We are full spectrum Family Medicine.
Our graduates are empowered to serve with continuity of care in all settings, valuing all peoples.
(805) 652-6228
VENTURA COUNTY FAMILY MEDICINE
CLASS OF 2029
SOPHIE BANEGAS, M.D.
Hi, I’m Sophie!
My pronouns are: She/They
Medical School: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, Sociology, with a concentration in Neuroscience from Grinnell College (Iowa)
Master of Science: Anatomy- University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine;
I've previously worked as a: Birth doula, a nanny, and the manager of the Grinnell College Men’s basketball and Women’s soccer teams
Why I'm at VCMC: VCMC had all of the things I was looking for on paper - full-spectrum FM, lots of OB and procedures, and right by the beach! When I visited for my interview, the residents who gave us a tour were super friendly with the hospital staff and I knew this was the place I wanted to train.
Things that matter to me: Full-spectrum reproductive healthcare, reducing health disparities, farm worker health
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: Be a full-spectrum reproductive health provider! Whether that’s delivering babies, prescribing birth control, or doing vasectomies and abortions - I’d like to meet whatever family planning needs my patients might have
In the future, I want to: Stay curious. You don’t know what you don’t know until you ask!
In my free time, I like to (hobbies, interests, passions)... Skate, run, dance at my roommates DJ sets, and go to the beach :)
JOSEPH ELKINS, M.D.
Hi, I’m Joseph!
Medical School: Loma Linda University
Graduate: M.A. Religion and Society, Loma Linda University
Undergraduate: Corban University, Salem, OR
I've previously worked as a… Invasive Vegetation Extraction Specialist (aka hired by my mom to pull weeds in the yard), summer camp coordinator, tutor, academic coach.
Why I'm at VCMC: VCMC had a unique mystique to me; it offers intense inpatient training alongside faculty and colleagues who see medicine as more than a job. When I did a sub-I, I was impressed by the residents' procedural competency and holistic care for patients.
Also, I'm a sucker for unlimited free food.
​Things that matter to me: My faith, teaching/mentorship, ultrasound, intensive care.
In the future, I want to (future practice): I envision practicing in a rural hospital with an open ICU and/or in academic medicine. I'm interested in exploring sustainable and ethical international medicine as well.
The best advice I've ever gotten: Don't be led by comfort, fear or pride.
In my free time, I like to: I love to hike, read (especially the Lord of the Rings), dance, learn martial arts, and sing. I adore my younger sister, who still writes me letters as she travels and works in wildlife biology. My Christian faith is super important to me as well -- feel free to chat with me about the intersection of religion/spirituality & medicine!
CHRISTINA "AHJI" GUYN, M.D.
Hi, I’m… Ahji!
My pronouns are: She/Her/Hers
Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, Chicago, IL
Undergrad: DePaul University, Chicago, IL
Why I'm at VCMC: What makes the graduates of this program truly stand out is not only their depth of clinical knowledge and experience, but also their genuine compassion for their patients and the broader community.
I previously worked as a... front desk person at a gym, EMT
Things that mater to me: Women's health, palliative care, hospital medicine
The best advice I was ever given was: Be Kind :)
In my free time, I like to... cook, read, watercolors, hit my step count, spend time with family and friends, snowboarding
MARY HARRIS, M.D.
Hi, I am Mary!
My pronouns are: She/Her/Hers
Medical School: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
Undergraduate: College of the Holy Cross
I've previously worked as an... I was a manager of an HIV Prevention and Screening team, and worked with individuals who were unhoused with substance use disorders.
Why I'm at VCMC: I grew up in Simi Valley and I loved the idea of coming back to serve my community!
Things that matter to me: I am passionate about providing high-quality, compassionate care in addiction medicine, women’s health, and pediatrics. My focus is on supporting vulnerable populations through holistic, patient-centered approaches that emphasize advocacy, prevention, and long-term wellness.
