Empowering Physicians, Strengthening Community Health
On June 28, 2025, Clinica Sierra Vista proudly hosted the 11th Annual Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program Graduation, honoring the newest class of empathetic physicians ready to serve California’s Central Valley.
An Evening to Remember
On June 28, we proudly celebrated the 2025 graduating class of our Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program: eight outstanding physicians, Drs. Carol Avila Hernandez, Isabelo Bustamante IV, Ramanjot Kaur, Gagan Kooner, Jorge Luege-Hermosilla, María Malavé, Chike Nwebeh, and Eric Zamora joined a growing legacy of leaders advancing health equity across Kern County.
Now in its 11th year (ninth graduating class), Rio Bravo is a training program and a vital part of our region’s healthcare system. Over the last academic year, our 27 residents completed over 21,000 patient visits and contributed more than 63,000 clinical hours. These accomplishments reflect the commitment and leadership of Program Director Dr. Carol Stewart, our faculty, and the dedicated support of our administrative and clinical teams.
Looking Forward
As the Class of 2025 embarks on the next chapter of their careers, their readiness to carry forward Rio Bravo’s legacy of compassionate, community-focused family medicine was unmistakable. We are also excited to welcome ten new residents to the Class of 2025–2028: Drs. Mokom Alfred, Yadira Arguelles Montero, Jessica Avila, Dadzie Ebenezer, Jacquelyn Garcia, Luis Gutierrez, Kyung Kim, Bernardino Rodriguez, Karen Trujillo, and Jose Urbina.
About Our Rio Bravo Family Medicine Residency Program
Rio Bravo is a three-year, ACGME-accredited Family Medicine residency, offering eight residency positions each year (PGY1 through PGY3). The program is sponsored by Clinica Sierra Vista, affiliated with UCLA, and based at East Niles Community Health Center—a Federally Qualified Health Center in Bakersfield.
Commitment to Underserved Communities
Graduates of Rio Bravo are dedicated to addressing health disparities and delivering high-quality care to underserved, rural, and agricultural populations across the San Joaquin Valley. The program’s mission emphasizes retention of culturally competent, community-minded physicians committed to equity and accessibility.
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Gold Sponsors
Suman Sethi
Silvia Preciado, M.D.
Internal Medicine
Silver Sponsor
Photobooth Sponsor
Bronze Sponsor
Visit www.facebook.com/ClinicaSierraVista/ to view this event’s photo album.
