Maricristal (Cris) Chan, MD
she/her

College: San Francisco State University

Medical School: Rush Medical College 

Areas of Interest: Sports Medicine, Underserved Populations, Preventive Medicine, Medical Education

I was born and raised in San Francisco, CA by Filipino immigrant parents. My dream to become a physician has been with me for as long as I can remember and helped carry me through the life challenges that I faced. 

I fell in love with family medicine during my gap years while working for a remote scribing company (bonus fun fact: it was with this company that I spent a year living in India and the Dominican Republic). It was everything about family medicine - Learning your patients, and building relationships with them. Being there from “womb to tomb” and all the experiences in between with the training to provide full spectrum care and the freedom to pursue specific interests aligns with how I see myself practicing medicine. 

There was an undeniable feeling I had when it came to Stanford-O’Connor. On top of checking the boxes of what I was looking for in a program and being close to home, the vibes from the faculty and residents truly resonated with me. IYKYK.

Fun Fact: I went to the same middle school as my parents, which is right next door to the high school where they were high school sweethearts.

Willa Chen, MD
they/them

College:  Duke University

Medical School: University of North Carolina School of Medicine

Areas of Interest:  Behavioral medicine, reproductive health, LGBTQ+ health, medical education, public health, global health, POCUS, procedural medicine

A southerner born and raised, I have found my way out of North Carolina for the first time and into the Bay Area, where I am loving the sun, the cultural diversity, and the boba! My interest in science and medicine started early on, as dinnertime conversations were frequently filled with discussion of these topics thanks to my acupuncturist dad, toxicology researcher mom, and now orthopedic surgeon brother. In college, I studied evolutionary anthropology and biology and first dipped my toes into the medical field by becoming an EMT with Duke EMS. In medical school, I fell in love with family medicine during my third year rotation when I realized that despite the long hours and working with patients in challenging medical and social situations, I came home energized because the connections I made left me fulfilled with meaning and purpose. I could see myself doing family medicine both inpatient and outpatient for the rest of my life - and now I can starting here at O'Connor! 

 I am so excited to go through residency with my co-interns. As an aside, I got married at our residency's 2022 graduation, and my co-interns held an impromptu ceremony for my partner and me in the corner. Between Thu getting ordained online on the spot, me having to borrow one of Thu's many rings, Beelet being the ringbearer, Paola handing me sunflowers from a random table, Katrina enthusiastically filming the ceremony, Cris pulling in Dr. Chern to be the photographer, and Rachel catching the bouquet (with Cameron there in spirit!), I already feel a very special bond with my class.

 Outside of medicine, l enjoy hiking with my partner and my husky Luna, having gong fu tea ceremonies, and playing video games (mainly Genshin Impact).

Fun Fact: I have hypermobility in several of my joints, allowing for some fun party tricks like being able to lick my elbow! If you've never seen a sulcus sign, hit me up for a great physical exam finding. :)

Beelet Dawood, MD
she/her

College: University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC)

Medical School: Georgetown University School of Medicine

Areas of Interest: Underserved Populations, Geriatrics, Rural Medicine, Women’s Reproductive Health & Reproductive Justice, Trauma Informed Care, Global Health, Advocacy.

I was born and raised in Baghdad, Iraq to an Assyrian-Chaldean family. Living in a warzone and then living in the US as an asylee, showed me that an individual’s health is intertwined with the way that their community functions, their access to resources, and the infrastructure for the delivery of quality health care that is available to them. During my time at Georgetown School of Medicine, I volunteered at Hoya Clinic, a student-driven clinic that provides health care to Washington, DC underserved and shelter-insecure populations. I also worked with Physicians for Human Rights (PHR) advocating for survivors of human rights abuses.

I could not be more excited to be pursuing my training at Stanford-O'Connor. I was drawn to the program's commitment in providing full-spectrum family medicine to the underserved, and to the program's supportive community.

Fun Fact: I have gone skydiving multiple times, yet I am still afraid of heights!

Rachel Gottlieb, MD
she/her

College:  Boston College

Medical School: Tufts School of Medicine

Areas of Interest: Correctional Medicine, Behavioral Health/Substance Use Disorder Care, Health Policy & Advocacy, Adolescent Medicine, Medical Education

I grew up in the suburbs of Massachusetts, where the Boston Marathon starts. I moved up to the 21st mile mark when I went to Boston College for Biology undergrad. Throughout college, I did service trips to New Orleans to rebuild homes and community buildings even 10 years after Hurricane Katrina. The stark racial and economic disparities in New Orleans woke me up to structural inequities all around and inspired me to be a physician for social change. At Tufts, I got involved with the Phoenix Project, which facilitates health discussions with people experiencing incarceration. I also led quality improvement with the Tufts free clinic Sharewood Project to promote timely care for the local immigrant and uninsured community. I pursued an MPH concurrently with my MD, and I spent an extra year embedding myself in governmental agencies around drug pricing, health insurance, and local public health. My greatest passion area in health policy is aligning regulations and policies to evidence-based practice, particularly to address the needs of marginalized urban communities and those with SUD. Now this East Coast girl is ready to start her new adventure as a West Coast resident!

