Internal Medicine Residency: Residents

Hometown: Agoura Hills, CA

Undergrad: California State University Northridge

Graduate school: Master of Science in Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine at USC.

Life before medical school: I worked in a research lab at USC making CAR-T cell receptors for leukemia and I did genetics research for heart disease at the Institute for Genetic Medicine at USC. I also tutored K-12 in Math.

Medical School: University of the Incarnate Word SOM in San Antonio, Texas.

Why Ventura?  I was especially drawn to the friendly and supportive atmosphere here at CMH and appreciate how they give you all the tools to be the best physician you can be. There are also a variety of research opportunities available in the field you are interested in. I am also close to my hometown and the weather provides ample opportunities to go hiking year-round and go to the beach.

Next Adventure:  Firstly, I would like to visit my family again in Tehran, Iran. Then I would like to go to Italy and visit the Coliseum, the Sistine chapel and try the cuisine. I would also like to visit Dubrovnik in Croatia where Kings Landing was filmed in the show Game of Thrones.

Medical Interests: Stem Cell Research, Hematology-Oncology.

Hometown: Madison, WI

Undergrad: Arizona State University

Graduate school: University of Arizona, Masters in Public Health (MPH)

Life before medical school: Worked doing research at Arizona State University on the effects of climate change (particularly extreme heat) on health.

Medical School: Arkansas College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why Ventura?  I grew up visiting my grandparents, who lived in Ventura, over the summer. It was always the highlight of my year! I always dreamed I’d get the chance to call this beautiful beach town my home. My interview day at CMH sealed the deal, even over zoom the culture of this program really stuck out as friendly and supportive.

Next Adventure: Exploring the beach! I recently found a love for snorkeling and am trying to carve out more time to enjoy underwater wildlife.

Medical Interests: Geriatrics, public health, nutrition

Hometown: Sonoma, CA

Undergrad: University of Utah

Life before medical school: Spent two years in the winemaking industry in Sonoma and Chile.

Medical School: Touro University California

Why Ventura? The camaraderie here is unmatched. On interview day I immediately knew I’d get along with the other residents, and we have had many adventures since: paddleboarding, kayaking, visiting local breweries, beach volleyball, and being outdoors in general enjoying 365 days of sunshine.

Next Adventure: Backpacking South/Central America

Medical Interests: Hospital medicine, Addiction Medicine

Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA

Undergrad: University of California, Riverside

Graduate school: Florida International University, Masters in Public Health

Life before medical school: Before medical school I was the National President of my fraternity, Pi Alpha Phi. I also was doing research at the Heart Disease Prevention Program at the University of California, Irvine

Medical School: American University of Antigua

Why Ventura? One reason was that I wanted to return to Southern California. After interviewing at the program, I could tell that the residents had great camaraderie and enjoyed working at CMH. The program places a high emphasis on resident well-being and providing an excellent learning environment. The attending physicians and the rest of the hospital staff are incredibly supportive and amazing to work with.

Next Adventure:  I would love to travel to Vietnam and the rest of Southeast Asia again.

Medical Interests: Cardiology, Health Promotion, and Community Health Education

Hometown: Santa Clara, CA

Undergrad: UC Davis

Life before medical school: Environmental lab analyst, ED scribe, Pulmonology scribe

Medical School: TouroCOM – Harlem, NY campus

Why Ventura?  I was looking to move back to California after going to school in the East Coast. Where better place than Southern California and Ventura? Great weather, unique and kind people, and it’s always nice to have the option to go to the beach on a day off. Not many places can offer you that, especially during residency when you need ways to de-stress. Plus, everyone in the hospital is too kind. It’s quite amazing to see.

Next Adventure:  Looking for food adventures with friends. Maybe learn how to surf while I’m here.

Hometown: Van Nuys, California

Undergrad: California State University, Northridge

Medical School: Touro University California

Why Ventura? I rotated at CMH as a sub-intern during fourth year of med school and I fell in love with the program. The residents are like family, the attendings are passionate about teaching, and everyone involved in the program is so supportive of each other. The location of CMH in the beautiful city of Ventura and its proximity to the beach are an added bonus!

