Greetings from UCSF Fresno FamilyMedicine!

2011 is here, and with it comes thepromise of an exciting future for UCSFFresno Family Medicine. We justrecently completed interviews for theclass of 2014! Special Thanks to Drs.Arlin Venturina and Alex Moir as wellas Lois Ceja and all our residents forputting together a smooth processand making our applicants feel wel-come. Rank lists are in! Next step?Match Day where we anticipate pick-ing up a great class.

In other news, we recently received athree-year accreditation from theResidency Review Committee forFamily Medicine. Many thanks to thefaculty, residents and staff for all theirhard work in preparation for our sitevisit. A long time to wait since March2010, but well worth it!

We are on FaceBook! Check it out

online. UCSF Fresno Family &Community Medicine.

We are making a concerted effort todevelop an active alumni group thatcan meet at national meetings, stayin touch with us and each other tokeep involved in program events andhelp us better prepare residents forthe real world of family medicine.Any suggestions? Let us know!

Please e-mail Donna McBrien,Program Manager at dmcbrien@fres-no.ucsf.edu to update your contactinformation and if you know theaddresses of any other alumni pleaselet us know so we can contact themas well.

New HIV Fellowship

Thanks to funding from the PacificAIDS Education and Training Center(PAETC) Minority AIDS Initiative, UCSFFresno FamilyandCommunityMedicine hasstarted a new1-year HIVFellowship.This year’sgoal of thePAETC is training thefirst South East Asian(Hmong) HIVSpecialist in the Central Valley. Dr.Hugh Yang is our first fellow becauseof his commitment to work with com-munities of color in the Central Valley.All people of color and not just theSouth East Asian community will bene-fit from his training. As new faculty

with UCSF Fresno Family & CommunityMedicine, Dr. Yang also has clinicalresponsibilities including mentoring res-idents. He works at the Family HealthCenter located at the Deran KoligianAmbulatory Care Center in Fresno.

The goal of having the fellowship inUCSF Fresno Family and CommunityMedicine is to create a method thatwill allow Family Medicine physiciansto become HIV specialists. Currently,an HIV specialist title is based on the“HIV specialist credential” recentlycreated by the American Academyof HIV Medicine (AAHIVM). Several ofour UCSF Fresno faculty havereceived the HIV Specialist credentialestablished by the AAHIVM. This fel-lowship will provide Dr. Yang with thenecessary training required tobecome a credentialed provider andserve the specialized needs of centralvalley residents infected with the HIVvirus. A comprehensive programdesigned to broaden skills in antiretro-viral management, opportunisticinfections, and co-morbidities associ-ated with HIV are among the manyskills Dr. Yang will acquire during histraining.

ProgramDirector’s Corner:Ivan Gomez, MD

The Scope Vol. 2, Issue 4Winter 2011

The Scope is published quarterly by the UCSF FresnoFamily and Community Medicine Residency

Department. Any inquiries or comments about contentshould be directed to Donna McBrien at

dmcbrien@fresno.ucsf.edu. Dr. Hugh Yang, 1st HIV Fellow

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Faculty and StaffUpdates

Sarath Suon, ScheduleCoordinator

Sarathcameaboardfull timewithFamilyMedicinein June,2010.Previously,sheworked inthe UCSFFresnoPediatricsHealthySteps program. She is responsible forbuilding and maintaining clinic sched-ules for CMC Family Health Center,Clinica Sierra Vista (CSV) HealthCenter and Adventist HealthCommunity Care Selma. Sarathknows where faculty and residents areincluding: vacation, post call, in clinicor on an elective rotation. We are for-tunate to have Sarath full time withFamily Medicine!

Susan Jensen, ResidencyCoordinator

After 28 years of service as AssistantDirector of Housing Services with theHousing Authority of the City & Countyof Fresno and eager for new chal-lenges Susan Jensen made a moveinto Health Care. Throughout hercareer with affordable housing sheserved on several housing industrycommittees and boards. Susan has

also provided volunteer services forRape Counseling Services, supportedlocal Boys & Girls Clubs and served aspast President of the League ofMexican American Women. Prior tocoming to UCSF Fresno she worked asan Office Manager for a NeurologyMedical Center. Susan’s primaryresponsibility as the ResidencyCoordinator is to keep track of all resi-dent information and requirementsrelatedto thesuccess-ful com-pletionof theirresiden-cy pro-gram. Susan isverysocial,enjoyspeopleand said “it has been a refreshingpleasure to work with everyone inFamily Medicine, especially our residents.”

