Dr. Simon Akl was raised in Los Angeles, California where he attended a full immersion French American school through High School. He was accepted to California State University Fullerton as a President’s Scholar graduating with a B.S. in Health Sciences and a double minor in Kinesiology and French. He then went on to attend medical school at Western University of Health Sciences where he quickly discovered his passion for teaching resulting in his selection as a pre-doctoral teaching fellow in Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine. Simon developed an interest for family medicine with his focus on continuity care while emphasizing the importance of lifestyle choices such as diet and exercise. He feels blessed to continue his training and participate in an exciting growth process at CMHS. Outside of his medical profession, Simon comes from a Lebanese family which influenced him to learn French and Arabic. During his free time he enjoys traveling, playing basketball and volleyball, outdoor activities at the beach, hiking and camping. He looks forward to serving the Ventura community!

Khozema Campwala completed his medical training at St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada and residency at Akron General Medical Center, OH and Wheeling Hospital, WV. Following graduation, he moved to Ventura, CA and has been practicing Family Practice, Obstetrics and Urgent Care at Community Memorial Hospital. He is Board Certified in Family Practice and a Fellow of the American Academy of Family Practice. He is Clinical Assistant Professor and serves as Faculty and Associate Program Director for Family Residency Program at CMH.

Dr. Michelle Daucett is the Family Medicine Program Director.  She received her BS degree from the University of Oregon and her DO degree from Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific.  She completed a rotating internship at OSU Medical Center in Tulsa, OKlahoma before going on active duty in the US Air Force.  After completing Emergency Medicine and Flight Medicine training, she served at the USAF Hospital at Tinker AFB, Oklahoma City and completed board certification by ACOFP.

She returned home to Ventura County in 1995 and spent the next 20 years practicing family and emergency medicine, serving as the Medical Director for the Santa Paula Hospital Emergency Department from 2006-2015 before joining the CMHS GME team in the inaugural year. In her role as Program Director, she also precepts residents and students at the Midtown Medical Clinic.

Upon completion of her medical training, Dr. Foraste moved to beautiful Ventura. She started her private practice in East Ventura, and practiced in the same location for over 30 years. After obtaining her 100 Ton Master Captain’s license, she took a four year sabbatical on her sailboat with her twin sons and husband, traveling Europe, Turkey, the Middle East, Canary Islands, the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Central America, Mexico and up the Pacific Coast to Ventura.

She has now joined Midtown Medical since October, 2017 and many of her patients followed her here to Midtown. Dr. Foraste emphasizes preventive care and a healthy lifestyle. She enjoys training the residents, sharing her experience and pearls of wisdom with the doctors of tomorrow. In addition to sailing, she is an avid skier, scuba diver, and bicyclist and she encourages her patients to be active and responsible for their own health.

Ronda Doonan, Psy.D. is Director of Behavioral Health and Resident Well-Being for Graduate Medical Education, Community Memorial Health System, and Psychologist for their Internal Medicine and Family Medicine Resident Continuity Clinics.  She also is Founding Faculty Member for the Family Support Services training program at Ronald McDonald House in Los Angeles, Inland Empire, Pasadena, and Palo Alto, CA.  She is Adjunct Assistant Professor of Social Medicine and Healthcare Leadership, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA.  Prior academic appointments include Instructor, Assistant Professor, and Associate Professor, California School of Professional Psychology, Alliant International University, Los Angeles, CA, 2006-2016.

Dr. Doonan received her PsyD degree from the California School of Professional Psychology in 2004 and completed a Postdoctoral Fellowship at Vista Del Mar Child and Family Services–Julia Ann Singer Center, Los Angeles, CA in 2006. She is a member of the American Psychological Association and the Psi Chi National Honor Society in Psychology.  She is the author of seven articles and book chapters.

