Medical Student Mentors
Seshaan Ratnam
Hi, my name is Seshaan Ratnam, and I am med student at UCSF. For undergrad, I attended Clovis Community College and transferred to UCLA, where I majored in Psychology. I am part of the mentorship and research committee for Prime Time. My inspiration for joining Prime Time was the mentorship and guidance I received as a pre med, which allowed me to become a more prepared application, and I am excited to serve this role as a mentor to guide students in their own medical school journeys. In my free time, I like surfing, hiking and playing tennis.
Christopher Teran
Hi, my name is Christopher Teran and I am MS4 at UCSF. For undergrad, I attended Yale University in 2016 and received BS in Biochemistry. I am a part of the mentorship committee. Mentorship is so important in the journey to medical school, it's almost impossible to make it here without a guiding hand. I wanted to join the team to be the mentor for the next generation of medical students and help be a part of the process in deciding how the mentorship would be shaped in Prime Time. In my free time, I love to dance bachata, salsa, and Ballet Folklorico.
Alyssa Rivera
Hi, my name is Alyssa Rivera, and I am MS3 at UCSF. For undergrad, I attended CSU Fresno and received BS in Biochemistry.I wouldn't be where I am without the guidance and love from my own set of mentors. This is my way of paying forward the investment many has made in me thus far. I look forward to connecting with others from my undergrad and home. In my free time, I like to gym, hike, and watch movies.
Kyle Shen
Hi, my name is Kyle Shen, and I am MS4 at UCSF. I am part of the Research and QI committee for Prime Time. I wanted to analyze data from the previous year and see how we can improve this program for the following year! Looking forward to how next years seminars and mentorship turns out! In my free time, I like PC Building and Gaming!
Inderpreet Bal
Hi, my name is Inderpreet Bal, and I am MS4 at UCSF I am part of the mentorship committee. Medical education in the Central Valley has always excited me. I feel fortunate to be a student from the Central Valley who was accepted into SJV PRIME. This opportunity has allowed me to understand the needs of this area including the growing need for physicians in the Central Valley. My experiences inspire me to mentor and guide more students to medical school from a similar background as mine! I love cooking and trying various restaurants in the area! Also love getting outdoors to hike.
Mandeep Kaur
Hi, my name is Mandeep Kaur, and I am MS3 at UCSF in SVJ PRIME. For undergrad, I attended Fresno State and majored in biology and chemistry. I am a part of Pre Med Leadership Committee. I remember being riddled with uncertainty about how to pursue medicine. Having made it to medical school, I want to pay it forward and help other students from similar backgrounds realize there's a place for all of us in medicine. I love running, crafting, and cooking.
Denalene Tiu
Hi, my name is Denalene Tiu, and I am Medical Student Year 2 at UCSF in SJV PRIME. For undergrad, I attended UCSD with BS in Human Biology as well as receiving a Master’s in Biology at UCSD. I joined Prine Time because it provides an opportunity to aid and inspire pre-medical students from my hometown to pursue a career in health care. My goal is to empower others by giving them the tools to be successful and achieve their goals. Throughout my journey, I've had the privilege of learning from mentors who were resourceful, honest, nonjudgmental, and enthusiastic. I want to pay that knowledge forward and emulate these qualities as a mentor. I hope to share my experiences and passion for medicine, encouraging others just like how my mentors encouraged me. In my free time, I like to sing opera, play video games, and crochet.
Amritpal Singh
Hi, my name is Amritpal Singh, and I am MS3 at UCSF. For undergrad, I attended UC Merced. I enjoy mentoring premedical students because it allows me to impart the knowledge and insights I gained during my own premedical journey. Teaching others not only helps them but also allows me to develop mentorship skills and helps me become a better learner. Currently, I am learning to play guitar!
