PGY-1:
Foundational training
Foundational training includes rotations in inpatient medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, night float, emergency room, surgery, community medicine, and newborn care.
Building healthier communities together.
The Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program is a community-based training experience that prepares residents for full-spectrum family medicine in a diverse, urban, medically underserved population. As part of Dignity Health, we are a member of CommonSpirit Health's national network of more than 2,200 care sites across 24 states. That broad perspective supports our local commitment to community-based training, health equity and compassionate care.
Training primarily occurs at California Hospital Medical Center and the Eisner Health Family Medical Center, serving a diverse patient population in downtown Los Angeles. Residents gain experience in a variety of clinical settings, including inpatient medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, and emergency care.
Upon graduation, residents are prepared to excel in academic and clinical careers, delivering comprehensive and compassionate family medicine.
More in Common Alliance
The More in Common Alliance is a partnership between CommonSpirit Health and Morehouse School of Medicine designed to expand graduate medical education opportunities, strengthen and diversify the physician workforce and improve access to care in communities that have historically experienced health disparities.
At California Hospital Medical Center, the alliance combines local clinical training and community-based experience with the academic resources of Morehouse School of Medicine and the broader network of CommonSpirit Health. Together, the organizations share a commitment to health equity, culturally responsive care and preparing physicians to serve communities with significant health care needs.
Program Highlights
- Established 1984
- Located in downtown Los Angeles
- Community hospital with Level II Trauma Center
- Continuity clinic at Eisner Health FQHC
- Serves diverse, medically underserved population
- Strong inpatient training experience
- Unopposed residency program
- Integrated didactics including POCUS and Addiction Medicine
- Specialty clinics: procedures, human rights, women's health, dermatology
- Advocacy and organized medicine involvement
Message from the Program Director
Thank you for your interest in the California Hospital Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program. We are deeply committed to the success of our residents by providing robust training in full-spectrum family medicine in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive training to family physicians who care for our diverse, urban, medically underserved community. We are dedicated to delivering the highest standard of medical education and continuous professional development opportunities, allowing future family medicine physicians to excel in academic and clinical careers. Residents benefit from training at the Eisner Family Medicine Residency Center, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center, and at CHMC, which serves as the primary site for all clinical rotations.
We encourage you to explore our program further and discover how our commitment to compassionate, high-quality care aligns with your goals.
Armaity V. Austin, MD, MPH, FAAFP, DABoIM
Interim Program Director
Welcome from the Designated Institutional Official (DIO)
Welcome to the Morehouse School of Medicine-sponsored Family Medicine Residency Program at California Hospital Medical Center. We are proud to partner with California Hospital Medical Center and CommonSpirit Health through the More in Common Alliance to prepare the next generation of physicians while advancing health equity and expanding access to care.
At Morehouse School of Medicine, we are committed to providing a supportive learning environment where residents receive the mentorship, resources and clinical experiences needed to grow as compassionate, skilled physicians. We believe that patient safety, quality care and resident well-being are essential to developing future leaders who will make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
Chinedu Ivonye, MD, FACP
Professor of Medicine
Associate Dean, Graduate Medical Education
ACGME Designated Institutional Official (DIO)
Morehouse School of Medicine
Curriculum
The program offers a three-year training experience, accepting eight residents per year, with primary training sites at California Hospital Medical Center and the Eisner Health Family Medical Center. The curriculum provides broad exposure across various clinical settings.
PGY-1:
PGY-2:
Expanded clinical responsibility
Expanded clinical responsibility involves further training in inpatient medicine, obstetrics, night float, intensive care unit, geriatrics, pediatrics, human behavior, and musculoskeletal care, alongside elective opportunities.
PGY-3:
Independent practice preparation
Independent practice preparation focuses on extensive elective time, inpatient medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, musculoskeletal care, night float, dermatology, sports medicine, emergency room, and health systems management.
Integrative Medicine Track
Integrative Medicine Track
Residents interested in a holistic approach to patient care can pursue this track.
Obstetrics Track
This track is designed for residents seeking enhanced skills and experience in obstetrical care.
