current education and training. Due to CMA advocacy, the bill never received a committee hearing and will not move forward this year. CMA also defeated SB 1377 (JONES), which would have repealed California’s statewide system for reviewing and tracking medical exemptions for school immunizations. The bill failed in the Senate Health Committee following strong opposition from CMA. Working alongside other physician organizations, CMA negotiated significant amendments to AB 1696 (STEFANI), relating to certified nurse-midwives, limiting unsupervised practice to labor and delivery units and obstetric triage and ensuring consultation in emergency departments occurs only at the request of a treating physician. These amendments appropriately preserve physician-led emergency care while recognizing the role of certified nurse-midwives within their existing scope of practice. CMA also supported AB 408 (BERMAN), which would establish a Physician Health and Wellness Program under the Medical Board of California. Although the bill did not advance this session, it remains an important long-term priority for physician wellness and patient safety that CMA will continue to prioritize in upcoming legislative sessions.
Administrative Burdens Reducing unnecessary administrative burdens remains one of CMA’s top legislative priorities, with efforts focused on allowing physicians to spend more time caring for patients and less time navigating unnecessary paperwork. CMA is sponsoring AB 539 (SCHIAVO) to reform California’s prior authorization process by extending approved prior authorizations to one year—or for the duration of a prescribed treatment when shorter. This commonsense reform will
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reduce delays in medically necessary care while eliminating repetitive authorization requests that consume physician time and resources. Although AB 2431 (PATEL), CMA’s sponsored legislation addressing automatic insurance downcoding, did not advance this year, the bill elevated physician concerns regarding payor practices that improperly reduce reimbursement for medically necessary services. CMA remains committed to pursuing reforms that ensure physicians are fairly reimbursed and patients maintain access to care. The bill failed due to cost concerns in a difficult budget year. CMA also opposed several proposals that would have imposed unnecessary regulatory burdens on physician practices through overly prescriptive AI requirements.
Responsible Artif icial Intelligence Artificial intelligence was a major focus of CMA’s advocacy in 2026 as lawmakers considered dozens of bills affecting the use of AI in health care. CMA advanced consumer protections while opposing proposals that would unnecessarily burden physician practices or stifle innovation. CMA is sponsoring SB 1146 (GONZALEZ), which protects consumers by requiring AI-generated advertisements for health-related products and services to clearly disclose when images, audio or video have been generated or substantially altered using artificial intelligence. The bill also authorizes enforcement by the Attorney General to combat fraudulent and misleading AI-generated health care advertisements. At the same time, CMA has remained actively engaged on several AI proposals that could unintentionally limit innovation or create unnecessary administrative burdens. One such bill CMA opposes is AB 2575 (ORTEGA), which imposes extensive documentation, reporting and notification requirements on physician practices using AI tools and raises significant professional liability concerns. In addition, CMA is seeking amendments to SB 903 (PADILLA) to ensure physician use of AI in mental health care is appropriately regulated without creating unnecessary administrative requirements or discouraging responsible innovation.
Public Safety Improving community safety and reducing preventable injuries remains an important part of CMA’s legislative advocacy. As e-bike injuries continue to rise—particularly among young riders—CMA is sponsoring AB 2346 (WILSON) to modernize California’s e-bike safety laws. The bill imposes a statewide speed limit of 10 mph on sidewalks, requires speedometers and integrated lights on e-bikes and requires distributors and retailers to provide consumers with education materials regarding California e-bike laws and consumer advisories, which include a recommendation that riders age 15 and younger should not ride at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour.
On the pages that follow, you will find an overview of the bills CMA has opposed or successfully negotiated so far this year, as well as a look at the status of CMA’s sponsored and priority support bills.
Opposed Bills AB 1973 (Aguiar-Curry) – Abortion: Authorized Procedures
AB 1979 (Bonta) – Health Care Services: Artificial Intelligence
This bill would expand the scope of practice for certified nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners and physician assistants by allowing them to perform abortion and miscarriage care beyond the current first-trimester aspiration limitation without sufficient patient safety safeguards. While CMA supports access to safe abortion care, the bill lacks appropriate guardrails to ensure practitioners act within their clinical competency and have established physician consultation and transfer protocols for complex cases.
This bill would regulate the use of artificial intelligence in health care by applying the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act to certain AI platforms while broadly restricting the use of AI technologies in physician practices and health facilities. Although CMA supports patient privacy protections, the bill would unnecessarily prohibit AI tools that have safely reduced administrative burdens and improved patient care. Status: Currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Status: Currently in the Senate Health Committee. Hearing postponed.
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AB 2575 (Ortega) – Health Care Services: Artificial Intelligence
SB 903 (Padilla) – Mental Health Professionals: Artificial Intelligence
This bill establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for the use of AI in health care, imposing extensive reporting, documentation and notification requirements on physician practices. The bill also raises significant professional liability concerns regarding physicians’ use of AI-assisted clinical decision support.
This bill places new limitations on the use of AI by mental health professionals providing psychotherapy services. CMA is seeking amendments to clarify physician applicability, reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, limit civil penalties, and preserve opportunities for AI research and innovation. Status: Currently in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.
Status: Currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Successfully Negotiated AB 1696 (Stefani) – Nurse-Midwives
This bill clarifies that certified nurse-midwives may provide emergency services without physician supervision under certain circumstances. CMA successfully negotiated amendments limiting unsupervised care to labor and delivery units and obstetric triage while ensuring physician-directed consultation in emergency departments, allowing the Association to move to a neutral position. Status: Chaptered with CMA-supported amendments. SB 1333 (Jones) – Naturopathic Doctors: Scope of Practice
This bill would have significantly expanded the scope of practice for naturopathic doctors by authorizing independent prescribing of Schedule II through V controlled substances and permitting additional medical procedures. Due to CMA advocacy, the bill did not receive a committee hearing and will not move forward this session. Status: Failed to receive a committee hearing. SB 1377 (Jones) – Immunizations: Medical Exemptions
This bill would have repealed California’s statewide medical exemption review system for school immunizations. CMA successfully opposed the measure, which was defeated in the Senate Health Committee. Status: Failed in Senate Health Committee. AB 1900 (Kalra) – Guaranteed Health Care for All
This bill proposed establishing a statewide single-payer health care system without identifying a funding mechanism. CMA opposed the measure, which did not advance.
