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 2028
GRANT CHUDIK, D.O.
Hi, I’m Grant!
My pronouns are: he/him
Educational Background: Undergraduate – Biomedical Engineering at The Ohio State University; Medical School – Ohio University
I've previously worked as a: Research associate, bartender/server, farmer, landscaper
Why I'm at VCMC: I wanted a program that would give me the all the tools I need to serve my community. Full-spectrum, unopposed programs were what I was looking for and I found VCMC to be one of the best places for that. Plus, the rich nature in this area and opportunity for recreational activities outside of the hospital was second to none.
Things that matter to me: Patient centered care, community medicine, continuity
I enjoy: Hiking, weightlifting, gardening/planting, DIY projects, camping, cooking
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: Don’t let yesterday use up too much of today
In the future, I want to: Use my skills to maximize what I can offer to my community as a PCP.
DEREK DENG, D.O.
Hi, I’m Derek!
My pronouns are: He/Him/His
Place(s) I call Home: Los Angeles, CA
Medical School: Western University of Health Sciences - Northwest
Undergraduate: University of California, Riverside
I've previously worked as a… Lab Assistant, Peer Mentor, and Medical Scribe
Why I'm at VCMC: I chose VCMC because of the strong training that is offered by the program. I aspire to deliver comprehensive care in a variety of settings and develop proficiency in managing any medical condition that comes through the door. I am honored to come back to Southern California to further my medical training.
Things that matter to me: Lifestyle Medicine, Preventative Medicine, MSK, and developing patient relationships that lasts a lifetime.
Hobbies & Interests: Penny/nickel boarding, financial literacy, badminton, recently picked up pickleball, and traveling
In the future, I want to: open my own clinic.
The best advice I've ever gotten: pursue your passions and the rest will fall into place.
KATHERINE "XENNA" GOH, D.O.
Hi, I’m… Xenna
My pronouns are: She/Her/Hers
Place(s) I call Home: Canandaigua, NY
Medical School: West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine
Undergrad: Oberlin College in Oberlin, OH
Why I'm at VCMC: While mapping out expectations for my postgraduate career, it became apparent that all my interests would be difficult to fit into one specialty. I really wanted to do it all! Going through rotations my third year of medical school I found myself missing continuity of care in emergency medicine, EKG interpretation in OBGYN, my stethoscope in psychiatry, and prenatal care in internal medicine. Luckily, a mentor in wilderness medicine guided me toward west coast family medicine, and of course Ventura was at the top of the list. From the moment I stepped through the doors of VCMC, I knew I had found the right place. I love that I am working with and for a community in which I can see myself grow into the physician I wanted to become. Plus, Ventura is one of the most beautiful places on earth.
I previously worked as a... Journalist, Chinese art gallery coordinator
Hobbies... hiking, biking, rock climbing, and playing the violin
Languages: English, Mandarin, Swedish, basic Spanish
DIANTE GRAFFAGNINO, M.D.
Hi, I am Diante!
My pronouns are: He/Him
Education background: Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Music (Classical Piano), Butler University, Master’s in Public Health, Tulane University School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Medical Degree, Tulane University School of Medicine
I've previously worked as an... FMLA insurance coordinator, research and development pastry cook, Amazon warehouse package sorter, Retail sales associate, AmeriCorps team leader, Interfaith intern, Piano teaching fellow, Food service
Why I'm at VCMC: Ventura County Medical Center has a national reputation for preparing family doctors to excel in any environment. I’m excited to be part of a program that offers such robust training and the opportunity to serve a diverse community. For me, VCMC is the perfect place to grow into the doctor I aspire to be.
Things that matter to me: Making a difference in the world is at the core of who I am. Whether it’s advocating for social justice, protecting the environment, or supporting my family and friends, these values guide me in everything I do, personally and professionally. Music is also a significant part of my life—it’s not just a hobby, but a way to connect, reflect, and recharge.
Future Practice: I envision myself practicing in a variety of settings, from urban to rural, always with a focus on underserved communities. My goal is to be adaptable and compassionate, providing high-quality care to those who need it most, wherever they may be.
