PGY-1:
Foundational training
Residents build a strong foundation in inpatient medicine, emergency medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, surgery, outpatient medicine and continuity clinic.
Building healthier communities together.
The Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program is a community-based training experience designed to prepare residents for full-spectrum family medicine in a diverse urban setting.
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.
Established in 1994, the residency offers hands-on training in a single-residency community hospital environment where family medicine residents are central to the care team. Residents gain experience across inpatient medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, emergency medicine, outpatient care and procedures while caring for patients from many cultural, social and economic backgrounds.
With supportive faculty, community partnerships and a focus on underserved care, residents build the skills to practice in a variety of settings after graduation, including outpatient family medicine, hospital medicine, fellowship training, academic medicine and community-based care.
Program Highlights
- Community-based, single-residency training environment
- Full-spectrum family medicine training in a diverse urban setting
- Strong inpatient, outpatient, obstetric, pediatric and procedural experience
- No 24-hour call through the night float system
- Medical Safe Haven track focused on trauma-informed care for patients affected by human trafficking
- Educational tracks in Medical Safe Haven, hospital medicine, obstetrics and outpatient family medicine
- Point-of-care ultrasound training with a Butterfly iQ device provided to incoming residents
- Supportive faculty, resident wellness focus and resident-led Wellness Committee
- Training focused on underserved care, health equity and community partnerships
- Sacramento location with access to city amenities, outdoor recreation and regional destinations
Message from the Program Director
Many students begin the path to medicine with a desire to care for the underserved. At Methodist Hospital of Sacramento, that calling remains central to who we are.
Our residents and faculty care for some of the most vulnerable members of our community, and we are proud to train family physicians who are committed to service, primary care and compassionate care for those most in need. This residency reflects our commitment to preparing the next generation of family physicians while staying true to the mission that brought many of us to medicine.
Ronald Chambers, MD, MBA, FAAFP
Program Director and Designated Institutional Official (DIO)
Curriculum
The curriculum is organized around progressive responsibility, broad clinical exposure and continuity with patients across care settings.
Residents train across inpatient medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, emergency medicine, surgery, outpatient care, behavioral health, procedures and electives. As the only residency program at Methodist Hospital, family medicine residents have meaningful responsibility and access to a wide range of clinical and procedural experiences.
PGY-1:
PGY-2:
Expanded clinical responsibility
Residents take on greater responsibility in inpatient and outpatient settings, with additional training in medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics, behavioral health, gynecology, electives and community-based care.
PGY-3:
Independent practice preparation
Residents continue to refine their clinical judgment, procedural skills, leadership and career focus through advanced rotations, electives, practice management, outpatient family medicine and senior-level inpatient responsibilities.
Additional Curriculum Experiences
Didactics and protected education time
Residents participate in weekly Wednesday afternoon didactics, including resident and faculty meetings, workshops, quality improvement, morbidity and mortality conferences, Balint and core curriculum sessions.
Call schedule and night float
The program uses a night float system and does not include 24-hour call. This structure supports ACGME work hour compliance while helping residents maintain balance throughout training.
Procedural training
Residents gain experience with inpatient and outpatient procedures, including central lines, intubations, arterial lines, lumbar punctures, paracentesis, thoracentesis, laceration repair, IUD placement, colposcopy, endometrial biopsy, joint injections, splinting and casting.
Electives
Residents have elective time to explore areas aligned with their career goals, including local, out-of-area and international elective opportunities when available.
Educational Tracks
Residents may pursue areas of concentration that support their interests and career goals. Tracks include Medical Safe Haven/Human Trafficking, Hospital Medicine, Obstetrics and Outpatient Family Medicine.
Medical Safe Haven: Human Trafficking
This track focuses on trauma-informed care for patients with a history of or ongoing exposure to human trafficking, with opportunities for mentorship, scholarly work and community outreach.
Hospital Medicine
This track supports residents interested in inpatient medicine through additional procedural experience, point-of-care ultrasound, respiratory care and increased autonomy in managing hospital admissions.
Obstetrics
This track provides additional exposure to pregnancy care, labor and delivery, point-of-care ultrasound, outpatient obstetrics and related women’s health experiences.
Outpatient Family Medicine
This track gives residents deeper exposure to different outpatient practice models, including direct primary care, private practice, federally qualified health centers, functional medicine, solo practice and employed physician practice settings.
Family Medicine Obstetrics Fellowship
Methodist Hospital of Sacramento offers a one-year Family Medicine Obstetrics Fellowship for graduates of Family Medicine residency programs in the United States.