Hobbies: Basketball, piano

Medical Interests: Sports Medicine/Primary Care, Lifestyle Medicine

Hometown: Oxnard, CA

Undergrad: California State University Channel Islands

Life before medical school: I spent a year volunteering as a COPE Health Scholar at St. John’s Hospitals in Oxnard and Camarillo, CA.

Medical School: Western University COMP

Why Ventura?  My life literally began at CMH, and many of my friends and family members have been helped by the hospital over the years. I also really enjoyed coming back during my clinical years of medical school, as all of the faculty and staff were incredibly kind and enthusiastic about teaching. And the patients have a surprisingly broad range of pathologies to learn from while still having the smaller community feel and continuity. Plus the surrounding area by the beach with perfect weather year round can’t be beat.

Next Adventure:  I’m looking into private practice with my wife, who is currently a podiatry resident. I’m also looking to eventually get my pilot’s license and explore all of the national parks.

Medical Interests: Cardiology, Medical Education

Hometown: Pittsburg, California

Undergrad: University of California, Los Angeles

Medical School: Rocky Vista University in Colorado

Why Ventura?  Did a rotation at CMH during 4th year of medical school, had an amazing experience seeing the camaraderie between residents and the exceptional teaching provided by the program. It has been amazing working with my awesome co-residents and we are all a close-knit family here!

Next Adventure:  I’m looking forward to travelling more and would love to visit Greece, Italy, and Paris!

Medical Interests: Hospital Medicine

Hometown: Arcadia, Ca

Undergrad: UC Irvine

Life before medical school: ED scribe in Orange County, Clinical Hepatology Research

Medical School: Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Why Ventura? Where do I start!? The residents, attendings, and staff at CMH are so great. I’ve always felt welcomed here. Everyone is so supportive! Since we are a close-knit program, we get to learn one-on-one with specialists, which gives us great opportunity for procedures and autonomy. Ventura is such a great city for residency. There are so many different activities you can do and a lot of nice scenery to relax, which is always a must.

Next Adventure: Staying in Ventura next year! Can’t wait to start traveling again – next stop: Italy!

Medical Interests: GI-Hepatology, Critical Care, Hospital Medicine

Hometown: Friendswood, Texas

Undergrad: The University of Texas at Austin

Graduate school: William Carey University

Life before medical school: During a gap year, I worked as a lab tech at the Human Genome Sequencing Center at Baylor College of Medicine

Medical School: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Hattiesburg, MS

Why Ventura?  I haven’t met a person at CMH who wasn’t extremely friendly and helpful. I am constantly surprised at how approachable our attendings are. The hospital itself and facilities are up-to-date and nice. Ventura has everything I need to match my ideal lifestyle with easy access to beaches, hikes, restaurants, and good people.

Next Adventure: I want to go camping or backpacking in any state and/or any country. Public land is my third home.

Medical Interests: Hospitalist Medicine

Hometown: Rancho Cucamonga, California

Undergrad: The University of California, San Diego

Medical School: Kansas City University

Why Ventura? CMH is in the beautiful beach city of Ventura. Ventura is close enough to big cities (LA, Santa Barbara) but gives the vibe and experience of a smaller-town community. Having been in this program for several months now, the educational experience is phenomenal and I am feeling much more comfortable with my knowledge base. The attendings are great at teaching and best of all, they want to teach. The friendships made throughout the residency extend beyond just the individual program and it does not feel as if the programs are siloed from one another. CMH has a strong support system and is a great foundation for those interested in Internal Medicine.

Hobbies: Frisbee, spending time with wife and two dogs (LabraDane and Pomeranian), reading/watching sci-fi, video games (primarily League of Legends, Need for Speed, Don’t Starve Together), and board games (Betrayal, Pandemic, Munchkins, Scotland Yard), making fudge (blueberry-lemon, Nutella-peanut butter, cookies and cream to list a few).

