Residents

Jennifer Chavarin, MD

Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara I am a First-generation American physician born and raised in Southern California. Being the eldest of five siblings, I embraced a profound sense of responsibility and care from an early age. My parents always encouraged and taught me the importance of education and the significance of hard work. This upbringing instilled in me a deep commitment to making a positive impact in my community.

My academic journey led me to the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with a Minor in Healthcare & Social Issues. While at UCSD, I gained invaluable experience while working at LabCorp and developed an interest in the intricacies of medical specimens and the stories they hold.

During medical school, I immersed myself in initiatives like GUIMEDIC and FM4 Paso Libre, providing essential care to rural indigenous communities and offering support to migrants along with refugees undertaking the challenging journey on La Bestia to the United States. I completed my clinical rotations in Las Vegas, Nevada, where I volunteered at the Nevada Obstetrical Community Clinic. Additionally, I have worked as a medical assistant at an OB/GYN clinic. Here, I had the privilege of providing much-needed care to underserved populations, reinforcing my commitment to addressing healthcare disparities.

My medical interests include full spectrum family medicine, medical literacy, obstetrics and reproductive health. Beyond medicine, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our daughter. I enjoy the great outdoors through hiking, cooking, knitting and crocheting, puzzles and exploring ways to harness the metaverse.

Jesus Gonzalez, DO

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine at New Mexico State UniversityI was born and raised in the East Bay to Mexican immigrants who ingrained in me the value of compassion and resiliency. Throughout my life I have been inspired by my family who worked in the agricultural fields of Salinas and various construction sites in Northern California. I stumbled into higher education earning degrees in Cultural Anthropology and Biological Sciences from San Francisco State and Cal State East Bay.

Prior to my career in medicine I taught at Cal State East Bay’s Department of Biological Sciences and Department of General Studies as a Lab Instructor and Teaching Associate. In 2015 I took a break from teaching to complete an internship with the Joint Genome Institute’s Microbial Ecology Lab where I conducted research on the microbiota of switchgrass. Right before starting medical school, I worked as a high school teacher at Tilde Preparatory School in Walnut Creek teaching courses in Math, Science, Political Science, Sports Medicine, and Spanish Language.

My passion for community-centered medicine and advocacy was ignited when I started volunteering at Oakland’s Highland Hospital. There I spent over 5 years helping manage a volunteer program in their Infusion Center and GI Lab.
In medical school I became involved with the New Mexico Medical Reserve Corps on projects such as the COVID Rapid Response Team and Vaccinations Pods. In the Reserve Corps I traveled throughout Southern New Mexico proving medical care to rural communities. I also volunteered with the Border Servant Corps, proving medical triage to recently arrived immigrants seeking asylum. I am humbled to be regularly invited to middle and high schools to discuss issues facing immigrants and share their stories of resiliency.

In 2023 I was selected by the New Mexico chapter of the American College of Physicians (ACP) to represent Southern New Mexico in congress to advocate for policies aimed at increasing the physician work force in rural areas and expanding Medicare coverage in children. For my history of grassroot activism and patient advocacy, I was awarded the Class of 2024 Excellence in Diversity Student Award by Burrell College.
Outside of medicine I enjoy spending time with my better half, Dr. Jessica Dagget, who I met in medical school. I also enjoy baseball, mixed martial arts, watching documentaries, and strength sports. I’m a competitive powerlifter with an over 500lb squat and deadlift but I’m happiest when I pick up my 15lb long-haired chihuahua, Yumi.

Darcy Luck, DO

Darcy Luck, DO
Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine – Carolinas Campus

I was born in Panama City, Panama, at a former US Military base to an American father and Honduran mother. While much of my early life was spent at various military bases in Central America, we returned to the US when I was around 5 years old. I grew up in rural North and South Carolina, surrounded by cotton and tobacco fields, poultry, and cattle farming until my family ultimately settled in Myrtle Beach, SC where I graduated high school.

I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biology and a minor in Medical Humanities from Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC. During this time I developed an interest biomedical ethics and worked as a medical assistant at the emergency department of Conway Medical Center, where this experience solidified my decision to become a physician.

For medical school I attended Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine in Spartanburg, SC where I was able to explore a broad range of interests, from community medicine, abortion care, and mentorship for low-income students from rural SC interested in STEM education. Initially drawn to general surgery, I completed two years of surgical residency after graduating in 2020, with intern year at East Carolina University in Greenville, NC, and second year at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill.

However, starting residency at the height of the COVID-19 Pandemic had a major impact on my perception of medical care and I recognized that I wanted to provide more comprehensive care to my patients throughout all stages of life. At the end of my second year of surgical residency I made the decision to transition to family medicine and took a sabbatical which allowed me to refocus my educational goals on holistic healthcare, emphasizing the emotional and social aspects of patient well-being.

My main areas of interest in family medicine are in hospice and palliative medicine, community medicine, and abortion care and I am absolutely ecstatic to be able to explore this area of medicine at Natividad Medical Center and to support the communities in Salinas and Monterey County. As a child of a Honduran Immigrant, I am proud to be able to serve communities similar to my own family.

Outside of work I enjoy crafting and fiber arts, and have developed a passion for crochet and sustainable fashion. I like to spend my free time cooking with friends and family, watching movies, roller skating, exercising, listening to music, and reading science fiction and fantasy novels. I can be most often found in the company of my husband and our dog, Beary Manilow, the best couch potato in the world.