AB 1922 (Lowenthal) – Restraint of Incarcerated Persons
This bill would have broadly prohibited mechanical restraints for incarcerated patients receiving hospital care. CMA sought amendments to preserve physician discretion and ensure patient, staff and public safety. The bill did not advance. Status: Held in Assembly Appropriations Committee. AB 2398 (Alvarez) – Physician Graduate License Act
This bill would have created a new physician graduate license category for medical school graduates who had not completed residency training. CMA opposed the proposal because of concerns regarding physician training and patient safety. Status: Held in Assembly Appropriations Committee. AB 2497 (Johnson) – Physical Therapists
This bill would have significantly expanded the scope of practice for physical therapists by authorizing broad prescriptive authority, diagnostic imaging and primary care functions without additional physician oversight. Due to CMA advocacy, the bill did not advance. Status: Held in Assembly Appropriations Committee. SB 1179 (Menjivar) – Doctors from El Salvador Program
This bill proposed establishing a licensure pathway modeled after California’s Physicians from Mexico Program. CMA sought amendments to strengthen physician oversight and program safeguards. The bill did not advance this session. Status: Held in Senate Appropriations Committee.
Status: Held in Assembly Appropriations Committee.
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CMA Priority Support and Sponsored Bills AB 539 (Schiavo) – Health Care Coverage: Prior Authorizations
AB 1979 (Bonta) Health Care Services: Artificial Intelligence
This CMA-sponsored bill extends the validity of approved prior authorizations to one year, or for the duration of a prescribed course of treatment if less than one year. The bill will reduce unnecessary administrative burdens, improve continuity of care and help patients receive medically necessary treatment without repeated authorization requests.
This bill would regulate the use of artificial intelligence in health care by applying the Confidentiality of Medical Information Act to certain AI platforms and establishing requirements for the use of AI in clinical settings. CMA worked extensively with the author to address concerns regarding overly broad restrictions that would have prohibited physicians from using established AI technologies to reduce administrative burdens and improve patient care. Following amendments that addressed CMA’s primary concerns, the Association successfully negotiated changes to the bill.
Status: Currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee. SB 1146 (Gonzalez) – Artificial Intelligence: Health Care Advertisements
This CMA-sponsored bill requires health-related advertisements that use AI-generated or substantially altered images, audio or video (“deepfakes”) of a natural person to include a disclosure identifying the content as AI-generated. The bill also authorizes enforcement by the Attorney General to protect consumers from deceptive health care advertising. Status: Currently in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. AB 2346 (Wilson) – E-Bike Safety Modernization
This CMA-sponsored bill modernizes California’s e-bike safety laws by imposing a statewide speed limit of 10 mph on sidewalks, requiring speedometers and integrated lights on e-bikes and requiring distributors and retailers to provide consumers with education materials regarding California e-bike laws and consumer advisories, including a recommendation that riders age 15 and younger should not ride at a speed greater than 15 miles per hour.
Status: Successfully amended following negotiations with CMA. SB 1094 (Weber-Pierson) Prescription Drugs
This bill would authorize pharmacists to substitute biosimilar medications when dispensing a prescription. CMA worked with the author to address concerns regarding physician prescribing authority and successfully secured amendments clarifying that pharmacists may not substitute a biosimilar when a physician indicates “Do Not Substitute” on a patient’s prescription. These amendments preserve physician clinical judgment while maintaining appropriate patient protections. Status: Successfully negotiated. CMA secured amendments preserving physician authority over biosimilar substitution.
Status: Currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Did you know CMA’s legislative positions are determined by physicians? Each year, the California Medical Association (CMA) Council on Legislation (COL)—a representative body of physicians from every region of the state and across all major specialties and practice settings—reviews hundreds of state legislative proposals and recommends official CMA positions. Through thoughtful discussion and debate, the Council ensures that CMA’s advocacy reflects the perspectives of practicing physicians and the needs of patients throughout California. Because bills are frequently amended after the Council meets, the COL chair and vice chair are authorized to establish interim positions on newly amended legislation. This process allows CMA to respond quickly to legislative deadlines while ensuring the Association’s advocacy remains grounded in physician leadership and member-approved policy.
Interested in getting involved in organized medicine? Learn about the various local, state and national opportunities at cmadocs.org/opportunities.
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In The News
IN THE
NEWS
Providing staff, physicians, and patients with relevant & up to date information
St. Joseph’s Medical Center & University of the Pacific Partner for New Medical School Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Medical Center will be the strategic clinical partner for the University of the Pacific’s planned School of Medicine. This collaboration will provide essential clinical learning opportunities for future physicians, with third- and fourth-year medical students undertaking rotations at St. Joseph’s and regional hospitals.
Amarseen Mikael, MD, and Ann Yufa, MD St. Joseph’s Medical Center Achieves Milestone with First TAMBE Procedure for Complex Aortic Aneurysms St. Joseph’s Medical Center announces a groundbreaking advancement in vascular care with its first ThoracoAbdominal Branch Endoprosthesis (TAMBE) procedure. Vascular surgeons Amarseen Mikael, MD, and Ann Yufa, MD, successfully performed this innovative, minimally invasive technique for complex aortic aneurysms previously considered inoperable or requiring extensive open surgery. The TAMBE procedure utilizes specialized endovascular grafts to repair aneurysms while precisely preserving blood flow to vital organs. This revolutionary approach means smaller incisions, less blood loss, shorter hospital stays, and faster recovery for patients, offering a new lifeline for those with intricate aortic conditions.
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This partnership is a significant step towards addressing the critical physician shortage in San Joaquin County and the Central Valley. Both institutions share a deep commitment to excellence, integrity, and community well-being. St. Joseph’s, already a top-ranked hospital undergoing an $800 million expansion, will be one of California’s largest, perfectly timed with the medical school’s planned 2030 opening. This joint effort will transform healthcare for the region.
St. Joseph’s Medical Center Honored for Excellence in Heart and Stroke Care St. Joseph’s Medical Center (SJMC) has earned three national achievement awards from the American Heart Association’s Get With The Guidelines® program: Get With The Guidelines®-Coronary Artery Disease STEMI Receiving Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes, Get With The Guidelines®-Coronary Artery Disease NSTEMI Bronze, and Get With The Guidelines®-Stroke Gold
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Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll and Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll. These accolades recognize SJMC’s commitment to delivering timely, high-quality care for heart attack, heart failure, and stroke patients. This ref lects the expertise and dedication of their physicians, nurses, and care teams. SJMC’s commitment ensures advanced cardiovascular and stroke care is accessible, improving patient outcomes and reducing complications. Dignity Health System in California also received a remarkable 30 awards, highlighting a system-wide dedication to outstanding, guideline-driven care.
