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 2030
NASH ALLAN-RAHILL, M.D.
Hi, I’m Nash!
My pronouns are: He/They
Medical School: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science, Bioengineering, Cornell University
I've previously worked as a: Landscaper, engineer, tutor
Why I'm at VCMC: Why not? VCMC offers everything I was looking for in a residency: incredible people, supportive peers, and outstanding full-spectrum training. When I visited, I was struck by all the physicians, nurses, and staff who consistently go above and beyond for patients. I'm grateful for the opportunity to serve this community, train in a stunning place, and develop the skills to practice full-spectrum family medicine wherever my career takes me.
Things that matter to me: Reproductive care, critical care, and emergency medicine. Sustainability.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is:
In the future, I want to: I would love to work in a rural or remote area either nationally or abroad, seeing primary care patients in clinic, covering the ER, attending inpatient, and providing high risk obstetrical care.
In my free time, I like to (hobbies, interests, passions)... I love outdoor activities like trail running, biking, surfing, skiing, and backpacking. I also love building and fixing things, relaxing on the beach, reading, and hanging out with friends and family.
TEJASVI AYYAGARI, M.D.
Hi! I’m Tejasvi!
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science, Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
I've previously worked as a… A Starbucks barista (from cold brews to now code blues), a caregiver/medical technician, an anatomy TA in medical school, and an EMR specialist at the hospital where I did my clinical training!
Why I'm at VCMC: I chose VCMC because of how welcomed I felt during my interview day and at my second look. This program embodies a strong commitment to underserved communities, broad-spectrum training, and procedural competency—qualities I deeply value in a residency. The residents and faculty made me feel at home, and I knew it was the right place to grow into a well-rounded family physician.
Things that matter to me: I am interested in pursuing hospital medicine as well as street medicine, with a strong emphasis on procedural training and maintaining continuity of care with my patients both inside and outside the hospital.
In the future, I want to (future practice): Ideally, I want to have a good mix of inpatient and outpatient but also procedural training, as well as helping with street medicine!
The best advice I've ever gotten: "Do you know what makes a good doctor great? Knowing what you can and can't do"
In my free time, I like to: I love working out, playing video games, and cooking!!
REBECA BOSQUES, D.O.
Hi, I’m… Rebeca!
My pronouns are: She/Her
Languages Spoken: Spanish
Medical School: University of North Texas Health, Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad: Bachelors of Science, Biology, Minor in Business, University of Texas at Austin
Why I'm at VCMC: I was looking for a program that would allow me to become the best physician I can be through full-spectrum medicine and an emphasis on caring for the underserved. VCMC is the perfect match, as it has a long history of training outstanding family medicine physicians. When I learned about the program, I knew that this is where I belonged and this was the place where I could make an impact on the community.
I previously worked as a... As a receptionist for a urology private practice, as an administrative coordinator at a non-profit free family medicine clinic, and as a frozen yogurt server at Pinkberry.
Things that mater to me: Global medicine, patient-centered care, life-long learning.
In the future, I want to (future practice): I hope to one day to build meaningful connection with the women and children of my community, providing full spectrum care through all stages and events in their lives.
The best advice I was ever given was: Todo tiene su tiempo.
In my free time, I like to... Play and lounge with my dog, Avena (Miss Oat). Spend quality time with my loved ones. I also enjoy running, walking, yoga, kickboxing, Pilates, strength training, crocheting, reading, and relaxing at home.
JULIA CAMILLERI, D.O.
Hi, I am Julia!
My pronouns are: She/Her
Medical School: Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science, Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, University of California, David
I've previously worked as an... Health Service Specialist for Planned Parenthood, Barista for Peet's Coffee
Why I'm at VCMC: The training at VCMC will help me become a well-rounded physician who can confidently manage whatever life throws at my patients. Additionally, I look forward to training with the outstanding obstetrics team here, and hope to heavily incorporate obstetrics and trauma-informed care into my future practice.
Things that matter to me: Continuity of care, trauma-informed care, women's health, advocacy
In the future, I want to (future practice): I hope to one day to build meaningful connection with the women and children of my community, providing full spectrum care through all stages and events in their lives.
The Best Advice I've Ever Gotten: Be like a duck! Let the small things brush past me "like water off a duck's back".
In my free time, I like to... bake, read/watch horror, sing, hike, kayak
PRIYA CROUSORE, M.D.
Hi, I’m Priya!
Medical School: Keck School of Medicine at USC, Primary Care Program
Undergraduate: Bachelors of Science, Global Health, USC
I previously worked as... a Nordstrom sales associate in New York, a ranch hand in Arizona
Why VCMC: I rotated here as a 3rd and 4th year medical student and felt right at home. I quickly fell in love with the full spectrum of family medicine, the shared mission of providing quality care within a county system, and living right by the beach.