Jasmine Morante, MD

Universidad Científica del Sur Facultad de Medicina Humana, Peru I am a proud daughter of first-generation Peruvian immigrants and was born and raised in South Florida. As a child, amidst the 2007 recession, my family and I struggled financially, and I lacked health insurance for a big part of my childhood. One day, when I was 8 years old, I had a high fever and a sore throat, but my mom could not afford to take me to see a doctor. Fortunately, she was informed about a Cuban family doctor who provided care at no cost, and he was able to see me and get me the antibiotics I needed for my strep throat. It was at this moment that I was inspired to follow a similar path. I knew that when I grew up, I wanted to become a physician, and help underserved patients.

At the age of 16, I moved with my mother to Peru and started medical school at Universidad Científica del Sur. It was during my last year of medical school, or what for us is our internado/intern year, that I was drawn to primary care and Family Medicine after witnessing my patients fighting severe complications from chronic diseases like diabetes or hypertension. These complications could have been prevented if only they had received adequate treatment for those diseases with a primary care physician. Sadly, due to the high corruption that exists in the Peruvian government, the healthcare system barely focuses on primary care, which in turn is the reason why our hospitals are collapsing with severely ill patients. Many times, our hospitals lacked basic equipment, which forced me and my colleagues to use our imagination by utilizing Coca-Cola bottles for procedures like paracentesis. Despite all of this, my last year of medical school strengthened my desire to work with underserved and marginalized communities.

In 2023, I was accepted into the UCLA International Medical Graduate program and moved to Los Angeles. During my clinical rotations in Los Angeles, I was shocked by the tremendous demand for Spanish-speaking doctors. Here, I found my place as a native speaker. For this reason, I am thrilled to be at Natividad. It truly feels like a dream, knowing that much of the patient population we serve are Latinx immigrants, and I will be giving back to my community.

My interests in Family Medicine include Addiction Medicine, street medicine, LGBTQIA+ care, and HIV care. In my free time, I like to travel and visit as many places as I can but also enjoy staying at home watching anime with my Peruvian hairless dog, Nena. Additionally, I love music and singing. I hope someday to be able to write my own music!

Jacob Ongaro

Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine I was born in Salinas (at SVMH) and grew up in the Monterey/Salinas area. I graduated from Palma High School in 2013 and went on to study Integrative Biology at UC Berkeley. In college I was most interested in learning about evolution, physiology, ecology, botany, and anthropology. After graduating from Berkeley, I worked in several jobs, including medical scribe in an Oncology/Hematology clinic, EMT/med tech at an addiction recovery facility, kayak guide in Elkhorn Slough, lifeguard, and teaching assistant. I started medical school at Touro University California in the height of the pandemic, and had many, many hours of Zoom learning at home. I had the good fortune to come home and complete my 3rd year rotations at Natividad – which cemented my interest in pursuing a career in Family Medicine. I am especially proud to be returning home again as a resident physician to serve my family, friends, and community. Outside of medicine, I enjoy swimming, running, biking, enjoying nature, playing guitar and piano, cooking, and more. I am an aficionado of great music from the 60’s to 90’s, and listen to too many podcasts.

Diana Ornelas, MD

University of California, Riverside School of MedicineI am from Los Angeles County in Southern California, born in West Covina and raised in La Puente. I have two older siblings and the unique experience of being an identical twin. Both my twin sister and I are first-generation and will become the first doctors in our family. I am also the proud daughter of brave and hardworking parents who immigrated to the US from Mexico and who have worked in casting and molding factories throughout my life, an experience that has given me the strength and resilience to become a physician. I attended UCLA and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. During my time at UCLA, I participated in various pipeline programs for underrepresented in medicine (URiM) students, which sparked my interest in Family Medicine and social justice work. Especially inspiring was my participation in the Harbor-UCLA Summer Urban Health Fellowship, where I developed my passion for community medicine and advocated for health equity and environmental justice for underserved communities in South Los Angeles. I completed my medical education at the UC Riverside School of Medicine where I became immersed in the service of underserved and vulnerable communities by volunteering at the Riverside Free Clinic (RFC), providing basic health services to homeless, uninsured, and underinsured patients. Through the strong ultrasound curriculum at UCR, I also discovered my love for Point of Care Ultrasound and became a student instructor and facilitated scanning sessions for first year medical students. Committed to mentorship, I also served as one of the Co-Chairs for the Latinx Medical Student Association at UCR and I look forward to continuing to mentor URiM students as a resident at Natividad. I am so incredibly honored to begin my journey as a Doctora at Natividad and serve the underserved and migrant farmworker communities of Salinas and Monterey County. Not only will I receive the full spectrum and obstetrical training that I am looking for, but I will also have the privilege of serving the communities that welcomed my father in his early days as a farm worker. My professional interests include obstetrics, hospital medicine, POCUS, and community medicine. For fun, I enjoy spending time with family and taking my rescue dog Buttercup on walks and car rides. I also enjoy drinking unique lattes at coffee shops, trying new restaurants, and shopping. For wellness, I enjoy group workouts, like kickboxing, and traveling.