The Best Advice I've Ever Gotten: "You're walking into a gold mine. If you come out empty-handed, it's not because there wasn't any gold, it's because you weren't digging." This advice from my childhood barber, Ed Anderson, has stayed with me through every challenge and opportunity. It reminds me to always put in the effort and to look beyond the surface for the real treasures in life.
I enjoy... When I need to clear my mind, I listen to or play music, hit the trails for some hiking and backpacking and get in a workout to stay fit. On the more relaxed side, I enjoy diving into a good book/audiobook, solving puzzles, or getting lost in a great video game. And whenever I can, I love taking spontaneous trips with my wife and bernedoodle to discover new places and experiences.
WILLIAM LUNDY, M.D.
Hi, I’m… Will!
Name: Will Lundy, M.D.
Educational Background: B.S. in Biology, Samford University (Alabama); Medical School, Mercer University School of Medicine, Savannah, GA
Why VCMC: I am from a rural town in Georgia with limited resources, especially access to medical care. Medicine is a universal need, and VCMC offers the breadth of training I want in my career along with the opportunity to help underserved communities, just like where I grew up.
Things that matter to me: Spending time with my wife, family and friends. Equitable, just and preventative health care.
In the future, I want to: practice full-spectrum family medicine in a community where I feel like I belong.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.” – My momma
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: I love to play any sport. I am currently learning how to surf (when in Ventura). I also drum and sing for the bands Prior Station, and Natalie Goodman and the Pacemakers.
SRIVIKRAM "VIKRAM" MARGAM, D.O.
Name: Srivikram Margam S
Pronouns: He/Him
Educational Background:
Undergraduate: BS in Chemistry from University of Florida
Medical School: Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
I previously worked as: An independent tutor in my gap year between undergraduate and medical school for SAT, ACT, AP classes, and introductory college courses
Why VCMC: Rigorous and robust full spectrum family medicine training in Ventura, California? More like why not! (Fun fact: Ventura County is rated the most scenic county in the entire United States)
Things that matter to me: Strong procedural training, broad exposure to inpatient and outpatient medicine, robust training in emergent and critical care, high volume OB, integrative medicine, lifestyle medicine, and osteopathic manipulative medicine.
In the future, I want to: Practice full spectrum medicine in a variety of settings with a potential mix of inpatient, ER, OB, outpatient etc. (figuring out the exact combination is what residency is for); provide high quality holistic outpatient care.
The best advice I've ever gotten: is from Oogway the tortoise in 'Kung Fu Panda' when I was a wee lad -- "yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift; that is why it is called the present."
I enjoy: spending time with my family and friends, meditating, walking, working out, drumming, playing guitar/bass (poorly), and writing music. Subjects I occasionally delve into on the side include economics, politics, and behavioral theory.
MONICA "VANIA" MARTINEZ MARTINEZ, M.D.
Hi, I’m… Vania!
Pronouns: She/Her
Educational Background: Born in Mexico Monterrey, grew up in Austin TX. Undergrad at Austin College in Sherman, TX. Medical school at the University of Medical Branch in Galveston, TX.
I previously worked as: Medical Scribe throughout undergrad at a busy ER during my sophomore year of college.
Why VCMC: I wanted to come to a place where I could receive rigorous quality training while still retaining a healthy, friendly, and caring work environment. A place where practicing full-spectrum family medicine was the expectation, and it was not all up to me to seek out the training I wanted.
Things that matter to me: My family, my friends. Policies that impact my community and my patients.
In the future, I want to (future practice): Work in a rural community practicing medicine inpatient and outpatient as well as incorporating high-risk obstetrics and addiction medicine into my practice. I would also like to become a faculty and get involved in policy later on in my career.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: Never forget that you are much more than your career, and surround yourself with people who love you for who you are.
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: Video games, Martial arts/ Boxing, Singing, Going on adventures!
MEGAN MCLAUGHLIN, M.D.
Name: Megan McLaughlin
Pronouns: she/her
Educational Background: BA with a major in Healthcare Studies and a minor in chemistry from the University of Richmond; MPH and MD from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.
I previously worked as: My first jobs in high school were working the counter at an ice cream shop and an Italian restaurant. In college I worked at a gym and in a public health research lab. After college I took one gap year during which I worked as a medical scribe for a few months before deciding to move to Xela, Guatemala to learn Spanish. At the start of COVID in 2020 I was forced to move back to the U.S. where I worked as a tutor until starting medical school.