Ronald D. Pollack, M.D. is Site Director for the Psychiatry Residency and Lead Psychiatrist for the Outpatient Clinics at Community Memorial Health System.  He teaches psychiatry to primary care residents at both the Community Memorial Health System and the Ventura County Medical Center.  His previous responsibilities included Medical Director of Prototypes Women’s Recovery Program, Psychiatric Advisor to Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association, and Lead Psychiatrist for the Ventura County Jail.  His prior appointments include Chair, Department of Psychiatry in Family Medicine, Northridge Medical Center–UCLA School of Medicine, 1981-1991.  Dr. Pollack received his MD degree from Chicago Medical School in 1977, interned at Los Angeles County Hospital, 1977-1978, and completed his residency in Psychiatry in 1981, with an emphasis on psychiatry in family care.  He is board-certified in General Psychiatry.

Dr. Kayvahn Steck-Bayat was born and raised in the San Francisco bay area. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of Washington, received his medical degree at Albany Medical College, then completed his Obstetrics & Gynecology residency at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center. He then completed a two-year accredited fellowship in Minimally Invasive GYN Surgery at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix while simultaneously completing a second fellowship in Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona’s Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine. He enjoys serving the community, loves taking excellent care of his patients, and is continually inspired by those around him. Outside of healthcare, he enjoys spending time with his growing family, edible gardening at home, and playing music as a DJ.

Dr. Ambareen Ahmed was born and raised in Maryland. Dr. Ahmed completed her undergraduate degree at George Washington University.  She then worked for 4 years at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center coordinating pain management research while simultaneously completing a Masters in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics at Johns Hopkins University.  When Dr. Ahmed then went onto medical school at Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences.   Dr. Ahmed’s hobbies include playing with her adorable cat, traveling and eating, and building with Legos.

Dr. William Chen was born and raised in Northern California in the east Bay Area. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology at the University of California, San Diego and minored in Music and Health Care – Social Issues. After graduating, he worked at The Salk Institute studying plant biology. He also worked as an EMT, ER tech, and developed his passion for Family Medicine while volunteering at the UCSD Student-Run Free Clinic Project. Dr. Chen graduated from Western University of Health Sciences – College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific as a member of the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He is excited to share his passion for nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine with the communities of Ventura County. When he is not in the hospital he enjoys cycling, cooking, gardening, and learning to surf.

Dr. Aashish Daulat was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada and spent much of his childhood competing locally and nationally as a tennis player. After high school, he attended Wake Forest University in Winston Salem, North Carolina where he completed my B.S. in Health & Exercise Science and a minor in Psychology and Chemistry. After working for a year as a tennis coach, he was accepted into medical school at Touro University Nevada where he recently received his doctorate degree in osteopathic medicine. He chose primary care due to the diversity of patients and pathology that one encounters on a daily basis and the strong, lifelong relationships that one is able to form with patients throughout their medical career. He also hope to one day pursue further training in primary sports medicine which will allow him to work closely with high school and collegiate athletes. In his free time, he loves to watch/play sports, travel, hang out with his dogs, and visit craft breweries, coffee roasteries, and distilleries. Dr.  Daulat looks forward to the next chapter in his medical career as a resident in Ventura at Community Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Victor Duong was born in Kitchener, Ontario Canada and moved to the United States where he completed elementary through high school in Milwaukie, Oregon. He attended University of Oregon, where he received a Bachelor’s of Science in Human Physiology with a minor in Chemistry. Prior to medical school, Victor traveled to Cape Town, South Africa where he spent time working in a medical clinic. When he returned, he worked with a non-profit organ donation agency in Portland, Oregon before starting medical school. Victor attended Western University of Health Sciences in Lebanon, Oregon where he received his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine. Victor is committed to serving the underserved and developing long lasting relationships with patients. He has interests in preventative as well as hospital medicine. Outside of medicine, Victor has interests in photography, film, exercise and travel.

Dr. Alex Dutson was born and raised in Delta, Utah. He did his undergraduate education at Utah Valley University where he received his bachelors of science in exercise science with a minor in biology. He then attended medical school at Touro University Nevada. Growing up in a rural town, he has always had an interest in family medicine and knows the importance of the specialty in healthcare. In his free time, he enjoys the outdoors, golfing, hiking, camping, and spending time with his wife and one year old son.