Hospitalist Track
A Hospitalist track is currently in development to prepare residents for careers in inpatient medicine.
Additional Curriculum Experiences
Didactics and protected education time
Our curriculum integrates psychosocial case conferences, an Addiction Medicine Lecture Series, OB Grand Rounds, Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum, and Point of Care Ultrasound Curriculum, including simulation lab experience, longitudinally into our didactics. Residents also participate in weekly Friday afternoon didactics and other conferences.
Call schedule and night float
Residents participate in night float rotations as part of their training, providing essential experience in managing overnight patient care.
Procedural training
The program includes dedicated procedural clinics within the Family Medicine Center. Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is integrated into the curriculum, with training opportunities in our simulation lab.
Electives
Elective rotations are available, particularly in the PGY-2 and PGY-3 years, allowing residents to pursue specific areas of interest and customize their educational experience.
Training Locations
Our program is centered in downtown Los Angeles, offering training across diverse settings from a community hospital with a trauma center to a federally qualified health center.
Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Los Angeles, California
Eisner Health
Los Angeles, California
Homeboy Industries
Los Angeles, California
Hope Street Margolis Family Center
Los Angeles, California
Compensation and Benefits
Residents are eligible for benefits beginning on their first day of hire.
Salary
For the 2026-2027 academic year, annual resident salaries are:
PGY-1: $78,039.45
PGY-2: $80,380.64
PGY-3: $83,195.04
Chief resident stipend: $6,000 annually, divided among the appointed chief residents if more than one resident serves in the role.
Health Insurance
Medical, dental and vision coverage for residents, with premiums paid in full
Low-cost medical coverage for enrolled dependents
Life and AD&D insurance (1x annual salary)
Long-term disability insurance
Optional spousal and dependent life insurance
Professional liability insurance
Time Away & Leave
Four weeks of paid vacation and holiday leave
Paid medical, parental and caregiver leave
Education & Professional Development
Additional education and program-specific benefits may be available through the sponsoring institution
Resident Perks & Wellness
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching through Fidelity (eligibility requirements apply)
Additional benefits vary by sponsoring institution and residency program
Our Community
There are endless opportunities for exciting new adventures in Los Angeles. As a Family Medicine Resident at Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center, Los Angeles County will be your new backyard. Access to theme parks, unique shopping experiences, museums, and outdoor excursions await!
How to Apply
Application Process
All applications must be formally submitted through ERAS, and must include the following:
- CV
- Personal Statement
- Photograph
- Three Letters of Reference from physicians who have worked with you clinically, preferably including at least one letter of reference from a Family Physician
- Complete Medical School Transcripts
- Complete USMLE and/or COMLEX Transcript History, including all attempts
- Dean's Letter
Interview dates are conducted every Friday morning throughout the Family Medicine Residency Program interview cycle from October through January.
International Medical Graduates
For international graduates, we require an Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Status Report and proof of legal authorization to work in the US. California Hospital Medical Center does not support any type of visa for resident physicians.
Medical Student Clerkships
We offer a four-week inpatient family medicine sub-internship to fourth-year medical students in good standing at an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school. Students will care for full-spectrum family medicine patients on our inpatient service, including adult medicine, critical care, obstetric, and newborn patients, and participate in our didactics. The rotation is available via VSLO, "CHMC-LA-FM-SUB-1 – Inpatient Family Medicine Sub-Internship at CHMC-LA" under Morehouse School of Medicine. Foreign Medical School Students can inquire via email.