Lindsay Richards, MD

University of Miami Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine I was raised in a small town in Central Florida by my parents and older sister. Prior to medical school, I studied Economics and Microbiology at the University of Florida. I then worked for an organization called Compañeros En Salud (Partners In Health), where my focus was implementing shared medical appointments for patients with diabetes. During this time, I was inspired by working with teams of community health workers who showed me the power of accompaniment and refusing to accept that any life is worth less than another. This experience made choosing family medicine easy – it reinforced that the tools for our communities to live long and healthy lives already exist, and it showed me how primary care doctors have the privilege of helping to share those tools.

I value maintaining interests outside of medicine as a way to build community and keep a balanced perspective. Some of my favorite activities during medical school have included working as a catering waitress and a dog walker, apprenticing at a bike shop, gardening (but mostly just pulling weeds), woodworking, rock climbing, playing board games (especially Wingspan and Smash Up), joining a DnD campaign, and spending quality time with my partner, friends, and family.

I chose Natividad because of the program’s genuine connection to their community and commitment to their patients. I’m so grateful for the privilege to train here and to join the Salinas community.

Marissa Scott, MD

University of Queensland School of Medicine in Australia I grew up in a small suburb of Los Angeles, and attended UC Berkeley for my undergraduate studies. During my time at Cal I pursued a minor in global poverty, which deepened my understanding of the existing structural inequities within the medical system and influenced my perspective on healthcare. Ultimately, this led me to pursue a career in medicine.

Through advocacy work, volunteering within the community, and clinical rotations, it became exceedingly clear that family medicine is where my passion lies. This specialty’s emphasis on holistic, patient-centered care is reflective of my personal values and aligns with my motivations for entering the medical field. I am so excited to join the Natividad family and be part of a residency program dedicated to promoting equity within the community.

Maintaining a well-rounded life outside of medicine has always been important to me. I grew up hiking, camping, and surfing (I know, typical Californian hobbies), and continue to make time to enjoy these activities as much as possible. I also love exploring new genres of music and attending live music events whenever I can.

Celene Serrato Flamenco, MD

Ross University School of Medicine I was born in King City and raised in Greenfield, CA. My parents instilled in me the values of hard work, resilience, and compassion. Growing up in South Monterey County, my family worked as field workers, harvesting grapes and cauliflower for most of my childhood. At a young age, my dad left his home in Mexico and my mom from Honduras to pursue a better future. Early on, I became aware of the challenges and sacrifices they had made to provide for our family. Despite the hardships, my brother and I were encouraged and supported to prioritize education.

As a first-generation college graduate, I received my BS in biology with a minor in Spanish from the University of California, Riverside. During my time there, I had the opportunity to participate in a medical brigade in Honduras, which solidified my desire to pursue medicine. This experience also gave me a unique perspective on the impact of environmental and socioeconomic factors on health. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I continued to explore the field of medicine, volunteering at an internist clinic near campus and assisting in a physical therapy department while studying abroad in Thailand. After graduation, I worked as an optometry assistant before applying to medical school.

As the first in my family to attend medical school, I graduated from Ross University School of Medicine, where I was a part of the Family Medicine Interest Group and served as president and vice president of the campus OB/GYN Interest Group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I volunteered with the Monterey County Health Department, where I scribed and assisted with the vaccine clinics held throughout the county. It was important to me to participate in providing vaccine access to the farm-working community, which was among the most vulnerable populations. I enjoyed speaking with middle and high school students in Greenfield and King City to discuss medical career opportunities throughout my medical education. During my third year, while doing my Family Medicine rotation, I realized the specialty embodied what I strive to accomplish as a physician, which includes holistic care, versatility, continuity of care, and community involvement.

I am beyond excited to return to the Salinas Valley and join Natividad. I look forward to serving the community that has given me so much. My medical interests include preventative care, rural medicine, and maternal and reproductive health. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, going on long walks with my dog, traveling, and learning about my family ancestry and family tree.

Meghan Zander, MD

University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health

I was born and raised in Wisconsin and am the oldest of 5 siblings. I attended college at UW-Madison and majored in Biology and Spanish. During college, I worked as a personal care worker, an office assistant in research, and during my summers I worked as a cook and waitress at a local restaurant.

After college, I spent 2 years living in Madrid, Spain, teaching English to kids in primary school. While living there, I was able to improve my Spanish skills and immerse myself in Spanish culture. When I returned to the U.S., I worked as a medical assistant at Planned Parenthood in Milwaukee, Wisconsin for 2 years. It was there that I began to truly understand how social determinants affect a person’s health, and that looking at patients on a community level can be useful to understand the unique needs of my patients.

I then began medical school at UWSMPH. I participated in a program called TRIUMPH, where we got training in aspects of public health that affect patient care. As a part of this program, I also completed a longitudinal community project with the Gerald L. Ignace Indian Health center to address the low vaccination rates in the children and adolescents served by the clinic. Additionally, I was a clinic co-coordinator for a student run clinic in Madison, WI, called MEDiC. I also participated as a board member of the PRIDE in healthcare student organization, and assisted with planning the annual LGBTQ+ health summit.

In my 4th year of medical school, I spent 8 weeks rotating in Riobamba, Ecuador. I was able to experience providing medical care in rural areas where patients worked in agriculture. I also took medical Spanish classes in the afternoons, and was able to improve my medical Spanish skills.

