Specialty Clinic – Ventura

Quenby graduated from California Lutheran University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology minoring in Psychology. She then attended Wagner College/Staten Island University Hospital Physician Assistant Program in New York where she earned her Physician Assistant credential. After returning to California, Quenby spent over a decade working in Orthopedic Spine Surgery. She now works with Midtown Medical Group’s Orthopedic surgeons, Orthopedic Spine surgeon, and General surgeons providing both pre- and post-operative care as well as managing non-operative conditions. She is certified by the NCCPA and has been practicing as a Physician Assistant since 2005.

Quenby grew up in the Sacramento area and in Northern Idaho. She now lives in Camarillo with her husband and two children. She enjoys cooking, reading, travel, and a variety of outdoor activities with her family.

Javier Romero, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.I.C.S., is the Program Director of the General Surgery Residency at Community Memorial Hospital.  He attended medical school at the University of California, Davis and completed his residency and Chief residency in General Surgery at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.  Following his residency, Dr. Romero completed a fellowship at Los Angeles County USC in Trauma and Surgical Critical Care.  He is certified through the American Board of Surgery in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care.  Dr. Romero is currently the Director and Chair of Surgery, Director of Critical Surgical Care Services and Co-Director of Trauma Medical Services for Ventura County Medical Center.

Originally from a small town in Michigan, Dr. Small attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and graduated with honors with a dual major in Anthropology and Zoology. Inspired by his family’s personal physician, he attended the Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and graduated with his Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine in 1978. He completed his post-graduate training in General Practice with the Horizon Health Systems/Henry Ford Hospital Teaching Program in Warren, Michigan.

After moving to California, Dr. Small opened a general practice in Ojai, treating a broad range of patients. He developed a special interest in musculoskeletal problems, especially of the neck and back. This interest ultimately led him to leave Ojai in1991 after eleven years of general practice and return to academia. He went on to complete an additional five years of post-graduate training; four years at the Orthopaedic Surgical Residency program at Horizon Health Systems/Michigan State University and a year-long Fellowship in Spine Surgery at UCLA.

Dr. Small is a Charter Diplomat of the American Board of Spine Surgery and a Diplomat of the National Board of Examiners for Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons. He is board certified by the American Board of Spine Surgery and the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. He has also served as a clinical instructor at UCLA and is a board examiner for the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery-Spine Surgery Division. He served as the Chief of Staff at Community Memorial Hospital in Ventura, California for two years from 2009 to 2010 and is currently the Vice-President for Graduate Medical Education/DIO.

His hobbies include traveling with his wife of twenty-nine years and their two children, golf, and horseback riding.

Shawn Steen, MD, FACS completed medical school at the University Of Colorado Health Sciences Center in Denver, CO. He went on to a residency in general surgery at the Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, TX and is a board certified general surgeon. Dr. Steen then moved to California spending two years completing a specialty fellowship in complexsurgical oncology at the world-renowned John Wayne Cancer Institute in Santa Monica where he served as the Chief Administrative Fellow and authored numerous publications and studies in the field of oncology. He has a breadth of experience in practice in the Southern California area having performed complex general surgery and surgical oncology at the Los Robles Hospital in Thousand Oaks, Providence Holy Cross Hospital in Mission Hills, Antelope Valley Hospital in Lancaster, and was an Assistant Clinical Professor of Surgery at the City of Hope National Cancer Center in Duarte. Dr. Steen has acted as the Director of Surgical Oncology at the Ventura County Medical Center since 2014 and has helped train surgical residents since the inception of the Community Memorial Hospital General Surgery Residency. He has also acted as the Associate Program Director for the CMH General Surgery residency since 2018. Dr. Steen’s clinical interests are in malignancies of the breast, skin, and abdominal organs. He performs oncoplastic breast surgery and is well versed in the sentinel lymph node technique for both breast and skin malignancy. He is one of few surgeons in the area with extensive experience in complex pancreas and hepatobiliary surgery. Dr. Steen looks forward to working at CMH more and can be reached for consultations through his office at Midtown Medical Group.