Charis Turner
Hi, my name is Charis Turner and I am a med student at UCSF. For undergrad, I attended UCSB and received BS in Cell & Developmental Biology. For Prime Time, I am part of the mentor committee. I was one of the medical students who started Prime Time. We had such a blast getting to know the students and offering advice we wish we had when we applied to medical school. The mentors are motivated and the mentees are outstanding, which makes for a mutually inspiring environment that makes this program so enjoyable. Being a doctor is a wonderful profession and although rewarding, it is challenging to be a pre-med, trainee, or doctor in the valley. That is why we need each other along the way. I'm looking forward to having this community grow and offer more resources in-person. In my free time, I love swimming!
Jagjot Dosanjh
Hi, my name is Jagjot Dosanjh, and I am MS2 at UCSF in SVJ PRIME. For undergrad, I attended UCLA and majored in psychology. I am a part of the mentorship committee. I was inspired to join the mentorship team due to my personal experiences without mentorship. As a first-generation pre-med student, it was difficult to navigate the medical school application and prepare for interviews. At the time, I had wished for guidance and resources to ease the stress and uncertainty. As a member of Prime Time, I hope to connect students with resources, guidance, and a voice of reassurance.
I look forward to seeing the impact of Prime Time. I know Prime Time will aid many first-generation and underrepresented students in their journey to medicine. I am excited to see mentees get accepted to their dream medical schools and eventually bring change to the Central Valley. I am currently interested in cardiology, gastroenterology, and orthopedics. I love playing basketball, hiking, and traveling.
Shizra Sipra
Hi, my name is Shizra Sipra, and I am medical student at UCSF in SVJ PRIME. For undergrad, I attended CSU Fresno and majored in biology. I am part of the mentorship committee. I know applying and getting into medical school is a difficult ordeal. There is lots of information out there, and it is difficult to know what to do and what not to do. I wanted to help other students navigate applications and the first years of medical school, as I wish I had someone to guide me when I was an applicant. I am looking forward to being an advocate and resource for aspiring future physicians! In my free, I enjoy reading, hiking, and spending time with family.
Myrka Macedo
Hi, my name is Myrka Macedo, and currently MS2 at UCSF. For undergrad, I attended Fresno State B.S. Biology and B.A. Chemistry. I am part of the Research and Qualitative Analysis committee on Prime Time. As a premedical student I was a part of MiMentor, an organization offers similar mentorship opportunities. Being connected with a mentor and other students going through the same process helped me have a successful cycle. Now as a medical student, I am glad to be able to help others and provide advice about the application process. I am looking forward to continuing to work with the Prime Time team and meet new premedical students each year. A current hobby of mine is weight lifting. I have been doing it for over 2 years and it has helped stay relatively stress free during medical school.
Vanessa Mora
Hi, my name is Vanessa Mora , and I am MS4 at UCSF in SVJ PRIME. For undergrad, I attended UCSB and received BS in Biological Sciences. I am a part of the mentorship committee. As a first generation student and reapplicant to medical school, finding mentorship in the San Joaquin Valley was a challenge and I wanted to help alleviate this barrier for other students. I am inspired by the students I mentor and hope to make even a small impact in their journey to medicine. I'm looking forward to seeing my mentees and fellow medical students become leaders in the field and in their communities. In my free time, I like snowboarding, reading, cycling, and painting.
Viangkaeo Lee
Hi, my name is Viangkaeo Lee, and I am MS2 at UCSF in SVJ PRIME. For undergrad, I attended UC Merced and majored in Human Biology. I am a part of the logistics committee. I became a part of Prime Time because I'm incredibly enthusiastic about mentorship. My journey to where I am today was made possible by the guidance and support of those who came before me, and I want to pay it forward. I'm excited about the prospect of forming meaningful mentorship relationships and learning from my fellow peers, all of whom bring such inspiring experiences to the table. In my free time, I like hiking with my dog, going to the gym, and trying out new food with my fiancé.
Mina Sarofim
Hi, my name is Mina Sarofim, and I am MS2 at UCSF in SVJ PRIME. For undergrad, I attended UC Merced. I am part of the Pre Med Leadership Committee. I believe leadership experience is one of the most important things for someone to have for medical school applications and it helps shape one's character and work ethic. I wanted to have the chance to work with motivated leaders that are aiming to apply to med school and be a resource for them on their journey. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, swimming, and fishing.
