UNITED MEDICAL DOCTORS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Physician Assistant at United Medical Doctors Urgent Care
Adam Omahen is a Physician Assistant at United Medical Doctors Urgent Care. Adam graduated from the Physician Assistant program in 2021 from Albany Medical College in Albany, NY.
Dr. Ahmad Shaban received his medical degree from Cairo University in Egypt. Dr. Shaban returned to the United States, where he completed three years of Internal Medicine Residency at the University of New York at Buffalo. He then moved to California and completed his Gastroenterology and Hepatology Fellowship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He is Board Certified in Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal Medicine.
After completing his specialty training in Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Dr. Shaban has been in private practice in south Orange County. He has vast experience and a plethora of knowledge in Gastroenterology, Endoscopy and Liver diseases.
Areas of special interest include colorectal cancer screening, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment with over 50,000 diagnostic and therapeutic colonoscopies. He also treats diseases of the esophagus, difficulty swallowing and upper gastrointestinal disorders, including peptic ulcer disease, biliary tract and pancreatic diseases. He has many years of experience performing diagnostic and therapeutic ERCP (endoscopic retrograde colangio-pancreatography), endoscopic sphincterotomy, stone extractions, balloon dilation and stent placement.
Dr. Shaban's motto is "if you just listen to the patients, they will often help you to make the correct diagnosis." He has been the "Doctors Doctor " and is well-reputed for his compassion and empathy for his patients and their families. Personal interests of Dr. Shaban are spending time with his family and friends, cooking, and biking.
Dr. Alan Naim completed his Gastroenterology fellowship training at The University of Arizona/Banner Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona. Prior to his fellowship, he earned his medical doctorate at The University of Toledo, College of Medicine in Ohio. He completed his internship and residency at USC + LAC Medical Center in Los Angeles, California.
In clinical practice, he encompasses all aspects of Gastroenterology, with an additional focus on detecting colon polyps and removing advanced polyps using endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR). Furthermore, he treats bleeding disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, SIBO, IBD, and manages complications of GERD including Barrett's esophagus, to name a few.
He has completed research and has been publicized in fields pertaining to eosinophilic esophagitis, rectal cancer and autoimmune diseases, among others. He has been distinguished for his high adenoma detection rate in colonoscopy screening and takes pride in his thorough and systematic approach to endoscopy and colonoscopy.
He enjoys caring for his gastroenterology patients using a holistic approach that incorporates a decreased reliance on medications and emphasizes healthy lifestyle choices and a clear understanding of their disease process.
Dr. Naim is a Los Angeles native and has worked as a Gastroenterologist in the San Fernando Valley for three years. He has affiliations with major regional hospitals, including Tarzana Providence/ Cedars Sinai Medical Center and Northridge-Dignity Health Medical Center, among others.
In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, gardening, and playing sports. He is fluent in English and Farsi and is conversational in Spanish.
Job Titles:
- RADIOLOGY
- Founding Partner and CFO of Focus Medical Imaging
- Member of Radiological Society of North America
Dr. Shim is a founding partner and CFO of Focus Medical Imaging, the largest private practice radiology group in Southern California. Dr. Shim completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, his medical degree from University of Southern California, School of Medicine and his internship in Internal Medicine at University of California School of Medicine, San Francisco. He completed his residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Diagnostic Radiology and continued complete his fellowship training at the University of Southern California in Musculoskeletal Radiology and Magnetic Resonance. He is board certified in musculoskeletal radiology and specializes in Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Breast Imaging.
Dr. Shim is a member of Radiological Society of North America, American College of Radiology, American Roentgen Ray Society, Los Angeles Radiological Society and American Medical Association.
His career has been distinguished by many honors and rewards including Pasadena Magazine's Top Radiologist for the years 2013-2019 as well as Los Angeles Magazine's Top Docs for the years 2015-2019. Dr. Shim's passion is to serve in community outreach programs to promote and provide medical care to the underserved.
In his free time, Dr. Shim's enjoys traveling, swimming and has an interest in cryptocurrency investment.