I chose O'Connor because I knew they would train and nurture me to be the full-spectrum, community-oriented physician-advocate I aspire to be. I also love the overflowing passion and compassion from fellow residents and faculty, which inspire me daily. When I'm not being blown away by my co-resi's in the hospital/clinic, I am baking themed desserts, doting on my cat Yoda, or exploring the AMAZING natural beauty.

Fun Fact: My pandemic hobby was learning to make puff pastries. Give me 24 hours, and I could bake you a mean pain au chocolat, kouign-amann, or napoleon tart from scratch.

Paola Lepe, MD
she/her

College:  UCLA

Medical School:  Michigan State University College of Human Medicine

Areas of Interest: Health equity, Reproductive Health, Mentorship, Medical Education, Latinx Communities

I grew up in Cudahy, CA located in Southeast Los Angeles. I am the daughter of two very loving parents from Jalisco, Mexico and I am one of six children. Being around loved ones and a large crowd has been the place where my heart naturally gravitates too. My journey to medicine has been non-linear and one I cherish. I worked for 6 years before entering medical school. I went to UCLA for undergrad and studied Neuroscience with a minor in Spanish. During those six years, I found my passion for community medicine, mentorship, and working with uninsured, underinsured communities. I went to MSU CHM for medical school and my journey there not only solidified my love for Family medicine but taught me the importance of not only increasing diversity in health care, but nurturing the environment to promote equitable success for all.

I chose O’Connor because I wanted to be part of a community where I felt I could further expand and nurture my interests, care for a diverse community, and grow as a healer in all ways.

Fun Fact: … more like funny story! I grew like 2-3 inches in one summer during high school and my knees took a bit to get adjusted. I was known to randomly fall as my knees would give up on me. For sure a year full of embarrassing moments, ya’ll. Biggest tip, don’t grow that much in such little time. Do not recommend!

Thu Nguyen, MD
she/her

College:  San Jose State University

Medical School: Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Areas of Interest: Women's Health, Reproductive Justice, Health Tech, In-office procedures, Immigrant Health Disparity, Trauma Informed Care, Mentorship

I was born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam. My first trip abroad was a one-way ticket to San Jose, California when I was eighteen to attend San Jose State University (Go Spartan!!) for college. I have called the Bay Area home ever since. I experienced the difficulty of navigating the American healthcare system as an immigrant: language barrier, complications around preventive/emergency services, and insurance coverage. I remember forgoing various vaccinations & treatments as my one-meal-a-day budget could not afford the medical bill. This is not a unique experience to me but is shared by many immigrants and their family. Additionally, as a family medicine physician, I have the privilege to provide a safe and accessible space for my patients so that they can seek help to overcome the social stigma in some cultures regarding sexual education, domestic abuse, and mental health related issues. These topics are rarely discussed in an Asian American household which often lead to generational trauma.

Prior to moving to Michigan for medical school, I worked at Stanford The Bill Lane Center for the American West as their finance and program associate. I learned so much working with many talented artists, writers, social scientists as well as the engineers that helped built the American West (read California) culture and infrastructure. During medical school, I continued to explore my interest outside of medicine by working for a Health Venture Capital, Rock Health, as a fellow. I've gotten to sit in pitch meeting and learned how VC make decisions to invest in a start-up. I also maintain leadership position in 2 nonprofits that I am passionate about: VietHope - an educational nonprofit that supports Youth in Vietnam, and One Body Village - an organization that takes care of children in Southeast Asia who were trafficked. 

I chose Stanford O'Connor Family Medicine program so that I can care for the community that has raised me my whole adult life with its kind people, delicious authentic food from every culture and beautiful weather. I am reassured of my decision experiencing how much all my seniors and attendings are invested in our learning and growing as physicians and learners.

Fun Fact: I am a mommager (mom manager) for my Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Banh Mi's Instagram (shameless plug @banh.mi.thecorgi) so if you see me on the street yelling "Banh Mi", I probably am not hungry, just looking for my dawg.