Why VCMC: I wanted to be in an environment that respects the autonomy of family medicine physicians and provides the opportunity to learn procedural skills that will help me in my global health focused career.
Things that matter to me: I am passionate about learning from other cultures. For this reason, I have spent time studying public health in India, South Africa, Brazil; studying Spanish in Xela, Guatemala; and learning from traditional Mayan midwives in Atitlan, Guatemala. I am also working to learn more about integrative and lifestyle medicine strategies that I can utilize with any patient here in Ventura who may be interested.
In the future, I want to (future practice): In the future I expect to integrate my public health training with my clinical skillset. Though clinical work is my priority, I strive to make systematic improvements in low resource communities through advocacy and health policy work. I also hope to spend at least part of my career working with international aid organizations.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: The Golden Rule never fails! Treat others how you would like to be treated.
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: I love any activity that I can do outside with my dog. I generally spend my days off alternating between playing fetch and reading my book on the beach. When time allows, I also enjoy baking, both for people and pups!
JOCELYN MEDAL, D.O.
Name: Jocelyn Zenaida Medal
Pronouns: She/her
Educational Background: Undergraduate- UCLA BS in Biology, minors in AOS and Environmental Engineering; Medical school-Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine.
I previously worked as a: Teachers Assistant for 8th grade class and as a Herbarium technician.
Why VCMC: I wanted to go to a program that would make me a more well rounded physician. I wanted to learn more procedures as well. I felt as though this program offered great learning opportunities. It has a very robust inpatient, emergency, and OB training.
Things that matter to me: Underserved medicine, lifestyle medicine, my family, cat, and friends!
In the future I want to: use my full spectrum training to help an underserved community.
The best advice I’ve gotten: is to remember to meet people where they are.
I enjoy hobbies/interest: I really enjoy crocheting! I love making hats, scarves and plushies. I also enjoy swimming and finding tasty food spots. Whenever, I have some time I also like to play 'Animal Crossing'.
KALIL MENEZES, M.D.
Hi! I am Kalil!
Pronouns: He/Him
Educational Background: Northeastern University, B.S. in Biochemistry. Boston University School of Medicine, M.D.
I previously worked as: Research Associate at Biotech Startup
Why VCMC: Safety Net Hospital, Latino Healthcare, Addiction Medicine, Global Health, Emphasis on Inpatient Care, Life near the Beach, Perfect Weather
Things that matter to me: Keeping in Touch with Family in Brazil, Catching up with Friends, Staying Active, Trying New Restaurants, Getting Enough Sleep
In the future, I want to: Open my own practice, Practice Medicine all over Latin America, Be Involved in Academic Medicine (Teaching for sure, maybe some research here and there)
The Best Advice I've Ever Gotten Is: Do something every day that makes you happy
Hobbies & Interests: Piano, Rock Climbing, Tennis, Soccer, Running, Concerts, Travel
ANNA QUINN, M.D.
Name: Anna Quinn
Pronouns: she/her/hers
Educational Background: Duke University, B.S. Biology; Ben Gurion University, M.D.
I previously worked as: YMCA swim instructor, intramural scorekeeper, Seychelles National Parks environmental conservation intern, pet sitter, ESL public school teacher in rural Chile, medical scribe, and Masters swim coach
Why VCMC: I am excited to be at VCMC for the opportunity to receive full-spectrum training that will best equip me as a family physician to work in diverse practice settings, including low-resource and underserved communities at local and global levels. Growing up in Ventura County, there is no better place to return and serve than the community that shaped my upbringing, perspectives, and growth, encouraging me to explore new places, people, and opportunities when I left for college and throughout medical school.
Things that matter to me: health equity, preventative medicine, global health, outdoor spaces, and family
I enjoy: swimming, traveling, exploring mountains on foot and split board, surfing, nature photography, scuba diving, cooking (especially making dumplings with friends!)
AMANDA REINHART, M.D.
Hi, I am Amanda!
Pronouns: She/Her
Educational Background: BS from Gustavus Adolphus College and MD from University of Illinois College of Medicine Rockford.