Medical Interest: Infectious Diseases, Cardiology, Ambulatory Medicine, Hospital Medicine

Dr. Sam Jazayeri was born in Tehran, Iran and immigrated to the United States at the age of 16. He received his undergraduate degree in Physiological Sciences from University of California Los Angeles. He then worked as a Biological Lab Tech at the Greater Los Angeles Veteran Affairs Hospital before starting medical school at Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona California. As a medical student, Dr. Jazayeri was fortunate to be selected as one of the Pre-Doctoral NMM/OMM Teaching Fellows where he spent one additional year at Western University to help teach the Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine course to first- and second-year medical students. Dr. Jazayeri completed his internal medicine residency at the Community Memorial Healthcare in Ventura. While at CMH, he has developed an interest in quality improvement research projects and is very happy to have the opportunity to serve as the Quality Improvement and Patient Safety fellow for this upcoming year. In his spare time, he enjoys relaxing with friends, watching films, and listening to music. Dr. Jazayeri is proud to join the team at Community Memorial Health and is excited to serve the Ventura community.

Hometown: Garden Grove, CA

Undergrad: UC Irvine

Graduate school: UNTHSC-GSBS Medical Science

Life before medical school: I was studying autoimmunity/immunology in a mouse model; I spent a lot of time with flow cytometry. – 2/10 would not recommend.

Medical School: UNTHSC-TCOM – 10/10, would recommend.

Why Ventura?  1.5 hours from my hometown. Ventura is a good-vibes city. I rotated at CMH as a fourth year, and it was one of the best experiences I had during medical school – 11/10 would recommend.

Next Adventure:  Publish graphic novels and/or serialized webcomics, master molecular gastronomy, next video project, create more card/board/party games, and pretty much anything that I can “make” or design.

Medical Interests: Hospital/Inpatient Medicine, chronic inflammation vs. nutrition, Preventative Medicine, and continuity care from community-to-hospital-to-clinic.

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Undergrad: UCSD

Life before medical school: Part-time at law-firm

Medical School: ACOM

Why Ventura? Everyone at CMH is very nice and supportive and the faculty love to teach. Ventura is a beautiful city, near the beach, lots of breweries and close to my family and friends.

Next Adventure:  Go on a food adventure.

Medical Interests: Hospital Medicine

Hometown: Anaheim, CA

Undergrad: University of California, Irvine

Life before medical school? Coached high volleyball, worked as a high school teacher, and did Urology research at UCI.

Medical School: A.T. Still University of School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona

Why Ventura? I applied here initially because it was close to home and wanted to practice in Southern California. But after my first few months here I thoroughly enjoyed the program. All the faculty and staff are very nice and helpful. The attendings here are very smart and great teachers, who really want the residents to learn and be outstanding physicians. It is close enough to Los Angeles if I want to go into the city, while also being close to the beach and nature for those who are interested in those activities.

Next Adventure: London and Thailand in 2023. Maybe a music festival!

Medical Interests: Rheumatology, Hospitalist

Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK

Undergrad: University of Oklahoma

Life before medical school: League of Legends enthusiast.

Medical School: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why Ventura?  I wanted to be at a community program, where everyone is close-knit and supportive. The faculty is also amazing – everyone has an open-door policy, where we can talk about anything. At the end of the day, you’re finding a family here.

Next Adventures: Go on a boba adventure.

Medical Interests: Heme-Onc, Allergy-Immunology

Hometown: Northridge, CA

Undergrad: UC Berkeley

Life before medical school: DNA sequencing, C.N.A., Auto-transfusionist

Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences

Why Ventura? In Costa Rica they utilize a phrase, “Pura Vida,” which coarsely translates to pure life. It is generously used from hellos and goodbyes to describing a state of being. The phrase is essentially a mantra that promotes a friendly and stress-free environment, and this will remain a lifelong self-pursuit. This is why I chose Ventura. The attendings and my colleagues have proved that pura vida is a possibility during residency training with their friendly demeanors and willingness to teach. Also, one of my dogs overheats so he appreciates it out here. I am also close to family and friends.

