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Program Testimonials

Yasmine Abbey, MD, MSc

The faculty and staff at Cedars-Sinai are world-renowned and encourage a positive learning environment, and I would rather be here than anywhere else for my medical training!"


Yasmine Abbey, MD, MSc

R3


Karim Ibrahim, MD, MS

Coming to train at Cedars-Sinai was the best decision I've made for my career. It is such an energetic, collaborative environment which has greatly benefited my development. We have a wealth of knowledge and training here at our disposal from physicians who want nothing more than to mentor young physicians. We also have an abundance of research opportunities—you can find anything from informatics to solid organ transplantation. I recently transitioned from being an intern to being in a senior role, and I have felt supported, encouraged and empowered to take on a leadership role by my attendings, chiefs and co-residents.

We have the opportunity to take care of a diverse set of patients that makes me feel connected to the communities of Los Angeles. In addition, we get exposed to comprehensive treatment plans for nuanced disease processes as a result of all the specialty services we can offer. I am confident that when I graduate, I will be more than equipped to address a wide variety of clinical scenarios for my patient.

On top of at all, I have made friends both in my residency and in other training programs that I know I can count on for the rest of my life."


Karim Ibrahim, MD, MS

R3


Polly Kirsch, MD

In my first two months at Cedars-Sinai, I've already learned so much from the residents, faculty and my patients. I’ve gained a real sense of autonomy as an intern, of course, with the exceptional support from my senior residents and attendings. In a short time, I’ve also had the pleasure of forming some wonderful friendships. And I would be remiss to not mention the amazing perk of having Starbucks right in the hospital!"


Polly Kirsch, MD

R3


Jerry Garcia Medrano, MD

My training at Cedars-Sinai has been phenomenal since day one of my intern year. I originally chose Cedars-Sinai for its supportive environment, excellent training, perfect work-life balance and large Spanish-speaking population at the Saban Clinic. In the past couple of months, I have learned how extremely supportive our program directors and faculty are, especially in regard to our wellbeing and learning. The education I receive is outstanding, especially during attending rounds and caring for our very diverse population. There are many opportunities in research and mentorship with renowned faculty as well. Our very knowledgeable residents (whom I hang out with frequently!) are the epitome of compassionate, patient-centered care, and I could not be prouder to train alongside them and everyone here at Cedars-Sinai! Lastly, Cedars-Sinai is located in the middle of amazing food options and so many fun things to do!"


Jerry Garcia Medrano, MD

R3


Shreya Ramayya, MD

I feel so lucky to be at Cedars-Sinai! Our IM Program gives residents an excellent balance between rigorous clinical training and diverse extracurricular opportunities. We have the privilege of working with many of the foremost leaders in their respective fields, giving trainees access to cutting-edge research and fascinating didactics. While there is no shortage of professional development programming, Cedars-Sinai’s IM Program also focuses on helping us develop personally. From fun events to community engagement opportunities, there are many ways for us to connect to others in the program and the population we serve in the greater Los Angeles area. This program truly feels like a family, and we are built on a culture of respect, kindness and collaboration. I've made lifelong friends in my co-residents, and I am excited for us to continue to grow together as our careers progress!"


Shreya Ramayya, MD

R3


Erica Tran, MD

The Primary Care Track has been an incredibly enriching experience. I especially love the two-week special lecture series, which featured engaging specialist speakers on high-yield topics, and hands-on workshops such as Nexplanon placement and goals-of-care conversations. The diverse exposure to outpatient clinics across internal medicine subspecialties has been invaluable, allowing me to learn from passionate, dedicated physicians and apply that knowledge directly to my own clinic. I feel more equipped to manage a broader range of conditions and make more thoughtful, targeted referrals in the future. Dr. Rossi-Foulkes, our Primary Care Program director, exudes passion for primary care. She, alongside other attendings, have put in so much effort to enhance our continuity clinic experience. I feel confident managing not only my own patient results but also my residents’ results, which has been outstanding preparation for independent practice."


Erica Tran, MD

R3


Brandon Truong, MD

My time as a resident physician at Cedars-Sinai over the past year has given me some of the most rewarding experiences in my life. From performing research with leading experts, teaching/leading sessions for the many medical students that rotate through our service, and the privilege of serving the diverse patient population here in Los Angeles, I owe it to the Internal Medicine Program here at Cedars-Sinai for providing an incredible number of opportunities to grow as an excellent internist, and tailor my education to my interests. And above all else, I count myself lucky to be able to learn from and continue to grow with my fellow co-residents in the coming years."


Brandon Truong, MD

R3


Jasmine Deng, MD

Even just a few months into residency at Cedars-Sinai, I’ve already had such an enriching and rewarding experience. The quality of the clinical training and didactics have impressed me already, and I feel confident that this program will prepare me for a successful career and foster my personal and professional growth. The support from both the program and my co-residents has been incredible—I've built meaningful friendships and have experienced how collaborative the environment is here at Cedars-Sinai. I can’t wait to grow alongside my co-residents and explore all that L.A. has to offer with my new friends and support system!"


Jasmine Deng, MD

R2


James Fisher, MD, MPH, PhD

As a physician-scientist, I was drawn to Cedars-Sinai for its rigorous, diverse, clinical training opportunities and ever-growing research enterprise. Though I have been here for only a few months, I have felt supported and enriched by my co-residents and the Internal Medicine Program leadership. While I have found that the clinical training at Cedars-Sinai is indeed rigorous, the community of residents and faculty has made my experience exceptional. I am excited for what the future holds here for all of us residents and look forward to exploring this amazing city."