Cortopassi Family Foundation Donates $5 Million for St. Joseph’s Expansion, New Patient Tower to be Named in Their Honor St. Joseph’s Foundation of San Joaquin has received a transformative $5 million pledge from the Cortopassi Family Foundation, marking a major step forward for St. Joseph’s Medical Center’s (SJMC) expansion. In recognition, the new patient tower will be named the Cortopassi Tower. This crucial investment comes as San Joaquin County faces rising healthcare demand and a physician shortage. The funds will significantly expand SJMC’s capacity, adding new ICU beds, emergency treatment spaces, private patient rooms, and advanced operating rooms. Crucially, it will also support training for over 200 physician residents, helping to attract and retain medical talent in the region. This partnership underscores a deep commitment to the community’s health and future.
Welcome to Dignity Health: Dr. Fred Naraghi, Spine Surgery Specialist Dignity Health proudly introduces Dr. Fred Naraghi, a distinguished spine surgeon now practicing at Dignity Health Medical Group and St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Dr. Naraghi brings extensive expertise in managing complex spinal conditions, from disc herniation and spinal stenosis to trauma and degenerative diseases.
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Fred Naraghi, MD A board-certified specialist with training from the San Francisco Spine Institute, UNM Orthopedic Surgery, and UCLA, Dr. Naraghi performs a wide range of advanced procedures, including cervical disc replacement, minimally invasive lumbar decompression, and nonfusion technologies. His patient-centered philosophy focuses on precise diagnosis, evidence-based treatments, and clear communication, empowering patients to make informed decisions for optimal outcomes.
Welcome to Dignity Health: Dr. Timothy Berney, Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Dignity Health is pleased to welcome Dr. Timothy Berney, a highly skilled orthopedic surgeon specializing in Sports Medicine, to Dignity Health Medical Group and St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Dr. Berney is board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery with subspecialty certification in Orthopedic Sports Medicine.
With a fellowship from Orthopedic Healthcare Northwest at the University of Oregon, Dr. Berney is an expert in treating conditions affecting the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand, knee, and ankle, with a special interest in minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery. His philosophy centers on
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culture of care Now hiring primary care physicians and anesthesiologists UC Davis Health is an extraordinary place to further your career. You’ll experience being part of an academic medical center that’s committed to advancing pioneering research, promoting a sense of belonging through an inclusive work environment, and fostering continuous learning to develop health care leaders.
UC Davis Health offers robust benefits, including: � Competitive compensation � Retirement and savings investment plans, including UC’s defined-benefit pension plan � An emphasis on work-life balance � Access to wellness programs, state-of-the-art facilities, and more
Apply today health.ucdavis.edu/join-the-team
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to St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Dr. Sharma, who earned his MPH and MD from Duke University and completed his fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania, is board-certified in both hand surgery and plastic surgery. He expertly treats a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain in the shoulder, back, and knee to carpal tunnel syndrome, hand, and wrist arthritis, and complex nerve injuries. Dr. Sharma’s patient-first philosophy emphasizes listening to understand unique needs, with a goal to partner with you in restoring function and relieving pain, helping you return to your daily life
Timothy Berney, MD reducing pain and enhancing quality of life through advanced orthopedic care and shared decision-making, ensuring patients are active participants in their treatment journey.
We’re pleased to share that The Doctors Company completed its acquisition of ProAssurance.
These organizations share a deep commitment to protecting healthcare professionals and advancing the practice of good medicine. Both have a long history of working with medical societies across the nation. This partnership brings several important benefits to your members: Financial strength: The Doctors Company is rated “A” (Excellent) by AM Best and “A” (Strong) by Fitch Ratings Meaningful financial rewards: Including the Tribute® Plan, an unrivaled financial career award, and dividends that reward outstanding outcomes
Ketan Sharma, MD Welcome to Dignity Health: Dr. Ketan Sharma, Reconstructive and Hand Surgeon Dignity Health proudly welcomes Dr. Ketan Sharma, an accomplished Plastic, Reconstructive, and Hand Surgeon,
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Industry-leading advocacy: The only medical liability advocacy program supporting healthcare professionals in all 50 states and at the federal level Relentless defense: A commitment to never settle a claim without consent*
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In The News
IN THE
NEWS To learn more about The Doctors Company, visit thedoctors.com. *Subject to policy terms and applicable law.
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Providing staff, physicians, and patients with relevant & up to date information
Office Space Available for Lease Office space available now to be leased for medical/ dental/medically relevant professional office. The space is 1367 square feet for immediate occupancy in the established Medical Doctor’s Complex, Weber Ranch Professional Park at East March Lane, with 7 rooms and waiting area. Call now (209) 951-8830.
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Get back at it. With personalized spine treatment. When your patients finally treat their back pain, even the smallest victories feel big. At St. Joseph’s Medical Center, we offer personalized care—with comprehensive treatment options for both simple and complex spine conditions. Help your patients get back to the life they love. Connect with a spine specialist to find the treatment that’s right for them. Learn more at dignityhealth.org/stockton/spine.
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ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP DINNER honoring our
2026 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Henry Y.T. Wong, MD and
Young Physician Award Receipient
Anureet Gill, MD
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E R U T U F S E T S A N V I A I T C I O M PHYS
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SHADOWING JUST ONE OF MANY OPPORTUNITIES DURING 2-WEEK PROGRAM By Jo Ann Kirby
The 24 students taking part in San Joaquin Medical Society’s 2026 Decision Medicine program had the unique opportunity to engage in a two-week experience in July that introduced them to the field of medicine through immersive sessions that included behind-the-scenes access where they met with physicians and other healthcare providers. Included on the schedule was a shadowing opportunity at San Joaquin General Hospital. It was an eye-opening experience for the students, three of whom were following Dr. Kinnari Parikh, M.D.