Faculty
Armaity V. Austin, MD, MPH, FAAFP, DABoIM
Role: Interim Program Director
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Board certification: Family Medicine, Integrative Medicine
Clinical/academic interests: Community Medicine, Bioethics, Global Health, Integrative Medicine
C. Peony Khoo, MD, FAAFP
Role: Associate Program Director
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: Saint Louis University Residency: UCLA Family Medicine
Fellowship: Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Obstetrics Fellowship
Clinical/academic interests: Obstetrics, reproductive health, office procedures, medical education
Sandra Avila, MD
Role: Didactics Director
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
Residency: White Memorial Medical Center Family Medicine Residency
Clinical/academic interests: Geriatric patient care, preventive care, diabetes management
Hector Castillo, MD
Role: Core Faculty
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine
Residency: White Memorial Medical Center
Clinical/academic interests: Family medicine inpatient service
Michelle Crespo, MD, MPH
Role: Core Faculty Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: University of California Irvine School of Medicine
Residency: CHMC – Family Medicine Residency
Clinical/academic interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, healthcare disparities, health access
Amanda Dupre, DO, MPH, MS
Role: Core Faculty
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine Residency Program
Fellowship: Family Medicine Obstetric Fellowship at University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOM)
Clinical/academic interests: Obstetrics, reproductive health, underserved populations, healthcare disparities, diversity, inclusion in medicine
Richard Hernandez, MD
Role: Inpatient Director
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Residency: Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
Clinical/academic interests: Inpatient medicine, Point of Care Ultrasound integration
Tracey Norton, DO, FAAFP
Role: Clinical Medical Director
Program/affiliation: Eisner Health Family Medicine Center
Medical school: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: California Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program
Board certification: Family Medicine, Adolescent Medicine
Clinical/academic interests: Graduate medical education, full-scope medicine, underserved populations
Monika Shenouda, MD
Role: Core Faculty
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Residency: California Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program
Clinical/academic interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, office procedures, teaching, research, underserved community
Anthony Zamudio, PhD
Role: Director of Behavioral Science
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center Education: Ph.D. in clinical psychology from UCLA
Clinical/academic interests: Behavioral health, resident wellness, ethics
Current Residents
PGY-3
Sahra Akbari, MD
From: Silver Spring, Maryland
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Professional interests: Preventive medicine, lifestyle medicine, women’s health, reproductive wellness and health literacy
Personal interests: Traveling and collecting a refrigerator magnet from each destination
Mehron Daniel Deriss, MD
From: Yorba Linda, California
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Professional interests: Family medicine, preventive care and community-based practice
Personal interests: Spending time with friends, backpacking, soccer, movies and reading
Iman Epuna, MD
From: Rancho Palos Verdes, California
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Professional interests: Confronting healthcare disparities, preventive medicine, global medicine, integrative medicine and underserved care
Personal interests: Traveling, spending time with family and friends, and Orangetheory fitness
Adolfo Hernandez, MD
From: Sylmar, California
Medical school: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA (Charles R. Drew/UCLA Medical Education Program)
Professional interests: Sports medicine, surgical obstetrics, pain medicine and care for underserved communities
Personal interests: Indoor bouldering, walking, listening to music and standing in front of a fan on hot Los Angeles days
Lia Khachikyan, MD
From: Yerevan, Armenia
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Professional interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, continuity of care, street medicine, underserved care and community health education
Personal interests: Spending time with family and friends, skiing, pickleball, tennis and walking her dog, Jasper
Shivani Patel, DO
From: Yorba Linda, California
Medical school: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Professional interests: Community medicine, women’s health, healthcare policy, underserved care and social determinants of health
Personal interests: Pickleball, basketball and spending time with friends and family
Bilal Rajper, MD
From: Glendale, California
Medical school: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Professional interests: Academic medicine, inpatient and outpatient care, social determinants of health and care for underserved communities
Personal interests: Spending time with friends and family, exploring coffee shops and restaurants, elliptical workouts, NBA podcasts and the Los Angeles Lakers
Jason Zhang, DO
From: South Bend, Indiana
Medical school: Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional interests: Broad-spectrum family medicine, care across the lifespan, outpatient medicine and sports medicine
