Current Residents | Neurology Academic Programs and Training

John Paul Aboubechara, M.D. joins us from Sacramento, Calif. and received his medical degree from the UC Davis School of Medicine. He also received his Doctorate degree in neuroscience and his Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from UC Davis. John Paul is looking forward to developing the knowledge and skills essential to become an independent neurologist who can provide compassionate yet effective care for patients. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, hiking, running, playing basketball and high intensity interval training.

Meera Bedi, M.D. joins us from Pennsylvania and received her medical degree from Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University. She also received Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics from University of California, Los Angeles. Meera is looking forward to learning and practicing integrative medicine in the field of neurology. She is driven to provide high quality care and being an advocate for her patients. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, experimenting in the kitchen, and spending time with family.

Christopher Blaine, M.D. joins us from Sacramento, Calif. and received his medical degree from California Northstate University College of Medicine. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior from UC Davis. Christopher is looking forward to being part of a collaborative and supportive team that will nurture and heal patients, while also learning how to function independently as a physician. In his spare time, Christopher enjoys running and hiking in the Bay Area and high Sierras with his dog Zoe, table-top gaming, video games, and reading science fiction and fantasy books.

Kelly Chan, M.D. joins us from Connecticut and received her medical degree from the Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine at the University of Vermont. She also received her Bachelor of Arts degree in literature and psychology from Claremont McKenna College. Kelly is looking forward to growing into a well-rounded physician and exploring all the different subspecialties. In her spare time, she enjoys baking, exploring new restaurants and museums, hiking and snowboarding. 

Hiba Fakhri, M.D. joins us from Tennessee and received her medical degree from Meharry Medical College School of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior from UC Davis. Hiba is looking forward to training under incredible leaders in a community that values and celebrates diversity. She’s also excited to collaborate with the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion committee and help further uplift this mission. In her spare time, Hiba enjoys cycling – a love that was born when she was a UC Davis undergraduate and will flourish when she returns to her home institution.

Tanya Gonzalez, M.D. joins us from Michigan and received her medical degree from Oakland University William Beaumount School of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior from UC Davis. Tanya is looking forward to making an impact in her community as a neurologist and showing how the specialty can help a broad and diverse patient population. In her spare time, she enjoys jogging, hiking, exploring new places, and trying new types of food.

Wassim Hmeidan, M.D. joins us from Illinois where he received his medical degree from Rush University Medical College. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in neurobiology, physiology and behavior from UC Davis. Wassim is looking forward to fostering his personal interest in Headache and Pain Medicine as well as medical student education. In his spare time, Wassim enjoys experimenting with different coffee brewing techniques and hopes to one day open a coffee roastery in a college town that serves as an education hub to teaching brewing science, study spot, and cultural/community center. He also enjoys playing video, board and card games (Dominion is a favorite) with friends and family.

Zhen-Jie (Jason) Wang, M.D. grew up in Los Angeles and received his medical degree from University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience from University of California, Riverside. Jason is looking forward to a new year of teaching medical students about why the brain is the best organ and filling out his Epic smartphrase manager. In his spare time, he enjoys learning Chinese, finding the best street tacos in Sacramento, and shopping with family/friends.

Iam Armstrong, M.D. comes to us from Glenwood Springs, CO and received his medical degree from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in neuroscience from Brigham Young University. Ian is looking forward to helping patients with complex medical problems and advocating for them. He is also excited to better understand the physiology that underlies diseases of the nervous system to guide effective treatments for patients. Along the way he is anticipating meeting incredible colleagues and friends. You can find Ian spending time with his wife, daughter, and son. They enjoy going on hikes, visiting parks, fishing, and exploring Sacramento together. On his own, Ian enjoys restoration projects on old tools, bikes, and other vintage items; working out; and sketching/drawing whenever possible. 

Kathleen Barnett, M.D. joins us from Sacramento, California and received her medical degree from California Northstate University College of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology with a minor in Linguistics from the University of California, Los Angeles. Katie is looking forward to strengthening her foundational knowledge of clinical neuroscience, as well as advocating for her patients' health and well-being. In her spare time, Katie enjoys going to Sacramento Kings games, watching Star Trek, taking her dog to the local dog park, and spending time with friends and family. 

Enes Djesevic, M.D. joins us from Las Vegas and received his medical degree from Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine at UNLV. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology with a minor in neuroscience from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Enes is looking forward to caring for a diverse patient population while working in the academic setting to create a positive impact in Sacramento as a neurologist. In his free time, Enes loves to go running, hiking through new trails, playing video games, gazing at the stars with his telescope, and doing Judo!     