I am so thrilled to begin residency at Natividad where I will get a broad scope of training with a focus on community health, and hope to get extra training in reproductive care. I also look forward to using my spanish skills and continue to improve upon them. I’m excited to work with like-minded people focused on advocacy and health equity, and feel privileged to take care of the community of Salinas.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy traveling, playing pool with my partner, reading, cooking, and spending time with my cats Jasper and Felix.

Arome Obende, MD

Tufts University School of Medicine I was born in Abuja, Nigeria, and my family moved to the United States when I was four years old in pursuit of the American dream. Since then, I’ve lived in Raleigh, North Carolina; St. Paul, Minnesota; and Atlanta, Georgia, which I now call home.
My interest in medicine began at an early age when I accompanied my family members to doctor visits, helping them navigate the healthcare system. I quickly realized that their experiences as foreign-born individuals affected the quality of care they received. This sparked my desire to understand and address the disparities in healthcare.
I attended Emory University for my undergraduate studies, where I majored in Sociology. This discipline provided me with the language and framework to comprehend the injustices I observed around me. During my time at Emory, I volunteered at Grady Memorial Hospital, a public hospital in Atlanta, where I gained valuable insights into the medical system. I also had the opportunity to volunteer with a healthcare provider in Nigeria, further expanding my perspective.
After college, I pursued a Master’s in Biomedical Science at Tufts University, where I later continued for medical school. At Tufts, I was involved in a student-run clinic that served migrant populations, which solidified my commitment to working with underserved communities.
I joined Natividad because I wanted to be part of a program with a strong commitment to serving the underserved and a robust women’s health program. I’m also pleased to work alongside residents and providers who share my passion.
Outside of medicine, I enjoy hiking, running, exploring all the things California has to offer and spending time with Maddie, my Corgi puppy.

Jessica Daggett, DO

Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine I was born in San Francisco and raised by my single Mexican American mother with input from my five aunties. I am the eldest of six siblings and have lived throughout California, with most of my family currently residing in Sacramento. My grandfather picked strawberries in the fields of the Central Valley and instilled in me an appreciation for getting one’s hands dirty through agricultural work.

I obtained my BS in Microbiology from UC San Diego with a double minor in History and Healthcare & Social Issues. My minors contributed to my understanding of the socioeconomic barriers to obtaining equitable care. I often volunteered in the border region of San Diego and Tijuana, translating for an international medical relief organization, Tzu Chi. I then spent six years in biotechnology as a quality control chemist before beginning medical school.

I graduated from Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine in Las Cruces, New Mexico. I enjoyed learning more Spanish from my patients, who had often recently immigrated from Central and South America. During COVID-19, I worked with the New Mexico Department of Health to ensure all homebound patients in my county received vaccination. I hand-delivered personal protective equipment and other medical supplies to the Mescalero Reservation. I also volunteered with Border Servant Corps providing medical services to recently arrived immigrants seeking asylum.
I am thrilled to be joining the Natividad team and returning home to Northern California. I am particularly passionate about maternal-infant care and patient empowerment through education.

When not in the hospital, I can be found on the beach with my dog Goofy or playing board games with my co-residents.

Sarah Fraz, MD

University of California, Riverside I was born and raised in the San Francisco Peninsula area by proud Pakistani immigrants. Aside from my parents, my ambition to pursue medicine comes from my two older sisters, who are strong leaders in their roles as an OB-GYN physician and as a computer engineer.
I spent nine years in Riverside, California, where I completed my undergraduate and medical training at the University of California, Riverside. While there, I immersed myself in teaching through supplemental instruction, tutoring, and mentoring roles. It became a passion of mine to pass on the knowledge I acquired to the next generation of clinicians, especially those underrepresented in medicine and from similar backgrounds. I noticed this similar feeling of fulfillment when interacting with patients in my family medicine clinic. It was through my multiple patient and community interactions that I knew family medicine is the specialty for me. It led me to seek a residency program like Natividad, which is dedicated to the community. In
Southern California, I met my amazing husband, who will also start his career as a family medicine physician at Natividad. I am so excited to be offered a position to train at Natividad and look forward to making a home in the area.

Outside of work, I plan to explore the beautiful county of Monterey. In my free time, you can find me on my Peloton, trying out new recipes and restaurants, exploring the great outdoors, and thrifting home decor and furniture.

Bilal Karim, DO

Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine I was born and raised in southern California as the youngest of four siblings in a bustling home. I stayed local to attend Cal Poly Pomona for college, where I got to expand on my interests in mental health, advocacy, community work and teaching. All of those areas of interest culminated in what was already a likely decision to pursue medicine.

After college, I left for Idaho to start medical school. Despite having some reservations about the specialty, for years, I was convinced I would match into psychiatry for residency. Life can have a funny way of not working out how you expected- often for the better. My wife and I
were thrilled to match at Natividad together for Family Medicine, and we look forward to making the most of the experience.

Between years of classes, volunteering in hospitals and working in restaurants, I was fortunate to learn Spanish as a third language. As you can imagine, I didn’t utilize it too often during my medical school experiences in Idaho and South Dakota, but rediscovered my passion for
working with patients who speak Spanish during fourth-year rotations in California.

Aside from the unparalleled training experience, I look forward to exploring the “better half of California” and being close to family again. Some of my passions include reading, exercise, cooking with my wife, hiking, and playing sports. It has always been important for me to not “lose myself” in medicine, and I hope to pick up new hobbies throughout residency like surfing, mixed martial arts, and learning new languages.