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The internist, who also serves as on the faculty for San Joaquin General’s medical residency program, held a pre-round meeting with a medical student, two resident physician interns and a 2nd year medical resident to discuss the care of the patients they would be seeing during morning rounds. “This is how we start our day,” Dr. Parikh, the attending physician, said. Dr. Parikh has been involved in the Decision Medicine program in many different roles such as reviewing their applications, allowing them to shadow SAN JOAQUIN PHYSICIAN 27
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during bedside rounding and by facilitating group discussion between current medical students, residents and high school students. Her patients that day included one with heart disease at risk of losing a limb who needed an angiogram to determine the location of a possible blockage that was impeding circulation. “This patient has extensive heart disease and has no circulation to the foot, that is why he is in pain and not able to walk,” she explained. This prompted Naveen Ayala, a student at Saint Mary’s High School to ask at what point the patient’s foot could not be saved. “That’s a good question,” the doctor replied, before explaining exactly the steps that would be taken to evaluate the patient’s limb and the steps required to treat it. The students observed the care and respect the doctors took with each patient, including a somber situation with a patient experiencing acute heart failure. “It was sad when they were discussing palliative care with the patient,” Naveen said. Dr. Parikh introduced the high schoolers to each patient and explained that San Joaquin General is a teaching hospital and that she is part of the faculty. Olivia Seki, a senior at Mountain House High School, said the experience was fascinating. “In the meeting, before rounds, they talked about the science of each’s patient’s condition,” she said. “And then when they met with the patients, it was interesting to see how they communicated that and explained it.” After meeting with patients, Dr. Parikh updated case managers and tracked down a radiologist for a one-on-one chat regarding a procedure needed for a
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young man with kidney problems. “I hope shadowing provides students with a realistic view of patient care, allowing them to observe the collaboration, critical thinking, compassion, and professionalism that is needed in medicine,” Dr. Parikh said, “I also hope students gain an appreciation for the different disciplines in healthcare like physicians, nurses, medical assistants, therapists, technicians and it broadens their understanding of many rewarding careers available in healthcare.” During the day-long shadowing opportunity, the students witnessed a fraction of the different situations that hospital staff deal with on a regular basis such as a patient under the armed guard of a sheriff’s deputy and even a Code Red fire alarm that prompted their brief evacuation from the hospital. Standing
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outside with the students, Decision Medicine facilitators who are the grownups that keep the students on schedule, said they had seen it all during the program’s history. “There is always something exciting happening,” Jennifer Mark, an educator who serves as a Decision Medicine facilitator, said. The aim of Decision Medicine is to inspire high-achieving, underprivileged, and underrepresented students, who may not otherwise have these opportunities, to pursue careers in medicine and ultimately return to serve the local community. Dr. Parikh said she thinks the experience helps the students determine if medicine is the right path for them. The program could not take place without the support of generous sponsors
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and hosts including hospitals, clinics, surgery centers and other sites who allow the students to watch, learn and make connections. “We are all grateful to the mentors who invested their time in us throughout our journey, and I believe mentoring aspiring physicians is the best way to give it back to the community,” Dr. Parikh said. “Today’s students are tomorrow’s healthcare leaders. Supporting their curiosity and growth is one of the many ways we can strengthen the future of our profession and the health of our communities.” Shadowing was just one of the many activities the students completed over the course of two weeks. They sutured a banana, learned lifesaving techniques, heard about the challenges of providing medical care to the homeless population and took time to get to know each other through team bonding activities. More than 100 students applied to be in this year’s cohort and 44 landed interviews – of those 24 were chosen to participate in Decision Medicine. A celebration was held at Elkhorn Country Club where the students and their families enjoyed dinner and a program that explained the importance of the experience and the why of it. One parent, Adrienne Seki, said that she was grateful her daughter had the opportunity to be part of such a unique program. “I know the competition was tough,” she said. “It was an honor that my daughter, Olivia, was selected to part of this.” Dr. Kwabena Adubofour, who cofounded Decision Medicine along with Dr. George Khoury, urged the students to pursue their dreams of a career in medicine and most importantly, to come back to San Joaquin County, to serve their community. For decades, San Joaquin County has been federally designated as a Medically Underserved Area and contains
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16 Health Professional Shortage Areas. “We just need you to come back and help us really change the shape of health care in San Joaquin County,” Dr. Adubofour said. “There are just not enough doctors.” Dr. Adubofour said that part of the appeal of coming back is the fact that there are a multitude of residency and fellowship programs in San Joaquin County. “We are trying to make it easier for you to come home,” he said. “You don’t need to go anywhere else. You can do your residency here and sleep in your own bed and then there are tons of jobs available, as well.” Dr. David Araiza, M.D., of Community Medical Centers gave a keynote address at the celebration where he encouraged students to forge their own path. His journey included five years at San Joaquin Delta College before he transferred to UC Merced and was eventually accepted into medical school at UC Davis. “Anything I have done, you all are more than capable of doing,” he said, adding that their shared experience of getting to speak with medical students, residents, physicians and other health care providers enables them to imagine the possibilities. “I’m really glad you took part in this program. That’s huge. To see it, is to believe you can do it.” So far, Decision Medicine and the San Joaquin Medical Society’s mentoring program Bridge to Medicine has had success in its mission. Twenty-nine participants from the programs are in medical school, 25 are in a residency or fellowship and 10 have become practicing physicians. And more are on their way, with 40 students in undergrad with science and pre-med majors.
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DM Committee & Shadow Day Mentors Adnan Khan, MD Alaa Gabi, MD Alain Flores, MD Amanda Panh, MD Cyrus Buhari, DO Fram Buhari, MD David Araiza, MD Dheeraj Nandanoor, MD Felipe Chavez, MD
FOR
Gurtej Malhi, MD
YOUR SUPPORT!
Hely Shah, MD
Health Plan of San Joaquin
John Canzano, MD
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Kinnari Parikh, MD
PREMIER FINANCIAL SPONSOR
Hyma Jasti, MD Jaicharan Iyengar, MD Juan Lopez Solorza, MD
Adventist Health Lodi Memorial
Kwabena Adubofour, MD
Community Medical Centers
Lan Quang, MD
Kaiser Permanente
Linda Sakimura, MD
San Joaquin General Hospital San Joaquin Public Health Services St. Joseph’s Medical Center
Manreet Basra, MD Marina Castillo, MD Ravleen Grewal, MD Richelle Marasigan, DO
St. Mary’s Community Services
Ruby Gill, MD
UC Davis School of Medicine
San Tso, DO
And so many more who contributed their time and expertise!