Next Adventures:  Hit up every local brewery. Defeat some colleagues in tennis, SSB or OW. Travel the world. Next up either New York, Greece, Italy, Spain or India.

Medical Interests: Critical Care, Geriatrics

Hometown: Fremont, CA

Undergrad: UC Davis

Life before medical school: Lived in the Bay Area and worked at a really cool clinic and also traveled!

Medical School: AZCOM – Medical school

Why Ventura?  I did an audition rotation here and loved the community feel and supportive program. Everyone was so friendly and supportive in the program. The location is definitely a bonus, it’s absolutely gorgeous here.

Next Adventure: Travel abroad, but also explore more of our local beauty. So many hikes on my to-do list. Also just love spending time with my family and friends. My family just got the cutest puppy and I’d love to be able to hang out with him more 🙂

Medical Interests: Hospital medicine

Hometown: San Diego, California. Baghdad, Iraq, where I was born and raised

Undergrad: University of California, San Diego

Life before medical school:  I graduated with a BS in general biology in 2013. I worked at a research lab at UCSD for about 1.5 years. Like many of you, I had a passion for medicine and decided to take on the challenge. I am now a resident entrusted and privileged with taking care of patients and answering questions regarding their health. I played soccer at least once a week which was a nostalgic experience to me as I used to play in the streets of my neighborhood in Baghdad with my friends.

Medical School: Midwestern University AZCOM

Why Ventura? I initially was interested due to the proximity of the location to San Diego and the beach. After being at CMH for over a year, I would choose this program again in a heartbeat. The teaching staff is dedicated to providing the best learning experience to us and our program director is one of the kindest people you will meet. Our leadership allows us to express any concerns that we have regarding the program and usually our issues get resolved soon. We may have our limitations as a community program but we see a great variety of pathology that allows us to have an exposure to common presentations as well as rare disease.

Next Adventure: Go to a Real Madrid game at their stadium

Medical Interests: Hospitalist Medicine

Hometown: Canoga Park, CA

Undergrad: Boston University

Life before medical school: I worked as the Marketing Manager for Malibu Family Wines for three years before deciding to go back to school to pursue medicine.

Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona

Why Ventura?  Ventura is a vibrant city with great restaurants and so many fun things to do! I grew up going to concerts at Seaside Park, hiking in the hills and shopping at the outlet mall, but when I rotated at CMH, I realized that the people made Ventura more than just a destination – it was home. Everyone from the residents to the attendings and nursing staff are so supportive of our education and the whole hospital feels like one big family. Plus, CMH serves a diverse patient population, and we see more than your average share of unusual/rare pathology – if you like solving medical mysteries, CMH is the place for you too!

Next Adventure:  Hoping to visit Australia or New Zealand soon, but in the meantime, I’ll settle for a staycation with a good book!

Medical Interests: Hospital Medicine, Critical Care

Hometown: Sacramento, CA and Yerevan, Armenia

Undergrad: UC Berkeley

Life before medical school: Took a gap year after undergrad to do genetics research and worked as a tutor for an MCAT tutoring company

Medical School: Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences-Joplin

Why Ventura? I was attracted to CMH after hearing about the amazing culture here from other peers who had had the opportunity to audition and from some of the IM residents. After visiting Ventura for the first time before finalizing my ranking list, I fell in love with the energy of this place. Ventura has everything that makes me feel comfortable- the weather, the beach, the wonderful running trails, the downtown restaurants, the people who are so genuinely nice and laid back. Now that I started my residency at CMH, I can confidently say that there is no other place I would rather be at this time of my life. My family and friends in LA are only an hour drive away and having the chance to see them on my free weekends means the world to me. The environment at CMH is perfect for learning as everyone from the nurses and techs to senior residents to the attending physicians are wonderful to work with and learn from.

Next Adventure: Travel to Italy and then to Armenia. Finish the piano piece I have been working on for the past months.