Cameron Niven, MD
she/her

College: Harvard University

Medical School: University of California, San Francisco

Areas of Interest: Improving healthcare access and administration, interdisciplinary care, food and movement as medicine

When people ask where I'm from, I tell them "all over the US!" I was born in Alabama and appreciate the amazing BBQ and soul food of the south. I lived in California, South Carolina, Wisconsin, and Massachusetts, before settling down in the Bay Area. When people ask why I wanted to be a doctor, I tell them "because I am a patient." As a college sophomore, I developed Crohn's Disease. Two years, twelve surgeries, and countless medications later, I was well again and wanted to use what I had learned as a patient to support other people on their journeys to health, using healing practices including and beyond just medications. Before medical school, I worked with patients at the Berkeley Free Clinic and Sutter Health's PACE program, and now I have the privilege of serving the patients at Indian Health Center.

I chose Stanford O'Connor because I wanted to join a group of doctors committed to providing excellent care and improving the healthcare system.

Fun fact: I attended a 2 room schoolhouse on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina, for a year as a kid.

Katrina Perez-Vokt, MD
she/her/ella

College:  Duke University

Medical School:  Tufts University School of Medicine

Areas of Interest: Maternal-Child Health, Women’s Health, Latinx Communities, Mentorship

I was born and raised right here in San Jose, California! I grew up in East Side San Jose in a community of Mexican American immigrants who helped shape my core values of compassion, generosity, and a fierce commitment to advocating for my community. For college I moved across the country to North Carolina where I studied Neuroscience at Duke University. After a brief gap year, I moved up to the Northeast to Boston where I completed medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine. As a California girl at heart, I am beyond excited to be able to train as a Family Medicine Physician at the Stanford-O’Connor program in my beloved hometown of San Jose. I look forward to utilizing my familiarity with the San Jose community and my Mexican-American cultural heritage to build strong, vital connections with my patients. Outside of medicine you can find me rollerblading, meeting friends for boba, and spending time with my family.

Fun Fact: I can figure skate! I was on a synchronized figure skating team growing up.

Julia Addams, MD
she/her

College:  University of Colorado at Boulder
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
Areas of Interest:  Trauma-informed Care, Reproductive Justice, Healthcare response to sex trafficking, Advocacy for survivors of intimate partner violence, LGBTQ+ Medicine, Patient Education and Empowerment, Addiction Medicine

Most aspiring doctors are (and should be) “planners.” I was no exception: I started out with my life’s itinerary neatly catalogued in an excel spreadsheet, divided in tabs by year, organized chronologically. But, like most people with big plans, nothing happened exactly the way I’d been expecting. For me, this was quite lucky.

Without exception, deviations in “the plan” have been humbling, peeling up whatever had been protecting me (multiple layers of privilege, in my case) and interrogating my soft spots (of which I have many) Almost always, this has been made possible due to someone else’s patience and generosity: the preschool teacher in Colombia who helped my dad and I make it through the hospital when we were down and completely lost, a stranger in a Chinese bank who helped me navigate that system, the mentor who knew when something was wrong well before I did, because she’d been there, too. All of these lessons have been difficult, and some have been bitter—but they were lessons, not tragedies, because someone spotted me, stopped, and helped me when I most needed it. This is all to say I’m a person up to my eyeballs in karmic debt—not just a lucky person, but a someone who will forever be trying to “pay it forward.” For this reason, I’m interested in the gaps of the system—or, more accurately, finding creative ways to bridge them.

Medicine has big gaps, large enough for whole people to fall through them. While in medical school in Wisconsin, I was selected to take part in the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health (TRIUMPH) Program. There, I worked for two and a half years with a team of doctors, social workers, community workers, and survivors themselves in the Health Care Collaborative Against Sex Trafficking (HCAST). We asked two questions: 1) how can you tell if a patient is being trafficked? And 2) what do we do about it, when that is happening? Take a look at our work, and you’ll find flow charts and protocols and slide decks and educational videos that begin to answer those questions. I’m very proud of what we did: we made a plan where none existed before, and often plans do help. But—as we all know—sometimes things get messy, and real life might not stay put within an algorithm. And when that happens, what matters are the people who made the plan to begin with, and whether they care enough to come patch it up, meet the patient where they’re at, recognize the person for who they are, not just for what they have endured, and work with them to find a way to make things work. HCAST was like that.

People like that do exist in medicine—I’m thrilled to have found some more of them here at Stanford-O’Connor.

Fun Fact:  I’m the opposite of athletic (shoutout to everybody who always got picked last in gym class, I see you, I am you) but I get my exercise in (and skip the traffic and the gas prices) by commuting by bike as much as I can!