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George Khoury, MD
Stephen, Tsang, MD Sujeeth Punnam, MD Sunny Philip, MD Vanessa Armendariz, MD
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WITH OUR 2026 DECISION MEDICINE STUDENTS By Jo Ann Kirby
More than 100 applicants from 30 area high schools applied for acceptance into the 2026 Decision Medicine program. Of those, 44 were invited to interview, and 24 were selected for the two-week program that introduces students to the field of medicine through personalized mentoring and immersive site visits. Created by the San Joaquin Medical Society, Decision Medicine aims to inspire high-achieving, underprivileged, and underrepresented students, who may not otherwise have these opportunities, to pursue careers in medicine and ultimately return to serve our community. Throughout their time together, students were able to shadow physicians, visit community clinics, tour hospitals, learn tips for applying to college and much more. During the program, they were accompanied by educators who served as facilitators and kept them on schedule. They shared their thoughts about their two weeks together.
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Question: How did you find out about Decision Medicine and what motivated you to apply to the program?
Q: What were your impressions of the medical staff and doctors that you interacted with during the program?
Answer: I have always been interested in doing something in healthcare, and when I saw fliers around my school campus about a free summer program I knew I had to join. — Marwha Hussain, Aspire Langston Hughes Academy
A: Throughout the whole program, all the medical staff and physicians that worked with this program were all very respectful and were willing to give their time to help us high schoolers learn. This program let me see different fields of medicine, and all these people who we got to see, inspired me to pursue a career in medicine. — Antonio Frias , Weston Ranch High School
Q: What did you expect was going to happen during your two weeks with Decision Medicine and how did it compare to what you actually experienced? A: Honestly, I expected multiple tours of hospitals and to meet some new people, but it became clear it was a lot more than that. I made meaningful connections with staff as well as doctors in the field I am interested in. I learned a lot about what I wanted to do in medicine. — Jimmy Thompson, Millennium High School
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Q: How did it make you feel to be part of a group of people who all are hoping and striving for similar goals and aspirations? A: Being in a group with people who are hoping and striving for similar goals and aspirations felt like a new chapter in my book. I would’ve never thought I would be stepping outside my comfort zone. I’m thankful for everyone in this program. — Josephine Nazziwa, Aspire Langston Hughes
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Q: How do you think your Decision Medicine experience will motivate you to pursue your dreams?
Q: What information did the students learn in the “Jump Start to College” session that you led?
A: I feel more confident in my medical journey. DM provided me the opportunity to really grow and ponder on my medical aspirations. I feel more confident that I have what it takes to be a good physician. — Naveen Ayala, Saint Mary’s High School
A: My presentation to the Decision Medicine students provided them with an overview of the college application process. We covered key topics including application timelines and deadlines, standardized testing, essay writing, financial aid and strategies for presenting themselves effectively on the application. Over the years I’ve encouraged many of my high school students to apply to this program. Each year I am impressed with this group of students who are so dedicated to their futures in health care. — Annette Knowles, Lincoln High School counselor and Decision Medicine presenter
Q: What experience had the biggest impact on you? A: It really gave me so much exposure, such as watching a surgery in the OR, shadowing doctors, seeing patient interactions and so much more. Decision Medicine showed me what being a doctor really is and gave me so much clarity and advice for my journey in healthcare. — Aahana Elangovan, Mountain House High School Q: Why do you think this program is important to encouraging and supporting high school students who are interested in medicine? A: Decision Medicine is a program that helps students explore and experience careers in healthcare firsthand. This experience is an impactful one that can give students the experience and knowledge that they needed to determine their career. It is especially important for those who don’t have access to find quality, meaningful experience. — Melanie Lor, Stockton Collegiate International Schools
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Q: What was special about this year’s cohort? A: This cohort is incredibly intelligent and understands a lot about science and medicine already. They have this quiet confidence that you would not expect, so every time they ask and answer questions it is amazing. They support each other and they believe in one another which is really nice to witness. — Jennifer Mark, Decision Medicine Facilitator Q: What do you think their prospects are for accomplishing their goals? A: This group has good collaborative skills coupled with an intrinsic motivation to help others. If they continue to show the enthusiasm they have this week, they will all make fantastic physicians. — Andrew Ochoa, Decision Medicine facilitator
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Celebrating the Next Generation of Healthcare Leaders: Health Plan Awards Scholarships to Decision Medicine Graduates Each year, the Decision Medicine (DM) Program, founded by the San Joaquin Medical Society, helps shape the future of healthcare by empowering talented local students to pursue careers in medicine. Through mentorship, hands-on learning, and exposure to the medical field, the program encourages participants to return to care for Central Valley families and improve health outcomes throughout the community. Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan (Health Plan), the region’s local Medi-Cal managed care plan, is proud to support that journey through its Health Careers Scholarship Program. By investing in these students, we help turn aspirations into reality and develop a strong pipeline of compassionate providers who may one
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day return to the community and partner with us to expand access to quality care. This year, Health Plan awarded scholarships to eight Decision Medicine graduates, representing a �24,000 investment in the future of healthcare and the next generation of compassionate providers dedicated to serving their communities. “Growing up with immigrant parents, I witnessed firsthand the challenges patients face when they don’t see physicians who look like them, speak their language, or understand their experiences,” said scholarship recipient Emmanuel Reyes, who plans to become a pediatric anesthesiologist. “I hope to be both a physician and an advocate—helping improve access to equitable, compassionate, and affordable healthcare while giving back to communities like my own.” Health Plan proudly recognizes this year’s Decision Medicine scholarship recipients, each bringing unique experiences, resilience, and a shared commitment to improving healthcare throughout the Central Valley: •
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Emmanuel Reyes – aspiring Pediatric Anesthesiologist. A first-generation Hispanic student attending Stanford University who hopes to combine medicine with health policy advocacy while improving healthcare equity. Eshal Masqood – aspiring General Surgeon. A first-generation college student committed to serving diverse and underserved communities while advancing research in genetic engineering and oncology.
•
Jasmine Faith Johnson – aspiring Dermatologist. Inspired by her own skin health journey, Jasmine hopes to help patients feel seen, heard, and confident while expanding access to dermatologic care.
•
Jenna Ibrahim – aspiring Physician Assistant. Motivated by her own experience navigating an autoimmune disease, Jenna plans to return to San Joaquin County to provide compassionate, community-centered care.
•
Jolene Cisneros – aspiring Registered Nurse. Jolene is pursuing a nursing career focused on compassionate patient care while addressing the growing need for healthcare professionals in the Central Valley.