Dr. Patel is a recently graduated radiologist with fellowship training in musculoskeletal imaging. He is a Southern California native and moved to India after high school to pursue his medical training-where he had the unique opportunity to learn medicine, learn about his own culture and travel. Thereafter, he moved back to the United States and pursued a research fellowship at Harvard Medical School centered in genitourinary MR imaging. He stayed in the Boston area and completed his transitional year internship at MetroWest Medical Center. Dr. Patel completed his radiology residency training at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX and fellowship sub-specialty training in musculoskeletal imaging at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. His residency and fellowship training was focused on high volume imaging and procedures with diverse pathology.
Dr. Patel's personal interest in playing and watching sports piqued his interest in musculoskeletal/sports imaging where he was able to conflate his two passions to help his patients. He routinely attends international radiology conferences where he is able to collaborate with his radiology colleagues and travel the world. Dr. Patel is a new addition to the Focus Medical Imaging group where he is excited to work with his colleagues and referring clinicians to provide excellent care for his patients.
Dr. Duong completed the UCLA Affiliated Training Program in Gastroenterology in 1998 with and extra year in Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). He graduated from University of Massachusetts Medical School in 1992 and completed his Internal Medicine residency at University of California - Irvine in 1995 and has been in private practice since 1998.
Dr. Duong is married with two children and has been in the wonderful desert area of Rancho Mirage since 2002.
Dr. Meneely earned her medical degree at Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine at the Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine. She completed her residency at Mount Sinai/Captain James A. Lovell, one of the top level 1 trauma centers in Chicago. After residency, Dr. Meneely completed an ACFAS certified fellowship in reconstructive foot and ankle surgery in Louisville, Kentucky. Following her fellowship, Dr. Meneely spent time training at the prestigious Institute for Orthoplastic and Microneurosurgery (IOMS) at AMITA Health, St. Joseph Chicago Hospital in advance lower extremity microneurosurgery with reconstructive amputation.
Dr. Meneely treats all conditions of the foot and ankle, including arthritis, bunions, flatfeet, nerve repair, sports-related injuries, tendon disorders and fractures. She performs surgery ranging from minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery to complex reconstructions. She has published and spoke on various foot and ankle pathology across the country. She has a passion for educating and enjoys sharing her knowledge with new physicians.
Dr. Meneely treats each patient as if they were a part of her own family. She is a devoted patient advocate, who approaches patient care through both patient education and the latest evidence based research. She strives to provide patients with the most advanced surgical and non-surgical treatment options that meet their desired lifestyle goals, and allow each patient to return to their optimal functional ability as quickly as possible. Outside of patient care, she enjoys basketball, piano, and traveling to national parks across the country.
Job Titles:
- Physician Assistant at United Medical Doctors Urgent Care
Annie is a Physician Assistant at United Medical Doctors Urgent Care in Encinitas. In 2015, Annie obtained her bachelors from University of California, Berkeley. She then worked as an EMT for three years and then went on to receive her Masters in Physician Assistant Studies in 2020 from Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, CA. She has been practicing in the urgent care and emergency department ever since.
Annie is board certified through the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants.
April received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from San Diego State University and her Master of Science in Nursing from University of Southern California, with academic distinction cum laude.
She has delivered anesthesia for over 20 years at local hospitals, various private oral and plastic surgery offices, and volunteer groups. She has also educated and trained student CRNAs at Kaiser and in the military. This has given her first-hand experience with the risks and difficulties of providing safe anesthesia care in patients who are breathing on their own under anesthesia, and the challenge of teaching health care providers how to maintain a patent airway.
This experience provided the impetus for the invention and development of the Jaw Elevation Device (JED)®. April is the Co-Founder, Director, President and CEO of Hypnoz Therapeutic Devices, creator of the JED® www.hypnozdevices.com
Dr. Uyesugi is a head and neck surgeon who practices comprehensive general Otolaryngology. He treats both pediatric and adult patients.
Dr. Uyesugi was born and raised in San Diego. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California Irvine and his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, Virginia.
After graduating, he moved to Richmond, VA, to complete his residency training at Virginia Commonwealth University Health Systems. He then decided to return to southern California to be closer to family. Outside the office, he enjoys cooking and spending time with his wife and their two dogs.
Job Titles:
- Certified Physician Assistant
Arup Paul, a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), earned his Master of Medical Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Marshall B Ketchum University, Fullerton, California. Previously, he obtained his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of California, Riverside in 2017. He is certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants, and licensed by the Physician Assistant Board of California. Arup is also a member of California Academy Physician Assistant (CAPA).