Annika Kreye, MD

Medizinische Hochshule Hannover I was born and raised in Hildesheim, Germany. Growing up in a small village near Hildesheim nurtured a greater understanding of community and family. After graduating high school, I developed a passion for science and went to the Technical University of Brunswick to study biotechnology and psychology. Thereafter, I attended Hannover Medical School, where I established an interest in primary care. During my medical school rotations, I found much enjoyment in treating people of all ages. Seeing patients as newborns and watching them grow up fuels my passion to evolve as a physician in the field of full-spectrum medicine.

After my medical school training, I completed my family residency training in Germany, where I later worked in a local clinic for one and a half years as a fully licensed attending. My time practicing in Germany grew my desire to learn more about different cultures. I had the opportunity to treat patients from all around the world and even help families as refugees.

Now I am excited to start a new chapter in my life as a family medicine physician at Natividad hospital. I was drawn to this program for the great community and family-based learning and the opportunity to explore the great outdoors in Monterey County.

Outside of medicine, I have a great passion for traveling and exploring new cultures and languages. Currently, I am taking an effort to learn Spanish. Over the past years, I have traveled to numerous countries and plan to see more of our beautiful world. I also take great pleasure in hiking, bouldering and reading.

Brittany Lore, DO

Pacific Northwest University of Osteopathic Medicine I was raised in Northern California and graduated in 2018 from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo. I then traveled up to Washington to attend Pacific Northwest University (PNWU) for medical school. I am very passionate about women’s health and child development/nutrition, which led me to become a Certified Lactation Educator Counselor and pursue an array of research projects studying mother-infant feeding interactions. Over the years, I have also developed a passion for healthcare education and preventative medicine, which was why I created a health education outreach program to teach elementary-aged students about eating healthy and being active. I have also participated in numerous outreach projects throughout undergrad and medical school, including PNWU’s annual Run for Your Life, Washington State University’s Flu Shot Booth, PNWU’s DO Day on the Hill, and local COVID-19 testing.

Fun Facts: I have a dog named Braxton Hicks – he’s my adventure buddy. I enjoy hiking and have climbed Mt. Shasta and Mt. Whitney in the same week. I love trail running and competed in my first marathon last June. I’m an avid soccer player and golfer when time allows. My family is big on snow activities, and I snowboard and cross-country ski. Also, I now have so many plant babies that I feel like I live in a small forest.

Bao Ly, DO

Touro University of Osteopathic Medicine I grew up in Pomona, California. My family and I emigrated from Vietnam to California when I was 8 years old. My parents were farmers in Vietnam and continued to work in low-income jobs in the US due to lack of resources and fluency in English. I was blessed with the opportunity to become the first in my family to attend college, graduating from UC Irvine where I studied chemistry with an emphasis on biology. Post undergraduate education, I spent two years tutoring algebra and calculus and volunteering at a family medicine clinic. Because of my upbringing and experiences, I developed my interest in working with the low-socioeconomic community in the field of healthcare.

With a good amount of hard work and luck, I earned a chance to study medicine at Touro University in Vallejo, California. My interests in family medicine include preventative medicine and behavioral health. I am grateful to be able to work in Salinas for my residency. I am bilingual and hope to master a third language, Spanish, while serving the community here. I hope to learn and provide the best care for immigrant and low-socioeconomic populations like the ones I grew up in.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy exercising, hiking, gaming and hanging out with friends and family. I have various interests, but I am always interested in learning something new.

Susan Park, MD

Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine I was born and raised in Queens, New York, surrounded by working-class immigrants from all over the world. Steeped in a diverse range of cultures and interested in how they shaped health, I majored in Anthropology and Science in Society at Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. After graduating, I conducted fieldwork with a medical anthropologist in Portland, Oregon, and witnessed how dedicated physicians could skillfully navigate systemic barriers to empower their communities. Determined to walk the same path, I pursued post-baccalaureate studies for medical school while serving at various safety net clinics throughout Oregon, deepening my commitment to community health.

While attending medical school at the Oregon Health and Science University, I helped establish various equity-focused programs, including the Patient Education Collaborative, an initiative to reduce barriers to effective patient communication, and the Social Connection Project, which aimed to address the public health crisis of social isolation. I am passionate about health justice, relational community organizing, and developing meaningful patient partnerships. I feel privileged to be training at Natividad, a program genuinely committed to health equity and serving the community of Salinas.

My professional interests include behavioral health, community health, addiction medicine and LGBTQ+ health. Beyond medicine, I enjoy reading, writing, culinary projects, yoga, outdoor adventures with friends and playing pickleball.

Sebastian Ramos, DO

Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine I am a proud osteopathic physician with a longstanding inclination for mentorship and service. I was born and raised in Santiago, Chile. My childhood was notable for being a Boy Scout, where I learned the importance of our connection to our lands and the communities that live in it. It was also my loving and supporting family who, at an early age, taught me about the value of education in reaching one’s dreams. At the age of 16, I moved to Colorado with my mother and younger brother to complete my last two years of high school, excited yet unsure of how to pursue my life-long dream of becoming a physician. It was the wonderful staff of my school’s pre-collegiate program for first-generation college students who welcomed me and helped me get into college with many scholarships. My gratitude for the program and the community where I lived my first two years were the stepping stones for the physician I aim to be today.

