Meet Our Residents
Our residents may come from different walks of life around the world, but they all share one common goal: a commitment to providing high-quality care to our community.
Here's what attracted them to our community and MLKCH:
First Year Residents
Christine Duvenjian, MD
Hometown: Glendale, California
Medical School: UC Riverside School of Medicine
“I wanted to practice internal medicine because I was attracted by the challenge of managing complex conditions and the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients. MLK’s dedication to compassionate, high-quality care for underserved communities aligns with my passion for advocacy and community-centered medicine.”
Carlos Andres Gomez Noguera, MD
Hometown: Fontana, CA
Medical School: St. George’s University
“I chose medicine to ensure my community is seen and heard. Internal medicine inspired my lifelong commitment to learning and healing. I’m drawn to MLKCH because it represents unity, community leadership, and compassion for healing those in its community. I am honored to work with a program that exemplifies the core value of excellent patient care.”
Isaveyla Gutierrez, MD
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Medical School: American University of Antigua
“I was drawn to medicine for its challenges and the curiosity it inspires, and to internal medicine for the chance to care for patients throughout their hospital journey. I’m drawn to MLK Community Hospital because of the community it serves, and I’m glad to be part of a team that prioritizes equity, communication, and compassionate care for all.”
Vera Khurshudyan, MD
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Medical School: David Geffen School of Medicine
“Seeing patients struggle without a primary care physician or guidance through the healthcare system has truly shown me the profound difference hospitalists can make. Their care brings comfort and clarity, especially for those navigating our safety-net system.”
Marcia Trochez, MD
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Medical School: University of California, Riverside School of Medicine
“Growing up in South LA as the daughter of Honduran immigrants, I witnessed the barriers families face in accessing care firsthand. This inspired my passion for compassionate, culturally competent medicine. MLKCH’s mission of health equity aligns perfectly with my commitment to serving underserved patients in my community.”
Second Year Residents
Adedeji Adefeso, MD
Hometown: Compton, California
Medical School: Ross University School of Medicine
“My experience growing up in the community set me on this path.”
Amber Latif, MD
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
“My goal is to find a program where I continue to serve my community behind my lens.”
Emily Le, DO
Hometown: Garden Grove, California
Medical School: Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine
“This program shares my vision for advancing a more equitable and dignified healthcare system.”
Priscila Lopez Ramirez, MD
Hometown: Bakersfield and Long Beach, California
Medical School: American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine
“I want to understand each patient’s lifestyle and integrate into our common goal of wellness and happiness.”
Gajaan Sittambalam, MD
Hometown: San Francisco, California
Medical School: Rush Medical College
“I want to continue my efforts to prevent more people from facing a similar fate by advocating for their wellness, educating them and listening to what they need.”
Third Year Residents
Adaure Amuzie, MD
Hometown: Hayward, California
Medical School: Indiana University School of Medicine
“With the opportunity to pursue this specialty, I hope to continuously evolve in my approach to medicine and help create lasting systems that will ensure the equitable quality of care for all.”
Robert Andalon, MD
Hometown: Moreno Valley, California
Medical School: University of California, Riverside School of Medicine
“I was drawn to internal medicine for the opportunity to advocate for underserved communities and become part of the solution to educate and increase access to healthcare.”
Hsiao-Wei Monica Yamamoto Banks, MD
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Medical School: Cooper Medical School of Rowan University
“My mission as a physician-in-training is to better understand social determinants of health to optimize the care I give.”
Mark Holguin, MD
Hometown: Ontario, California
Medical School: University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine
“I admire how medicine offers the opportunity to foster trust and collaboration as we seek to help our patients live long, fulfilling lives. Additionally, providing guidance and education to our patients as we interact with them regarding their medications and diagnosis is a privilege.”
Shehan Thangaratnam, MD
Hometown: Tabuco Canyon, California
Medical School: California University of Science and Medicine
“My goals for residency are continuing to learn how to appreciate the chronic and acute disease states, find teaching moments at every opportunity, and provide dignified, personalized care to those who need it most.”
Alumni
Casey Charlton, MD
Hometown: Inglewood, California
Medical School: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson
“MLKCH can prepare you to work anywhere.” – Dr. Casey Charlton, University of Arizona College of Medicine, MLKCH Internal Medicine Residency Program.
Sam Huang, MD
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Medical School: Rush Medical College
“I could see that the passion of the faculty would make this a great program.” – Dr. Sam Huang, Rush Medical College, MLKCH Internal Medicine Residency Program
Jae Kim, MD
Hometown: South Elgin, Illinois
Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
“Other hospitals say they have a mission. This hospital means it.” – Dr. Jae Kim, USC Keck School of Medicine, MLKCH Internal Medicine Residency Program
Amy Morioka, MD
Hometown: Los Angeles, California
Medical School: Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara Facultad de Medicina Guadalajara
“This is a place of welcome and belonging.” – Amy Morioka, UAG School of Medicine, MLKCH Internal Medicine Residency Program
Jeffrey Shibata, MD
Hometown: Thousand Oaks, California
Medical School: The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
“I want to contribute to advancing the lives of people who often do not have people advocating for them, such as residents of South LA.” – Jeffrey Shibata, UT Health San Antonio, MLKCH Internal Medicine Residency Program
Ask a Resident: Want to know more about our program or have a question for the MLKCH residents? Find out first-hand what it’s like to work at MLKCH. Send us an email at residents@mlkch.org and one of our residents will respond.