Arup spent the majority of his life in the Inland Empire area. He developed great interest in Gastroenterology while in PA school and he is passionate about serving people in the Inland Empire area. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends, hiking locally, visiting family in New York, and playing Tennis/Cricket/Badminton.
Job Titles:
- Certified Physician Assistant
Avani, a Certified Physician Assistant (PA-C), earned her Master of Science degree in Physician Assistant Studies at Midwestern University in 2003. Previously, she obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley in 1998. She is certified as a Physician Assistant by the National Commission of Certification of Physician Assistants, and licensed by the Medical Board of California.
Prior to joining David B. Stanton, MD & Associates in November of 2014, Avani worked in primary care and has always had a keen interest in gastroenterology.
Avani lives in Aliso Viejo, and enjoys spending her free time with her husband and daughter, as well as traveling, hiking, running and cooking.
Dr. Madani is a fellowship trained gastroenterologist and hepatologist. While she treats digestive diseases, her area of expertise is hepatology which includes wide spectrum of liver diseases including: autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis, primary sclerosing cholangitis, viral hepatitis A, B, C, fatty liver disease and metabolic syndrome, liver cancer and abnormal liver lesions, drug induced liver injury, alcohol induced liver injury and cirrhosis.
Dr. Madani is a graduate of Tehran University of Medical School and Sciences. She received her hepatology fellowship training in University of Pittsburgh, where she was assistant professor of medicine involved in teaching residents and fellows. After completion of her gastroenterology training at Methodist Hospital Medical Center, she joined Scripps Clinic in La Jolla where she worked as a Transplant hepatologist and gastroenterologist and continued to teach fellows and residents and initiated the transplant hepatology fellowship program.
Dr. Madani has participated in many clinical trials in the field of liver disease and has presented her research findings at several international liver meetings.
Dr. Leong received his bachelor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and his doctorate in medicine from the Medical College of Ohio. After medical school, Dr. Leong completed a general surgery residency at New York Medical College.
He also completed fellowships in minimally invasive surgery and robotic surgery from the University of Texas, Houston. During his fellowship training, Dr. Leong gained valuable experience in bariatric surgery as well as advanced laparoscopic surgery.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Manager
- MARKETING MANAGER, ORANGE COUNTY
Bojana joined United Medical Doctors as the Marketing Manager of Orange County in February 2020. Previously, she was a Clinical Sales Representative with Allergan focused on marketing and promoting product in the gastroenterology, cardiovascular and psychiatric space. She was quickly able to cultivate lasting relationships with primary care physicians and specialists throughout Huntington Beach, Anaheim, Fountain Valley, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana and much of Orange County.
Prior to joining United Medical Doctors, Bojana played an integral part in the success of the $350M Coliseum Renovation Project. As an Account Executive with Legends/USC Trojan Athletic Fund she personally secured $2.7M in endowments, donations and annual pledges to help fund this iconic renovation and to help support student-athlete scholarships. Bojana was also an instrumental part of the Sales & Concierge team at the Rose Bowl Operating Company where she helped direct concierge operations for the Horizon Premier Level seating during football games/events.
Bojana graduated from UCLA in 2013 with a Bachelors of Art in Economics and a Minor in Eastern European Studies. She went on the complete her Masters in Sport Management at Cal State University, Long Beach. Bojana holds a high regard for academic pursuits and hopes to continue advancing her education.
Most friends and colleagues know Bojana by her nickname, Bo. Bojana started playing volleyball when she was 6 years old in Belgrade, Serbia where she was born. After moving to Irvine, CA at 9 years old with her brother, mother and father, she continued to pursue her volleyball dreams and went on to win an NCAA National Championship at UCLA in 2011. She continued on to play professionally in France, Puerto Rico and the Philippines. In her free time, Bojana still enjoys playing beach and indoor volleyball with her husband and her close friends.
Dr. Brian Chen earned his medical degree at the Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine in Stratford, New Jersey. Following graduation, he completed his residency training in internal medicine at Rowan SOM Virtua/Jefferson Hospital Systems in NJ. He then completed a cardiology fellowship at the Rowan SOM Virtua/Jefferson Hospital Systems in New Jersey. He is currently Board-Certified in Internal Medicine.