•
Layla’Amon Foster – aspiring Orthopedic Surgeon. After discovering a passion for sports medicine through the Decision Medicine Program, Layla hopes to combine medicine, mentorship, and service to inspire future generations.
•
Sophia Samaniego – aspiring General Surgeon. A bilingual Spanish speaker dedicated to improving healthcare access and communication for underserved families in San Joaquin County.
•
Syrell Louisse Gatan – aspiring Pediatric Surgeon. Syrell plans to return to the community that welcomed her and provide specialized pediatric surgical care for local families.
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For scholarship recipient Jenna Ibrahim, the journey to healthcare became personal long before she entered the Decision Medicine Program. “My experience navigating an autoimmune disease showed me how lifechanging compassionate healthcare can be,” Ibrahim said. “It also opened my eyes to the challenges many families face when specialty care isn’t available close to home. I hope to return to San Joaquin County as a Physician Assistant so I can give back to the community that helped shape my journey.” Each scholarship recipient represents more than academic achievement—they reflect the future of healthcare in the Central Valley. Their diverse backgrounds, personal experiences, and passion for serving others embody Health Plan’s ongoing commitment to building a stronger, more representative healthcare workforce.
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“Access to quality healthcare begins with building a strong local workforce,” said Lizeth Granados, Chief Executive Officer of Health Plan of San Joaquin/Mountain Valley Health Plan. “By supporting these exceptional students today, we’re helping cultivate the next generation of physicians and healthcare professionals who understand our communities and are committed to caring for them in the future. These students have already demonstrated extraordinary compassion, determination and a commitment to serving others. We are honored to support their educational journeys and look forward to seeing the lasting impact they’ll make across the Central Valley.”
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DECISION MEDICINE CLASS OF 2026 Aahana Elangovan
LeAnn Ibrahim
Mountain House High School
Lodi High School
Aleena Mirza
Marwha Hussain
Tokay High School
Aspire Langston Hughes Academy
Alyana Tih
Melanie Lor
Stagg High School
Stockton Collegiate International
Amelia Laurant
Secondary Schools
Health Careers Academy
Miley Gonzalez
Anahi Ramirez
Middle College High School
East Union High School
Mya Soria
Antonio Frias
Lincoln High School
Weston Ranch High School
Naveen Ayala
Casey Ramirez
Saint Mary’s High School
Health Careers Academy
Navnoor Kaur
Fakhir Arshad
Millennium High School
Tokay High School
Olivia Seki
Hui ying Huang
Mountain House High School
Stockton Early College Academy
Palvir Virk
Ishleen Kaur
John C. Kimball High School
Aspire Benjamin Holt College
Pavneet Kaur
Preparatory Academy
Sierra High School
Jimmy Thompson
Veona Sharifzadeh Baei
Millennium High School
Bear Creek High School
Josephine Nazziwa Aspire Langston Hughes Academy
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MEDICAL SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
Nadia Anslinger
Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Bridge to Medicine Mentor: Nancy Schneider, RN, BSN
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Khushi Pannu
Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine Bridge to Medicine Mentor: Amir Assadi-Rad, PhD
Raeva Pandey
University of South Florida Health Morsani College of Medicine Bridge to Medicine Mentor: Pinki Goswami, CPNP-BC, MSN
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RESIDENCY MATCHES
Clifford Liu, MD
Tu Ugyen, MD
Monifa Sawyer, MD
Kira Maszewski, MD
Mount Sinai Hospital, Internal Medicine/ Research Track Decision Medicine 2011
UC Davis Health, Psychiatry Decision Medicine 2013
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UC Davis Health, Ophthalmology Decision Medicine 2013
HCA Medical City Arlington, OBGYN Decision Medicine 2015
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RESIDENCY MATCHES
Fatima Iqbal, DO
UCLA- Kern Medical Center, Psychiatry Decision Medicine 2016
Jackey (Si Hao) Tang, MD UC Davis Health, Anesthesia Decision Medicine 2016 Bridge to Medicine
Jerice Banola, MD
Kaiser Permanente San Francisco, Internal Medicine Decision Medicine 2016
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RESID
ENTS' REPORT A PLACE FOR ALL NEWS HIGHLIGHTING RESIDENTS AND GRADUATE MEDICAL EDUCATION
The Resident’s Report is dedicated to all the good news related to our hard-working residents training at San Joaquin General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Please email your submissions, written in third person with accompanying photo to Lisa@sjcms.org.
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Welcoming the Class of 2029 and Celebrating Our Residency Community San Joaquin General Hospital’s Family Medicine Residency Program proudly welcomes the Class of 2029—eight new interns from diverse backgrounds who share a strong commitment to serving underserved communities. Several have local ties and interests in community outreach and street medicine. We also celebrated and said farewell to the nine graduates of the Class of 2026, who are beginning careers throughout California, including Southern California, San Diego, and locally at Sutter Memorial
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Medical Center in Modesto. They are already greatly missed. This year, we are also pleased to welcome two new Obstetrics Fellows, Dr. George Hernandez and Dr. Elaine Wong. Our program continues to expand training
in POCUS and women’s health while strengthening our Family Medicine Clinic patient population. We also congratulate Chief Residents Dr. Khemani and Dr. Concha, whose presentation was accepted for the AAFP FUTURE Conference.
Growing the Future of Family Medicine
At St. Joseph’s Medical Center, our foundation is built upon compassion, clinical excellence, and a deep-rooted commitment to our community. It is a privilege to welcome our newest Family Medicine residents—the Class of 2029. We are honored to mentor these talented physicians as they advance their clinical training, and we look forward to supporting their journey as they develop into the next generation of healthcare leaders.
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Dr. Spoorthy Prabhudeva, A St. George’s University graduate from Orlando, she joins us with a strong background in research. Her clinical passions include preventative medicine and wound care. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, reading, and traveling. Dr. Alina Yalda, A graduate of Ross University School of Medicine and a native of Elk Grove, CA.She is passionate about outpatient medicine, preventive care, and expanding healthcare access to underserved communities. When she’s not in the clinic, you can find her hiking, shopping, or spending quality time with friends and family. Dr. Paneet Sandhu Thandi, Hailing from Vaughan, ON, Canada, she is a graduate of Saba University School of Medicine. She is deeply interested in Women’s Health, preventative care, and outpatient medicine. When she isn’t in the clinic, she enjoys staying active with Pilates, spending time in the kitchen cooking and baking, or heading out to explore new local cafés.