Dr. Allen grew up in the mountains of Utah, Idaho and Washington where he developed a passion for the outdoors. At Seattle Pacific University he studied chemistry and biochemistry.  As the son of an engineer, Dr. Allen grew up building and designing whenever he could which turned into full time work building electric guitars and guitar amplifiers after college. With his background in mechanical and biologic sciences, Dr. Allen early on found that Orthopaedics had a special draw. In his free time he rock climbs as much as possible and enjoys continuing to build guitars and other woodworking projects.

Home Town: Newburgh, IN

Undergrad School : University of Evansville

Medical School: A. T.  Still University- KCOM

Why Ventura? CMH has staff that cares. I love the OR staff. My co-residents are great and second family to me given how far I live from home currently. Our GME staff is very supportive. Ventura is a great place to live given the weather is nice all year around, live close to the beach, many places to hike and do outdoor activities, and not far from LA or Santa Barbara for change of scenery.

Next Adventure: Applying for Surgical Critical Care Fellowship

Medical Interests: Trauma, Surgical Critical Care

Dr. Nathan Bascom was born and raised in Cincinnati, OH.  He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at Ohio Northern University, where he was a member of the varsity soccer team. He developed an interest in orthopedics through personal injuries and the shadowing of orthopedic surgeons. During medical school at Ohio University, he completed research in pediatric ankle fractures at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. In his free time, Nate enjoys hiking, lifting weights, playing sports and spending time outdoors. Nate is excited and honored to be working for CMHS.

A native Southern Californian, Dr. Michael Bogard was born and raised in Huntington Beach, CA. He played collegiate football at the University of San Diego, while also earning a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Dr. Bogard’s passion for sports and the sciences continued on after his undergraduate education as he worked as a clinical assistant for an Orthopaedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine specialist in San Diego, CA. He then attended medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Erie, PA where he graduated with honors and earning the LECOM Excellence in Surgery award. During his time at medical school, Dr. Bogard conducted several research projects in total joint reconstruction while also volunteering with the sports medicine physicians for local sports team coverage. Outside of his academic and professional pursuits, Dr. Bogard enjoys surfing, golfing, snowboarding, hiking and living an active lifestyle with his fiancé Jamie. He is extremely grateful for the opportunity to pursue an Orthopaedic Surgery residency at Community Memorial Hospital and is looking forward to serving the community of Ventura.

Home Town: Las Vegas, NV

Undergrad School : University of Southern California

Graduate school/Medical School: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine

Life before medical school: Working in a vascular surgery office, lifeguard at Caesar’s Palace

Why Ventura?  The beautiful weather, new hospital, and great people to work with make this residency a dream. My dog Bauer also loves the weather, plethora of nearby hikes, and near instant access to the beach. All the benefits of SoCal without the crowds of the big cities.

Next Adventure: Minimally Invasive Fellowship

Medical Interests: Laparoscopic and robotic surgery, bariatrics, foregut.

Dr. Ammer Dbeis was born and raised in Pheonix, Arizona to loving parents Lama and Mountasir.  After graduating high school, Ammer attended Arizona State University where he graduated with a B.S.E. and M.S. in Biomedical Engineering with an emphasis on medicine and medical device design.  While at ASU, Ammer was heavily involved in research in bio-mechanics and physiology, most notably pioneering virtual reality experiment protocols and inventing a low-cost colorimetric glucose-testing device. His passion for more direct patient care was bolstered by his work with Syrian refugees both here and abroad.  This led him to attend medical school at Midwestern University: Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine where he continued his work in refugee aid and in research, co-authoring several publications in the management of cystic fibrosis.  Ammer’s love for medical innovation, biomechanics, and the operating room brought him to Orthopaedic Surgery at CMHS, where he immediately felt at home among the amazing attendings, residents, nurses, and staff. Outside of the hospital, Ammer can be found spending time with his family and his fiance.  He also enjoys weightlifting, traveling, hiking, playing almost any sport, and indulging in his love for Marvel movies.  Ammer is grateful for the opportunity to train at CMHS and is excited to work with the wonderful people of Ventura.

