PGY-2 Class

Violeta Osegueda, MD, MA, MS

MD: UC Irvine School of Medicine
MA, MS: UC Irvine
BA: UCLA
BS: California State University Northridge

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
My hometown is North Hills, CA (San Fernando Valley).

Why did you choose our program? What is your favorite part of the program (so far)?
The UCLA/VA program genuinely performed holistic reviews and valued the journey of each applicant. I came away from the interview day with so much admiration for the faculty and residents. Now that I’m here, I can confirm the immense support. My favorite part so far is our small but awesome cohort. I really lucked out with a group of kind, hard-working, humble, and clearly photogenic crew (and then there's me).

What are your psychiatry interests?
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
I was in the OC for medical and graduate school. It is nice to come back to LA! One of my favorite things to do is explore nearby events whether they are art, wine tasting, music shows, or new restaurants. I looove Halloween, and LA has lots to offer, i.e., LA Haunted Hayride, Halloween Horror Nights, and screenings of old scary movies.

What movie do you never get tired of watching?
Easy A, Shaun of the Dead, and the Fifth Element.

What's something on your bucket list?
Being on a gameshow.

Sunny Panh, MD

MD: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
BS: California State University, Stanislaus

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
Born and raised from Stockton, California

Why did you choose our program? What is your favorite part of the program (so far)?
I honestly chose the program because the culture of the residency program. The residents and staff seem so supportive of one another.

What are your psychiatry interests?
Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
I love trying new restaurants out here in the LA area. My foodie heart loves how much great food is in this area.

What movie do you never get tired of watching?
The Dark Knight or Forrest Gump or Inception.

What's something on your bucket list?
Travel around the world to 20+ more countries.

Johana Peña, MD

MD: Michigan State University College of Human Medicine
BS: UC Berkeley

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
I am a Bay Area native, born and raised in Oakland, California.

Why did you choose our program? What is your favorite part of the program (so far)?
I chose this program because it aligns with my mission to work with vulnerable patient populations and the medically underserved, particularly our Veterans. My favorite part of the program so far is the camaraderie amongst my peers and colleagues. The attendings and residents have been incredibly warm and welcoming which helps create a supportive learning environment.

What are your psychiatry interests?
Some of my interests include CAP, Forensics and Interventional Psychiatry. Additionally, I am interested in exploring the overlap that exists between psychiatry and pain management.

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
I love being outdoors and being active. From playing volleyball, to scuba diving, to going off-roading, I enjoy an adrenaline rush. My favorite part about living in LA is being so close to the beach, mountains and desert. But most of all I love the diverse culinary options that are available.

What movie do you never get tired of watching?
It’s not a movie, it's a show Grey’s Anatomy!!!!

What's something on your bucket list?
To travel and see as much of the world as I possibly can.

Miguel Serrano Illán, MD, PhD

MD: Loma Linda University
PhD: Loma Linda University
BA: Southwestern Adventist University

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
I was born and raised in Tabasco, Mexico, but currently, I consider Loma Linda my second home.

Why did you choose our program? What is your favorite part of the program (so far)?
What is your favorite part of the program (so far?) I loved the culture of the program, which was palpable even on zoom interviews. I was impressed by the thoughtfulness of the residents and the kindness of the PDs. I was also very excited about the research opportunities. My favorite part so far is getting together with my cohort for lectures on Tuesdays.

What are your psychiatry interests?
I’m still narrowing them down, but I’m currently very interested in interventional psychiatry, precision medicine, trauma and PTSD, virtual reality, nutrition and integrative psychiatry.

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
I love people and being outside (my wife says I have the personality of a golden retriever), so most of my hobbies include both. I especially enjoy beach volleyball, ultimate frisbee, hiking, setting friends up on (and planning) blind dates, eating food I make, eating food other people make, and lately, learning to do standup comedy. As far as favorite things to do in LA, I’ve loved being able to go to the beach whenever I have a little extra time during the week and finding the best kept secrets for vegetarians in town.

What movie do you never get tired of watching?
This is a tough call between Shrek, Guardians of The Galaxy and The Lego Movie.

What's something on your bucket list?
Do standup comedy on open mic night, hike in New Zealand with the native sheep, and figure out how to use CPRS.

Michelle Sun, MD

MD: UC San Diego School of Medicine
BS: UCLA

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
I grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles. I've lived throughout Southern California and am so happy to call this place home.

Why did you choose our program? What is your favorite part of the program (so far)?
I chose this program because of the culture and amazing training opportunities! When I was on the interview trail, I remember thinking how happy everyone looked. Now that I'm here, I can confidently say that it's genuine!! Everyone from the leadership team to the attendings and co-residents are friendly, caring and supportive people. There's also an abundance of educational and research opportunities because we are connected to both the VA and UCLA hospitals. One of my favorite parts of this program is that it truly values work-life balance, because of this we have the time and are encouraged to explore passions outside of medicine.

What are your psychiatry interests?
I am interested in child and adolescent psychiatry, psychotherapy and medical education.

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
I am a big foodie! I love eating at new restaurants and cooking. I also love being at the beach and around water, even though I don’t know how to swim!

What movie do you never get tired of watching?
I've probably watched Mean Girls at least 5 times.

What's something on your bucket list?
To travel the world with my husband!

Daniel Villavecer, MD, MS

MD: Tulane University
MS: Tulane University
BS: California State University Fullerton

Where are you from? Where do you consider to be your hometown?
I was born in Ohio. But I consider Brea, CA (Orange County) to be home. But also, a big part of my heart is in New Orleans!

Why did you choose our program? What is your favorite part of the program (so far)?
I wanted to be back in California, near the beach! After my interview, I had a great feeling about this program being my new home. I also couples matched with my girlfriend – and her favorite program was Family Medicine at UCLA. My favorite part is the family atmosphere, everyone is so welcoming and warm! Our faculty are so helpful and genuinely excited. It’s a great work-life balance too.

What are your psychiatry interests?
Integrative Psychiatry, Nutritional Psychiatry, and the intersection of Mental Health and Health Technology

What are your hobbies and favorite things to do in LA?
Basketball, Traveling, Golf, Camping, the beach, Biking, Snowboarding, exploring SoCal with my partner, and hanging out with friends & family.

What movie do you never get tired of watching?
The Dark Knight…. And I know it’s not a movie, but The Office.

What's something on your bucket list?
Visit Galápagos Islands, the Amazon Rainforest, and do an African Safari