Nadia Anderson, DO
she/her

College: Campbell University

Medical School:  Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine

Areas of Interest: Integrative Medicine, Women’s Health, Trauma Informed Care, Global Health, Health Equity & Social Justice, Medical Anthropology

Raised within a multicultural family of immigrants in Miami, Florida, I discovered my interest in medicine and passion for serving vulnerable communities early on. I’ve had the privilege of serving communities in Jamaica, India, and Ghana through my involvement in medical outreach trips over the past 15 years. The healthcare disparities I witnessed in resource-limited environments motivated me to pursue a Master of Public Health degree (MPH) in Health Promotion and Disease Prevention. After earning my MPH, I joined a global health fellowship with International Health Initiatives, Inc., where I worked collaboratively to develop and implement health promotion programs aimed at community capacity building in Ghana and Nepal. From 2020-2023, I served on the Board of Directors of the Student National Medical Association, where I led committees in planning two national conferences, reinitiating member involvement in international medical outreach trips, and leading a global health fellowship —all with the intent of supporting clinically excellent and culturally competent future physicians. My greatest passions lie at the intersection of community health strategic planning and educating medically underserved communities on holistic health practices. My partnership with the Girls LEAD Academy in Miami, FL, allowed me to develop and implement a 10-week wellness curriculum for economically disadvantaged youth girls. Outside of medicine, I enjoy practicing and sharing my love for yoga as a registered yoga and meditation teacher and learning about other cultures through travel.

I chose Stanford-O’Connor because I felt confident I would receive the training and support needed to develop into the full-spectrum physician-healer and health equity advocate I aim to be. 

Fun Fact: During a student ambassador program, I was lucky enough stay in on an Aboriginal lodging site and snorkel in the Great Barrier Reef while in Australia.

Ha Eun “Christina” Cho, MD
she/her

College: Emory University

Medical School: Medical College of Georgia

Areas of Interest:  Immigrant/Refugee Health, Street Medicine, Public Health/Advocacy, Sports Medicine

I was born in South Korea, and immigrated to the United States when I was four. My family moved several times throughout my childhood, but we ultimately settled in Georgia. 

In high school, I attended a summer academy which empowered youth to engage in public discourse and confront issues of social justice in the context of inner-city Atlanta. Entering college, I was determined to find a vocational platform that would allow me to continue this work. Majoring in Biology and Sociology, with a concentration in Community Building and Social Change, I saw how many of my interests intersected within medicine. Following graduation, I trained in Mississippi and served as a Teach for America corps member at a Title I high school in South Carolina. As a science teacher, I gained unique insight into the impact of poverty on education and health. 

Becoming a family medicine physician for me is a way to return to the places and thoughts I’ve inhabited— to follow through with my commitment to social justice and contribute with an expertise that I believe adds value and dignity to my service to others. I believe that primary care providers, through their intimate access to patients’ lives, are ideally positioned to advocate for their community and mobilize others to do the same. 

Fun Fact: My husband and I got engaged before Match Day, married after graduation, and flew/drove out a few days later for Intern Orientation (woo-wee it’s been a whirlwind of a year)!

Quynh Duong, DO
she/her

College:

Medical School: Michigan State Univ College of Osteopathic Medicine

Areas of interest:

I grew up in the South of Vietnam and lived in Japan for a few years before coming to the US in my early 20s. While my upbringing in Vietnam exposed me to the socioeconomic determinants of health at an early age, being an immigrant opened my eyes to the silent struggles that many people face to keep a roof over their heads and put food on their tables. When I first arrived in the US, my goal was to pursue research in cardiac diseases to give meaning to the passing of my father to a heart attack. The scientific endeavor of developing a computational model of cardiac mitochondria that can capture the interplay of oxidative stress, calcium handling and cellular metabolism made me appreciate the integrative approach in solving biological problems. This realization naturally motivated me to become a family medicine physician. As the first point of contact for my patients, I will not only be able to coach my patients through their health journeys but also help them navigate the healthcare system.

Fun Fact: When I am not in the hospital or clinic, I can be found hiking or camping with my family. I also love to knit (and make my own clothes) and would love to get into regenerative agriculture one day. 

 Tony García, MD
he/him/él

College: The University of Texas at Austin

Medical School: The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center

Areas of Interest: Gender-affirming Care, LGBTQ+ Health, Language Barriers in Health Care, Racial and Ethnic Disparities

My parents immigrated to the United States from Mexico at a young age and settled down in Houston, Texas, where I was born and raised. Growing up, I didn’t see many doctors who spoke Spanish or looked like me, so I hesitated about pursuing a medical career. During a shadowing experience in college, a Latino pediatrician talked with me about the health disparities experienced by people with limited English proficiency and the deficit of URM physicians in medicine. In light of my own upbringing, his call to action motivated me to volunteer as an interpreter at a charitable clinic. It was here that I first came to appreciate the positive impact that family doctors can have in their community.