The fellowship provides comprehensive, enhanced obstetrical training across inpatient and outpatient settings, with experiences at Methodist Hospital of Sacramento, Perinatology, Mercy Medical Group OB/GYN offices, Pelvic Physical Therapy, Mercy Medical Group Express Care and other partner sites. Fellows gain experience in labor and delivery, outpatient OB/GYN care, obstetrical ultrasound, procedures, teaching and scholarly work.
Application requirements and next steps are outlined in the How to Apply section below.
Program Recognition
The Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program and its faculty, residents and care teams have been recognized for graduate medical education, trauma-informed care, health equity, research and service to underserved communities.Recognition includes:
- 2024 California Academy of Family Physicians Educator of the Year Award
- 2024 Special Designation for LGBTQ+ Expansive Primary Care
- 2024 AAFP Award for Excellence in Graduate Medical Education
- 2023 CommonSpirit National Research in Equity Award
- 2022 CommonSpirit National Mission and Vision Award
- 2022 STFM CERA Best Paper of the Year Award
- 2021 FMX Best Presentation of the Conference
- 2021 Sacramento County District Attorney Council Award
- 2020 STFM Innovative Program of the Year Award for the Medical Safe Haven Program
- 2020 Domestic Violence Coordinating Council of Sacramento County Service Award
Training Locations
Residents train across hospital, clinic and community-based settings in Sacramento and surrounding communities. Training locations include hospitals, outpatient clinics, skilled nursing, pediatric, obstetric and community partner settings that support full-spectrum family medicine education.
Dignity Health – Methodist Hospital of Sacramento
Sacramento, California
Mercy Family Health Center
Sacramento, California
Dignity Health – Mercy General Hospital
Sacramento, California
Dignity Health – Mercy San Juan Medical Center
Carmichael, California
Bruceville Terrace
Sacramento, California
Dignity Health Medical Plaza Elk Grove
Elk Grove, California
Community partner sites
Residents also gain experience through community-based outreach and service-focused settings, including partnerships connected to the Human Trafficking Medical Safe Haven and care for underserved communities.
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: $82,015.50
PGY-2: $86,498.80
PGY-3: $90,522.00
Chief residents: $94,039.09
Health & Insurance
Medical, dental and vision coverage
Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance
Long-term disability coverage
Professional liability insurance
Optional 403(b) retirement plan
Time Away & Leave
Vacation and holiday leave
Approved medical, parental and caregiver leave
Education & Professional Development
Online medical resources and clinical reference tools
Annual educational funds and CME reimbursement
Paid AAFP membership dues
Licensure, certification and board application support
Required courses, including BLS, ACLS, PALS, ALSO and NRP (as applicable)
Point-of-care ultrasound training and Butterfly iQ device for incoming residents
Resident Perks & Wellness
Free parking
Daily meal allowance
White coats, FIGS scrubs and a Dignity Health jacket
Resident lounge
Wellness resources
Gym membership support
Behavioral health benefits
Our Community
Sacramento offers a vibrant place to live and train, with diverse neighborhoods, a strong food and arts scene, professional sports, outdoor recreation and easy access to Lake Tahoe, San Francisco and Napa Valley.
How to Apply
Family Medicine Residency
Application Process
All PGY-1 family medicine residency applicants must apply through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). The program typically begins reviewing applications in September.
A complete application includes:
- Common application
- Personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Dean’s letter
- Medical school transcript
- USMLE or COMLEX score(s)
Applicants interested in both the Sacramento Urban Training Program and Grass Valley Rural Training Program must apply separately through ERAS.
NRMP Codes
- Family Medicine Sacramento Urban Training Program: 1140120C0
- Family Medicine Grass Valley Rural Training Program: 1140120C1
Interview Season Information
For the 2026-2027 interview season, interviews are expected to take place from October through December. Sacramento Urban Training Program interviews will be conducted virtually, and Grass Valley Rural Training Program interviews will be conducted in person.
International Medical Graduates
Applicants are responsible for maintaining authorization to work in the United States. Dignity Health does not offer visa sponsorship for this position. Please contact the program coordinator for current work authorization requirements.
Medical Student Clerkships
Fourth-year medical students may apply to spend two to four weeks with the Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program. Clerkship experiences may include time at Mercy Family Health Center, inpatient medicine and community outreach activities.
A clerkship is not required for acceptance into the residency program. Eligible students must be enrolled in an ACGME-accredited medical school listed by the AAMC or AACOM, and an affiliation agreement must be in place with the student’s medical school.
Family Medicine Obstetrics Fellowship
Eligibility and Requirements
Applicants must be graduates of an accredited Family Medicine residency program in the United States. Applicants must be board certified or board eligible in Family Medicine. Applicants must have a California medical license and a Federal DEA certificate before the fellowship begins.