Dr. Chen received training in the medical management of multiple cardiovascular conditions, including chest pain, congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, hyperlipidemia, peripheral artery disease, and hypertension. He also is experienced in performing cardiac tests/imaging studies such as echocardiograms, loop recorders, stress testing, and Holter monitors.
He is an active member of the American College of Osteopathic Internists, the American College of Physicians, and the American College of Cardiology.
Bryan joined United Gastroenterologists in June of 2008 as a Physician Assistant and also serves as Medical Director of Mid-Levels and Director of Medical Informatics.
He graduated from the University of Pittsburgh and received his Physician Assistant degree from Albany Medical College in New York State in 1993. During his training and after graduation he served in the National Health Service Corp and was assigned to the Watts Health Center in South Central Los Angeles, where he provided healthcare to the medically underserved.
In 1996, Bryan co-founded the Los Angeles Mission Community Clinic, a free clinic for the indigent and homeless in the Skid Row area of Los Angeles, where he served as Medical Outreach Director. He also has served as Directory of Clinical Services at City Help a non-profit agency in Los Angeles. Over his 20 year career in healthcare he has been honored to receive the Healthcare Provider Recognition Award from the Hollywood Sunset Free Clinic and the Bank of America Local Hero Award.
He is a member of the California Academy of Physician Assistants and also serves on the healthcare advisory board for World Impact LA Health Ministries.
Bryan lives in the Temecula Valley with his wife and two children.
Job Titles:
- MARKETING MANAGER
- Marketing Manager for Riverside
Chelsey is the Marketing Manager for Riverside, San Diego and Los Angeles counties at United Medical Doctors. She is responsible for online reputation and brand management, referring physician relations, advertising and public relations. Her role encompasses a myriad of marketing functions including managing online presence, content creation, email and social media marketing and community engagement. Chelsey received her Bachelor of Arts in Communication and a Minor in Women, Culture and Development from University of California, Santa Barbara.
Chelsey has held multiple key positions within the marketing and public relations sector in her career. As the Assistant Account Executive at one of San Diego's premier public relations and marketing firms, Chemistry PR, she was responsible for marketing, event planning, community and charity engagement and public relations for the firm's largest client. Most recently, she was the Marketing Manager at Ponte Family Estate in Temecula Wine Country, encompassing three winery brands and a boutique hotel brand. There she played an integral role in their expansion, including inter-state in Oregon's Willamette Valley and the opening of a new winery in Temecula, BOTTAIA Winery, of which she co-developed the brand and helped launch as Temecula's most elevated winery experience.
Following five years in hospitality marketing in Temecula Wine Country, Chelsey transitioned into the healthcare sector. She joined United Medical Doctors to help facilitate their expansion into additional specialty medical and surgical service lines and further strengthen their position as the premier multi-specialty medical and surgical practice in Southern California.
In her personal time, Chelsey enjoys traveling, Pilates and spending quality time at home with her family, including two dogs and two cats. Chelsey resides in Temecula with her husband.
The Inland Empire is where Dr. Flannery was born and raised. He is happy to serve his community as a specialty care provider in gastroenterology.
Dr. Flannery had already been accepted to the University of California, Los Angeles after high school and had intended to enroll there, but instead enlisted in the United States Army. Prior to being awarded a Green to Gold Scholarship, he was as a medic in the 82nd Airborne Division. He attended East Carolina University in North Carolina using his scholarship and graduated with a B.S. in Physician Assistant Studies. In addition, he received his commission as an Army Officer after completing four years of Army ROTC. He worked in an Urgent Care for three years as a physician assistant before starting at Ross University School of Medicine.
Dr. Flannery did his internship and internal medicine residency at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center in downtown Phoenix, AZ. During his final year of residency, he held the position of Chief Internal Medicine Resident. He continued on to Loma Linda University to complete his gastroenterology fellowship. Dr. Flannery is board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology by the American Board of Internal medicine. He is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, mountain biking, and backpacking.
Job Titles:
- Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Colleen Herr is a board certified Family Nurse Practitioner. She completed her graduate studies at University of San Diego in 2000 and her experience includes both Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.