Medical Interests: Hospitalist Medicine

Hometown: San Diego, CA and Yerevan, Armenia

Undergrad: University of California, Santa Barbara

Life before medical school? Worked in an awesome lab with an amazing PI and PhD student doing DNA damage & telomere research at Scripps Research, La Jolla, CA.

Medical School: Touro University California in the Bay Area

Why Ventura? So many reasons. First, our training is great at our busy community hospital. The residents and attendings from all specialties are amazing. Faculty, PD and APDs are supportive, and the staff is beyond helpful. The community feel is unmatched – from the medical students to residents, everyone is a part of the CMH community and hospital system.  Even more perks include living 4 minutes from the beach and the hospital at the same time, driving distance from family, proximity to Ojai hikes, SB beaches and mountains, food and friends in LA and the Channel Islands!

Next Adventure: More travel hopefully. Ventura to Ojai bike trail and more Channel Islands activities.

Medical Interests: Critical Care, Medical Education

Hometown: Honolulu, Hawai’i

Undergrad: University of Hawai’i at Manoa

Life before medical school: I worked at an internist’s office in the downtown Honolulu area after college and gathered experience important to shaping my future in medicine. I did some soul searching and pursued new hobbies, went on solo hikes, and spent time with my family before moving away from home to go to medical school.

Medical School: Rocky Vista University of Osteopathic Medicine, Colorado Campus

Why Ventura?  I did an audition rotation here as a student and had an amazing experience. I felt at home and at ease and learned a ton. I loved working with the residents here as well as the warm and welcoming CMH staff. Working less than ten minutes from the beach was just a lucky bonus.  The beach, warm weather and palm trees remind me a lot of my home Hawai’i. Not to mention CMH’s proximity to the Pier which is an amazing place to go for a long run in the sun after a long day of work!

Next Adventure: After fellowship training I want to travel and start checking off the long list of places I want to visit and things I want to experience. Life’s too short!

Medical Interests: Hospital Medicine, Addiction Medicine

Hometown: Cupertino, CA

Undergrad: University of California, San Diego

Graduate school: MS in Biology

Life before medical school: Worked in a research lab on pulmonary arterial hypertension

Medical School: Rocky Vista University, Colorado

Why Ventura? I really enjoyed my sub-internship here. Everyone that I met was super helpful and always willing to take the time to answer my questions. It’s also great weather in Ventura with continuous sun and the ocean breeze!

Next adventure: Channel Islands, Estes Park

Medical Interests: Nephrology, Allergy

Hometown: Fresno, CA

Undergrad: UC Davis

Life before medical school: Decided to pursue medicine half-way through my senior year of undergrad (perfect timing, right?). Spent time taking courses to work on my application as part of post-bacc, working as a tutor and in various jobs for my family, volunteering in underserved health clinics, and shadowing numerous docs to get acquainted to the wonderful world of medicine.

Medical School: AT Still University, Mesa, AZ

Why Ventura?  The people and faculty are what make this program simply amazing. Everybody is approachable, friendly, and kind. They make coming to work exciting and worthwhile. The education and patient interactions are another component to help you understand many common disease presentations and workups, along with the occasional “zebra” case to keep things more interesting than usual. Everybody is supportive and there is definitely a focus on resident wellness and wellbeing at this program.

Next Adventure:  Travel abroad, concerts (Coachella, Lollapalooza, etc.), more weightlifting and strength-training, spending more time with my family and loved ones and continuing to grow as a person and a physician.

Medical Interests: Primary care and preventive medicine, general internal medicine, diabetes, addiction medicine, underserved communities

Hometown: Camarillo, CA

Undergrad: UCLA

Life before medical school: I worked in biotech/biomedical research at Baxter, Sanford Burnham, and Amgen as a research associate.

Medical School: Eastern Virginia Medical School

Why Ventura?  I grew up in Ventura Country and loved the people/natural beauty of the area. The program has a wonderful culture of community while still encouraging you to become an exceptional physician.

Next Adventure:  Bike packing trip from SF to LA or trip to Costa Rica/Chile.

Medical Interests: Rheumatology, GI, Hospitalist