Su Htet Htet Naiing, M.D. joins us from Yangon, Myanmar and received her medical degree from Wake Forest School of Medicine. Prior, she received her Bachelor of Science degree in molecular and cell biology from UC Berkeley. Su Htet  is looking forward to exploring the different subspecialities in neurology and learning ways to serve the underserved communities from a neurological perspective. For wellness, Su Htet likes to dance, play badminton and volleyball, binging shows, and spending time with her family and friends.  

Dai Nguyen, M.D., M.B.A. grew up in the Bay Area and received her medical degree from the University of California, Irvine School of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from UCLA. Dai is looking forward to increasing access to neurological care for underserved patient communities, and advocating for systemic changes to improve patient care. During her spare time in residency, she enjoys binging Netflix and Asian dramas, napping with her cats, and attending concerts. 

Himal Amresh Purani, M.D. comes to us via Minneapolis, MN. She received her medical degree from University of Minnesota Medical School – Twin Cities. Previously, Himal earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Genetics, Cellular Biology & Development from University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Purani is looking forward to honing her clinical & diagnostic skills as she learns to function independently as a physician, building lifelong friendships and mentorships in residency, exploring the various subspecialties within neurology, and working alongside a collaborative and diverse group of medical professionals. In her leisure time, Himal enjoys spending time with family and friends by exploring local eateries, playing board games/tennis, and experimenting with recipes from various cuisines in the kitchen. 

Tiffany Shih, M.D., Ph.D. joins us from Pleasanton, CA and received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School. She also received her Doctorate in Infection, Inflammation and Immunity from Rutgers Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Newark, NJ and she received her Bachelor of Arts in Molecular Cell Biology with a Cell Development emphasis from University of California, Berkeley. Tiffany is looking forward to discovering who she will “grow up” to be as a neurologist while bonding and working with an amazing and supportive group of co-residents and faculty. In addition to learning to navigate challenges in patient care faced by a diverse population in a city with a rich history, she is especially interested in exploring the intersection between inflammation and neurological diseases. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with friends and family, trying different cuisines and outdoor activities that the Sacramento area has to offer, cooking, and watching re-runs of her favorite comedy TV shows. 

Nicole Sukkarieh, M.D. comes to us from Michigan and received her medical degree from Wayne State School of Medicine. She also received her Bachelor of Science degree in biology from Stony Brook University. Nicole is looking forward to forming strong connections with diverse patient populations and staying up to date with rapid advancements in the neurological field.  You can find Nicole playing piano and singing, exploring restaurants with outdoor seating with her husband and chihuahua pug, and playing videogames.

Vu Luu, D.O. joins us from Garden Grove, California. He received his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences and his Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Luu looks forward to learning the art of clinical neuroscience from an excellent panel of faculty, his colleagues, and most importantly, a diverse patient population. With an interest in health equity, he hopes to become a well-rounded neurologist capable of addressing complex neurologic conditions and improving health outcomes in historically marginalized communities. Outside of his professional life, he loves spending time with his wife (an EM resident—yay for couple match!) and their cat, cooking, photography, exploring Sacramento's food scene, and enjoying the great outdoors.

Andrew Santos, M.D. comes to us from Los Angeles, California and received his medical degree from Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from California State University, East Bay. Andrew is looking forward to serving a diverse patient population, exploring the different subspecialities within neurology, and becoming a well-rounded physician. In his spare time, he enjoys playing a round of golf, hiking, spending time with his two cats (Haru and Noche), and playing board games. He is an avid sports fan as well, always rooting for the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Lakers, and Dodgers!

George Stavropoulos, M.D. joins us from Athens, Greece and received his medical degree from Albany Medical College in New York. He received his Bachelors of Science degree in neurobiology, physiology, and behavior from UC Davis. George is looking forward to serving the rich community of Sacramento and is excited to learn more about the newest frontiers in neurological care and research. In his spare time, George enjoys spending quality time with friends and loved ones, cooking exciting new recipes, playing basketball, and brewing delicious coffee!

Dale Vendiola, M.D. joins us from Pinole, CA, and received his medical degree from UCSD School of Medicine. He received highest honors while earning his Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences from UC Davis. Dale is looking forward to growing into a well-rounded, empathetic physician while building long-lasting relationships with colleagues and patients. In his spare time, Dale enjoys weightlifting, tennis, pickleball, playing the drums, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Farah Wahbeh, M.D. grew up in Amman, Jordan, where her curiosity about the brain was sparked at a young age. She earned her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar and completed her Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at Carleton University followed by a Master of Biomedical Science at the University of Guelph in Canada. Having moved around frequently, she has been exposed to different cultures and experiences that have enriched her perspective on medicine and patient care. Farah is excited to connect with colleagues who share her fascination with the brain, master the intricate neurological exam, and explore the different subspecialties within neurology. In her free time, she loves immersing herself in the rich culinary traditions of the Middle East, trying out new recipes and sharing them with loved ones. She also enjoys Arabic calligraphy, swimming, playing board games, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Michael Wong, M.D. joins us from Burbank, California and received his medical degree from the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. He also received his Bachelor of Science degree in biology from the University of California, Irvine.  Michael is looking forward to caring for a diverse patient population and spreading his appreciation for the best organ system in the body. In his free time, Michael enjoys cooking new meals with his wife, powerlifting and playing video games.