I previously worked as: an EMT
Why VCMC: I am interested in full spectrum training with a lot of opportunities to learn/do procedures. And having the ocean a few minutes away definitely doesn’t hurt!
Things that matter to me: my family and friends
In the future, I want to (future practice): work in a rural practice
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: There is no greater sign of intelligence than to treat all you meet with kindness.
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: Music, crochet, and DnD
SYONA SATWAH, M.D.
Hi! My name is Syona!
Pronouns: she/her
Educational Background: 7-year BS/MD program at Penn State University and Sidney Kimmel Medical College
I previously worked as: A prelim general surgery intern in Northern Philadelphia. I ended up leaving for a couple of reasons, but the biggest one being I felt a calling to become a physician who can holistically treat each patient. Caring for my surgical patients who had no access to primary care made me realize that I wanted to work in primary care in underserved communities.
Why VCMC: I have always loved women’s health. As someone who also enjoys working with her hands, I knew that I would eventually pursue an obstetrics fellowship after family medicine residency. VCMC being a four-year program provides the perfect path for my career goals because it allows me to pursue a high-risk obstetrics fellowship.
Things that matter to me: Reproductive justice, women’s health, LGBTQ healthcare, and increasing access to primary care in underserved populations.
In the future, I want to (future practice): I hope to one day have my own practice in an underserved area, where I can care for women of all ages and treat patients throughout their pregnancy. I want to feel comfortable managing high-risk pregnancies and performing C-sections when appropriate.
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: I read an article where the author said, “The cure for burnout is not self-care, but rather community and connection.” Throughout my educational journey I have found this to be extremely accurate, and I feel very grateful to have found community and connection at VCMC.
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: Soccer, hiking, jogging, swimming, stand-up comedy, listening to Taylor Swift, and spending time with my cat, Fancy Boy, as well as my partner and friends.
TANYIA SHAFAEE, D.O.
Hi! I am Tanyia.
Name: Tanyia Shafaee
Pronouns: she/her
Educational Background: Undergraduate at UC Berkeley; Medical School at A.T. Still University, School of Osteopathic Medicine, Arizona
I previously worked as: Medical scribe
Why VCMC: I chose VCMC because I wanted to be in an environment that will help me grow into the best physician I can be. I also sought an environment filled with highly motivated individuals, a supportive atmosphere, and a fantastic team of co-residents—all of which VCMC offers. The beach, weather, and being close to home are all an extra bonus.
Things that matter to me: My family, close friends, faith, healing
In the future, I want to (future practice): Family Medicine, High risk Obstetrics, Women’s Health
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: There is a voice that doesn't use words, Listen
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: A hot cup of mid-day coffee, late night poems, coming home immediately changing into pajamas, drinking hot sweet tea outside when the air is crisp, albacore with crispy onions, falling asleep on facetime, grass volleyball in the shade of the trees while the sun is setting, a hike that leads to a body of water, long road trips to nature, Pilates, the feeling you get when Fall is about to start, laughing uncontrollably with the people you love
JULIA STONE, M.D.
Hi, I’m… Julia!
My pronouns are: she/ her/ ella
Educational Background: B.S. in Biology with Spanish Minor at UCLA; M.D. at California University of Science and Medicine, Colton, CA
I've previously worked as a... English teacher in Costa Rica, family medicine scribe, microbiology research assistant
Why I'm at VCMC: I rotated here as a student and saw that everyone was working very hard but had also formed genuine friendships and were extremely supportive of each other. There is a great sense of community here. Also, I’m not entirely sure what I want my future practice to look like, so I wanted a full-spectrum program that would prepare me for any opportunity that came my way. While family medicine is sometimes seen as knowing a little about a lot, at VCMC you will learn a lot about a lot.
Things that matter to me: women’s health, preventative and lifestyle medicine, sunshine
The best advice I’ve ever gotten is: work hard, have fun :)
In the future, I want to... work with underserved communities both locally and globally, perhaps women’s health or sports medicine or somehow all of the above
I enjoy/Hobbies & Interests: soccer, volleyball, surfing, snowboarding, yoga, camping, hiking, plants, and Harry Potter