The Best Advice I've Ever Gotten: “Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud.” - Maya Angelou
In my free time, I like to...I love to take my dog to the beach, go on hikes, and explore new restaurants in Ventura! I enjoy cooking, traveling, and recently taught myself to knit!
SUZANNA KWAK, D.O.
Hi, I’m… Suzanna!
Medical School: A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Arizona
Undergraduate: UCSD B.S. in Human Biology
I previously worked as... Barista and Office Supervisor of a Community Health Clinic.
Why VCMC: VCMC stood out to me because of its reputation as a rigorous unopposed program with a strong history of producing capable and compassionate physicians. Although I was initially intimidated, I completed a sub-internship and had an incredible experience. The supportive team, challenging training, and amazing patients confirmed this was the place where I could grow into the doctor I want to be. The beachy vibe adds a sense of home that makes the program feel even more right for me.
Things that matter to me: Faith, serving the underserved locally and abroad, teaching and mental health.
In the future, I want to: Teach, inpatient/outpatient, and go on medical mission trips.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is:
Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.
(1 Corinthians 13: 4-7)
In my free time, I like to... I love to play games, dance, and read nonfictions mainly about self-growth and faith. I'm also into anything creative: painting, crafting accessories, and just making things with my hands. Also, shout out to my dog Marti, who's always by my side acting like my tiny bodyguard while I do all of these.​​​​​​​​​​
CHRISTINE LAM, D.O.
Hi! I am Christine!
Pronouns: She/Her
Medical School: Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: B.S. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, UC Davis
I previously worked as: a Medical Assistant in an Urgent Care, EMT, cell culture associate, purification manufacturing associate
Why VCMC: VCMC offers the space to build meaningful, first-line connections with the community while growing into the kind of physician who shows up with compassion and support through both the small and bigger moments in people’s lives. I value empowering patients to take charge of their well-being, and I’m eager not only to find my place in serving this community, but also to learn from the strength, stories, and wisdom of the people who call it home.
Things that matter to me: Obstetrics, Women's Health, Pediatrics, Newborn care, sports medicine, underserved medicine, global medicine
The best advice I've ever gotten was: You grow more by listening than by speaking—because when you speak, you only hear what you already know, but when you listen, you open yourself to what someone else can teach you.
In my free time, I like to... Spend time with family, explore new places to eat, go to the beach, listen to music, snowboard​
LINDSAY NAGATANI-SHORT, M.D., M.P.H.
Hi, I’m… Lindsay!
Pronouns: She/Her
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California (MD/MPH)
Undergraduate: B.A. Environmental Studies, UC Santa Cruz
I previously worked as: a cashier/produce stacker/forklift driver at Whole Foods, retail salesperson, seller at a TCG (trading card games) store, and other assorted customer service jobs.
Why VCMC: there just isn't a residency program like it if you want full-spectrum Family Medicine training! Plus, the patient population is so special here and I knew I wanted to continue serving a county population.
Things that matter to me: reproductive justice, inpatient medicine (heart failure!), LGBTQ+ health care, health equity/justice
In the future, I want to (future practice): do everything! I have yet to discover an aspect of medicine that I'm not obsessed with. I hope to maintain the holistic continuity of primary care from the clinic to the emergency room to the hospital floor to my patient's home with everything that comes in between. Wherever I am needed most will determine where I end up!
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: "not all those who wander are lost."
In my free time, I like to: play Dungeons & Dragons, explore local farmer's markets, read fantasy books curled up with my two cats, and get a good's night sleep!
SANG "JUN" PARK, M.D.
Hi! I am Jun
Pronouns: He/Him
Medical School: University of Texas at Austin
Graduate: University of Texas at Austin M.S. in Healthcare Transformation
Undergraduate: University of Notre Dame B.S. in Science Pre-Professional
I previously worked as: A medical assistant and a tutor
Why VCMC: I plan on providing care for those in low-resource settings both domestically and internationally, and with VCMC's robust training, I believe I would come out residency well prepared to take care of patients regardless of the circumstances.