Welcome new FacultyMember, Jennifer Gopeng,MD!

Dr. Gopeng is an Assistant ClinicalProfessor in the Department of Family& Community Medicine. Shereceived her Bachelor’s of Sciencefrom University of Santo Thomas in thePhilippines and her Medical Degreefrom St. Luke’s College of Medicine inthe Philippines. She then received herASN degree from Excelsior College inNew York and a Master Degree in

Public Health from California StateUniversity, Northridge. Dr. Gopengcompleted her Family MedicineResidency from Natividad MedicalCenter in Salinas, CA and herFellowship as a Hospitalist from UCSFFresno in Fresno, CA. We are fortu-nate to have someone as skilled as Dr.Gopeng precepting, teaching, evalu-ating, and educating our residentsand medical students at CRMC FamilyHealth Center and other sites.

Family Medicine

Accreditation

The Residency Program

was recently notified by the

Accreditation Council for

Graduate Medical

Education (ACGME) that

we received another three

years of full accreditation.

Results of our site visit,

which occurred on March

23, 2010, were discussed

at the Residency Review

Committee meeting last

September.

Congratulations to every-

one who worked so hard to

accomplish this.

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Spotlight onFellowships

Ashkan Imanzahrai address the physi-cal, psychological, social and spiritualneeds of patients and their families aswell as offer assistance in medicaldecision making to patients at CRMC.While the consult service was project-ed to provide 200 consults in the firstyear, 600 have been provided in 12months.

The Consult service and fellowshipprogram have been so successful thatthe program is expanding to include a2nd fellow. In addition to CRMC,HPM fellows will be working with thealready developed palliative team inoutpatient and inpatient settings atVeteran’s Administration Hospital inFresno. Drs. Ivy Darden and LisaLambreth, both board certified in pal-liative care, will be providing supervi-sion at the VA Hospital.

Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship

UCSF FresnoHospice andPalliative MedicineFellowship Programis currently accept-ing applications forone fellowship posi-tion to begin on oraround July 1, 2011.This is a one yearfellowship offeringexperience in deliv-ering comprehen-sive medical andpsychological careto patients withadvanced, progres-sive, life-threatening illness with thegoal of preventing and alleviating suf-fering and maximizing quality of life.The fellowship is fully accredited andexists in conjunction with the FamilyMedicine Residency Program. Dr.Michael Nisco, Program Director, andDr. Neelu Mehra, Associate ProgramDirector, both board certified in pallia-tive care, oversee the fellow’s didac-tic and clinical education. If interest-ed, please contact Donna McBrien(dmcbrien@fresno.ucsf.edu).

UCSF Fresno’s Hospice and PalliativeMedicine (HPM) Fellowship wasaccredited by ACGME last March,2010. Our first full-time fellow, Dr.Khurram Khan, works in conjunctionwith the Palliative Care consult teamestablished in 2009 at CommunityRegional Medical Center (CRMC).Drs. Neelu Mehra, Arlin Venturina and

New Palliative Care

Fellow

Khurram Khan, MD

Dr. Khan is this year’s and our

second Hospice and Palliative

Medicine Fellow in Family and

Community Medicine. Dr. Khan

received his undergraduate

degree from Adamjee Sciences

College, in Karachi, Pakistan. He

attended medical school at Dow

University of Health Sciences also

in Karachi, Pakistan and he com-

pleted his residency in Physical

Medicine and Rehabilitation in

Boston, Maryland.

Dr. Khan stated “there is always a

need to focus on issues such as

communication skills, psychoso-

cial assessments and care, family

dynamics, medical ethics,

bereavement care and cross cul-

tural issues while taking care of

each and every patient. I would

like to be equipped with research

principles and knowledge of evi-

dence-based medicine to continue

life-long learning and to contribute

to the field of Palliative Medicine.”

