Class of 2027
Dulguun “Duke” Bayardorj, DO
Medical School: Touro University
Undergraduate: San Francisco State University
Clinical Interests: Procedures, Sports medicine, OBGYN/ Women’s health, Global health, Community advocacy, Medical education
I was drawn to John Muir for its diverse patient population, outpatient multidisciplinary team-based care, and opportunities for improving health equity through local and global partnerships. In addition, as a sub-intern, I had the opportunity to witness the practice settings and realize the supportive and positive environment for learning and becoming a patient-centered physician.
Svitlana “Lana” Eckmann, DO
Medical School: Touro University
Undergraduate: UC Berkeley
Clinical Interests: Preventative Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Mental Health, Addiction Medicine, Dermatology, Osteopathic, Manipulative Medicine.
I chose John Muir Health because of its Clinic First model, outstanding residents and faculty, excellent location, and the supporting environment that promotes continuous learning. During my 4th-year clerkship, I was deeply impressed by the program's leadership and their collaboration with residents, along with the integration of behavioral health services, patient advocacy, community service and abundant learning opportunities. The John Muir Residency offers an ideal setting for me to develop into a skilled physician specializing in outpatient care. Moreover, I am thrilled to continue serving the diverse communities of the Bay Area
Madeline “Nekel” Holbrook, MD
Medical School: University of Texas Health Science at San Antonio Long School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Brigham Young University
Clinical Interests: Serving Spanish-speaking populations, procedures, underserved dermatology
I chose John Muir Health because of their focus on clinic first in a supportive environment with specific training in policy and leadership. It was clear on interview day that they aim to train physicians who are mindful of the world they practice in and are prepared with the latest training to help patients from all walks of life be as healthy as possible. It also doesn’t hurt that it’s located in such a beautiful place.
Judy Le, MD
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health
Undergraduate: University of California San Diego
Clinical Interests: Reproductive health and justice, mental health care, community health and advocacy
As a San Jose native, coming back to California/the Bay Area to serve the communities I grew up in was important to me. During my residency interview day, I was blown away by how friendly and welcoming the faculty, residents, and staff of John Muir Health were. The program shared my vision of serving diverse communities while addressing health disparities amongst the underserved. I could tell that the program truly cared about the quality of their residents’ training, as well as their residents’ well-being. I also was excited to be a part of such a collegial, welcoming training environment.
Kevin Mun, MD
Medical School: University of Washington SOM
Undergraduate: University of Washington
Clinical Interests: Preventative Medicine, Underserved Medicine, Healthcare Advocacy, Healthcare Policy
I chose John Muir because of its emphasis on the Clinic First Model and training of empathetic outpatient physicians. I was also drawn to the program’s commitment of using community advocacy and integrated behavioral health to serve diverse communities in the East Bay. Finally, I chose John Muir because I wanted to train in a supportive and family-like environment
Priyanka Ranade, DO
Medical School: Touro University
Undergraduate: UC Berkeley
Clinical Interests: Women’s health care, LGBTQ health care, mental health care, preventative medicine, lifestyle medicine
I chose John Muir Health because of their commitment to producing excellent outpatient family medicine physicians, and the supportive and positive environment fostered by residents and program leadership alike
Helen Weidemann, MD
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
Undergraduate: California Polytechnic State University
Clinical Interests: Point-of-care Ultrasound, Sports Medicine, Underserved medicine, Addiction Medicine, Preventative Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine, Full Spectrum Practice
John Muir Health offers everything I was looking for in a residency program - strong, unopposed training, a supportive environment, and opportunities to connect with the community I hope to serve in the future. John Muir Health distinguishes itself through the Clinic First Practice Plus Model, prioritizing the training of strong outpatient family medicine physicians and demonstrating dedication to the community. Their commitment is evident through initiatives like the mobile health clinic, which aligns with my own experiences. What drew me to John Muir Health was not only the program's reputation, but also the welcoming culture demonstrated by the faculty and staff. Additionally, returning to the Bay Area holds a special significance because it is where I grew up and allows me to give back to the community that shaped me
Kenyon Wright, MD
Medical School: Duke University SOM
Undergraduate: University of Alaska Anchorage
Clinical Interests: Health Equity, LGBTQIA+ Medicine, Gender Affirming Care, Community Medicine, Integrative Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Medical Education, Behavioral Health
I chose John Muir because of its focus on community-based care for a diverse population, its innovative clinic-first model to provide continuity with patients, the curriculum that incorporated multiple aspects of high functioning primary care research models, mentorship opportunities, and unopposed training, which aligned with my aspirations of becoming a strong outpatient clinician. Additionally, the focus on practice management skills with a leadership development track really appealed to me, given my interest in advocating for change at a systemic level to help eradicate health disparities and promote health equity. Situated in the Bay Area, its location offers unparalleled opportunities for growth and impact, both in my career and personal life. One thing that sets this program apart is its faculty—compassionate, forward-thinking individuals committed to breaking away from tradition to prioritize the most important aspects for family physicians of the future while also serving as mentors in the pursuit of our goals. Furthermore, the program's emphasis on resident wellness and balance underscores its commitment to nurturing not only exceptional clinicians but also healthy individuals. The presence of a fully staffed hospital, independent of resident labor, ensures that we can focus on comprehensive patient care while still having ample opportunities for learning and growth in our professional and personal lives. Above all, the genuine responsiveness and kindness exhibited by the residents I encountered during my interactions exemplify the supportive and collaborative culture that defines this program. It's this unique combination of innovation, community focus, wellness, teaching, and unwavering support that made John Muir Health truly exceptional to me
Class of 2028
Abigail Bondy, MD
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Undergraduate: California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo
Clinical Interest: Sports medicine, lifestyle medicine, preventative medicine, patient education, and point of care ultrasound
“When I did my outpatient Sub-I at the beginning of my 4th year, I felt right at home. The residents, attendings, staff, and patients were such a delight to work with. Additionally, I am grateful to work at an institution that values community outreach, advocacy, and wellness in an outpatient clinic first model! Lastly, I am excited to move back closer to home and to create community in the beautiful East Bay Area!”