I received a BS in Biological Sciences from the University of Northern Colorado, where I also gained leadership skills in organizing strategies and operations aimed at promoting access to higher education for underrepresented students. My most meaningful work during college was serving as the 14th Annual Latino Youth Leadership Conference director for over 150 8th graders. My commitment to mentorship and service led me to join AmeriCorps soon after graduation, where I served as a teacher assistant and program coordinator of an after-school program. Here, I learned that in order to truly serve a community, we must feel deeply connected to it.

I attended Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. I joined organizations and student-led groups that promoted diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), including SNMA, Medical Spanish Club, and the Student Board for DEI. As the Coordinator of Training and Education from the latter, I organized the first Summit for DEI at Rocky Vista University, which continues every year. I also co-wrote a how-to manual on how to best address and acknowledge racial and ethnic health disparities in medical education. My passion for community engagement, mentorship, and service as a way of fostering healing made my decision to pursue a career in Family Medicine a simple one. As a National Health Service Corps Scholar, I hope to join an FQHC and serve a community in which I feel a deep connection to, all while continuing his mission of providing access to higher education and quality health care to underrepresented communities. My medical interests include medical literacy, health disparities, community medicine, maternal and reproductive health, global health and HIV medicine. Outside of the hospital life, I enjoy hiking, camping, doing arts and crafts with my partner Heidi, and playing video games.

Tolulope Adepoju

University of Lagos College of Medicine, Lagos, Nigeria I was born and raised in Nigeria as the third child in a family of six. From a young age, I knew I wanted to make a difference in the lives of others, and I found that medicine was the perfect way to do that. I took charge of my family’s health by accompanying my parents, grandparents, and siblings to doctor appointments and urgent care visits when they were sick and also monitoring their medication, all of which deepened my love for medicine.

My mother has been a significant source of inspiration for me. She taught me the values of hard work and compassion and encouraged me to always strive to be my best. She showed me that I am never too old to chase my dreams, as she started her PhD in Theology after giving birth to her last child, a set of twins.

I earned my first degree, a BSc in Biochemistry, from the University of Ilorin. Afterward, I worked for a few years as a senior medical laboratory scientist, where I served as a lab instructor and taught medical students. I then pursued my medical degree at the University of Lagos College of Medicine, where I earned my MBBS. During medical school, I became the secretary general of the Christian Medical and Dental Association chapter, where I organized and led several groups of nursing, medical, and dental students on rural medical missions to underserved communities in Lagos and the surrounding states.

After graduation, I worked in rural and resource-poor communities as an emergency physician, providing care in both the ER and urgent care settings. I also served as a locum general practitioner in hospital and medical mission settings.

With extensive experience primarily in underserved areas, I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to complete my residency at Natividad FM. This position allows me to give my best to similarly underserved communities like the one I grew up in.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my immediate and church family. I also love taking long walks with my wonderful husband, cooking, listening to music, and reading.

Ginger Tissier, MD

Trinity School of Medicine I grew up in the SF Bay Area. My mom was a teacher, and my dad was in the Navy, but both had career changes and ended up working 2-3 jobs each. They encouraged me to explore and keep an open mind, but always maintain a focus on service and community. I completed my undergraduate studies at UC Berkeley in 2003 with a BA in molecular cell biology with minors in forestry and human nutrition. For 15 years I had the privilege to work and serve communities in areas of forestry, agriculture, international development, and small business development that exposed me to people from all walks of life. In my pursuits, I have felt very fortunate to live in many places, following the unlikely trajectory from SF to the Sierra Nevada to East San Diego County to Ithaca and Cortland County, NY to Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Senegal, to Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Chicago, Baltimore, Washington DC, rural Georgia, NYC, Appalachia, before returning to California. I served as a Peace Corps volunteer, completed an MPS in Crop and Soil Sciences at Cornell and received my MD from Trinity School of Medicine in the Caribbean. My training in medicine, as well as prior experience, built the foundation and developed my passion to dedicate my life to working with underserved populations. I hope to one day provide for my patients in and beyond the exam room as an advocate to address biopsychosocial disparities.

I am excited to be part of the Natividad team. It is wonderful to be back in California, close to friends and family after so many years away. In my free time, I try to find time to go hiking, biking, or spend time with my pup. In the future, I hope to have a broad-spectrum practice in a rural setting to support my community across the lifespan with a special interest in addressing women’s health needs.

Alejandro Anaya-Rocha, MD

Univ. of California Davis I am the proud son of Mexican immigrants who was born in Gilroy, but raised in Watsonville, California. Being a first-generation college student has been both challenging and rewarding. I attended Cabrillo Community College before transferring to UC Santa Cruz (UCSC). After graduating from UCSC in June 2017 I moved to Bethesda, MD where I worked as a Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow at the National Institutes of Health for two years. I then returned to California, where I attended UC Davis School of Medicine (UCDSOM). This is where I gained an all-encompassing perspective of medicine and the ability to personally connect with patients of various backgrounds.

My perspective on health care straddles two worlds — the one I experienced in medical school while working at Kaiser Permanente and that of my lived experiences dealing with the shortcomings of the health care system in underserved communities. In my community some of the main health concerns are chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease, and substance use disorders. I am confident that having access to culturally competent clinicians will help address many of these problems. Now that I have returned home,  I am thrilled to be at Natividad, working to provide full spectrum, compassionate and integrated care for the underserved.