Throughout medical school, the most rewarding experiences for me were those in the community, such as serving as a manager for a student-run clinic, volunteering as a medical interpreter, and working with local trans leaders to hold an event in observance of Transgender Day of Remembrance. I was also proud to be able to collaborate on projects exploring transgender youths’ experiences with health care, the need for transgender health content in medical education, and anti-transgender stigma within the medical field.

I chose Stanford-O’Connor because the residents and faculty see the value in cultivating a diverse medical landscape with more multilingual, multicultural, and multifaceted physicians. It’s a great privilege to learn from our patients alongside such vibrant and kindhearted people!

Fun Fact:  I have spent the last 10 years perfecting my recipe for blueberry cheesecake—it’s my claim to fame!

Kavia Khosla, MD
she/her

College: Brown University

Medical School: University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine

Areas of Interest: Chronic Pain Management, Sexual Wellness and Pleasure, Neurodivergence, Nutritional Medicine, Health at Every Size, Social Entrepreneurship, Medical Service Dog Training

I’m from Chicago, and can confirm even locals love deep dish (well at least this local)! I grew up mixed between the suburbs, with a lot of Indian community and in the city, where I went to school for the most part and made most of my friends. The “two divided worlds” experience was very real for me, and got me thinking about the structures of cities/spaces and how that affects our health, community, and interpersonal relationships. I studied Urban Studies and Public Health at Brown University, including participating in a Social Ventures fellowship which still informs the way I approach advocacy.

I actually started my residency in OBGyn and then decided to switch into Family Medicine because I am obsessed with being people’s primary doctor! I also believe strongly in joy in the workplace, which is very aligned with Family Medicine and has been my experience here at Stanford O’Connor.

Fun Fact: I was a leash baby.

Crystal Lin, MD
she/her

College: University of California, Los Angeles 

Medical School: Stanford University

Areas of Interest: Public Health, Epidemiology, Community and Global Health, Medical Education 

I’ve lived almost my entire life in warm and sunny California, arguably the best place on Earth. I grew up in Torrance and went to UCLA for undergrad, where I majored in molecular biology and minored in public health. Much of my extracurricular time in undergrad was spent on community and public health projects, such as running a free student-led clinic, teaching health education to cute kiddos, or organizing community health fairs. I loved my public health projects so much that after graduation I decided to move to England to pursue a Masters in Global Health. Since I wanted to work at the intersection of medicine and public health, family medicine was always the specialty for me! I love being able to care for those at all ages and stages of life, at the level of the individual, family, and community.  

I went to Stanford for medical school and couldn’t be happier to stay in the area for residency. I did my sub-I here and was instantly drawn to the incredibly kind and brilliant residents and faculty. Seems I’ll be in California for life! 

Outside of medicine, I like living a slower, cozier life. I like taking naps, caring for my plants, baking, drinking tea, crocheting and petting animals.  

Fun fact: I took a two month patisserie course at Leith’s School of Food and Wine.

Anish Pal, MD
he/him

College: University of California San Diego

Medical School: Florida International School

Areas of Interest: Integrative Medicine and Holistic Care

Hi everyone, I'm Anish! I was born and raised in the East bay and completed my undergraduate at UCSD where I studied Biochemistry and business. I found my way to medicine through 14+ odd jobs spanning from construction and uber driving, to data analysis and clinical research. While my path was non-linear, my passion for forming interpersonal connections and building community remained steadfast. These values led me to medicine and Family Medicine became a natural fit.

I'm excited to train at Stanford O'Connor because the location allows an opportunity to serve and learn from a diverse patient population, the training is full spectrum, and the people here are amazing!

Fun fact: My hobbies outside of medicine include biking, hiking, solo travelling, trying not to fall off of a surfboard, and board games.

Yuan Zhang, MD
she/her

College: Stanford University

Medical School:  Stanford University School of Medicine 

Areas of Interest: Preventative Medicine, POCUS, Procedures, Women's Health, Medical Education

Born and raised in Beijing, China, I came to the US to attend college 10 years ago. During my undergraduate years at Stanford, I majored in biology and minored in medical anthropology, and enjoyed reading ethnography and Foucault as much as making beating cardiomyocytes in a dish. When not in class or lab, I devoted most of my free time volunteering at a student-run free clinic and served in my favorite role as a Mandarin interpreter for several years. 

In medical school, I entered each clerkship with an open mind and was thrilled to find family medicine, a specialty that until recently had been non-existent in the healthcare system I grew up in. The emphasis on disease screening and prevention in family medicine resonates with me, and the broad scope of practice inspires and humbles me. More importantly, family medicine allows me and urges me to build meaningful and long-lasting relationships with patients and their families, which I have found to be the most rewarding aspect of clinical medicine. 