Colleen has a passion for promoting wellness in all individuals and her interests include exercise and pursuing a healthy lifestyle.
She has over 20 years in nursing and belongs to Sigma Theta Tau honor society. Colleen enjoys spending time with her husband and 2 daughters. Her weekends are often spent hiking, camping or attending her daughters sporting events.
Job Titles:
- Certified Registered Nurse
Colleen Stallmer is a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) with United Medical Doctors. Colleen is a native New Yorker who joined the Navy in 1986. After a tour in Washington D.C., the Navy relocated her to the West Coast. In 1995, she attended The University of San Diego and earned her undergraduate degree. In 1999, after a tour at the Naval Medical Center San Diego she was selected to attend The Navy Nurse Corps Anesthesia Program, Georgetown University and in 2002 she received a Master's of Science in Nursing. From 2002-2009, she served as a Nurse Anesthetist in a variety of clinical settings and after 23 years of Naval Service she retired as a Commander in 2009. Immediately after her retirement she joined the Anesthesia Team at United Medical Doctors in October of 2009.
Early in her career she served as Assistant Division Head Intensive Care Unit, Division Head Same Day Surgery Unit, and Division Head of the Post Anesthesia Care Unit before embarking on her path as a Nurse Anesthetist. As an Anesthetist she served as the Vice Chairman, Department of Anesthesia, Naval Medical Center San Diego. She also had the opportunity to spend 18 months in Iceland and 13 months in Kuwait during Operation Enduring Freedom. A passionate educator, she held a position as adjunct facility for the Navy Nurse Corps Anesthesia Program, Georgetown University prior to her retirement.
She is a member of the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists and holds current certifications in Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Life Support. Her current hospital appointments are held at Paradise Valley Hospital.
Her interests include traveling, scuba diving, concerts (all types of music, but especially country!), entertaining friends and spending quality time with her family.
Job Titles:
- Sports Medicine Specialist
Dr. Fishel graduated from Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine in Ft Worth, Texas. He subsequently completed his internship and residency in Family Medicine at Hemet Global Medical Center, before completing a fellowship in Sports Medicine in Temecula, California. He is board certified in both Family Medicine and Primary Care Sports Medicine.
As a Sports Medicine specialist, Dr. Fishel is passionate about treating acute musculoskeletal injuries as well as chronic aches and pains. He is highly trained in concussion management, sports performance, weight loss, and lifestyle medicine. He performs diagnostic ultrasound and ultrasound-guided injections in the clinic, and is at the forefront of evidence-based regenerative medicine. Dr. Fishel treats patients 12 years of age and older.
He continues to enjoy spending time outdoors and being physically active in beautiful Southern California. You can find him trying to pick up a new sport, on the sidelines at a game or event, or watching sports on TV.
Dr. Garza is a board certified vascular and interventional radiologist at Focus Medical Imaging in Southern California.
Dr. Garza received his medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed his residency in Diagnostic Radiology at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. Additionally, Dr. Garza completed his Vascular Interventional Radiology fellowship at USC Medical Center. Dr. Garza is affiliated with the Society of Interventional Radiology, American College of Radiology, Radiologic Society of North America, among others.
Dr. Garza's interests include the Philosophy of Science, collecting music of all genres, attending musical concerts, medical and scientific ethics, and mid-long distance running.
Dr. Daniel Eshaghian is a native of the San Fernando Valley. He attended UCLA for his undergraduate studies, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science.
He subsequently earned his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. Following graduation, he completed his internship and residency training in Internal Medicine at Oklahoma State University Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After residency training, Dr. Eshaghian spent two years practicing inpatient medicine as a Gastroenterology Hospitalist in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He ultimately completed a Gastroenterology fellowship at Oklahoma State University Medical Center, serving as chief fellow in his final year of training.
Dr. Eshaghian practices general gastroenterology and hepatology, with special interests in colorectal cancer screening, reflux disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. His desire to serve his hometown brought him back to Southern California after completing his medical training.
In his spare time, Dr. Eshaghian enjoys watching sports, cycling, European history and travel, and spending time with his family and friends. He is fluent in Farsi.