Dr. Griffin Elbert was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry at Marian University. While there, he was a three sport athlete, as well as a CrossFit trainer and nutrition coach. He received his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MUCOM) and chose to go into family medicine with an emphasis on lifestyle and sports medicine. In his free time, Griffin enjoys Olympic weightlifting and spending time outdoors with his wife and four-legged children.

Born to a Chinese-American, Air Force Major father and a loving Filipino-immigrant mother in Colorado Springs, CO, service and hard work became her guiding foundation. Kristyna primarily grew up in Las Vegas, NV and moved to Miami, FL after high school graduation. There she studied Biology at the University of Miami and worked in a fast-paced and multicultural environment, deepening her understanding of disenfranchised communities. A few years later, she was called by the Cascade mountains and relocated to gorgeous Oregon to attend WesternU COMP-NW for osteopathic medical school training.

In her free time, Kristyna loves all things yoga, practicing her mediocre Spanish skills, and playing sports. She is a travel junky, a movement optimist, a Spikeball addict, enjoys intermediate status as a snowboarder and volleyball player, and more recently, a beginner surfer! Day-to-day, she is fueled by good music, healthful nutrition and laughter with friends.

Yoga trained in India, she plans to teach her patients and colleagues how to incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation, to optimize self-care and to cope with practitioner burnout. She is wholeheartedly grateful to call California home and is honored to serve the Ventura community. Always seeking truth and leading with compassion, Kristyna is an adventurer, knowledge seeker and wellness warrior. She currently envisions a bright future in global and integrative medicine.

Dr. Chelsi Hoshiwara attended the University of Arizona where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and continued her education at A.T. Stil University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona.  She has a big heart for the under-served and had the opportunity to serve in many organizations including Habitat for Humanity where she helped build brick houses in a village located in Guangzhou, China. After residency, she hopes to volunteer and serve the homeless population whether that be through a clinic or mobile RV unit. She also has an interest in Hospice care. She loves spending time with her husband and two adopted dogs Kaylo and Cooper and can’t wait to introduce them to the sunny days on the beach. When she is not exploring with her dogs, she enjoys playing pickleball, tennis, and visiting her favorite place on Earth, Disneyland!

Dr. Ethan Kobe was born in South Carolina but grew up in Ohio and West Virginia. He attended West Liberty University in West Virginia where he met his now wife, Dr. Brianna Kobe. After graduating with a degree in Biology, he attended West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine where he graduated as a member of Psi Sigma Alpha National Honor Society. Outside of the hospital, he enjoys traveling, cooking, picking apart computers, and camping/hiking. Although he is not sure where he’ll end up after residency, he’s excited to finally leave the east coast and discover what the west coast is all about.

Dr. Mana Lazzarotto received her medical degree from the Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Virginia and a BS in Biochemistry from the University of Virginia. Her parents were diplomats so she grew up all over the world in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Poland and Iran, fostering her passion for global and underserved medicine. She also enjoys practicing holistic medicine and is excited to finally do so on the west coast. She also is interested in woman’s health, and research – most recently on the effects of chia seeds on HDL cholesterol. In her free time she manages her Etsy shop where she crafts and sells jewelry with her mother. She also loves spending time with her husband and beagle, especially on nature adventures (now to include the beach!).

Dr. Scott Merchant grew up in Granite Bay, California. He graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a B.S. in Psychology, and minors in organic chemistry, biology, and history. After graduating, he spent five years working as a behavioral therapist for children with autism and other developmental disorders. His passion for patient care lead him to get his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Touro University, California. He chose to specialize in family medicine for its focus on all aspects of a patient’s health and wellbeing. When not furthering his love of medicine, Dr. Merchant enjoys experiencing the outdoors, including backpacking, surfing, rock climbing and hiking. He is excited to be part of the CMH family and to be serving the people of Ventura.