Things that matter to me: Acute/critical care, rural health, mentorship
In the future, I want to: have my own clinic in a small town and assume full care of a small patient panel, from their primary care and women's health outpatient to admitting them to the hospital and contributing to their inpatient care, including acute and critical care.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: a setback is a set up for a comeback
In my free time, I like to... Run, lift, horseback ride, snowboard, and play pickleball.
ADAM ELIAV, M.D.
Hi, I’m… Adam.
Medical School: Sackler School of Medicine at Tel Aviv University
Undergraduate: Bachelors of Science, Human Biology, UCLA
I previously worked as... Lab Researcher and Waiter
Why VCMC: I chose Ventura County Medical Center because of the exceptional breadth and depth of Clinical experience that the program offers. VCMC provides residents with meaningful, hands-on responsibility and exposure to a diverse patient population, including medically complex and challenging cases. I believe that a rigorous and high-acuity environment will strengthen my ability to provide better care for my patients.
Things that matter to me: Preventative medicine, Active lifestyles, long term patient relationships
In the future, I want to: Broad spectrum care with opportunities for teaching future physicians.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: “This too shall pass.”
In my free time, I like to... Surf, play sports, and spend time with family
HELAINA HURBAN, M.D.
Hi, I’m Helaina!
My pronouns are: They/Them
Medical School: Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Undergraduate: I obtained a dual degree in Biomedical Engineering and Applied Mathematics and Statistics from Stony Brook University on Long Island in New York. I always had my eyes on medical school, but I was always better at math and physics than the life sciences, which led me towards the engineering/math degree.
I previously worked as: A community health volunteer with the Peace Corps in a small country in the South Pacific called Vanuatu. My experience there was so unique and while medicine there may look quite different from how we practice here, we still focused on primary care and preventative medicine for all age groups. I may not have been aware of it at the time, but my time with the Peace Corps definitely set me on a path towards Family Medicine.
Why VCMC: When searching for residency programs, I knew I wanted a program that would train me in OB care and full spectrum family medicine. This program is recognized nationally as one that trains amazing graduates, and I know will set me up to practice in any setting I might find myself in in the future. VCMC’s location near one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever seen also didn’t hurt!
Things that matter to me: In no particular order, because I am equally excited for all of the following, I am most excited to practice OB/prenatal/intrapartum care, abortion care, global medicine, and LGBTQ+/gender affirming care.
In the future, I want to (future practice): I always see myself practicing in a low resource area with an underserved patient population. I have this vision of spending half of the year at an FQHC or similar clinical setting in the states, and then the other half of the year abroad. I think that will be doable until a certain point where I feel ready to settle down, and at that point I hope to find myself at an academic facility where I can also do some teaching/mentoring.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: To recognize that if you find yourself on any kind of a non-traditional path, advice and guidance specific to that path will be hard to come by. Folks may always be happy to offer advice, but the person who knows your goals/dreams best is you.
In my free time, I like to: Read, spend time with my favorite people, and playing video games. Moving from the east coast, I’m beyond excited to start spending more time outdoors now that the beach and beautiful hikes are so easily accessible.
CENDRINE JOLAGH, M.D.
Hi! I am Cendrine!
My pronouns are: She/Her
Languages Spoken: Spanish
Medical School: St. George's University in Grenada, West Indies (My favorite little island)
Graduate: University of Florida, M.S. in Microbiology
Undergraduate: Bachelors of Arts, Sociology, California State University, Channel Islands
I previously worked as: Contracts Coordinator at Gold Coast Health Plan!
Why VCMC: VCMC felt like home from the very beginning. I had the privilege of meeting people who were already doing everything I had dreamed of by caring for the underserved while learning so many different parts of medicine. I wanted a place that would challenge me to become the best physician I can be while surrounding me with people who genuinely care about one another, and I found exactly that here. I'm grateful to serve my patients alongside people I deeply admire.
Things that matter to me: Whole-person care, women's health, addiction medicine, Spanish-speaking patient care, global health/surgery, and expanding access to care for underserved communities.
In the future, I want to (future practice): I'm still discovering what my future practice will look like, and I'm sure residency will continue to shape that journey. No matter where it leads, I know I want to build long-lasting relationships with my patients, create a space where they feel seen and comfortable being themselves, and continue expanding access to care for underserved communities both locally and globally.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: "Never be afraid to pivot!" - Words of wisdom said to me by a lovely doctor I unexpectedly met on the bus in Mexico City
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: You can usually find me wandering around downtown Ventura or spending time by the beach. I love exploring new places, trying new foods, traveling, learning about different cultures, spending time with friends and family, and being anywhere near the water. My faith in God is an important part of who I am and continues to shape how I hope to live, learn, and care for others. No matter how the day goes, I can always count on my cat, Cooper, to greet me at the front door when I get home.