Things that matter to me: Health equity, mentoring
In the future, I want to (future practice): Practice full spectrum medicine in academic and low-resource settings.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: Be intentional about your relationships.
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: Play basketball, cook, travel
ALEXIS PELLECER, M.D.
Hi!! I am Alexis!
Pronouns: She/her/Ella
Medical school: University of California Irvine, Program in Education for the Latino Community (PRIME-LC)
Undergraduate: B.S. Microbiology, University of California Santa Barbara
I previously worked as a: a carny at the county fair , waitress at AMC Dine-In, direct support professional at a behavioral and developmental living facility, and case manager at numerous transitional living facilities
Why VCMC: As a family med doc interested in harm reduction and under-served medicine, I wanted to be part of a training program where I would gain confidence and a strong clinical foundation to mitigate high acuity emergencies, gain proficiency in procedural skills, manage withdrawal in an inpatient setting and, integrate a dynamic approach towards patients with complex medical needs and significant socioeconomic barriers. Informed through my own personal and lived experience, as a Latina, I am very proud to serve our community here in Ventura with the integrity and dignity the hardworking agricultural labor force of this country deserves.
Things that matter to me: Harm Reduction, Health Equity, Trauma-Informed Care, Substance-Use Medicine, Global Health, Alternative Medicine, Antiracism in Medicine
In the future I want to: Part of what drew me to family medicine is its malleability. I am open to serving my community as a street medicine doc , meeting people where they are at, going back to my roots in Guatemala and serving my community in rural clinics or serving as more of an emergency medicine/wilderness medicine type of role once I graduate. As an integrated fellowship, all of these varied interests are well supported and I appreciate that I can gain some extra experience and mentorship in these areas prior to independent practice to help narrow in my desired scope of practice.
The best advice I’ve gotten: Camarón que se duerme, se lo lleva la corriente
"The shrimp that sleeps, gets carried away by the current"
In my free time, I like to: play soccer, practice muay thai, salsa dance, or garden (or at least try to) and enjoy some fun in the sun with my friends and family either with a leisurely picnic or day on the beach
HANA KOBAYASHI SHAPIRO, M.D.
Hi! I am Hana!
Pronouns: She/Her
Medical School: Drexel University College of Medicine
Undergraduate: Biochemistry with English minor, Northeastern University
I previously worked as: Breast cancer biologist, biochemistry tutor, dessert lounge hostess, line cook
Why VCMC: The location and training! While I'm still a Jersey girl at heart, I love the access to both beaches and mountains when I'm not learning everything I can in the hospital. Having such amazing and passionate colleagues and mentors to inspire me to be the best I can be for my patients.
Things that matter to me: Women's health, geriatrics, bioethics, community-centered health(care) justice
In the future, I want to: Full-spectrum, community oriented, with lots of opportunity for advocacy! Allowing my skill and dedication to lifelong learning to lead me to where I need to be. Integrating sociopolitical theory into medical education and practice.
The Best Advice I've Ever Gotten Is: If the cause is just, never take no for an answer.
Hobbies & Interests: Birdwatching, writing/reading poetry, surfing, hiking
JASON SHENOI, M.D.
Hi! I am Jason!
Medical School: Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine
Masters: Masters of Engineering Texas A&M School of Engineering Medicine
Undergraduate: Bachelors of Science in Biomedical Engineering University of Texas at Austin
I previously worked as: A laboratory technician and have done contract engineering work for a variety of companies
Why VCMC: I chose VCMC because I was looking for a full-spectrum family medicine program that would allow me to explore the breadth of clinical practice while receiving strong, hands-on training. As a medical student, I was drawn to the variety within medicine, but especially valued the time spent in clinic and the meaningful connections with patients. When it came time to choose a residency, I wanted a program that would prepare me to provide high-quality care in any setting. VCMC came highly recommended, and my experience here has confirmed why. The attendings are not only exceptionally knowledgeable but also deeply committed to teaching. The entire team is dedicated to supporting our growth as well-rounded, compassionate physicians.
