PGY-1:
Foundational training
Foundational training includes rotations in inpatient medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, night float, emergency room, surgery, community medicine, and newborn care.
Building healthier communities together.
The Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program is a community-based training experience that prepares residents for full-spectrum family medicine in a diverse, urban, medically underserved population. As part of Dignity Health, we are a member of CommonSpirit Health's national network of more than 2,200 care sites across 24 states. That broad perspective supports our local commitment to community-based training, health equity and compassionate care.
Training primarily occurs at California Hospital Medical Center and the Eisner Health Family Medical Center, serving a diverse patient population in downtown Los Angeles. Residents gain experience in a variety of clinical settings, including inpatient medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, and emergency care.
Upon graduation, residents are prepared to excel in academic and clinical careers, delivering comprehensive and compassionate family medicine.
More in Common Alliance
The More in Common Alliance is a partnership between CommonSpirit Health and Morehouse School of Medicine designed to expand graduate medical education opportunities, strengthen and diversify the physician workforce and improve access to care in communities that have historically experienced health disparities.
At California Hospital Medical Center, the alliance combines local clinical training and community-based experience with the academic resources of Morehouse School of Medicine and the broader network of CommonSpirit Health. Together, the organizations share a commitment to health equity, culturally responsive care and preparing physicians to serve communities with significant health care needs.
Program Highlights
- Established 1984
- Located in downtown Los Angeles
- Community hospital with Level II Trauma Center
- Continuity clinic at Eisner Health FQHC
- Serves diverse, medically underserved population
- Strong inpatient training experience
- Unopposed residency program
- Integrated didactics including POCUS and Addiction Medicine
- Specialty clinics: procedures, human rights, women's health, dermatology
- Advocacy and organized medicine involvement
Message from the Program Director
Thank you for your interest in the California Hospital Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program. We are deeply committed to the success of our residents by providing robust training in full-spectrum family medicine in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles.
Our mission is to provide comprehensive training to family physicians who care for our diverse, urban, medically underserved community. We are dedicated to delivering the highest standard of medical education and continuous professional development opportunities, allowing future family medicine physicians to excel in academic and clinical careers. Residents benefit from training at the Eisner Family Medicine Residency Center, a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center, and at CHMC, which serves as the primary site for all clinical rotations.
We encourage you to explore our program further and discover how our commitment to compassionate, high-quality care aligns with your goals.
Armaity V. Austin, MD, MPH, FAAFP, DABoIM
Interim Program Director
Welcome from the Designated Institutional Official (DIO)
Welcome to the Morehouse School of Medicine-sponsored Family Medicine Residency Program at California Hospital Medical Center. We are proud to partner with California Hospital Medical Center and CommonSpirit Health through the More in Common Alliance to prepare the next generation of physicians while advancing health equity and expanding access to care.
At Morehouse School of Medicine, we are committed to providing a supportive learning environment where residents receive the mentorship, resources and clinical experiences needed to grow as compassionate, skilled physicians. We believe that patient safety, quality care and resident well-being are essential to developing future leaders who will make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.
Chinedu Ivonye, MD, FACP
Professor of Medicine
Associate Dean, Graduate Medical Education
ACGME Designated Institutional Official (DIO)
Morehouse School of Medicine
Curriculum
The program offers a three-year training experience, accepting eight residents per year, with primary training sites at California Hospital Medical Center and the Eisner Health Family Medical Center. The curriculum provides broad exposure across various clinical settings.
PGY-1:
PGY-2:
Expanded clinical responsibility
Expanded clinical responsibility involves further training in inpatient medicine, obstetrics, night float, intensive care unit, geriatrics, pediatrics, human behavior, and musculoskeletal care, alongside elective opportunities.
PGY-3:
Independent practice preparation
Independent practice preparation focuses on extensive elective time, inpatient medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, musculoskeletal care, night float, dermatology, sports medicine, emergency room, and health systems management.
Educational Tracks
Integrative Medicine Track
Residents interested in a holistic approach to patient care can pursue this track.
Obstetrics Track
This track is designed for residents seeking enhanced skills and experience in obstetrical care.