Dr. Clay Eichenseer was born just outside of St. Louis, Missouri.  As the son of a brewmaster, Clay bounced around from St. Louis to Camarillo before settling in Columbus, Ohio.  He attended the Univserity of California, Davis where he studied exercise biology.  The youngest of 4 boys, Clay was heavily involved in sports growing up, including wrestling, track, football, soccer, baseball and diving.  His involvement in sports extens to coaching high school soccer and diving as well.  Dr. Eichenseer has also found success as a professional men’s physique competitor.  This passion for athletics combined with his undergraduate degree studying the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system is what led to his interest in orthopedics.  After college, he moved back to Columbus and worked as a research associate focusing on the effects of environmental triggers and particulate matter exposure on cardiomyocyte function.  He credits his oldest brother and fellow orthopedist, Paul, for helping pave the way for attending medical school at Ohio University and guiding him through the process of becoming in orthopedic resident.  In his free time, Clay enjoys weightlifting and the outdoors, from hiking to playing sand volleyball.  Clay looks forward to the opportunity to enhance the quality of life for patients suffering from musculoskeletal complications.

Home Town: Busan, South Korea

Undergrad School : University of Arizona

Graduate school/Medical School: Touro Osteopathic College of Medicine in Harlem, NY for both Masters and DO degree

Life before medical school: ED Medical scribe, Pharmacy Technician, Medical assistant

Why Ventura? Why not Ventura? Ventura is a beautiful, underrated city surrounded by the beautiful ocean and the mountains. It truly is a hidden gem with the advantage of having proximity to LA and other surrounding citites. It has a chill, small community vibe and the people are so nice. I chose to train at CMH because of the supportive learning environment it offers and the opportunity to get into the OR early on during our training.

Next Adventure: MIS Fellowship

Medical Interests: Robotic/MIS surgery, foregut surgery, hernia surgery, bariatric surgery. Also loveee general surgery! 🙂

Dr. Edward McDonald grew up in Thousand Oaks, California. While completing his undergraduate education in biology and chemistry at CSU Channel Islands, he worked as a clinical scribe in the Emergency Department at Community Memorial Hospital, and for a sports medicine specialist at Southern California Orthopedic Institute. During medical school at Rocky Vista University – College of Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado, he served as an anatomy tutor, was a member of the Rural and Wilderness Honors Track, and received an award for Excellence in Clinical Medicine upon graduation. He enjoys spending his free time with his wife, two dogs, family and friends. His hobbies include playing ice hockey, snowboarding, surfing and mountain biking. He is grateful for the opportunity to return home and serve the communities of Ventura County while completing his residency training in Orthopedic Surgery at Community Memorial Hospital.

Dr. Andrew Meyers was born and raised in O’Fallon, Missouri.  While attending Mizzou, he earned his bachelor’s degree in radiologic science.  During that period, he discovered his passion for orhopedic surgery while managing the C-arm in the operating rooms.  After graduation, Dr. Meyers continued to work for the University of Missouri Health System and the Veteran Affairs as a radiologic technologist.  While employed, he simultaneously took the pre-requisite courses in order to attend medical school and chase his newly found dream.  He did not have to travel far after his acceptance to Kansas City University of Medicine and Bioscience and was soon honored into their orthopedic track.  When Dr. Meyers has free time, he enjoys staying active with weight lifting, exploring with his two Siberian huskies, and playing hockey.  He is excited to see what adventures California brings him and feels privileged to be a part of the great team at CMHS.

Dr. Emilio Robles is a Southern California native, born in Long Beach, but raised in Cypress California.  He attended California State University of Long Beach for his undergraduate studies, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry.  He then went on to medical school at Touro University Nevada.  During his clinical clerkships, he worked with a mentor that showed him what it meant to be passionate about the field of medicine you work in.  He knew he wanted to enter a specialty where he would enjoy his work, but also be challenged daily.  This combined with his love of the operating room led him to pursue a career in Orthopaedic Surgery. When he rotated at Community Memorial Health System, he was drawn to the camaraderie between residents, surgical training and resident faculty relationships.  He is happy to be in Ventura back in Southern California close to family.  In his free time, he enjoys hanging out with his girlfriend, spending time with his dog, going out with his siblings, anything outdoors, and most importantly – trying new places to eat.

Home Town: Monrovia, California

Undergrad School : University of California Riverside

Graduate school/Medical School: western university of health sciences

Life before medical school: worked at GNC

Medical School: western university of health sciences

Why Ventura?  I like life at CMH because the hospital is near the beach. We also have a friendly working environment inside the hospital. My parents live in Monrovia. I also get the chance to visit them frequently.

Next Adventure: Hawaii

Medical Interests: Colorectal surgery.