Hector Acosta
Hi, my name is Hector Acosta , and I am MS2 at UCSF. For undergrad, I attended UCLA and majored in biology. I am part of the mentorship committee! Throughout my life I have had amazing people help me get to where I am today and I just want to pay that forward to others. In my free time, I like to play sports with friends and spend time with my dog.
Samuel Vydro
Hi, my name is Samuel Vydro, and I am MS4 at UCSF in SVJ PRIME. For undergrad, I attended UCLA and majored in ecology. I love teaching and 3D printing and my current passion is using 3D printing to help advance modern simulation training curriculum. In my free time, I enjoy football and baskets as well doing thee final touches on getting up a basketball and fantasy football podcast.
Neytali Kanwar
Neytali Kanwar
Tou Bee Thao
Hi, my name is Tou Bee Thao, and I am medical student at UCSF class of 2027. For undergrad, I attended Fresno State, BS Biology. I am part of the Recruitment and Executive! As a first generation student, I attribute my current success to having caring mentors who have helped guide my journey into medicine. I want to help other students of similar background, just as my mentors have done for me. I look forward to being a part of student's journey to success. I was born in the refugee camp, Ban Napho, in Thailand and immigrated to the United States as a toddler where I lived in Southeast Fresno. I attended school through the Fresno Unified school district and went to Fresno State. After my undergraduate, I got married and currently the father. Outside of medicine, I love being a father, cars and racing.
Lillian Vang
Hi, my name is Lillian Vang, and I am MS4 at UCSF in SVJ PRIME. I am an SJV PRIME UCSF MS2 student. For undergrad, I attended CSU, Fresno and received my B.S. in Biology with a minor in Child and Family Science. I am part of the Mentorship committee. As a first generation medical student, the pre-med journey was confusing and daunting. Lacking knowledge on where to find a mentor, I frequently scoured various social media platforms for information, but it was not helpful. Through joining PRIME TIME, I am excited to mentor fellow pre-med students who, like me, may face similar challenges. I hope to offer the guidance and reassurance that I lacked, fostering a supportive community. I look forward to connecting with passionate individuals and continually being inspired by you all. Outside of medicine, I enjoy engaging in outdoor activities, such as playing tennis, hiking, and snowboarding. I also enjoy weightlifting, finding a good coffee shop, and trying out new foods!
Adam Alyafaie
Hi, my name is Adam Alyafaie. I went to UCLA and majored in Biology. I am in my 3rd year of medical school. I am part of Premed Leadership Committee and Research Committee. The Premed journey is hard, especially for first generation students. I joined because I want to offer mentorship and guidance to help make the path to medicine easier and more accessible. I enjoy gaming and fishing!
John Cruz
Hi, my name is John Cruz and MS3 at UCSF. For undergrad,UC Irvine/B.S. Human Biology. I am part of the Executive/Logistics! I fully believe that Prime Time is a resource that will make a difference and help a lot of folks from communities that are historically underserved and under-resourced here in the SJV. I know for certain that I would not have gotten to where I am today without mentors and communities that rallied behind me and believed in my dreams so I will do whatever I can to help the next generation of SJV kids make their "unrealistic" or "impossible" dream come true. I look forward to looking back one day and know that I made a difference for at least one person who was lost in their journey towards a career in medicine and just needed someone to reach out a hand and help them find their footing. Speciality Interest: Emergency Medicine +/- Pediatrics. Career Interests: Immigrant Health, Natural Disaster Medicine, Low Resource Medicine. Fun Fact: Prior to medical school, I did a lot of natural disaster relief with the Red Cross and a fire fighting program. Outside of medicine, I enjoy Stay active, build community with those around me, and watch rom coms and realty tv game shows (eg. survivor, big brother etc.)