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Dr. Angela Buensalia joins us from Muntinlupa, Philippines, having graduated from the University of the East Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. Before medical school, she gained valuable clinical experience working as a Medical Assistant. She is passionate about the field of primary care. In her free time, she enjoys staying active with scuba diving and hiking, as well as cooking and discovering new local restaurants. Dr Sukhdeep Kaur, Hailing from Surrey, British Columbia, she is a graduate of Windsor University School of Medicine. She joins us with a diverse background, having previously worked as both a Physician Assistant and a medical scribe. Her professional interests include preventative medicine and women’s health. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, shopping, listening to music, volunteering, and spending quality time with her family while exploring new restaurants. Dr Sohbat Kaur Chandi, joins us from Morgan Hill, California, and is a graduate of Government Medical College, Amritsar.
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She brings valuable clinical experience to our program from her time as a House Officer. Her professional interests include outpatient medicine, preventative medicine, and geriatrics. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, painting, and cherishing time with her family and friends. Dr. Tylyr Cromedy, joins us from Sugar Land, TX, and is a graduate of Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. She brings a unique background to our program, having previously worked as a medical scribe and a life insurance agent. Her professional interests include holistic community care, women’s health, and global health. Outside of medicine, she is passionate about music, outdoors, the gym, video games, gardening, and traveling. Dr. Faegheh Ebrahimi Chaharom, joins us from San Ramon, CA, and is a graduate of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences. She is dedicated to full-spectrum family medicine, with specific professional interests in women’s health, preventative care, and serving underserved populations. Outside of the clinic, she enjoys an active lifestyle, including canoe camping, ice skating, traveling to new places, and spending quality time with family and friends.
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Dr. Seyed Ali Mousavi Almaleki, joins us from Dallas, TX, and is a graduate of Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. He brings a wealth of clinical expertise to our program, having previously practiced as a General Surgeon. His professional interests include obesity medicine and preventative medicine. In his free time, he enjoys an active lifestyle
outdoors, particularly mountain biking, camping, and hiking.
Dr. Priyanka Sapra, she joins us from Delhi, India, and is a graduate of NSCB Medical College. Before starting her residency, she gained valuable healthcare experience as a Clinical Assistant and Patient Navigator. Her professional interests are focused on women’s health, health equity, & value-based care. Outside of medicine, she enjoys creative hobbies including acrylic pour painting, gardening, working on craft kits, and reading.
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Practice News and Resources Free to SJMS/CMA Members!
The Office Managers Forum empowers physicians and their practice manager staff with valuable tools via expert led education sessions from industry professionals who are committed to delivering quality healthcare. This quarterly forum is normally held on the second Wednesday of March, June, September and December at Papapavlo's in Stockton. Registration is required! If you don’t receive an invitation via E-Mail, please email Jessica@sjcms.org
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September 9th, 2026: 11:00AM to 1:00PM
Annual OSHA Staff Training
This workshop provides up-to-date changes and practice requirements to meet the Annual OSHA mandates. Topics include: Bloodborn Pathogens, Aerosol Transmissable Disease Guidelines, Violence in the Workplace, as well as several OSHA related topics. Carrie Champness, RN, BSN Safety Compliance Specialist- Carrie has been an OSHA compliance specialist for over 35 years and provides up-to-date information about changes and practice requirements to meet all OSHA mandates
September 15th, 2026: 12:15PM to 1:15PM
Webinar: Managed Care Contracting Strategies - Identifying Leverage and Building Your Business Case
Join the California Medical Association for a practical webinar on how to approach managed care contracting more strategically. Learn how to identify possible network pressure points, evaluate your practice’s value to a health plan network, use market and regulatory information effectively, and prepare for more productive contract discussions. http://www.tinyurl.com/contractingwebinar
December 9th, 2026: 11:00AM to 1:00PM
Medicare Changes: 2027 and Beyond
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will release the Final Rule for Calendar Year 2027. Join us for an overview of the most significant revisions to the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) impacting CY 2027 and beyond. This session is designed to help providers and healthcare professionals prepare for the upcoming changes, ensuring continued compliance and maximum reimbursement.
CMA PRACTICE RESOURCES
DHCS moving toward phased enforcement of Medi-Cal prescriber enrollment requirement
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) is moving forward with plans to enforce a longstanding requirement that physicians and other providers who order, refer or prescribe services for Medi-Cal patients be enrolled in Medi-Cal using their individual (Type 1) National Provider Identifier (NPI). DHCS had previously indicated that enforcement would begin as early as June 26, 2026. The department has since shifted to a phased implementation, emphasizing targeted provider outreach, education and enrollment assistance before fully implementing claim edits. DHCS has not, however, announced a new enforcement date. Previous estimates from DHCS indicate that as many as 35,000 physicians may need to enroll to meet the requirement. The California Medical Association (CMA) continues to urge DHCS to implement the requirement carefully to avoid disruptions in patients’ access to medications and care. Do Not Wait to Enroll; Verify Your Status Today Once enforcement begins, Medi-Cal Rx pharmacy claims and prior authorization requests associated with a prescriber who is not enrolled may be denied. Physicians should not wait for an enforcement date to act, as applications can take 90 days or more to be approved. Physicians can check their status by searching DHCS’ enrolled-provider list using their individual Type 1 NPI. If the NPI appears as an actively enrolled provider, no additional enrollment is required. Physicians who are not listed should submit an application through DHCS’ Provider Application and Validation for Enrollment (PAVE) portal as soon as possible. Enrollment with only a Medi-Cal managed care plan, Medicare or the Medi-Cal Rx Provider Portal does not satisfy the requirement. However, physicians already enrolled with DHCS as a billing, rendering or other qualifying Medi-Cal provider under their individual NPI do not need to submit a separate ordering, referring and prescribing (ORP) application.
Ellyn Staebler is the Educational Program and Practice Support Specialist in CMA’s Center for Economic Services. Ellyn supports CMA physician members on federal Medicare and commercial payor reimbursement, practice management, and key operational issues.