Job Titles:
- Certified Registered Nurse
Debbie Malina has been a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist for over 20 years. She has practiced in a number of states and variety of healthcare facilities in that time. She received her Master's Degree in Anesthesiology from Barry University, an MBA from Madison University and her Doctorate in Nursing Science (DNSc) from the University of Tennessee, Memphis. She is a member of Sigma Theta Tau, the International Nursing Honor Society, and in 2015, was inducted as a Distinguished Fellow for Nursing in the National Academies of Practice.
Dr. Malina was president of the 51,000+-member organization, the American Association of Nurse Anesthetists (AANA) in 2011. She is a past Lead Coordinator of the Nursing Organizations Alliance, and has held many other state and national elected and appointed positions.
In addition to her clinical practice, she also was an Assistant Professor and Assistant Program Director of the Barry University Anesthesiology Master of Science and Doctor of Nursing Practice programs in Florida, and Clinical Education Coordinator for the University of Tennessee Memphis MSN Anesthesia Program.
Her professional interests include use of human factors and effective communication techniques to reduce medical error and patient harm, medical simulation and evidence-based practice.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Academy of Nutrition
Deidre graduated from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo with a degree in Dietetics and Food Administration.
She went on to earn a Master's Degree from Chapman University in Healthcare Administration. Deidre is a member of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as well as certified Integrative and Functional Nutrition.
She believes in the power of food as medicine and finds great purpose in educating patients so they can optimize their health potential. Deidre has been with United Family since 2015.
Denise's undergraduate education includes a Bachelors of Arts in Biology from La Sierra University and an Associates of Science Degree in Nursing and Bachelors of Science in Nursing from Loma Linda University. In 2007, she was inducted into the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.
As a registered nurse, she worked in the NICU at Loma Linda University Medical Center then at Loma Linda University Medical Center - Murrieta in Employee Health. In 2011, Denise furthered her education at Loma Linda University by earning a Master's Degree in the Nurse Practitioner program with emphasis on Family medicine.
She is certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of California Association for Nurse Practitioners, and National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women's Health.
Dr. Anthony Kim earned his M.D. at the Keck-University of Southern California School of Medicine and graduated as valedictorian with Highest Distinction and was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society in 2000. He also graduated from Yale University with a B.S. intensive in Biology and a B.A. in Music. He also underwent one year of Masters in Musical Arts at Yale University.
Dr. Kim completed both a neurosurgery residency and a complex spine fellowship at the University of Southern California (USC) Department of Neurosurgery. His spine fellowship included reconstructive spine techniques in tumor, deformity, and trauma as well as travel to Australia to study the latest advancements that have not yet reached the United States. He also studied minimally invasive spinal surgery with the pioneers of the field. Los Angeles' first one -level minimally invasive fusion was performed at LAC-USC with Dr. Larry Khoo and Anthony Kim.
Early on his career, Dr. Kim's research included the natural history of the ageing spine, particularly facet degeneration and diseases of the posterior spine; posterior-only approaches to the cervico-thoracic junction and thoracic ventral lesions; penetrating traumatic brain and spinal cord injury; transpedicular and en bloc trauma and tumor spine reconstructions; the use of biologics in neuro-regeneration and repair; scoliosis and adult deformity; failed back syndrome and adjacent segment degeneration; patients with prior surgery and worsening conditions; minimally invasive spine techniques; advanced imaging modalities (e.g. MR myelography, fusion bone CT-SPECT, and tensor DWI) in the care of spine patients; posterior dynamic stabilization; and rare tumors of the cerebral nervous system. He is well versed in all forms of spinal hardware, and has implanted over 13,000 spinal instrumentation products circa 2018.
Dr. Kim continues to partner with the Brain Tumor Board at UCSF Neuro-Oncology and encourages his patient to seek academic and second opinions. By having a local oncologist/radiation oncologist as well as academic input, Dr. Kim hopes to advance Brain Tumor Oncology in Southern California to the latest and most advanced level while assuaging patients' concerns of "traveling to obtain the right treatment" in a timely manner. Additionally, Dr. Kim provides close monitoring or brain tumors and metastatic tumors, and provides stereotactic radiosurgery (most commonly, cyberknife) for minimally invasive outpatient treatment.