Jacob Perez-Stringer
Hi, my name is Jacob Perez-Stringer, andI'm a 4th year med student, I attended Reedley College and Fresno State graduating with a BS in Bio and minors in Chem and Math. I'm part of the Recruitment team and help run our Instagram (go follow! @ucsfsjvprime). A few of my SJV PRIME peers and I helped create PRIME Time hoping to foster the next generation of homegrown SJV physicians. I was a scribe at CRMC for 3 years prior to medical school. I love watching the 49ers, and I enjoy playing most sport and games [:
Austin Callaghan Langhoff
Austin Callaghan Langhoff
Andrew Contreras
Andrew Contreras
Alan Pham
Alan Pham
Francisco Gomez Alvarado
Francisco Gomez Alvarado
Rojina Nekoonam
Rojina Nekoonam
Allison Gomez
Allison Gomez
Kenneth Fox
Kenneth Fox
Pre-Medical Leadership Team
Anber Choudhry
Social Media Committee
Hi, my name is Anber Choudhry, and Senior majoring in Biology and minoring in chemistry and physical science at Fresno State. I appreciate the opportunity to work along side medical students. They have successfully navigated the premedical journey so it is great to get their feedback as we plan meetings. Other premedical organizations are the 'brain child' of premedical students so may not showcase niche perspectives or tips and tricks. I am excited to interact with the students who utilize our resources! It will be an exciting challenge to support my peers! I am conducting my undergraduate thesis in psychology. The project hopes to understand how second-hand embarrassment impacts our mood and physiology. This is one of four research projects I have spearheaded! I'm a big reader! I stopped reading when I got to middle school and eventually regretted the decision. I live laugh love anything Jane Austen-esque, murder mysteries, and (as of late) books turned into films.
Sannad Jawad
Social Media Committee
Hi, my name is Sannad Jawad, and I am a Senior at Fresno State, Major: Biology, Minor: Math and Physical Science. I enjoyed gaining all the knowledge from last year's PRIME Time events, and I wanted to give back by sharing what I learned and more. I look forward to reaching many students and inspiring them to pursue their dream of becoming a physician with the confidence of knowing that they are on the right track and are up for the challenge. I am currently an undergraduate researcher in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Fresno State in the Hawker Lab. I am a certified medical assistant with experience working at multiple medical sites, including Community Regional Medical Center. I love woodworking and writing calligraphy. I also enjoy watching political thrillers.
Nemah Abdulla
Website Design Committee
Hi, my name is Nemah Abdulla, and I am a student at CSU Fresno majoring in biology and minoring in physical science. What inspired me to join this team is that I think having a place for all the premed info is very helpful. I got interested in medicine going through my little sister’s illness. I Also did an internship at Valley Children’s hospital which made me more interested in pediatrics. I enjoy cooking and painting.
Andy Garcia
Outreach Committee
Hi, my name is Andy Garcia, and I graduated from UCLA in June 2023. I majored in Physiological Science B.S. with a minor in Global Health. I'm currently taking a gap year while applying to medical school. I am incredibly passionate about mentoring the next generation of physicians from the Central Valley. As an aspiring physician from this area, I know well and understand the struggles of being a pre-medical student from this region of California which often lacks the resources and guidance necessary to pursue a career in medicine. I truly want to help bridge the gap for these students and guide them as they pave their own path. I really look forward to fostering community in our PRIME Time seminar series and offering vital information for our students. I like making my own sparkling water, playing the piano, thrifting, I'm an amateur barber, I enjoy reading (mainly non-fiction), I am passionate about mentoring youth.
Danny Provost
Outreach Committee
Hi, my name is Danny Provost, and I graduatedUC Merced 2022 Alumnus and Psychology major/Community Research and Service minor. I attended the PRIME Time: UCSF Medical Student Mentoring Program earlier this year and found it very helpful for the application process. Soon after, I received an email regarding this leadership team with the goal of expanding its outreach to other Central Valley students. Wanting to further develop my leadership skills, I joined the team and I look forward to working with students at future workshops! I am a paramedic and have been working in Emergency Medical Services in Merced County for 14 years! In my free time, I enjoy cycling and woodworking.