James Fisher, MD, MPH, PhD

R2


Michael Leone, MD

One of the biggest reasons why I wanted to come to Cedars-Sinai was because of the community. During my short time here so far as an intern I can attest that the people are the best part of the program. I quickly experienced a feeling of camaraderie among not only my co-interns but from the amazing senior residents as well. I feel genuinely cared for at Cedars-Sinai and look forward to continuing to build lasting friendships."


Michael Leone, MD

R2


Van Ngo, MD

Primary care can feel like an afterthought at many IM programs, but not at Cedars-Sinai. Here, I am given the opportunity to provide care for patients from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds. From my experiences in private practice settings serving more resourced patients or delivering more specialty care and community clinics supporting the underserved, I've gained valuable, firsthand experience delivering comprehensive primary care across diverse settings."


Van Ngo, MD

R2


Isabelle Velloze, MD

I feel incredibly lucky to be able to train alongside innovative leaders in all the various medical subspecialties here at Cedars-Sinai! From my amazing co-residents to the fellows and attendings, I have felt supported and encouraged throughout my time here. Moreover, getting to live in the vibrant and diverse community of Los Angeles, and serving my home community, is truly a privilege. I know that my training at Cedars-Sinai will help me develop the skills I need to be a knowledgeable, nurturing and compassionate provider."


Isabelle Velloze, MD

R2


Isabelle Velloze, MD

Cedars-Sinai is truly one of a kind—an ideal blend of community medicine with a plethora of academic resources and robust research. This creates a residency experience that is grounded in humanism, connection and profound growth as a clinician learner and leader. Its location in the heart of West Hollywood, and proximity to the culturally and socially diverse surrounding neighborhoods made it an even easier choice for internal medicine residency. From the start, everyone has been welcoming and supportive while keeping patient care at the forefront of everything we do.

It has been such a privilege to join a program rooted in compassion, rigorous clinical training, resident wellness and innovative education. The positive culture and especially my co-residents—the most dedicated, brilliant, fun and chill people around—have been the cherry on top of an amazing residency experience. Not only do they shine in the hospital, but also make the time spent outside of it so special. I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of the Cedars-Sinai IM Residency family!


Melanie Au, MD

R1


Cyamac “Mac” Heravian, MD

When I started at Cedars-Sinai it became immediately apparent how deep the quality of my training would be within an incredibly supportive atmosphere. It's a finely crafted balance of feeling empowered as a physician in training—thoughtfully cultivated from the program leadership, the attendings on service and the senior residents guiding their interns. The Cedars-Sinai family has been a joy and honor to be a part of.


Cyamac “Mac” Heravian, MD

R1


Daniella Lazarus, MD

As a fourth-year medical student, I was fortunate enough to be able to participate in an away rotation at Cedars-Sinai. After seeing the diversity and complexity of cases that Cedars-Sinai tends to as well as the emphasis on real-time education and innovation, I began to envision myself as a resident here. Now, having matched at Cedars-Sinai and fully integrated into my intern year, I can confidently say that my feelings as a medical student hold true. However, beyond the thoughtful patient care provided and research conducted, I have been even more impressed by faculty and my co-residents. On my first day of intern year, my attending took me aside to see how I was adjusting to residency and to listen to my personal goals for the rotation. This act of kindness struck me on my first day but has become the norm. In this residency program, we not only care deeply for our patients and their loved ones, but also for each other. My fellow residents have become like family to me and make me feel excited to come to work no matter the hour.


Daniella Lazarus, MD

R1


Oren Shechter, MD

Training at Cedars-Sinai has truly been a dream come true. In just a few months, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the most accomplished physicians in the world within a culture that fosters collaboration, excellence and outstanding patient care. From co-residents who consistently go out of their way to support one another, to faculty who are passionate about teaching while also prioritizing our growth and wellbeing, Cedars-Sinai has given me both a world-class training experience and a genuine sense of community.

What inspires me most is how Cedars-Sinai combines cutting-edge medicine with a culture that reminds you why you chose this profession in the first place. Every day, I leave feeling challenged, motivated and grateful to be growing into the kind of physician I’ve always aspired to become.


Oren Shechter, MD

R1


Rayan Yahia, MD

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Cedars-Sinai’s strengths is undoubtedly the sense of community. Switching residencies was one of the most stressful decisions of my career, but from day one, the faculty and fellow residents have shown unwavering support. Everyone is genuinely invested in helping each other succeed. Despite our short time together, I truly feel as though I’ve known my colleagues for years.

What also sets Cedars-Sinai apart is the program’s strong emphasis on personal wellbeing. It’s built into the residency structure in a way that allows us to enjoy life while still growing into excellent clinicians. If you’re looking to train with world-renowned physicians—who genuinely treat residents as colleagues—without sacrificing your mental health, this is the program for you. If I had to make the decision again, I would make the same choice, no question.


Rayan Yahia, MD

R1

Have Questions or Need Help?

If you have questions or would like to learn more about the Internal Medicine Residency Program at Cedars-Sinai, please send us a message.

8700 Beverly Blvd.
Suite 5512
Los Angeles, CA 90048