Brandon De Guzman, DO
Medical School: California Health Science University
Undergraduate: UC Santa Cruz
Clinical Interest: Preventive Medicine, Chronic Disease Management, MSK/Sports Medicine, Palliative Care
“My sub-internship at John Muir Health in the fall solidified my desire to pursue residency there. The welcoming atmosphere, rich learning environment, and sense of belonging made it the perfect choice. I was also drawn to the innovative interprofessional teams and serving a familiar community, not too far from home.”
Sania Elahi, MD
Medical School: Cal North State
Undergraduate: UC Davis
Clinical Interest: Community medicine, lifestyle medicine, pediatrics
“I chose John Muir Health because of its strong commitment to outpatient training and emphasis on cultivating a supportive learning environment. I believe JMH will shape me into a physician who advocates for my community while serving a diverse patient population through compassion and expertise. During my sub-internship at John Muir, I felt supported by a team that was invested in my growth and aspirations in Family Medicine. The kindness and warmth I experienced each day made it a truly rewarding and enjoyable place to learn. I’m excited to continue this journey as a resident!”
Emily Gang, MD
Medical School: University of Massachusetts
Undergraduate: Tufts University
Clinical Interest: Community health, perinatal and postpartum care, integrative approaches to wellness, nutrition and lifestyle medicine, and global health.
“I was drawn to John Muir Health for its dedication to compassionate, team-based care, equity, and meaningful community partnerships. The program’s balance of clinical excellence, continuity relationships, and its focus on underserved medicine mirrors the kind of community-oriented physician I hope to be. It’s the ideal place to combine high-quality primary care with community engagement in the Bay Area.”
Regina Ho, DO
Medical School: WesternU
Undergraduate: University of California Los Angeles
Clinical Interest: Sports Medicine, Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine, Point-of-care Ultrasound, Minor Procedures, Preventative Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine
“I was drawn to John Muir Health after my positive experience on interviews which highlighted the welcoming and supportive culture that was evident among both faculty and residents. In addition, I was drawn to the Clinic First Model and its emphasis on strong outpatient training.”
Mika Masuda, DO
Medical School: WesternU
Undergraduate: UC Berkeley
Clinical Interest: Health Equity, Addiction Medicine, Lifestyle Medicine, Minor Procedures
“I chose John Muir for many reasons! JMH is a program which is deeply committed to training exceptional outpatient primary care physicians who provide comprehensive and compassionate patient care. On my Sub-Internship, I was deeply impressed by the supportive culture of the residents and faculty, the unique clinic structure equipped to serve diverse patient populations, and the program’s commitment to health equity. As a Bay Area native, I am also thrilled to be returning to the area and getting to serve patients close to home.”
Mindy Nguyen, DO
Medical School: Touro University
Undergraduate: UC Davis
Clinical Interest: Disability Health, Community Health, Health Equity
“I grew up in Fremont and fell in love with both the community and the landscape of the Bay Area – there’s no place else I’d rather be! I attended medical school in Vallejo and have lived with my partner in Concord for over a year. The medicine that I hope to practice is inclusive and considers the lifestyle factors and daily challenges of my patients. I am so excited to give back to the community that I love through a program that focuses on health interventions at the outpatient level.”
Deion Santander, DO
Medical School: California Health Science University
Undergraduate: UC Davis
Clinical Interest: Lifestyle Medicine, Community Medicine, Sports Medicine, Mentorship and Teaching, Leadership, Wilderness Medicine, Behavioral Health
“I chose John Muir because its Clinic First model aligns perfectly with my passion for outpatient medicine and continuity of care. From the very beginning, I was drawn to the program’s supportive, close-knit environment. It was my favorite interview of the entire cycle, and I immediately felt a strong connection with the culture and values here. What sets John Muir apart is how much it truly prioritizes resident wellness through a structured curriculum designed around it. The program also emphasizes psychological safety, which I believe is one of the most crucial factors in residency training. Dr. Fish and the faculty genuinely model this principle, creating a space where residents feel safe to grow, ask questions, and take ownership of their learning. I also appreciate the program’s strong focus on community medicine and health equity, which aligns with my own commitment to caring for underserved populations. In addition, the longitudinal tracks are a unique strength that allows residents to explore their interests more deeply. I’m especially excited to pursue the lifestyle medicine, leadership development, and global health tracks. Being in the beautiful bay area also means there is always something fun and exciting to do!”