Residents PGY-3 Bios

My name is Joe Chen, and I was born in Washington but went back to Taiwan soon after and grew up there for around 12 years before I immigrated to the United States. I moved around Southern California and finished middle schools and high School here. I then attended UC Berkeley for college. I didn’t grow up religious or was certain that I was going to pursue medicine, but by God’s grace I came to know Him and decided to pursue medicine after discerning the gifts, talents, and passion that I believe God has given me. I applied to medical school and prayed that if God did not want me to become a physician that He may close all the doors for me. It turned out that I was accepted to CUSM and so I finished medical school there and now I am very happy to be at Loma Linda for Family Medicine Residency, which I believe is where God wants me to be where I am not only going to learn medicine but also learn to be the best person I can be to my friends, family, and patients.

Born and raised in a developing country like the Philippines, I found my passion for service very early. This, combined with my interest in the sciences, naturally inclined me to medicine. I moved to the United States with my family at the age of 16 and navigated my way through community college, then transferred and graduated from UCLA with a degree in Psychobiology. After a brief stint as a behavioral therapist for kids with ASD, I went on to attend medical school at Western University of Health Sciences. I was drawn to family medicine because I believe it is the ultimate privilege to partner with our patients and work towards total wellness throughout their lifetimes. I feel blessed to continue my training in Loma Linda where whole person care is the norm, and where my other passions, such as underserved care, global health, and preventive medicine are emphasized. While here, I hope to learn from my patients and to help them achieve their personal health goals. During my free time, I enjoy practicing yoga, reading fiction books, watching documentaries, and trying out new food, ice cream, or boba spots.

"For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, places for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

I was born the oldest of 3 sisters to Peruvian immigrants. At a young age, I was introduced to medicine, and saw God’s work through the hands of physicians as they cared for my family through the difficult medical issues, though I didn’t quite understand all of the intricacies at that time. These events sparked an interest in me to also serve patients and families alike. I later obtained my BS in Human Biology at the University of California, San Diego, and in the process confirmed my desires to become a physician. During my gap year I continued to live in San Diego, where I worked in Biotech and volunteered at a local hospital there. I also met my now husband through mutual church friends. I then attended Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA. During my time in VA, I married, and had my first child. I learned about the versatility of a Family Medicine Physician, the beauty of longitudinal care and relationship with patients during my medical school rotations, which encouraged me to pursue it even further in residency. I am excited to continue my training at Loma Linda, and continuing the path God has guided me in thus far to care and serve my community with Christ-like love. My clinical interests include preventative medicine, women’s health and full-spectrum practice. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, serving in my local church, cooking/baking, watching movies/plays/musicals, traveling and exploring new places and cultures. 

I was born & raised in the Los Angeles area. Growing up in an immigrant Mexican/Guatemalan household, I was instilled with a strong sense of family and community. Unfortunately, I saw and experienced healthcare inequities that affect my community. Because of this, I grew up knowing that I wanted to be a physician. I attended the Honors College at California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) for undergrad and earned by BS in Biochemistry with Summa Cum Laude honors. Afterwards, I completed medical school at Western University of Health Sciences-COMP in Pomona, CA. During medical school I was blessed with mentors, role models, and was involved with the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA). These opportunities, in combination with my life experiences, inspired me to become a Family Medicine physician so that I could care for patients of all ages in communities that are in need. Through meaningful relationships I hope to foster a sense of compassion and empathy to coach my patients and underserved communities to better health. Outside of medicine, I’m very much a “homebody” and love to spend time with family. I also love to powerlift! (but I love food so much so I am forever bulking.) 

I am Korean-American and a New Jersey-native. After studying public health at Rutgers University, I joined Teach for America to teach middle school science in Philadelphia. Meeting and growing with my students changed my life. Teaching taught me the value of showing up and the profound impact of building relationships. After teaching, I worked in curriculum development where I collaborated alongside K-12 educators to create science programs that were engaging, yet rigorous. I attended Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine for medical school in none other than New York City. I am excited and grateful to start my residency training here at Loma Linda in Sunny California! I am passionate about treating families as a unit, global health, education, women's health, and health advocacy. In my free time, you can find me watching Hotspurs games, singing karaoke, and searching for the best coffee and pastry in town. Colossians 3:23.

I was born in Mexico and came to the United States when I was 10 years old. My family and I established  roots in the Coachella Valley, one of the most medically and socioeconomically disadvantaged regions in the country. Like many immigrant children, I grew up without health insurance or the ability to speak English. When going to medical appointments, I never saw physicians with my same background or upbringing. This fueled my goal to go into medicine. I want to be a physician to all, but with a focus on medically underserved populations, such as those without health insurance, or those facing immigration issues. I want to serve my patients with tactful, dignified care that takes into consideration their own culture and language. I learned about the value of morals, ethics, and hard work from my parents. My father and mother have a 2nd and 6th grade education, respectively. It was their teachings that allowed me to be the first in my family to go to community college at College of the Desert, transfer to UC Riverside to get a Bachelor of Science in Biology, do a Postbac Program, and ultimately graduate from the UC Riverside School of Medicine.