Since 2014, Dr. Kim has served as physician liaison and now Chief Medical Officer for the application of non-invasive magnetic resonance therapy (MeRTTM) on patients with traumatic brain injury and PTSD at NeuroMod Sciences and the Brain Treatment Center. He has worked with active soldiers as well as veterans to alleviate concerning symptoms of PTSD and depression and substance abuse. He seeks to advance non-invasive non-surgical methods to alleviate symptoms and improve diagnosis in a new realm of neuro-physics. As an adjunct realm of study, how the brain is affected by space travel and performance enhancement is being investigated.
He has been invited to meetings to speak before the Plenary Session at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS), the Western Neurological Society (WNS), the AANS-CNS section of Spine and Peripheral Nerve Disorders ("Spine section"), and the AANS-CNS section of Pediatric Neurosurgery to name a few. He has published in the main neurosurgical journals, Journal of Neurosurgery, the Spine journal, Neurosurgery, and Neurosurgical Focus among others, and has reviewed for Neurosurgery in the field of penetrating trauma and for the International Society for the Advancement of Spinal Surgery (ISAAS). He is a board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Neurological Surgery (ABNS) and fellow of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (FAANS).
Dr. Kim has been awarded the ‘Physician of Excellence' designation by the Orange County Medical Association (OCMA) in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019. He also continues to work as interviewer and college fair speaker for Yale University and won the Yale Service Award in 2016. He will continue to champion the motto of Yale ("Lux et Veritas") to all high school students, and advocate for all students to achieve a higher education.
First and foremost, Dr. Kim is dedicated to the care and well-being of his patients. His goal is to combine compassionate patient care with the most up-to-date evidence-based medicine, and to provide patients with teaching, insight, and knowledge of the pros and cons of recent advances in the field. Dr. Kim is fluent in Korean. Away from work, Dr. Kim enjoys swimming and being with his wife, two sons, and daughter.
Dr. Ashley Wong is a double board certified, fellowship trained Physiatrist and Pain Management physician. She earned her medical degree from NYCOM on the east coast, where she is originally from. She completed her Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) residency at Case Western Reserve/MetroHealth Hospital, followed by an ACGME-accredited Pain Medicine fellowship at Albert Einstein/Montefiore Medical Center. Throughout her training she has earned numerous honors including Intern of the Year, Best Senior Research Award in residency and PM&R Chief Resident.
Bridging her training in PM&R and Pain Management, Dr. Wong's main goal is to provide individualized, multidisciplinary treatment that allows her patients to maximize function and restore quality of life. Dr. Wong's practice focuses on using a multimodal approach with opioid sparing interventional treatments to restore physical function and emotional well-being. A complete diagnostic workup is performed to ensure a treatment plan is tailored to each individual's situation. Services includes using injection and neuromodulation interventions, physical therapy, pharmacological treatment, integrating alternative therapies and promoting psychological care. She is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care to her patients.
Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time with her husband, taking walks on the beach and practicing yoga.
Dr. Brian S. Lim is a compassionate and highly accomplished clinician, educator, and researcher. He is a nationally distinguished Fellow of the American College of Gastroenterology, American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Gastroenterological Association and the American College of Physician which are designations recognizing members who have demonstrated superior competence and made significant contributions to the field of gastroenterology, endoscopy, and internal medicine. He is an Associate Professor of Medicine for UC Riverside School of Medicine and former core faculty for UC Riverside Internal Medicine and Kaiser Inland Empire Internal Medicine Residency Programs for which he was recognized with numerous accolades.
He graduated with Honors from Chicago Medical School and was inducted into the exclusive Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society which recognizes the top 15% of the graduating class for their academic achievements and dedication to the profession of medicine.
He completed his internal medicine residency at UCLA-San Fernando Valley Internal Medicine program where he served as Chief Resident.
His gastroenterology fellowship was completed at UC Davis where he acquired training in advanced endoscopy, earned his Master's in Clinical Research, and received the ACG Governor's Clinical Research Award.