Personal interests: Hiking, exploring restaurants, basketball, anime, bouldering and working out
PGY-2
Vivian Chi, DO
From: Los Angeles, California
Medical school: Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional interests: Women’s health, gynecology, preventive care, gender-affirming care and osteopathic manipulative treatment
Personal interests: Painting, cooking for friends and family, and learning new drink recipes
Laura Cui, MD, MS
From: San Jose, California
Medical school: Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Professional interests: Women’s health, obstetrics, full-spectrum care and patient advocacy
Personal interests: Crocheting flowers, stuffed animals and other creations
Sara Haroutunian, MD
From: Los Angeles, California
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Professional interests: Longitudinal care, preventive medicine, chronic disease management, public health and physician leadership
Personal interests: Hiking, yoga, visiting batting cages and spending time with family and friends
Charlene Hsu, MD
From: Diamond Bar, California
Medical school: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons
Professional interests: Mental health, community medicine, patient advocacy and mentorship
Personal interests: Camping, hiking, board games, video games and spending time with her cat, Watson
Amenah Ibraheem, DO
From: Baghdad, Iraq
Medical school: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Professional interests: Full-scope family medicine, immigrant and refugee health, underserved care, preventive medicine, global health and community outreach
Personal interests: Hiking, tennis, skateboarding with her dog, watching sunsets at the beach, exploring coffee shops, cooking and hosting game nights
Bryant Nguyen, MD-MPH
From: Shreveport, Louisiana
Medical school: Tulane University School of Medicine
Professional interests: Underserved care, health equity, preventive medicine, integrative medicine and longitudinal patient relationships
Personal interests: Playing piano, video games, anime, working out and fashion
Sheila Torabzadeh, MD, MS
From: Los Angeles, California
Medical school: St. George’s University School of Medicine
Professional interests: Longitudinal care, inpatient medicine, women’s health, pediatric advocacy and mentorship
Personal interests: Working out, reality television, exploring Los Angeles restaurants and traveling
Tatiana Vazquez De Los Santos, MD
From: La Puente, California
Medical school: California Northstate University College of Medicine
Professional interests: Community health, street medicine, care for people experiencing homelessness, patient advocacy and longitudinal care
Personal interests: Crocheting stuffed animals, spending time with her cats and exploring new places
PGY-1
Jefferson Bai, DO
From: Brooklyn, New York
Medical school: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific-Northwest
Professional interests: Broad-spectrum family medicine, social determinants of health and whole-person care
Personal interests: Weightlifting, watching Smosh on YouTube, movies and coffee dates with friends
Sobeira Fillad, DO
From: Los Angeles, California
Medical school: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Professional interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, preventive care, chronic disease management, continuity of care and community engagement
Personal interests: Trying new restaurants, exploring coffee shops, traveling, attending concerts, television and movies
Geily Fuentes, DO
From: Miami, Florida
Medical school: Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional interests: Women’s health, obstetric care, community medicine, integrative medicine and full-spectrum family medicine
Personal interests: Powerlifting, walking with her husband and dog, and baking tres leches, cinnamon rolls and cheesecake cupcakes
Miriam Ifegwu, MD
From: Nigeria
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Professional interests: Full-scope family medicine, care for underserved communities, global health, outreach and patient advocacy
Personal interests: Crocheting, sewing, wig making, drawing, Zumba, church activities, cooking, exercising, journaling and walking
Ilana Radparvar, DO
From: Los Angeles, California
Medical school: Western University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Professional interests: Outpatient medicine, urgent care, geriatrics, chronic disease management and polypharmacy in older adults
Personal interests: Hiking, going to the beach, baking, traveling and trying new restaurants
Cassandra Rau, DO, MA
From: Scottsdale, Arizona
Medical school: Midwestern University Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, women’s health, obstetrics and longitudinal patient relationships
Personal interests: Spending time outdoors and at the beach, visiting the dog park, traveling and exploring Los Angeles restaurants
Jason Yamashita, DO
From: Huntington Beach, California
Medical school: A.T. Still University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
Professional interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, inpatient and outpatient care, procedural medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine
Personal interests: Piano, music, national parks, hiking, camping, weightlifting, rock climbing and church community
Yasamin Zamanian, MD
From: West Hollywood, California
Medical school: University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine
Professional interests: Outpatient family medicine and longitudinal patient relationships
Personal interests: Drawing, going to the movies and pin trading at Disneyland