GRACE PALMER, M.D.
Hi!! I am Grace!
My pronouns are: She/Her
Languages Spoken: Spanish
Medical school: Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth University
Undergraduate: Bachelors of Science, Biology, Minors in Philosophy and Sustainability, Pepperdine University
I previously worked as a: Medical Assistant and administrative assistant at a farm based primary care, home tutor for grades middle school through college (Latin, chemistry, calculus, stats, biology, etc), Botany, Cell Biology, teaching assistant, Research Assistant
Why VCMC: I was drawn to the program for its full spectrum training, with high-risk obstetrics fellowship track, and rigorous inpatient training. I was impressed by legacy of VCMC alumni working in high need settings around the world. I also love being close to the ocean!
Things that matter to me: Obstetrics, women's health, emergency medicine, peds, lifestyle medicine, rural/under-resourced medicine, sports medicine
In the future I want to: working in critical access hospital (mix of L&D, ER, inpatient and outpatient)
or full spectrum outpatient clinic, with lifestyle medicine and women's health emphasis
I love all of family medicine am still figuring it out!
The best advice I’ve gotten: to paraphrase from a favorite poet
"everyday, do something that won't compute...
Love the world...
Love someone who does not deserve it...
Plant sequoias.
Say that your main crop is the forest
that you did not plant,
that you will not live to harvest....
Be joyful though you have considered all the facts"
In my free time, I like to: trail running, backpacking, spending time in ocean (diving, surfing, exploring tide pools),
cooking plant-based meals, live music, rock climbing
IAN MIGUEL RAGUINE, D.O.
Hi! I am Ian!
My pronouns are: He/Him/His
Medical School: California Health Sciences University, College of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science, Physiology and Neuroscience, University of California, San Diego
I previously worked as: a Jamba Juice team member, a Recreational Experience Assistant for UCSD-Recreation, a Facility Supervisor for UCSD- Recreation, and a Patient Service Representative for Sharp Rees Stealy and Scripps Coastal in San Diego.
Why VCMC: I chose VCMC because I wanted to train at an institution that would allow me to practice full-spectrum family medicine. As a lifelong learner, I am interested in all aspects of medicine, especially high-risk obstetrics and emergency medicine. I knew that VCMC was the right fit for me and would provide the knowledge and training I needed to continue practicing full-spectrum family medicine. On top of that, growing up in Southern California, I knew I wanted to return.
Things that matter to me: High-Risk Obstetrics, Women's Health, and Emergency Medicine
In the future, I want to: In the future, I would like to continue to practice full-spectrum family medicine. I plan to complete a fellowship in high-risk obstetrics or emergency medicine to continue serving vulnerable populations. Over time, I would like to stay in Southern California.
The Best Advice I've Ever Gotten Is: It was something along the lines of, "Please forgive yourself for not knowing what you didn't know before you learned it. You can only control what you can, and just let go of what you can't."
Hobbies & Interests: In my free time, I enjoy physical activity by going to the gym, running, or participating in group exercise classes such as indoor cycling, mat pilates, or lagree. My interests include reading romance novels, singing, dancing (ballet, contemporary, and hip-hop), watching romantic comedies and various TV series, listening to music/podcasts, and spending time with friends and family at coffee shops and restaurants, and making phone calls.
JOELLE SCHAUER, M.D.
Hi! I am Joelle!
My Pronouns are: she/her
Languages Spoken: Spanish
Medical School: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Bachelors of Science in Biology and Medical Humanities, Villanova University
I previously worked as: An ocean lifeguard and junior lifeguard instructor in San Diego for six summers. My primary station was La Jolla Cove!
Why VCMC: I want to be equipped to care for patients at every stage of life, both in the acute and longitudinal setting. I want to advocate for and care for the most vulnerable members of our community, and I hope to build meaningful connections with my Spanish-speaking patients in their own language. I also love the ocean—so, honestly, there really was no other option! But what truly sealed the deal for me was an international elective in Kenya during medical school. I had the opportunity to work alongside Family Medicine physicians who were incredibly adaptable to whatever the hospital needed, whether that meant stepping into the Emergency Department, Pediatric ward, Medicine ward, or OB floor. I knew I wanted to train somewhere that would give me that same versatility and the skills to care for my community wherever I am needed.
Things that matter to me: pediatrics, woman's health, global health, spiritual care
In the future, I want to (my future practice): practice full-spectrum Family Medicine rooted in community, prioritize patients and communities with limited access to care, maybe living in another country!