Gavin Zanella, M.D. joins us from San Clemente, California and received his medical degree from California Northstate University. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from San Diego State University. He is excited to explore his subspecialty interests including epilepsy, headache, neuroimmunology, and movement disorders. Gavin loves spending time with his wife and family, staying active, and reading.

Sarah Zych, M.D., Ph.D. is from San Ramon, California. She completed her medical degree at the University of Colorado. There, she also completed her PhD in Neuroscience, studying the mechanisms and modulation of dopamine and GABA co-release in the basal ganglia. She received her Bachelor of Science in Integrative Biology and Physiology from UCLA. Sarah plans to pursue a career as a physician-scientist, studying the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disease in hopes of developing better treatments. In her free time, she enjoys traveling internationally, skiing, hiking, and gardening.

Awad G. Faddoul, M.D., joins us from Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine & Science, where he earned his medical degree in 2025. He is enthusiastic about exploring the diverse and dynamic field of neurology. With a genuine interest in every subspecialty he has encountered so far, Faddoul is eager to further discover and refine his specific areas of focus within neurology. Outside of medicine, Faddoul enjoys staying active through sports—especially pickleball, soccer, basketball, and football. He also loves spending quality time with friends and family, whether it’s through board games, watching TV shows, or simply hanging out and relaxing.

Jesus Fuentes, M.D. grew up in Stockton, CA, and joins us from the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine in Pasadena, CA. He is excited to expand his knowledge in the field of neurology and to learn from the exceptional teams at UC Davis Health. His interests include exploring a wide range of subspecialties, particularly epilepsy, headache, and clinical neurophysiology. He is also passionate about advancing health equity in neurological care and improving systems to deliver higher-quality care to all patients. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family and exploring new parks. Together, they love discovering local food spots—especially cafes and bakeries.

Bahaar joins us from San Jose, CA. She earned both her medical degree and Master of Pharmaceutical Science degree from California Northstate University College of Medicine and completed her undergraduate studies in Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine. She is excited to explore different areas of neurology while finding ways to integrate clinical practice, education, and translational research. She looks forward to developing her skills as a clinician and contributing to research efforts that advance care and improve patients' lives. Outside of medicine, Bahaar enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, exploring fashion, trying new coffee shops, watching foreign cinema, writing, and sharing meaningful moments with her family and friends.

Jason joins us from Union City, CA and received his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine. He also received his Bachelors of Science degree in neuroscience from UCLA. He is looking forward to delving deeper into the field of neurology, working with a diverse patient population, and honing his clinical reasoning and neuro exam skills. Outside of medicine, Jason enjoys watching sports, weightlifting, and fishkeeping/aquascaping. 

Issak Olsen, M.D., joins us from Kaiser Permanente Central Valley, where he honed his skills in emergency medicine. He earned his medical degree from California Northstate University in 2023. Olsen has a strong interest in neurohospitalist medicine, vascular neurology and stroke care, and is particularly excited about exploring the role of ultrasound in neurology. Outside the hospital, Olsen enjoys playing pickleball and other pickup sports, cheering on the San Francisco Giants, and spending quality time with his family.

Vedhika Reddy, M.D. join us from Simi Valley, California and received her medical degree from the California University of Science & Medicine. She received her bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology with a minor in Anthropology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Vedhika is looking forward to growing as a compassionate and skilled physician, building meaningful connections with patients and colleagues, and exploring the many facets of neurology alongside a supportive team of residents and faculty. In her free time, she enjoys live comedy shows, playing video games, and going on scenic hikes.

Galen Shearn-Nance, M.D. grew up in Marin County, Calif. and joins us from Cleveland, Ohio, where he attended Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine. He is interested in neuroimmunology, particularly autoimmune encephalitides, as well as neurocritical care. He also has an interest in drug development and looks forward to contributing to a field undergoing rapid change. Outside the hospital, Galen enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter, playing with their cat and dog, reading science fiction, scuba diving, lifting weights, cooking vegetarian meals, and playing Irish traditional and bluegrass music on the fiddle, guitar, and banjo.

Kevin Zhai, M.D. joins us from Albany, NY and received his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College. Kevin is looking forward to exploring the different neurologic specialties and getting involved in research and medical education. In his spare time, Kevin enjoys spending time with his family and friends, long-distance biking, and exploring nature.