Linda Yang
Outreach Committee
Hi, my name is Linda Yang, and I graduated I graduated from Fresno State in 2020 as a Psychology major and Chemistry minor.During my undergrad, I was a part of the Health Peer Ambassadors of Wellness (PAWs). It was an organization on campus that helped reach out to students about resources and events related to the health center. Informing students about what’s going on with the health center is what motivated me to continue to help others. When I joined this team, I hope to continue helping other students learn more resources and opportunities. I look forward to contributing and giving other pre-meds the same opportunity. In my free time, I like to play Hogwarts Legacy.
Avneet Mandair
Event Planning Committee
Hi! My name is Avneet Mandair, and I graduated from UC Merced in May 2023 with BS in Human Biology.I was inspired to join this team to help other pre- medical students of the Central Valley in providing them useful resources, and tips. Being pre-med student is challenging and I hope our effort through this team can make it easier to navigate the path to medicine. Everyone on our team is passionate about mentoring and proving resources to the students, so I am looking forward to events we will be hosting in future. I love reading fiction, spending time with my family, and trying new food.
Ahson Haider
Event Planning Committee
Hi! My name is Ahson Haider and I am currently a Post-baccalaureate student at SFSU. I graduated from Fresno State in 2019 with a Sociology degree. I joined the event planning committee because I was driven to create a vibrant community in Fresno for pre-med students. My goal was to provide them with a platform to expand their opportunities and enrich their personalized journeys toward a career in medicine. I am looking forward to the connections these students will make with their peers & newfound mentors. Hopefully, we can pay it forward and help the next generation of physicians. My journey into medicine was sparked by my time at Camp Kesem, where I witnessed the impact of supporting children affected by cancer. I want to emphasize one simple truth: Get involved because life becomes more enjoyable that way. In my free time, I enjoy pursuing my newfound obsession with pickleball, playing basketball, spending quality moments with my Husky companion, Kobe, and exploring new cities.
Manharsh Sekhon
Event Planning Committee
Hi! My name is Manharsh Sekhon and Fresno State Alumni (Graduated in 2020 with a bachelor's degree in Biology, Minor - chemistry) and am Currently in gap years. I applied to Medical School this cycle. My previous experiences of mentoring students as a science tutor at Fresno State University inspired me to continue helping and guiding students in their pre-medical journey through PRIME TIME. I am looking forward to organizing and coordinating future informational sessions at Fresno State and UC Merced campuses. Additionally, I scribe at CRMC! Fun fact, I am multilingual. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, and playing soccer and cricket.
Shaista Afzal
Event Planning & Website Design
Hi! My name is Shaista Afzal, and I graduated from UC Merced in May 2023 with BS in Human Biology. My motivation for joining this team stems from my desire to offer resources, guidance, and support to pre-med students throughout their undergraduate and gap year journeys. During my own undergraduate experience, I often felt isolated and uncertain about how to navigate the path to medical school and access opportunities. I am committed to ensuring that students do not experience the same sense of confusion and are instead part of an empowering community.
Sahil Malhi
Event Planning Committee
Hi! My name is Sahil Malhi, and I am a 3rd year studying at UC Merced majoring in Microbiology and Immunology. I was inspired to join the PRIME Time team as I sought of this organization as a group of individuals looking to help the San Joaquin Valley region. As someone from Merced, CA, an area of underrepresentation in the healthcare field, I found this team wanting to create a true impact on students looking for guidance. I wanted to be a part of this team knowing I can work towards supporting students with similar professional career aspirations as myself. I am looking forward to work with all the amazing individuals on this team and hope that we can inspire and support a vast amount of students. I conduct biomedical research on Spinal Research and Toxoplasma gondii. Outside of medicine, I enjoy watching sports, specifically the Los Angeles Lakers and Dodgers. I also have truly enjoyed meeting new people as well as of late. I have found the journey to medicine being rigorous but I enjoy stepping away and spending time with my family and friends.
Eunice Odozie
Social Media Committee