Things that matter to me: Device Research and Development, Rural Surgery and Medicine, Global Health
In the future, I want to (my future practice): In the future I want to practice in a rural setting devoting 70% of my time to clinical medicine with an emphasis on ER, Surgical, and ICU care. The other 30% of my time I hope to spend ideating and innovating novel devices based on my experience out in the field.
The best advice I was ever given: Just be yourself because everyone else was already taken.
In my free time, I like to: play violin and guitar. I am also a huge fan of running, biking, and playing ultimate frisbee.
JACKSON STORM, M.D.
Hi, I am Jackson!
Medical School: Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Dartmouth College
I previously worked as: Farmer's Market vendor, handyman's assistant, student assistant in the Map Room, EMT during undergrad, AmeriCorps VISTA public health program manager, and community health worker
Why VCMC: The mission and hardworking spirit attracted me to VCMC! I wanted full-spectrum family medicine skills to prepare me to serve the Indian Health Service well and to feel confident working wherever the journey takes me after that.
Things that matter to me: sports medicine, tribal health, food and movement as medicine, spiritual health, addiction medicine
In the future, I want to (future practice): serve as a full-spectrum family med doc for a smaller community in a beautiful place.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: Don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has enough worry of its own!
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: I have fun doing and learning about most things! Typically, I like to run, hike, climb, fish, eat, dig in the dirt, read, look at maps, and spend time with loved ones.
MICAH TRAUTWEIN, M.D.
Hi! My name is Micah!
Pronouns: she/her/ella
Medical Education: Geisel School of Medicine
Certification: Spanish Community Interpreting, Middlebury Institute of International Studies
Undergraduate: Human Biology, Stanford University
I previously worked as: elementary school teacher, nursing assistant, Spanish medical interpreter, and emergency room technician.
Why VCMC: patients from all walks of life, community-based care, high volume, full-spectrum training, opportunities to learn critical care.
In the future, I want to (future practice): partner with individuals and communities in a medically underserved setting such as a critical access hospital.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: The idea that some lives matter less is the root of all that is wrong with the world.
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: run, row, cook with friends, explore the outdoors.
LINDSAY YUEN, M.D.
Hi! I am Lindsay.
Pronouns: she/her
Medical School: University of California, Irvine School of Medicine (LEAD-ABC)
Undergraduate: Psychology and Social Behavior UC Irvine
I previously worked as: a photographer at Sears (I was not very good), an admin assistant at a toy and game company, a paralegal, an operations associate at a fashion start-up, a UX design apprentice, a scribe (and later, a scribe manager) at a health tech start-up, and a QI associate at a hospital
Why VCMC: Because I know that VCMC will provide me the rigorous and well-rounded training I'll need to be the best physician possible, because that is what our most vulnerable and under-resourced communities deserve. It is also a program that I hope will help me develop the strong foundation that will allow me to continue learning throughout my career - you'll see below that my areas of interest span the gamut, so these four years will be just the beginning. Ventura also has amazing community organizations that I am excited to work with, because I want to learn about and help to create community- and policy-level change that extends beyond the healthcare realm (I'm a firm believer that all policy becomes health policy at the end of the day).
Things that matter to me: health equity (locally and globally), abolition medicine, disability justice, reproductive justice, LGBTQ care, community/political organizing. Generally speaking, the things that will help to create a world in which everyone can truly be healthy and well. This list isn't exhaustive, and I'm trying to learn more and get better everyday.
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: consume Seventeen content (that's a K-pop band I love, I am a *carat*), hang out with my friends/family/partner/cats, read, be outdoors in a non-exertional way, stand in the ocean getting pummeled by waves, karaoke (in my case, this means singing poorly), and dance (which I also do poorly).