After calling the Bay Area home my entire adult life and thoroughly enjoying my Sub-I at O'Connor, I am thrilled to stay for residency training. On my days off, you can find me braving 3-foot baby waves on a beginner surfboard in Santa Cruz. 

Fun fact:  I sailed with 37 shipmates from Tahiti to Hawaii over 35 days aboard a 134-foot brigantine in college. I will probably be searching for another fun fact to replace this one in the years to come.

Bianca Bustamente, DO
she/her

College: San Francisco State University

Medical School:  University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine

Areas of Interest: Integrative Medicine, Underserved Populations, Preventative Care

My low-income minority upbringing in the San Fernando Valley rooted my passion for working with underserved and Latino communities. I began to foster this interest in working with underserved populations during my undergraduate kinesiology studies at San Francisco State University through volunteer work both locally at Clinic by the Bay and abroad through the MEDLIFE organization where I participated in providing care to underserved populations in Peru. I taught weekly free exercise classes for our local community and provided nutrition education to my university colleagues. My undergraduate experiences and background in kinesiology allowed me to focus on exercise science and nutrition and taught me the importance of preventative care. 

In medical school, I became the president of UNECOM’s Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA) Chapter and was able to lead events and lectures that educated our future physicians about providing culturally competent care to Latino communities. My experience as a first generation college graduate highlighted the importance of mentorship on the path to higher education. I am grateful for the opportunity to become a mentor to underrepresented students like myself across the U.S. in partnership with LMSA National Organization. Additionally, I had the honor of being selected as an AHEC Care for the Underserved Pathway Scholar and obtained invaluable experience working with local underserved Lobstermen communities in Maine, and educated local elementary and high school students about preventative care and leading a healthy lifestyle. As a member of Sigma Sigma Phi National Osteopathic Medicine Honors Fraternity, I connected and volunteered locally making a positive impact within our surrounding community during the COVID pandemic. I was nominated by my peers for my volunteer work and dedication to the underserved community and was honored to be inducted into the Arnold P. Gold Foundation Gold Humanism Honor Society.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my husband and puppy and family, being outdoors enjoying the California weather, going to the beach, trying new restaurants, planning adventures to new places, and practicing yoga.

Fun Fact: I spent my younger years chasing the snow from Southern California to Oregon, and even spent a season as a snowboard instructor.

Puneet Gill, DO
she/her

College:  Duquesne University

Medical School: New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine

Areas of Interest:  FM-OB, Full Spectrum Primary Care, Health Equity, Immigrant & Underserved Communities 

As the daughter of Punjabi immigrants, I witnessed firsthand how barriers to quality care can impact the health of successive generations. Raised in Buffalo, NY (Go Bills!), I pursued my undergraduate education in Pittsburgh before moving to New York City for medical school. Throughout my medical education, I committed to helping uninsured immigrant families gain equal access to community resources and overcome language barriers. I contributed to our Asylum Clinic, where I provided medical evaluations for those seeking asylum in the United States. I also served as President of Physicians for Human Rights, advocating for the rights and welfare of marginalized populations across the globe, amplifying the voices of those unable to be heard. My passion for women's health emerged from conducting research and advocating for reproductive rights in New York City.  

I chose O’Connor because of its robust curriculum as an unopposed program, passion for health equity, and devotion to community service. 

Fun Fact: I love to dance! I’ve spent the last 9 years as a competitive Bhangra dancer, competing at various competitions across the nation, as well as on tour with Diljit Dosanjh!  

Monique Holod, MD
she/her

College: University of Minnesota

Medical School:  Rush Medical College

Areas of Interest: Maternal Health Disparities, Reproductive Justice, Women’s Health, Global Health, Advocacy 

I’m originally from Minnesota and was raised in an area with large immigrant and refugee populations. This sparked a personal interest in global health and healthcare disparities, prompting me to study Physiology and Global Studies in college. I spent time at a local refugee health clinic and then worked for two years at an inner-city hospital through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Through these experiences I bore witness to the structural barriers to healthcare faced by those in my own community, ultimately leading me to pursue a career in medicine. 

My interest in maternal health disparities grew from a research project in medical school investigating racial inequities in rates of cesarean sections. From there I served on the Birth Equity committee at my home institution and helped coordinate Black Maternal Health Week. Working closely with my program’s administration and faculty, I revised our preclerkship curriculum to include material on reproductive justice and maternal health disparities. I later organized an event for students featuring a panel of patients who had experienced reproductive inequities first-hand, courageously sharing their stories to increase awareness of a medical system plagued with injustice. 