Drs. Michael Nisco, Antonio Viscarra and Neelu Mehra

Hello everyone! I just wanted to say hello and let you know that I am alive and wellhere in Ventura. As of Jan. 2011 I've started a new job at Magnolia Clinic in Oxnard,which is a county clinic that serves mostly low income patients and farm workers in thearea. It's not the "raisin capital" or anything but perhaps the next best thing. To the resi-dents: I hope you're doing well, keeping your stamina up for your rotations and keepingyour eyes on the prize (graduating and taking care of your communities!). To the facul-ty: I miss working with you guys and the day to day "familia" at Selma and UCSF Fresno.Keep up the important work of training the “best and brightest” family docs of tomor-row. All of my best wishes to everyone and thanks for all of the support and friendshipthroughout the years!

Abrazos!

—Doctora Sorlie-Aguilar

New Publication

When Language, Health Literacy, andMiscommunication Collide: TremorsVersus SeizuresVictoria Sorlie, MD; Rebeca A. Lopez,MPH(Fam Med 2011;43(1):48-50.)

If 77-year old Guadalupe has neverhad a seizure in her life, why has shejust been discharged from the hospitalafter a seizure medication overdose?This commentary retraces the steps ofan elderly Spanish-speaking patientthrough clinical encounters and thechain of events that led to her hospital-ization. Language barriers, limitedhealth literacy and fragmented primarycare made communicating symptomsand medication instructions difficult,culminating in this patient’s super-thera-peutic doses of medication and subse-quent hospitalization. Guadalupe’sexperience should compel providers toexamine the value of effective com-munication in patient care, both inmedical education and practice.

Farewell from Dr. Victoria Sorlie-Aguilar

THE SCOPE

This three-day conference was held in the UCSF, Fresno Medical Education &Research Center’s auditorium. It was co-sponsored by Community MedicalCenters and Hinds Hospice of Fresno, California. The agenda included over15 speakers from all over the world discussing a variety of end-of-life issues.

A special pre-conference day was held on September 22 specifically forinternational attendees. They had the opportunity to experience hands-onhospice care courtesy of Hinds Hospice and the Palliative Care Fellowship inUCSF Fresno Family and Community Medicine.

The 3rd Annual “Hospice and Palliative Care in theGlobal Community, September (22) 23-25, 2010

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Chief ResidentsCorner

Ronald Dominguez, MD

"Half of the academic year isalready over, which means MatchDay is near. We interviewed arecord number of applicants thisyear and hope to have a greatgroup of interns join our program.A big thanks to our current resi-dents for their hard work and ded-ication to the program.”

Ignacio Guzman, MD

We have all invested tons of ener-gy in order to reach this level ofmedical training. When we arefeeling stressed and fatigued, let'slook forward and visualize thegreat physicians we are becom-ing!!!! Everyone’s hard work anddedication has been noticed.Thanks to all.

Kanwar Gill, MD Opened an urgent care in North West Fresno, CA

Jay Hariharan, MD Sports Medicine Fellowship at the University of Washington in Spokane, WA

Deepika Jannapureddy, MD Community Medical Providers Fresno, CA

Saira Khan, MD Private practice in Tracy, CA

Teowdros Kidane, MD Kaiser Permanente in Fresno, CA

Ila Naeni, MD Clinica Sierra Vista in Fresno, CA

Thuy Nguyen, MD San Diego Hospice and the Institute of Palliative Medicine Fellowship at Scripps Mercy Hospital in San Diego, CA

Geeta Ramesh, MD Clinica Sierra Vista in Fresno, CA

Rinku Shrivastava, MD Mills-Peninsula Medical Group in Burlingame, CA

Michael Wilson, MD Adventist Community Care in Selma, CA

Where are they now? 2010 Family Medicine Graduates

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Community andStaff Events

Family Medicine Resident Retreat 2010

Residents and their families/significant others drove to The Pines Resort atBass Lake on Friday evening where they were greeted by Susan Jensenand Lois Ceja and directed to their chalet. Everyone was on their own forthe evening but there were some choices as to “hospitality suites” andchalets where people gathered. Everyone was up and at breakfast thenext morning in anticipation of the day’s events which began at 10:00 onthe tennis courts. There were lots of fun activities for everyone planned byDr. Jarman to promote teambuilding. She had plenty of help from AndyAlba, Dr. Ye Min, Susan Jensen, Lois Ceja and their spouses “the Larry’s”.Teambuilding often means moving out of a comfort zone in order to learnabout yourself and others and to build new relationships.