The best advice I was ever given: Medicine is a lifelong journey. There is no destination or moment of arrival; we should always be learning and growing, even as seasoned attendings. The years of training, right in the middle of the journey, might be the best ones of all. You can always pivot, so step boldly into what you feel called to, even if—or especially if—it doesn’t make sense to everyone else. Blessed is the life that finds joy in the journey :)
In my free time, I like to: surf, spend time with friends and family, travel, and spend time in worship, prayer, and Bible study.
CHARMI SHAH, M.D.
Hi, I'm Charmi!
My pronouns are: she/her
Languages Spoken: Spanish, Kutchi, Gujarati, Hindi
Medical School: University of Louisville School of Medicine
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Science, Public Health, Minor in Spanish, University of Louisville
I previously worked as: RA at a summer camp, researcher at a lab, medical scribe
Why VCMC: the reputation, being by the beach, and the friendly people!
Things that matter to me: Medical Spanish, Palliative Medicine, Global Health, Lifestyle Medicine, Mental Health
In the future, I want to (future practice): Still exploring my options! Maybe just outpatient, maybe palliative, maybe hospital administration/faculty, sprinkle in some global health, maybe it all!
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: Love the life you live, Live the life you love
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: binge rom-coms, travel/hike, try new restaurants, and spend time with family & friends
TRINA SWANSON, M.D.
Hi! My name is Trina!
Pronouns: She/Her
Medical School: The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Graduate: Master of Science, Primary Care and Population Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology, Princeton University
I previously worked as: Covid-19 contact tracer, grant writer at an NGO in Eswatini, intern at a natural history museum
Why VCMC: To equip myself with a broad array of skills to best serve my patients
Things that matter to me: social justice, health equity, public health, access to primary care
In the future, I want to (future practice): social justice, health equity, public health, access to primary care
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: To help protect yourself from burnout and moral injury, work hard to make a difference in your individual patient's lives, but also towards shaping a more equitable system. When barriers that patients face seem insurmountable, be an advocate for systemic change. And when the system seems hopelessly broken, prescribe a statin to help a grandma prevent a stroke to spend more time with her grandkids.
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: hike, travel, explore new places, visit friends and family spread out near and far across the country
RENEE WHITE, M.D.
Hi! I am Renee
Pronouns: she/her
Medical School: University of Kentucky College of Medicine
Graduate: Master of Science, Applied Public Health at Lithuanian University of Health Sciences
Undergraduate: Bachelors of Science, Biomedical sciences, Georgetown College
I previously worked as: a waitress, an English teacher and a Nuclear Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician
Why VCMC: I loved the idea of full-spectrum family medicine at a county hospital. The opportunity to do an integrated fellowship really drew me in, and being next to the beach was a huge bonus to what this program has to offer.
Things that matter to me (areas of interest): women’s health, global health, preventative health
In the future, I want to (future practice): be full spectrum from prenatal and infant care to care of the elderly. I hope my practice consists of individual I can help with all aspects of their health and entire families, because after all that’s what family medicine is all about!
The best advice I was ever given was: cars and people have at least one thing in common— they need to stay on top of tune-ups before the small things add up and they need costly maintenance
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interest: I like to play volleyball, do most other recreational sports, and spend time with friends and family
WHITNEY WILLIAMS, M.D.
Hi! I am Whitney!
My pronouns are: she/her
Medical School: St. George's University School of Medicine
Graduate: Master of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida
Undergraduate: Bachelor of Arts in Statistics, University of South Florida
I previously worked: in retail for several years during undergrad at Bath & Body Works and Finish Line. Working in a fast-paced environment taught me how to multitask, problem-solve, and stay positive under pressure, skills that have definitely carried over into medicine.
Why VCMC: I loved the friendly, welcoming, and community-oriented atmosphere I felt during my interviews at VCMC. I was hoping to move somewhere with great weather and more opportunities to be outdoors, but I was ultimately most drawn to the people and the sense of community I found here. I was excited by the opportunity to train in a program with strong Obstetrics exposure, an integrated fellowship structure, and a large, supportive resident cohort. I was also especially interested in the Spanish language classes and the opportunity to better connect with and serve the Ventura community.
Things that matter to me: High Risk Obstetrics, Women’s Health, Underserved Populations, Community-Based Medicine
In the future, I want to (future practice): Own a Family Medicine practice with a strong focus on Obstetrics and Women’s Health. I would love to build a comprehensive center where patients can access primary care, specialists, imaging, and other services all in one place, making healthcare more convenient and accessible for the community.
The best advice I was ever given: Always trust your initial instinct and go with your gut. It reminds me to trust myself, especially when faced with difficult decisions or uncertain situations.
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: Spend time with my family and my dog Milo, a Shih Tzu, garden, travel, and go for walks. I love playing The Sims and exploring new places. Cruises are my favorite way to travel, and I somehow always find myself back in Puerto Vallarta. I also enjoy trying new local restaurants.