These experiences demonstrated to me how I could use my medical training to be an advocate for my patients. To me, advocacy is about using one’s agency to create positive change in ways that are rooted in awareness and empathy. I firmly believe that advocacy is at the core of what it means to be a Family Medicine physician; it means a life-long commitment to providing comprehensive, high-quality healthcare through the lens of equity and compassion. I chose Stanford-O’Connor for residency because I knew that the program would facilitate my growth as a physician who practices in accordance with these values. 

Fun fact: In medical school I was team captain of our class’s beach volleyball team - the Beta Blockers!

Ritwik “Ritz” Keshav, MD/MPH/MS
he/him/él

College:  Cornell University

Medical School:  University of Arizona, College of Medicine - Phoenix

Areas of Interest: Aerospace Medicine, Refugee Health, Psychoplastogens, Integrative Medicine, Rural Health, Healthcare in Low-Resource Settings, Medical Device Development

I was born in India and grew up in various cities across Canada and Simi Valley, CA.  I took the scenic route to medicine, filled with many side-quests including teaching, hitchhiking across New Zealand, starting a band, and working in the biotech industry.  I didn't know what I wanted to be when I grew up until my best friend had a devastating accident.  Being part of his healing journey revealed to me how medicine involves curiosity and ingenuity along with a full spectrum of emotion – how it intersected art and science, and embodied the human experience.  After witnessing this, I knew I could see myself doing nothing else.

I was drawn to family medicine because it emphasizes prevention and holistic care while keeping in mind the specifics of diseases and their treatments.  It seemed like the focal point of all medicine and enabled me to nurture a diverse set of interests.  During medical school, I deepened my interest in aerospace medicine by beginning working for MedAire and helping establish the Aerospace Medicine Interest Group.  For my MPH internship, I worked closely with an FQHC to develop a staff and patient educational curriculum for refugee healthcare.  I also spent two months on the Gila River Indian Community reservation, observing how healthcare is delivered in a rural, low-resource setting with substantial health disparities.

I chose Stanford-O’Connor because I was inspired by the kindness, community, and vision I experienced during my interview.  Speaking with different members of its ecosystem, I felt safe to be myself and knew it would be the perfect place to grow as a budding physician.

My hobbies include ceramics, music, hiking, camping, hanging out with my dog Goose, yoga, cooking, and gardening.

Fun Fact: I operate a home ceramics studio and teach hand building, wheel throwing, and kiln firing.

Eva Leung, MD
she/her

College:  UC San Diego

Medical School:  Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine

Areas of Interest: Women's Health, Preventative Medicine, Integrative Medicine

I was born and raised in San Francisco, California. My role as a translator for my immigrant parents made me realize how difficult it is to navigate the healthcare system. From my parents' experiences and meeting patients in different clinical settings, I realized the importance of PCPs and their role in bridging the health literacy gap. As a family physician, I will be my patients' go-to person for their medical needs. I am excited to join the O'Connor family and start caring for our diverse patient population.

Fun Fact: I'm a secret adrenaline junkie! Skydiving after a medical school exam? Check! I wouldn't do it again but highly recommend it!

Jonathan Lu, MD
he/him

College:  Princeton University

Medical School: Stanford University School of Medicine

Areas of Interest: Full-spectrum Family Medicine, Reproductive Health, Abortion Care, LGBTQ+ Care, Point-of-care Ultrasound, Health Equity, Clinical Informatics

I grew up in Fremont, California, which is a predominantly Asian tech suburb of the San Francisco Bay Area. I am one of the 50% of medical students who come from the top income quintile, a long-standing inequity in medicine which needs to change. In college, I got very involved in student climate organizing in New Jersey and began to see how environmental justice interacts with health inequities and structural racism. Through that, I met a med student who told me that Family Medicine was all about addressing people’s health both inside and outside the clinic. 

In med school, I found that some of my most empathetic and structurally competent mentors happened to all be family doctors. I also volunteered as a vaccines coordinator with the Pacific Free Clinic, co-led a health careers outreach program to East Palo Alto Academy high school students, supported a community-centered Telehealth deployment at Roots Community Health Center, and helped to integrate climate change into our medical school curriculum. I was pleasantly surprised to see that this community and advocacy work was recognized and valued by my FM mentors and at Family Medicine conferences. On clerkships I really liked most of my rotations, but especially the holistic and culturally humble care I saw from my family medicine preceptors, who were ready for any patient to walk in the door.

I chose O’Connor for its unopposed, full-spectrum clinical training including Inpatient Medicine, OB, and abortion care, as well as for the privilege of caring for an underserved patient population. 

Fun Fact: I wanted to be a comic book artist as a kid. Some day….