Dr. Lim has an elite set of endoscopic skills and vast experience with complex endoscopy. Before joining United Gastroenterologists, Dr. Lim practiced at Kaiser Riverside Medical Center for 13 years as an advanced/pancreatobiliary endoscopist performing procedures such as endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), and enteral stenting. Few gastroenterologists have his colonoscopy and polyp removal skill set. His skills encompass endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) of large and giant polyps to progressive techniques like endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) for early cancer, endoscopic full-thickness resection (EFTR) for refractory polyp and early cancer, and endoscopic suturing, all of which are performed largely in academic centers. He is ASGE STAR certified for Upper and Lower Endoscopic Mucosal Resection.
While his main passion is for patient care and helping patients understand their disease processes and management, he has been acknowledged for his numerous accolades as an educator, leader, and researcher. In addition to his academic titles at UC Riverside and Kaiser, he also held positions as an area research chair and residency research co-chair. His numerous awards include Internist of the Year Award, Excellence in Teaching Award, Kaiser Permanente Southern California Physician Researcher of the Year Award, and American College of Physicians Distinguished Teacher/Mentor Award. Dr. Lim has contributed numerous research articles, case reports, educational videos, book chapters and had the privilege of presenting the results of his research at national meetings. He remains an active manuscript reviewer for several peer reviewed medical journals.
He has received the Southern California Super Doctors recognition for four consecutive years and is an active member of the American Gastroenterological Association and Christian Medical & Dental Association.
Dr. Lim is committed to providing up to date evidence-based medicine with empathy. When not working, he likes spending time with his family, attending/serving at church, and pursuing his musical interests, especially singing.
Job Titles:
- Member of the American College of Gastroenterology
Dr. Dalia Ibrahim is double board certified in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology. She earned her Doctor of Medicine from Georgetown University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. She went on to complete her internship and residency training in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Gastroenterology at Georgetown University Hospital.
After finishing fellowship, Dr. Ibrahim moved back to Orange County with her family where she was born and raised. She began her private practice there dedicated to improving the health of her community by setting the standard of excellence in specialty medical and surgical care. In continuation with her private practice, Dr. Ibrahim then joined United Medical Doctors, Southern California's Premier Independent Multi-Specialty Medical & Surgical Group.
Dr. Ibrahim has extensive experience in treating a wide range of gastrointestinal illnesses with a personal approach tailored to each patient. Her special areas of interest include inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal motility, and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth.
Dr. Ibrahim is a member of the American College of Gastroenterology as well as a member of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. She currently serves as medical director of the Digestive Care Center Outpatient Surgical Center and practices at Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in Laguna Hills.
In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Ibrahim is a devoted wife and mother of two, and enjoys spending time with her family in her free time. She loves outdoor activities and loves to travel.
Dr. Daniel Burgess, General Surgeon, joined the United Medical Doctors team in 2020. He works alongside Dr. Matthew Schultzel, our General, Robotic & Colorectal Surgeon, and also specializes in Advanced Wound Care and Vascular Access.⠀
Dr. Burgess, originally from Greeley, Colorado, joins us after a five year stay completing his medical residency at CarePoint Health System in New Jersey. After working as a lab technician at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, he earned his medical degree at the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. In step with our medical philosophy, Dr. Burgess also specializes in minimally invasive robotic surgery.
In addition to being an avid reader and world traveler, Dr. Burgess is also interested in swimming. In fact, he was on the Rider University swimming team as an undergraduate student.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Dr. Daniel Chang received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University in 1999. He attended Tufts Medical School, receiving his M.D. in 2003. He completed his radiology residency at Nassau County Medical Center in Long Island, NY, where he served as chief resident from 2006-07. His special interest is in MRI and MRI physics, for which he completed a one year fellowship at the University of Massachusetts.
Dr. Chang worked at the Santa Monica based teleradiology firm, US Radiology On Call, where for 7 years before joining Focus Medical Imaging in 2016.
Outside of work, Dr. Chang enjoys spending time with his wife and 4 young boys. While chasing them around consumes most of his time outside work, he enjoys stand-up paddle boarding, golf and tennis in his spare time.
Dr. David Ham is an Urgent Care Physician at United Medical Doctors. Dr. Ham completed medical school and residency training in Family Medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine.
Dr. Ham is board-certified in Family Medicine and has over 10 years of experience in Emergency and Urgent Care Medicine. In his spare time, Dr. Ham enjoys spending time with his wife in San Diego where they reside.
Job Titles:
- Internal Medicine Program 2005 ( Chief Resident 2006 )