In my free time I enjoy being outdoors, exercising, trying different foods, cooking with friends, and spending time with my friends and family.

Alexandra Arnold, MD

American Univ. of the Caribbean I was raised in Klamath Falls, Oregon by my mother and grandparents who instilled a strong work ethic and compassion for all. My grandmother suffers from Paget’s Disease of the Bone. I often accompanied her to appointments and helped care for her after numerous procedures. The time I spent with her eventually exposed my yearning to study medicine. With the support of my family, I graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Microbiology and Chemistry.

During Medical School at the American University of the Caribbean, I worked with the Sint Maarten AIDS Foundation to provide education and free HIV testing for the local community. My involvement with the foundation led me to obtain an Ambassador position with the AIDS Advocacy Network. I worked with other passionate medical students to reduce stigma and transmission of the virus while working alongside legislation to end the HIV pandemic. I would like to expand my education in HIV and Global Health while working with underserved populations. I chose to continue my medical training at Natividad because of the strong roots in Community Medicine and Global Health involvement.

In addition to the robust education offered at Natividad, I am excited to explore Monterey County and the surrounding areas. As a native Oregonian, I am overjoyed to return to the West Coast. Nature has always played a significant part in my healing and spirituality. I hope to discover new trails and spend quality time reconnecting with the Pacific Ocean. Along with my fondness for the outdoors, I’m an avid coffee drinker, enjoy live music, and prefer sunrises to sunsets.

Eleanor Battino, MD

Rush University Medical Center I grew up in a small town in central Wisconsin as the oldest of 6 in a fun and hectic household. I then went to Carleton College in Minnesota, where I studied Economics. After graduation, I worked at a non profit organization in Nicaragua called AMOS Health & Hope, where I worked with community health workers to identify community needs and work towards addressing them together. I was so inspired by the collaborations between community health workers, other community leaders, and healthcare workers, and I knew I wanted to do that kind of work in the future.

I went to medical school at Rush Medical College in Chicago, where I was part of the Family Medicine Leadership Program and was involved in several community projects including a community garden and health education classes in local public schools.

I’m thrilled to be training at Natividad, a program and institution that is committed to caring for everyone. I was drawn to this program due to the focus on full spectrum family medicine and intentional community engagement and social justice. I’m interested in obstetrics, reproductive health, community-based participatory research, and Health at Every Size.

Outside of medicine, I love to spend time outside and am looking forward to exploring all of the beautiful nature that the area has to offer. I also love to read and try new foods.

Victor Carrasco, MD

Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. After suffering from two herniated discs in my back as a teenager, I developed a strong interest in understanding the anatomy and pathophysiology of my injury and how to heal it. Driven by my passion for athletics and newfound knowledge of anatomy and physiology, I obtained a degree in Exercise Science from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona and continued my athletic career. I attended medical school at the Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara in Guadalajara, Mexico and completed my clinical clerkships in Tucson, Arizona.

My life experiences and medical education have made me realize that Family Medicine represents the framework from which I want to practice medicine and provide care. I am passionate about developing meaningful patient relationships, empowering patients, and serving as an advocate for them in their healthcare journey. Growing up in a predominantly Hispanic and underserved community myself, and volunteering in similar populations, my goal as a Family Medicine physician is to bring awareness to and support those whose needs are not sufficiently met by providing the care, dignity, and respect all people deserve.

I am grateful to be part of the Natividad Family where there is a strong foundation of teamwork, community, and full spectrum training that will allow me to best serve the community of Salinas, California. My professional interests include sports medicine, public health, point-of-care ultrasound, and procedures. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, attending sporting events, being outdoors, playing the guitar, reading, and cooking.

Helen Marie Colliton, DO

Western University I was raised in Plano, TX by parents who closely resemble the couple in the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding” with a quiet Midwestern family on my Father’s side and a rowdy Armenian family on my Mother’s side. From Texas, I attended Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA, and received a BA in Chemistry. Grinnell exposed me to barriers people have accessing medical care in rural areas. It also helped me realize that as a medical provider, it is my duty to fight inequities that have been institutionalized in medical care. After college, I volunteered at a crisis center for survivors of sexual violence where I learned the importance of earnest listening and trauma-informed care. These experiences coupled with my interests in health and science sparked my passion for providing comprehensive and compassionate primary care and reducing healthcare disparities in underserved communities.

While attending Western University of Health Sciences COMP in Pomona, CA, my passion for Family Medicine and health advocacy grew stronger through volunteering and caring for patients. I helped design a bilingual (English and Spanish) project to promote mental health education at schools in the Inland Empire, as well as mentored students as part of the Pomona Health Career Ladder project. Many of my clinical rotations were located in South-Central California where I became familiar with barriers to healthcare within majority Latinx agricultural worker populations. I am beyond excited and honored to continue serving and advocating for these communities at Natividad.

My medical interests include full-spectrum Family Medicine, behavioral health, comprehensive women’s and reproductive health, community medicine, HIV medicine, addiction medicine, and LGBTQ+ health. Apart from medicine, I love to be outside – hiking, camping, backpacking, and gardening. I also enjoy cooking, singing, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.

Chun Ning Hu, DO

Touro University of Osteopathic Medicine I go by  “Ningning.” I was born in Taipei, Taiwan and immigrated with my family to the San Francisco Bay Area at the age of 6. I spent most of my childhood in Clayton, CA, a small city nestled at the base of Mount Diablo, learning the value of hard work from my parents who took on multiple jobs to make ends meet.