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Public Health
Update
Medical Therapy Program serves Children and Youth with Special Health Care Needs BY ARMANDO VALERIO, PT, DPT
San Joaquin County Public Health Service (SJCPHS) was officially formed from the Local Health District and renamed on July 1, 1989. SJCPHS offers a variety of unique programs serving the residents of San Joaquin County. One such program is called California Children’s Services (CCS) Medical Therapy Program (MTP). It is a tax-supported program that receives its funding from federal, state, and county sources. The program provides medical management for eligible conditions, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and durable medical equipment for children from birth to age 21 who have complex and chronic physically disabling conditions. Services are provided at public school sites called Medical Therapy Units (MTUs). In San Joaquin there are 4 MTUs, located in Lodi, Stockton, Manteca, and Tracy. There are three criteria to be eligible for the program: 1. Age: Birth to 21 2. Residential eligibility- must provide proof of residing in county within last 30 days (e.g., utility bills, bank statements, mortgage statements, rental agreement). 3. Medical Eligibility- Examples of conditions include cerebral palsy, neuromuscular diseases that produce muscle weakness and atrophy (e.g., muscular dystrophy, Erb’s palsy), and chronic musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases or deformities (e.g., arthrogryposis, amputations, burns). 4. Financial Eligibility- There is no financial eligibility requirement for MTP; however, financial information may be needed to assist with the obtainment of equipment or referral to medical specialists. There is never a charge to a family for therapy services. Therapy is provided under the direction of a CCS paneled provider, a physician who has been determined to meet advanced education, training, and experience requirements. Medical Therapy Conference (MTC) services are conducted by a team of health specialists who assist in managing the child’s therapy program and special needs. The MTC team consists of a paneled physician (pediatric physiatrist), occupational therapist, physical therapist, and social worker. The conference is designed to provide a team approach to the child’s special needs, and this service is provided at no cost to the family. Areas addressed during each
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physician coverage for our 4 locations.
conference include: evaluation of physical disability, assessment of therapy goals/needs, referrals for other medical care needs (Orthopedics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Neurology), recommendations for equipment needs, and discussion of other available resources. San Joaquin County’s MTP works with clinic physicians who are board certified and CCSpaneled, employed by UC Davis and contracted by Shriners Hospital Northern California to provide
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The most common diagnosis seen in the MTP is cerebral palsy (CP). Cerebral Palsy derives from an early brain injury and is a non-progressive disorder affecting movement, posture, and function due to neurological and musculoskeletal factors. Children may or may not exhibit tone abnormalities such as spasticity, dystonia, or hypotonia. Orthopedic complications can occur such as hip subluxation, scoliosis, or foot deformities. Common medical interventions include oral medications such as diazepam, botulinum injections, intrathecal baclofen pumps, selective dorsal rhizotomy, and orthopedic approaches such as Single-Event Multilevel Surgery (SEMLS). Therapy is directed toward developing functional skills/ techniques within the child’s capabilities. Occupational therapy is often directed toward improving function in areas such as feeding, dressing, and other basic activities of daily living. Physical therapy focuses on gross motor skills such as rolling, sitting, crawling, walking or wheelchair mobility. Both therapies evaluate clients for equipment needs and provide recommendations to the CCS paneled physician. A common assessment tool used by the health team is
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this are extremely useful for guiding clinicians, and the MTP strives to utilize them consistently when developing treatment plans. Referrals to the program can be made by medical providers as well as family members, caregivers, school staff, social workers, and community agencies. Applications with supporting medical documentation are reviewed by the CCS Medical Director for medical eligibility. To refer a child to CCS MTP call 209-468-3900 and ask to make a referral or email the program at ccs-info@ sjcphs.org . References: https://sjcphs.org/phs/ programs-and-services/ family-health-programs https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/ services/california-childrensservices/medical-therapyprogram/ the Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS). The system is a five-level, standardized tool used to classify the mobility and gross motor function of children with CP based on self-initiated movement, sitting, and walking. It focuses on what a child does in their current daily life rather than rare skills demonstrated under ideal conditions, helping professionals predict necessary equipment and mobility needs. Standardized frameworks such as
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https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/ behavioral-healthcontinuum-infrastructure-program/medical-therapyprogram-tools-for-classification-of-function/ https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5406689/
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9 NEW
SJMS MEMBERS THIS SUMMER!
...and even more on the way.
Gurpreet Dhaliwal, MD
Ravi Botla, MD
Inderpreet Bhatti, DO
Rajesh Kunadharaju, MD
Yeji Cha, MD
Ikechukwu Chidobem, MD
Jignaben Chaudhari,MD
Yi-ling Liu, DO
Anesthesiology 1350 Bessie Ave, Ste 104 Tracy, CA 95376 Ross University School of Medicine, 2012 Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine 1801 East March Lane, Ste C300 Stockton, CA 95210 Osmania Medical College, 2011
Mandeep Singh, MD
Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine 1801 East March Lane, Ste C300 Stockton, CA 95210 Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, 2007
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Gastroenterology 1901 N California Street Stockton, CA 95204 Andhra Medical Coll, Andhra University, 1983 Internal Medicine 7373 West Lane Stockton, CA 95214 Yonsei University Wonju College of Medicine, 2006 OB/GYN 445 West Eaton Avenue Tracy, CA 95376 Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, G.M.E.R.S. Medical College, Gotri, 2018
Hematology Oncology 220 Orchard Parkway Tracy, CA 95377 Touro University College of Osteopathic Med, 2019 OB/GYN 2545 West Hammer Lane Stockton, CA 95209 University of Nigeria College of Medicine, 2016 Family Practice 2505 West Hammer Lane Stockton, CA 95209 Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine
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Get clarity before a crisis with your custom Cyber Risk Roadmap. Start today. ce-technology.com/cyber-risk-initiative FALL 2026
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Patients Choose Their Primary Care Provider During Open Enrollment.
Health Plan offers Advantage D-SNP, designed for individuals who qualify for both Medicare and Medi-Cal, providing a fully integrated experience with one plan, one ID card, and one care team. Beginning October 15, eligible Medicare and Medi-Cal members will begin selecting their health plan and primary care provider during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period. If your practice serves dual-eligible patients, now is the time to join our growing Advantage D-SNP provider network.
Benefits for Providers • One plan for Medicare and Medi-Cal benefits • Streamlined authorizations, referrals and claims • Better care coordination through integrated services • Continued relationships with your dual-eligible patients • Dedicated provider support from one health plan
Benefits for Patients • One care team • One ID card • Comprehensive medical, behavioral health, and pharmacy benefits, with coordination of other carved out benefits • Additional benefits such as vision, hearing, and over-the-counter (OTC) allowances
Be Ready for Open Enrollment October 15-December 7
Join our Advantage D-SNP provider network now so your practice is available when members make their enrollment decisions: www.hpsj.com/our-network.