Hospitalist Track
A Hospitalist track is currently in development to prepare residents for careers in inpatient medicine.
Additional Curriculum Experiences
Didactics and protected education time
Our curriculum integrates psychosocial case conferences, an Addiction Medicine Lecture Series, OB Grand Rounds, Lifestyle Medicine Residency Curriculum, and Point of Care Ultrasound Curriculum, including simulation lab experience, longitudinally into our didactics. Residents also participate in weekly Friday afternoon didactics and other conferences.
Call schedule and night float
Residents participate in night float rotations as part of their training, providing essential experience in managing overnight patient care.
Procedural training
The program includes dedicated procedural clinics within the Family Medicine Center. Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is integrated into the curriculum, with training opportunities in our simulation lab.
Electives
Elective rotations are available, particularly in the PGY-2 and PGY-3 years, allowing residents to pursue specific areas of interest and customize their educational experience.
Training Locations
Our program is centered in downtown Los Angeles, offering training across diverse settings from a community hospital with a trauma center to a federally qualified health center.
Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Los Angeles, California
Eisner Health
Los Angeles, California
Homeboy Industries
Los Angeles, California
Hope Street Margolis Family Center
Los Angeles, California
Compensation and Benefits
Residents are eligible for benefits beginning on their first day of hire.
Salary
For the 2026-2027 academic year, annual resident salaries are:
PGY-1: $78,039.45
PGY-2: $80,380.64
PGY-3: $83,195.04
Health Insurance
Medical, dental and vision coverage for residents, with premiums paid in full
Low-cost medical coverage for enrolled dependents
Life and AD&D insurance (1x annual salary)
Long-term disability insurance
Optional spousal and dependent life insurance
Professional liability insurance
Time Away & Leave
Four weeks of paid vacation and holiday leave
Paid medical, parental and caregiver leave
Education & Professional Development
Additional education and program-specific benefits may be available through the sponsoring institution
Resident Perks & Wellness
403(b) retirement plan with employer matching through Fidelity (eligibility requirements apply)
Additional benefits vary by sponsoring institution and residency program
Our Community
There are endless opportunities for exciting new adventures in Los Angeles. As a Family Medicine Resident at Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center, Los Angeles County will be your new backyard. Access to theme parks, unique shopping experiences, museums, and outdoor excursions await!
How to Apply
Application Process
All applications must be formally submitted through ERAS, and must include the following:
- CV
- Personal Statement
- Photograph
- Three Letters of Reference from physicians who have worked with you clinically, preferably including at least one letter of reference from a Family Physician
- Complete Medical School Transcripts
- Complete USMLE and/or COMLEX Transcript History, including all attempts
- Dean's Letter
Interview dates are conducted every Friday morning throughout the Family Medicine Residency Program interview cycle from October through January.
International Medical Graduates
For international graduates, we require an Educational Council for Foreign Medical Graduates (ECFMG) Status Report and proof of legal authorization to work in the US. California Hospital Medical Center does not support any type of visa for resident physicians.
Medical Student Clerkships
We offer a four-week inpatient family medicine sub-internship to fourth-year medical students in good standing at an accredited allopathic or osteopathic medical school. Students will care for full-spectrum family medicine patients on our inpatient service, including adult medicine, critical care, obstetric, and newborn patients, and participate in our didactics. The rotation is available via VSLO, "CHMC-LA-FM-SUB-1 – Inpatient Family Medicine Sub-Internship at CHMC-LA" under Morehouse School of Medicine. Foreign Medical School Students can inquire via email.