Alex Murdoch was born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA. He is the third of six children and loves spending time with his family. He grew up surfing nearby Rincon Beach with his dad and two brothers. He went to Utah to attend Brigham Young University where he majored in business management with an emphasis in entrepreneurship. He became very interested in medicine after experiencing some personal health challenges around that time. He is grateful that these motivated him to go to medical school and feels they provided him with empathy for those who are ill. Alex is a big proponent of lifestyle medicine and looks to incorporate good nutrition, exercise, sleep and stress management into the care of all his patients. He enjoys playing guitar, growing vegetables, baking sourdough bread and studying languages.

Dr. Lisa Nguyen was raised in a big family where she learned the values of patient and collaborative work through the love of her parents and siblings. She always had an interest in health science and attended University of California, Irvine where she received her degree in microbiology and immunology. Prior to matriculating into medical school, she volunteered at an HIV clinic in Tanzania and worked as an assistant clinical research coordinator as part of the National Fetal Growth Study. Upon receiving her Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from Midwestern University in Arizona, she became a National Health Service Corps scholar and is committed to working in underserved communities. Lisa is drawn to family medicine for its versatility and comprehensiveness as a specialty. She is pleased to continue her training at CMH due to their strong academic focus and a supportive and cohesive environment. Her interest includes preventative care, women’s health, and geriatrics. Outside of medicine, Lisa enjoys being in nature, traveling, playing board games, and spending time with her family and cat Lincoln.

Dr. Setareh Radparvar was born and raised in Boston, MA in an Iranian home, where she was surrounded by natural remedies and healthful food. After receiving her BA in Biology at Binghamton University in New York, she returned to Boston to research yoga as an adjunct treatment for insomnia and PTSD, which allowed her to further explore her curiosity about complementary and integrative health. When she moved back to New York to attend medical school at the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, her parents and brother moved to the West (best) Coast, knowing that she and her husband would join as early as they could. Setareh is passionate about women’s health, integrating eastern with western medicine, nutrition, and preventative care. Outside of medicine, she loves camping, practicing pilates and yoga, gardening, and painting. She is grateful for this opportunity to live in Ventura and to help heal in this community.

Dr. Allan Wagner was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio in a bilingual house speaking both English and Japanese. Growing up, his involvement in sports sparked an interest in health and nutrition and he went on to receive his B.S. in Human Nutrition from The Ohio State University. During his undergraduate studies, he worked on novel approaches to childhood obesity through educational meal preparation programs. He received his doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from Midwestern University (AZCOM) and decided to pursue family medicine because of his passion for preventative healthcare. Allan spent many of his childhood summers enjoying the beaches of Southern California and is thrilled to be joining the CMHS in Ventura. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, traveling, watching sports and spending time with his wife and two dogs.

Dr. Matthew Westfall was born and raised in Long Beach, California. He attended the University of California, Santa Barbara for undergraduate education where he earned a BA in Biological Sciences. Before continuing on to medical school, Matthew worked at the eyesight restoring nonprofit SEE International, based out of Santa Barbara, California. He attended Touro University Nevada in Las Vegas and received his doctorate degree in Osteopathic Medicine. Matthew’s medical interests are primary care and sports medicine, where he enjoys forming lasting relationships with his patients. Matthew is excited to return to Southern California to continue working with the communities of the central coast.  In his free time he enjoys hiking, cycling, beach activities, and watching sports.

Dr. Ellie Windsor is a native of Hanover, PA, attended junior high school in Wisconsin and high school in east Texas.  She graduated from Texas A&M University with a dual major in Agricultural Journalism and Animal Science.  After living in Houston for about 10 years and meeting her husband, she began to pursue her lifelong dream of practicing medicine.  They moved to Denver, Colorado with their two young sons.  After a few years of prerequisites (and another son) she attended Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine.   Dr. Windsor has a strong desire to practice integrative and functional medicine, helping people live the healthiest lives they can with the body and genetics they are given.  As a former yoga teacher, she encourages patients to honor the connection between mind, body and spirit.   She values spending time with her husband and children, encouraging their athletic, intellectual and spiritual pursuits.  She fills her own bucket with yoga, running, meditation, spending time at the beach, cooking delicious, healthy food and listening to great music. Dr. Windsor is thrilled to have made it to the west coast and is looking forward to serving the community of Ventura.