Shahkira “Aliah” Mehkri, MD
she/her

College: Portland State University

Medical School: Oregon Health and Science University

Areas of Interest: Immigrant & Refugee Health, Reproductive Health, POCUS

I was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and at the age of 4, my family moved to Portland, Oregon, escaping the cold! As the eldest daughter of immigrant parents, my upbringing was shaped by diverse cultural influences. My mother’s family, of mixed Pakistani and Thai heritage, sought refuge in the United States from the Laotian war in the 1980s. Meanwhile, my father’s family migrated to Canada from India in the 1970s. My family’s rich history exposed me to various healthcare beliefs and practices, fostering an appreciation for different perspectives and the importance of culturally sensitive care. Like many immigrant families, we faced challenges accessing health insurance, which made accessibility to healthcare a significant concern. These experiences ignited my interest in medicine and serving underserved communities.

I stumbled into family medicine when I was assigned to this specialty as a medical scribe. I was struck by the dedication these providers had when it came to caring for their patients comprehensively, while also considering barriers to their healthcare. As I journeyed through medical school, I involved myself in community-based health initiatives, such as participating in the annual Health Care Equity Fair in downtown Portland to provide free healthcare services to the community. I also helped organize intercultural educational events such as institution-wide Ramadan Iftar dinners to bridge communities and promote cultural understanding. Throughout my endeavors, I consistently saw how involved family medicine providers were in community building. I came to realize that I did not want to miss out on taking part in caring for any aspect of my patients’ health, be it their mind, body, or social conditions. This realization solidified my decision that family medicine was the right path for me. I feel so fortunate to be part of the Stanford-O’Connor program, where I can become the full-spectrum family medicine physician I aspire to be!

Fun fact: When I traveled to Japan with my friends, we took a ninja training course. After completing it, we proudly stood alongside a 3- and 4-year-old who also finished the course that same day. As a reward, we were served curry and rice shaped as ninja stars!

Pooja Polamarasetti, MD
she/her

College: University of Michigan

Medical School: Wayne State University School of Medicine

Areas of Interest: Preventive Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Nutritional/Obesity Medicine, Reproductive Health & Justice, Adolescent Medicine, Medical Education

I grew up in a suburb of Detroit, MI, and chose to stay close to home during undergrad and med school. As the first doctor in my family, I've leaned heavily on both informal guidance and structured mentorship to successfully navigate my medical training journey. These experiences have shaped my interests in mentorship and teaching–whether for other students or for members of the wider community. This passion brought me to family medicine. I thoroughly enjoy outpatient medicine as a vehicle for education and mentoring my patients through making health decisions inside and outside of the clinic. Looking back, my initial encounters with family medicine were while improving medical literacy in my own family and community.

During my time in college, I studied gender and health and got involved in work surrounding reproductive justice and broadening access to abortion services. In medical school, I helped organize free health fairs and workshops, volunteered with domestic violence survivors, and completed an externship in family planning with the Medical Students for Choice. Aside from reproductive health, I also have special interests in behavioral/addiction medicine, obesity medicine, and policy and population health. I look forward to having the ability to care for my patients through the different stages of their lives when they may require any of the above services and more. I am excited to get the full-spectrum training that Stanford O’Connor is known for. Most of all, I’m grateful to be able to learn the art of medicine from the incredible patients right here in San Jose.

Fun Fact: I make it a point to take public transportation in every city I visit. I haven’t been to Europe yet, so that’s definitely on the bucket list!

Cecilia Zhou, MD she/her

College: Haverford College

Medical School: University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine

Areas of Interest: Women's Health & Reproductive Justice, Preventative Medicine, FGLI & URiM advocacy

I was born in China and immigrated with my mom to San Francisco when I was six years old. In 5th grade, I was introduced to programs for first-generation, low-income (FGLI) students, which gave me the resources to attend independent middle school, high school, and eventually college in the Philadelphia area. Through these experiences, I recognized the educational disparities in our communities and realized the positive impact that I want to make on educational equality in addition to pursuing medicine. In medical school, I had opportunities to be an advocate for and mentor underrepresented in medicine (URiM) students by co-hosting the “Med Legs” podcast and mentoring in the Penn Access Summer Scholars (PASS) Program. 

I chose Family Medicine to become a physician who can administer care to all. I want the breadth of knowledge to care for patients through different stages of life and develop meaningful relationships with them. Stanford-O'Connor is my dream residency program! This program has strong training in full-spectrum FM with robust women’s health and obstetrics. The faculty are committed to teaching, and the program is truly invested in residents' well-being. It is so special to train at a community safety-net hospital that has support from a large academic center. I'm excited to be back in the Bay Area caring for this patient population and learning the needs of this community.

Outside of medicine, I like playing badminton, running, watching K-dramas, thrifting, and trying local foods.

Fun Fact: I immigrated from China to the US on my birthday! Because of the time difference, my birthday lasted for two days, and I got double presents.