While getting my BA in Public Health at UC Berkeley, I utilized my Mandarin skills to establish an afterschool program for youths from low-income immigrant households in SF Chinatown and served as a Labor Coach for limited English proficiency patients. I also explored my interest in global and community health as a peer advisor for students engaged in diverse fieldwork that critically examined issues of poverty and inequality. Through my own fieldwork experience on international medical mission trips and my semester abroad in Argentina, I developed an understanding of cultural humility and a passion for equitable access to healthcare.

After graduating, I spent my gap year as a medical scribe for family medicine providers at an FQHC in Oakland, CA. I remember feeling unsettled by the unmet social determinants of health, which strengthened my desire to care and advocate for underserved communities. In medical school, I sought opportunities to become more competent to address health disparities and connect with populations in need such as by providing osteopathic manipulative treatments to individuals experiencing homelessness who taught me some of the greatest lessons in compassion.

As a 3rd-year medical student at Natividad, I was inspired by the mission-driven community, humbled by the resilience of the Latinx population, and excited by the full-spectrum family medicine training. I am grateful to be back to serve the community of Salinas! Outside of medicine, I enjoy being in nature, visiting family, playing music with friends, helping at church, and practicing Spanish.

Stephanie Morales, MD

Ross Univ. School of Medicine I was born in San Luis Obispo, California at the age of 5 my family relocated to Kingsburg, a small community in Fresno County. My parents are immigrants from Guanajuato, Mexico. They have been my biggest inspiration and my biggest supporters. I am the oldest of 3 children and the first in my family to pursue higher education.

For undergrad I attended California State University, Fresno and graduated with a B.S. in Biology. Prior to medical school I was a substitute teacher for a local school district. For medical school I attended Ross University School of Medicine on the beautiful island country of Dominica. During my time on the island I was given the unique opportunity to participate in Salybia Mission Project, a student run organization that provides healthcare for Dominica’s indigenous community. For clinical clerkships I found myself back in California (Southern San Joaquin Valley). As a 3rd and 4th year medical student I discovered my passion for working in underserved communities, women’s health, and health education.

Outside of medicine I enjoy spending time with loved ones (including pets), traveling, outdoor activities, baking, sporting events, trying new cuisines, and puzzles.

Henry Sanchez Ortigoza, MD

Rutgers New Jersey Medical School Two short days after my 9th birthday, my mother and I immigrated to Orlando, FL from Bogota, Colombia. We came with a suitcase full of dreams and a handful of English phrases. Months went by and the reality of being an immigrant in the United States sank in. We faced the hardships that come with learning a new language, living miles away from family, and climbing the socioeconomic ladder. As a family physician in Colombia, my mother had access to the best care available. Here, we were uninsured for years to come. We feared not being understood or cared for in hospitals as we seldom encountered Spanish speaking physicians. Living through some of the inequalities that Latinx patients face in our healthcare system inspired me to pursue medicine.

I obtained my B.S in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of South Florida before attending Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. It was during my time in medical school where I discovered my passion for family medicine. On the floors, I saw the impact that the lack of preventive care has on patient outcomes, specially in black and Latinx communities. My heart ached knowing that increased access to healthcare and health literacy may have avoided my patient’s catastrophic stroke/MI/DKA. As a future family physician, my goal is to help my patients live healthy lives in mind, body, and spirit. During my M4, I had the honor of rotating at Natividad and quickly fell in love with the community and mission of the program. Words cannot describe my excitement in joining Natividad in caring for the Latinx community with compassion and kindness.

My professional interests include reproductive health, point-of-care ultrasound, palliative/end of life care, community medicine, and health education.

Outside of medicine, I love snuggling with my cat, Buster, and watching binge-worthy shows like Rick & Morty or Ozark. I enjoy late night video game sessions with my friends. When the sun’s out, I like cycling or exploring new hiking trails.

Marie Schilling, MD

Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara I was raised in San Mateo, the granddaughter of a botanist who grew flowers in Watsonville and South San Francisco. My parents instilled the value of community service in me by taking me to serve food to homeless people, build local low-income housing, and pick up litter. This value of service developed into my desire to help people by becoming a doctor.

I attended University of California at San Diego for college, where I studied biology and political science. After graduating, I worked as a medical assistant at an allergy and pulmonology clinic. My desire to become a family physician was sparked from my experience volunteering at a free clinic under medical students, residents, and attendings in Jackson, Mississippi, where I completed a master’s degree. The free clinic opened my eyes to the medically underserved community and set me on the path to seek medical equity for all.

During medical school in Mexico, we visited migrant shelters to offer medical care to those attempting the treacherous journey on La Bestia from Central America to the United States. Then, during clinical rotations in Reno, Nevada, I joined a student outreach group to help screen members of the Latinx community for hypertension and diabetes. More recently, we were able to assist at bilingual vaccine clinics. These were valuable experiences which I believe have helped prepare me to be a resident at Natividad, serving migrant workers who may have passed through the shelters I visited in Mexico.

My professional interests include preventative care, family planning, medication assisted treatment of opioid use disorder, patient advocacy, and outpatient procedures, particularly point of care ultrasound. Outside of medicine I enjoy any time I may spend outdoors, particularly on the water, and trying new restaurants with friends and family.