Applicants must submit the following to maryjane.lopez@commonspirit.org:
- Curriculum vitae
- Personal statement
- Procedure/Case Logs
- At least two letters of recommendation, including one from the applicant's Program Director and one from a faculty member/preceptor/colleague. A letter of recommendation from a Family Medicine or OB/GYN physician who has direct knowledge of the applicant's clinical obstetrical skills is advisable. It is recommended that the fellow complete training in Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) and Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) before starting the fellowship.
Faculty
Ronald Chambers, MD, MBA, FAAFP
Role: Program Director and Designated Institutional Official (DIO)
Program/affiliation: Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program
Clinical/academic interests: Procedures, sports medicine, trauma-informed care for victims and survivors of human trafficking
Timothy Takagi, MD
Role: Core Faculty
Program/affiliation: Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program
Clinical/academic interests: Physician well-being, bioethics, procedures, geriatrics
Sarah Chaffin, MD
Role: Core Faculty
Program/affiliation: Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program
Clinical/academic interests: Population and community health, hospital medicine, critical care, breastfeeding and lactation medicine, trauma-informed care
Matthew Gibson, MD
Role: Core Faculty
Program/affiliation: Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program
Clinical/academic interests: Mental health, trauma-informed care, psychoanalysis, integrative medicine, street medicine
Toussaint Mears-Clarke, MD, MBA, FAAFP
Role: Core Faculty; OB Fellowship Director
Program/affiliation: Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program
Clinical/academic interests: Obstetrics, point-of-care ultrasound, transgender health, advocacy
Nancy Nguyen, DO
Role: Core Faculty
Program/affiliation: Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program
Clinical/academic interests: Trauma-informed care, geriatrics, immigrant health, medical education
Richard N. Gray, Jr., MD
Role: Volunteer Clinical Faculty
Program/affiliation: Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program
Clinical/academic interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, hospice, urgent care, correctional medicine, resident education
Richard D. DeFelice, MD, MPH
Role: Intensivist/Hospitalist
Program/affiliation: Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program
Clinical/academic interests: Internal medicine, infectious disease, pulmonary medicine, critical care medicine, ICU education
Eric Barkyoumb
Role: System Director, Medical Safe Haven
Affiliation: Dignity Health Family Medicine Residency and Human Trafficking Response Program
Professional focus: Human trafficking response, trauma-informed care, resident physician education and experiential learning, community health
Current Residents
PGY-1
Desiree Acosta, MD
From: Los Angeles, California
Medical school: David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA
Professional interests: Family medicine, health equity, health policy, community-based research and reducing health disparities in Latino/a/e communities
Outside medicine: Spending time with family, weight training, outdoor activities, dancing, reading the Bible and attending church
Gabriella Bailon, MD
From: Carson, California
Medical school: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Professional interests: Preventive care, community health, health education and mentorship
Outside medicine: Dancing, baking sweet treats and watching new television shows
Brittney Childress, MD
From: Tucson, AZ
Medical school: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Professional interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, preventive care and care for underserved communities
Outside medicine: Spending time with her husband, son and three dogs, running, baking, gardening and reading
Brianna Cowin, MD
From: Centralia, Washington
Medical school: University of Washington School of Medicine
Professional interests: Rural family medicine and comprehensive, patient-centered care
Outside medicine: Skiing, hiking, cycling and spending time with her partner and their two dogs
Zev Felix, DO
From: Oakland, CA
Medical school: Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional interests: Family medicine, longitudinal patient relationships, whole-person care and sustainable medical practice
Outside medicine: Rock climbing, cooking for friends, linocut printmaking, evening walks with his wife and spending time with his rescue dog
Madison Holland, MD
From: Redwood City, California
Medical school: Albany Medical College
Professional interests: Full-spectrum family medicine, preventive medicine, continuity of care and compassionate, patient-centered care
Outside medicine: Staying active, spending time in nature, trying new foods and recipes, and caring for indoor and outdoor plants
Miranda Hellman, MD
From: Pembroke Pines, Florida
Medical school: University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine
Professional interests: Harm reduction, palliative care, geriatrics, interdisciplinary care and improving access to care in rural communities
Outside medicine: Spending time with her twin boys, baking, watching sports and enjoying nature
Noorafsha Khan, MD
From: Sacramento, California
Medical school: California Northstate University College of Medicine
Professional interests: Individualized care, care for underserved communities and patient advocacy
Outside medicine: Hiking, cooking various cuisines, reading adventure novels and spending time with her family
Pranitha Prasad, MD
From: Los Angeles, California
Medical school: Keck School of Medicine of USC