It appears that everyone had a good time while learning more about theircolleagues and their families. For instance we now know that the husbandof Dr. Lwin is an experienced photographer, hence all the good photos andDr. Zia’s friend could make a living as a DJ if he ever wants to give up hisday job. Again this year the interns were the overall winners with Dr. Ayalabeing the individual winner. He was the only person who left his watch onthe wrong arm until told on Sunday he could change it back. He’s the go-to-guy if you ever need anyone to follow instructions specifically as told,not a bad characteristic for a resident.

California State University, Fresno (Fresno State) tailgate Potluck Party and Football Game on Saturday, November 15, 2010

This year, Family Medicine held a tailgate potluck and football game party at CSU, Fresno (Fresno State) in front of theNCAA National Champions Diamond Dogs Baseball Stadium. Fresno State Bulldogs played the nationally ranked NevadaWolf Pack that evening. Dr. Ayala lost a bet and “volunteered” to barbeque for everyone. He made the most amazingsteak, chicken, shrimp skewers, sausage, lamb and his famous homemade barbeque sauce. All participants were able toeat some amazing food. Guys from Texas really know how to barbeque. There was a large table of amazing appetizers,salads, and desserts including two beautiful birthday cakes. We celebrated three birthday’s that evening including Dr.Ayala, Dr. Tirunagrau, and Ian, Dr. Chavez’ fiancé. It turned out to be a cold night but the action got heated up on thefield. It was one of the most entertaining games in recent memory at Bulldog Stadium, No. 21 Nevada earned a comefrom behind 35-34 win over Fresno State that night. Fresno State's defense played well for the majority of the game, hold-ing the nation's No.2 offensive unit to 140 yards under its season average and nine points under its scoring average, butthe Dogs came up 1 point short on the scoreboard.

THE SCOPE

Community andStaff Events

UCSF Fresno Staff Halloween Party 2010

Family Medicine had a ghastly good time atthis year’s Halloween Party celebrated onOctober 29th at UCSF Fresno in the mainlobby. Several staff and faculty decided todress as their favorite character…the incon-testable and irresistible Dr. Ivan Gomez! Thiswas in celebration of the Program Director’sbirthday taking place on October 31st. A fewstaff decided that vampires were the way togo and one staff person decided with twoblood sucking vampires a vampire hunter wasneeded! Mary Fraijo chose a different routeand dressed as a mysterious Geisha and stolethe show and the award for “best individualcostume.” Donna McBrien also won theaward for “best salad” at the potluck.Congrats to everyone for getting in the spiritof Halloween.

Family Medicine Christmas Party 2010

The party was a big hit this year and the faculty, resi-dents, staff, and family were delighted with deliciousfood from Love and Garlic Catering. Our own Dr.Betty Jarman created her signature drinks for theadults and there was a bounce house for the kids.After dinner games began with each table creatingtheir own human Christmas Ornament.

Following the games was dancing as the DJ goteveryone up and moving with YMCA. Santa hats, Elfhats, and Reindeer Antlers were given to everyone toget them in the festive mood! The guests arrived withmore than 100 cans of food and bags of rice for theCommunity Food Bank. Family Medicine also collect-ed 19 coats, sweater, and sweatshirts that were deliv-ered to the Boys & Girls Club and $150 in cash wasdonated to Heifer International. It was a fantasticevening for all and the spirit of giving was abundant.

THE SCOPEUCSF Fresno Medical Education Program155 North Fresno StreetFresno, CA 93701

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

CROI – Sunday February 27 – Wednesday March 2, 2011The 18th Conference on Retroviruses and Opportunistic Infections (CROI) will con-vene in Boston, Massachusetts.

CCRS – Wednesday April 6, 2011The Central California Research Symposium will be held at California StateUniversity, Fresno Business Center.

UCSF FCM JACK RODNICK MEMORIAL COLLOQUIUM – Thursday May 12, 2011 The UCSF Department of Family and Community Medicine 7th Annual Colloquiumwill take place in San Francisco, California.

ALSO – Thursday May 19 and Friday May 20 2011The Family Medicine Program’s Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) coursewill take place at UCSF Fresno Center for Medical Education and Research.

EXPO – Thursday May 26th, 2011The UCSF Fresno Family & Community Medicine 2011 Expo will take place from 2 – 4p.m. at UCSF Fresno Center for Medical Education and Research, Room # 136.

THE SCOPE

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NON PROFIT ORG

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FRESNO, CA

PERMIT NO. 1679

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