Faculty
Armaity V. Austin, MD, MPH, FAAFP, DABoIM
Role: Interim Program Director
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Board certification: Family Medicine, Integrative Medicine
Clinical/academic interests: Community Medicine, Bioethics, Global Health, Integrative Medicine
C. Peony Khoo, MD, FAAFP
Role: Associate Program Director
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: Saint Louis University Residency: UCLA Family Medicine
Fellowship: Santa Clara Valley Medical Center Obstetrics Fellowship
Clinical/academic interests: Obstetrics, reproductive health, office procedures, medical education
Sandra Avila, MD
Role: Didactics Director
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA
Residency: White Memorial Medical Center Family Medicine Residency
Clinical/academic interests: Geriatric patient care, preventive care, diabetes management
Hector Castillo, MD
Role: Core Faculty
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine
Residency: White Memorial Medical Center
Clinical/academic interests: Family medicine inpatient service
Michelle Crespo, MD, MPH
Role: Core Faculty Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: University of California Irvine School of Medicine
Residency: CHMC – Family Medicine Residency
Clinical/academic interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, healthcare disparities, health access
Amanda Dupre, DO, MPH, MS
Role: Core Faculty
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Harbor-UCLA Family Medicine Residency Program
Fellowship: Family Medicine Obstetric Fellowship at University of Illinois College of Medicine Peoria (UICOM)
Clinical/academic interests: Obstetrics, reproductive health, underserved populations, healthcare disparities, diversity, inclusion in medicine
Richard Hernandez, MD
Role: Inpatient Director
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Residency: Arrowhead Regional Medical Center
Clinical/academic interests: Inpatient medicine, Point of Care Ultrasound integration
Tracey Norton, DO, FAAFP
Role: Clinical Medical Director
Program/affiliation: Eisner Health Family Medicine Center
Medical school: Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: California Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program
Board certification: Family Medicine, Adolescent Medicine
Clinical/academic interests: Graduate medical education, full-scope medicine, underserved populations
Monika Shenouda, MD
Role: Core Faculty
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Residency: California Hospital Family Medicine Residency Program
Clinical/academic interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, office procedures, teaching, research, underserved community
Anthony Zamudio, PhD
Role: Director of Behavioral Science
Program/affiliation: Dignity Health California Hospital Medical Center Education: Ph.D. in clinical psychology from UCLA
Clinical/academic interests: Behavioral health, resident wellness, ethics
Current Residents
Class of 2026
Vivian Chi, DO
Medical school: Touro University Nevada
Hometown: Rowland Heights, CA
Professional interests: Women’s Health, gynecology, female preventative care, gender-affirming care, osteopathic manipulation
Personal interests: Painting, cooking, learning new drink recipes
Laura Cui, MD, MS
Medical school: Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Hometown: Bay Area, CA
Professional interests: Advocacy, women’s health, OB fellowship
Personal interests: Crocheting
Sara Haroutunian, MD
Medical school: Ross University School of Medicine
Hometown: San Fernando Valley, CA
Professional interests: Longitudinal care, comprehensive care, community connection, preventive medicine, chronic disease management, public health, physician leadership
Personal interests: Hiking, yoga, batting cages, spending time with family and friends
Charlene Hsu, MD
Medical school: Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians And Surgeons
Hometown: Diamond Bar, CA
Professional interests: Mental health, community work, patient advocacy, mentorship
Personal interests: Camping, hiking, board games, video games, annoying cat
Amenah Ibraheem, DO
Medical school: Western University COMP
Hometown: Baghdad, Iraq
Professional interests: Underserved populations, immigrant and refugee health, community engagement, procedural work, lifestyle and preventive care, global health, mobile outreach, mentoring, advocating for patients and trainees
Personal interests: Hiking, tennis, skateboarding with dog, chasing sunsets, discovering coffee shops, experimenting in kitchen, hosting friends, game nights, spending time with family
Bryant Nguyen, MD-MPH
Medical school: Tulane University School of Medicine & Tulane University School of Public Health
Hometown: Shreveport, LA
Professional interests: Patient continuity, equitable care, underserved populations, preventative medicine, integrative medicine
Personal interests: Playing piano, video games, anime, working out, dressing up
Sheila Torabzadeh, MD, MS
Medical school: St. George University School of Medicine (MD) & University of Southern California (MS in Global Medicine)
Hometown: Northridge, CA
Professional interests: Long-term patient relationships, supporting women, advocating for children, inpatient care
Personal interests: Gym, trash TV, eating in LA, collecting passport stamps
Tatiana Vazquez De Los Santos, MD
Medical school: California Northstate University
Hometown: La Puente, CA
Professional interests: Primary care, community health, advocacy, Spanish-speaking patients, establishing own practice
Personal interests: Crocheting stuffed animals, time with cats, exploring new places