Professional interests: Family medicine, preventive care, longitudinal patient relationships and patient and community advocacy
Outside medicine: Spending time with family and friends, crocheting and reading
Zaheer Salam, DO
From: Sacramento, California
Medical school: Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Professional interests: Preventive medicine, lifestyle medicine and nutrition
Outside medicine: Working on his family’s farm and raising goats, sheep, chickens and high-flying pigeons
PGY-2
Nick Berghorst, DO
From: Chandler, Arizona
Medical school: Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests: Preventive medicine, lifestyle medicine, sports medicine, osteopathic manipulative treatment
Outside medicine: Snowboarding, rock climbing, hiking, video games and wine tasting
Brian Cazan, MD
From: Pierre, South Dakota
Medical school: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Interests: Patient-centered care, culturally responsive care
Outside medicine: Sports, board games, travel and restaurants
Bradley Fistonich, DO
From: San Pedro, California
Medical school: Touro University California College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests: Family medicine, patient relationships, student wellness
Outside medicine: Cooking, hiking and movies
James Jenkins, MD
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Medical school: University of Oklahoma College of Medicine
Interests: Street medicine, health literacy, reducing barriers to care
Outside medicine: Running, movies, cooking, painting and printmaking
Brandon Swenson, MD
From: Yreka, California
Medical school: University of California, Davis, School of Medicine
Interests: Quality of medicine, community care, student-run clinic experience
Outside medicine: Exercise, pickleball, hiking, camping, cooking and baking sourdough
Jessica Tseng, MD
From: Brea, California
Medical school: Creighton University School of Medicine
Interests: Mental health integration, pain management, addiction care, compassionate care
Outside medicine: Restaurants, speakeasies, video games, cats and cooking competitions
Kayla Umemoto, MD
From: Sacramento, California
Medical school: California Northstate University College of Medicine
Interests: Education, research, helping students enjoy learning
Outside medicine: Running, arts and crafts, movies, family and friends
Simran Uppal, DO
From: Hercules, California
Medical school: Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
Interests: Mental health, preventive care, vulnerable populations, Medical Safe Haven
Outside medicine: Hiking, weightlifting and spending time with her cats
PGY-3
Waqas Burney, MD, MBBS
From: Davis, California
Medical school: Baqai Medical University
Professional interests: Primary care, underserved communities, clinical research, refugee health, medical education
Outside medicine: Spending time with family, animals, cars, camping and weekend cooking
Bianca Calio, MD
From: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi
Medical school: John A. Burns School of Medicine
Professional interests: Preventive medicine, community medicine, women's health and culturally responsive care
Outside medicine: Hula, running, paddling, spending time with her dogs, karaoke and trying new activities
Alexis Cristiano, MD
From: San Ramon, California
Medical school: California Northstate University College of Medicine
Professional interests: Community medicine, preventive medicine and building patient relationships
Outside medicine: Volunteering at an animal shelter, knitting, crocheting, thrift shopping, caring for houseplants and napping
Erik Garber, MD
From: Castaic, California
Medical school: University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix
Professional interests: Comprehensive patient care, culinary medicine, health humanities and wellness
Outside medicine: Live music, dancing, art and design, cooking and spending time outdoors with his husband and their cats
Cassandra Gilbert, MD
From: Modesto, California
Medical school: University of California, Davis, School of Medicine
Professional interests: Reproductive health, women's health, LGBTQ+ health, addiction medicine and underserved communities
Outside medicine: Reproductive health advocacy and spending time with family and friends
Stazia Loukenas, MD
From: Aurora, Illinois
Medical school: University of Illinois Chicago College of Medicine
Professional interests: Underserved communities, LGBTQIA+ healthcare, HIV care, street medicine
Outside medicine: Traveling, cooking, drawing, spending time with family and friends, and learning tattoo artistry
Max Wei, MD
From: Ames, Iowa
Medical school: University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine
Professional interests: Family medicine, global health, immigrant health, health literacy and multilingual patient care
Outside medicine: Hiking, beach picnics, weightlifting, skiing and exploring new cultures
Jeff Xu, MD
From: Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey
Medical school: Robert Wood Johnson Medical School
Professional interests: Family medicine, palliative medicine, community health and patient advocacy
Outside medicine: Playing guitar, board games, video games and spending time with his Labrador, Lupa
Contact Information
For additional information about the Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program, please contact:
Michelle Esparza
Residency Supervisor/Coordinator
Methodist Hospital of Sacramento Family Medicine Residency Program
Phone: (916) 681-1900
Email: MFMResidencyProgram@commonspirit.org
Address:
Methodist Hospital of Sacramento
Family Medicine Residency Program
7500 Hospital Drive
Sacramento, CA 95823
For questions regarding the Family Medicine Obstetrics Fellowship Program or medical student clerkship, please contact:
Mary Jane Lopez
Email: maryjane.lopez@commonspirit.org
Follow us on social