I was born and raised in San Bernardino County as the youngest of four siblings. My parents, hardworking immigrants from Indonesia, provided a nurturing environment that afforded greater opportunities for me and my siblings. I traveled across the country where I received a bachelor’s degree in biology from Southern Adventist University in Tennessee. My journey towards medicine was influenced by a mix of my mentors, missionary trips, and hospital volunteering. One impactful experience was a medical mission trip to Peru, where I witnessed the profound impact doctors had on people's lives. Despite language barriers, they delivered compassionate care that addressed not only physical ailments but also emotional and spiritual needs, overcoming linguistic obstacles through genuine action. As a result, I chose Loma Linda University for my medical education because of its emphasis on comprehensive, whole person care. Prioritizing the importance of family and being motivated by my passion for building relationships, preventing major diseases, and serving others, I decided to pursue a career as a Family Medicine Physician. During my free time, I enjoy playing basketball, pickleball, golf, board games, watching TV shows, and spending quality time with my friends and family.

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13
 
I was born and raised in Torrance, CA spending most of my childhood on the sunny beaches of the west coast. I went to the University of California, Irvine for undergrad where I received my bachelor’s degree in public health science. I chose this as my major because of my admiration for preventative care. After my undergraduate education, I became a supplemental instructor for Special education, teaching children with special needs and those with learning disabilities. I then went on to attend medical school at The Robert Larner MD College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. I chose to pursue Family Medicine because it encompasses caring for all age demographics and populations while having an emphasis on continuity of care in the community. I am so blessed and overjoyed to be completing my residency in Loma Linda, a faith-based institution focused on whole person care. I look forward to continuing the path of being a lifelong learner and learning how to best serve the community through God’s grace. In my free time I enjoy spending time in the kitchen cooking and having quality time with my family and friends. I hope to explore and travel more in the future!

Almost all of my life story takes place in SoCal, including childhood (Temecula), high school (Escondido), and medical school (LLU). Additionally, I spent time up in Napa Valley getting my B.S. in Biology at Pacific Union College, where I also met my future amazing wife, Erika! Growing up, I was blessed to have had my Dad as my main medical influence, being a family physician himself. Seeing his love for his work while also having time to be an involved father really inspired me to not only be a doctor but specifically a family physician. I’ve always cherished forming relationships with people and appreciate the broad practice scope that FM entails. My primary hobby is playing all sports: basketball, football, disc golf (fav 4th year activity), pickleball, golf, and most anything else. I’m also (painfully) a diehard LA Chargers fan, which has taught me patience and unwavering dedication amidst disappointment… 
Scholastic and life hardships are part of many individuals’ journeys. For me, reaching the other side not only took personal hard work and discipline, but also profound blessings from God and support from my awesome family and friends. Serving God through this profession is a dream come true for me, and I’m so excited to continue learning and give my patients the quality care they deserve here at LLU

I was born in South Korea and raised in Toronto, Canada. My family became Seventh-day Adventists thanks to a LLUSM alumni, who not only treated my brother without any charge when my family first immigrated but also invited us to attend the SDA church. Since then, my family has been able to live by faith in Jesus. His empathy, warmth, and willingness to help my family in our greatest need inspired me to pursue a career in medicine, a choice that has guided me ever since. After graduating from university, I traveled to Ethiopia on a medical service trip to provide free medical care for impoverished communities. It was one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. As I witnessed vast differences in basic needs and inequalities in health care between developing and first-world countries, my resolve to help underserved populations became stronger. After graduating from LLUSM, I am excited to continue my training here in family medicine. My clinical interests range from lifestyle and preventive medicine to sports medicine. Outside of medicine, I enjoy working out in the gym and watching soccer with friends and family.

(And the LORD was with Joseph, so he became a successful man)
Gen 39:2
All my life Joseph was my role model. Even in my hard times I believed that as Joseph went through the valley of his life to prosperity, My LORD will get me through my hard times. I was born and raised in Egypt. I watched people around me suffer from lack of inadequate medical care . It’s when I started having this passion to have a positive impact on providing patient care for people. With the support of my family, I studied hard to go to medical school in Egypt, I was able to secure my place in Assiut University, School of medicine. I graduated with an MD degree, and I worked as a physician in Egypt for A while.
I migrated to the USA , I started a new life working in different jobs to support my family. But I couldn't forget about my dream. In pursuing my career, I decided to go through Medical school here in the US one more time to Reinvent myself, refresh my knowledge and gain more medical and clinical experience. I joined NYIT School in 2019 while raising my kids with the support of my lovely wife.
I Am very happy to be blessed working for a faith based institute at Loma Linda University Health.
Outside medicine I love spending time with my family and playing soccer. I Am a huge fan of soccer.