Access to providers improves with the arrival of 6 new residents in Tulare
TULARE – Community members in Tulare and surrounding areas now have access to more providers with the addition of six new residents to the Adventist Health Family Medicine Residency program.
On June 1, the residents and their family members took part in a White Coat Ceremony, which signifies their entrance into the medical profession.
On July 1, the residents began caring for patients at Adventist Health Medical Office – Tulare, 2059 N. Hillman St., and the Adventist Health Tulare medical center, 869 N. Cherry St.
“Many of our residents grew up in communities where access to care wasn’t easily accessible and are dedicated to making sure our Central Valley communities have the resources needed to live healthier lives,” says Dr. Joseph Greco, Tulare Residency Program director.
About our Tulare residents
John Asenjo, DO – Attended Advent Health University for undergraduate studies and completed a medical degree at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in New York. He also served as a U.S. Army Captain. He says growing up in the inner city with little access to healthcare opened his eyes to the need for quality healthcare and education. He is fluent in English and Spanish.
Joel Asunto, MD – Attended University of San Carlos in Cebu City, Philippines and earned a medical degree from Saba University School of Medicine. In addition, he completed internships at Brookdale University Hospital, Interfaith Medical Center, Wyckoff Medical Center and Kingsbrook Jewish Hospital in New York; Manatee Memorial Hospital in Florida; and Greater Baltimore Medical Center in Maryland as well as a postbaccalaureate at New York University. He grew up in the Philippines. He’s fluent in English and Tagalog.
Shiveta Cherwoo, MD – Attended Acharya Shri Chandler College of Medical Sciences and Hospital in India and completed an internship and residency at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. She grew up in India. Due to terrorism in her home state of Kashmir, she lived in relief camps for three years. As a young girl during these times, she witnessed the heroic efforts of medical doctors who assisted refugees in fighting diseases and epidemics acquired in the camps. She said their labor of love inspired her to become a doctor. She arrived in the Central Valley as a locum physician and decided to stay in the area to seek further training that would allow her to better serve the community. She is fluent in English, Hindi and Punjabi.
Joseph Maddela, MD – Earned a Bachelor’s in Biology from University of San Diego and medical degree from American University of Integrative Sciences School of Medicine. He then completed an internship in drug metabolism and pharmacokinetics group at the Genomics Institute of the Novartis Research Foundation in La Jolla, Calif. He was raised in Bakersfield and moved to San Diego. Much of his childhood was spent in and out of clinics since his father was a family practitioner and would check on his patients before taking him to school. He knew he wanted a career that was focused on building strong relationships and found that in family medicine.
Melody Nameni, DO – Attended Houston Baptist University and earned a medical degree from Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine. She grew up in Washington D.C. and Houston, Texas. Drawn to medicine at an early age, she has thrived to become a physician to prevent diseases from paralyzing people’s dreams. She is fluent in English and Farsi.
Christopher Terzian, MD – Attended California State University, Los Angeles and earned a medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine. He decided to pursue a career in medicine, after seeing a loved one benefit from excellent care by a particular physician. He’s fluent in English and Armenian.
More information about the Family Medicine Residency Program is available at this link:
https://www.adventisthealth.org/about-central-valley/residency-programs/
