CLASS OF 2026 (PGY-1)

KAREL BACARDI, MD

UCLA International Medical Graduate Program

Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana

Dr. Reyes Bacardi was born and raised in Havana, Cuba. He graduated with honors from the Universidad de Ciencias Médicas de La Habana. After finishing medical school, he participated in medical missions, which taught him the importance of providing access to healthcare and the importance of health education to improve patient acceptance and adherence to medical treatment. In the U.S. he worked as Clinical Research Coordinator in a clinical research facility in South Florida, learning about health disparities that the monolingual Spanish community faced. Hobbies outside of Medicine:  Karel enjoys traveling, going to the gym, spending time with her loved ones, community service, watching movies and dancing. Professional Interests: Providing care to underserved communities with an emphasis on LGBTQ+ population, HIV+ patients, Global Health, preventive medicine, reproductive health and prenatal management.

HARKIRAN DHILLON, MD

Hiii! I am Harkiran Dhillon, I went to UC Merced for undergraduate school and Ross University School of Medicine for medical school, for which I lived in Knoxville, Tennessee and Barbados. I would attribute this to my love of country music, country boots and apple pie! I would love to practice in an outpatient setting after residency is completed, with an emphasis on preventative and holistic medicine. My favorite hobbies include heated yoga, pilates, walking my dogs, running in the forest, gardening in my herb garden, and enjoying quality time with my family. 

STEGI ILANTHIRAIAN, DO

Hi, I'm Stegi (like Stegosaurus) I was born in India and grew up in the Bay area. I toured the bay - graduating from UC Davis for undergrad and Touro University for medical school and a Masters in Public Health. Throughout my training, I've enjoyed empowering my patients via patient education. I also enjoy doing procedures in clinic and managing a diverse range of patients and conditions on the daily. Post residency, I want to focus on outpatient medicine -incorporating procedures, lifestyle medicine, and working with underserved communities. In my spare time, I am always on the hunt for -a good song, hike, tennis buddy, TV show, and book.

JACKLYN NGUYEN, md

Hi everyone :) I go by Jackie, Jack, or any new nickname that you want to make for me! I am a California native and went to undergrad at UC Irvine where I majored in Public Health Sciences. I then continued my journey of medical school at St. George’s University in the height of the pandemic. Fun fact about me is that caffeine doesn’t work on me which means I can drink a red bull and go straight to sleep xD. As an FM stan, I am especially interested in outpatient care and mental health. Mentorship and teaching are also huge passions of mine so I’m super excited to have my own medical students! When I’m not at work, you can catch me vintage shopping, cooking/baking, or planning out my next interior design project. I am also your girl when it comes to anything psychology (attachment theory, Myers Briggs, love languages) or astrology related. Food is also one of my biggest love languages, so always feel free to hit me up for recommendations! :)

JOSMARIE RUIZ VELEZ, md

My name is Josmarie Ruiz-Velez. I am from Puerto Rico where I completed my undergraduate studies at the Universidad de Puerto Rico, Mayagüez. I graduated from medical school at Universidad Autonoma de Guadalajara where I stayed for 2 years and completed my rotations at Reno, Nevada for the last 2 years of my studies. After residency I plan on focusing on preventative medicine for patients of all ages. I hope to help decrease the health disparities that are prevalent in our minority populations. In my free time I enjoy traveling and trying different types of foods, going on scenic hikes with my husband, son and mini aussie, and practicing yoga to decompress. 

CARLOS RaMIREZ, md

Hello my name is Carlos A. Ramirez Fernandez. I was born in Guatemala and graduated from the University San Carlos of Guatemala. After residency I would like to do a fellowship, I like OB, HIV, Sport Medicine and Palliative care. I am very interested in providing care to our under-resourced communities in San Joaquin Valley County. In my free time I love to spend time with my family, watch action movies, hear soft rock music, and work out.

NATALIA VERA DELGADO, md

Hi everyone.  My name is Natalia and I am from Pamplona - Colombia. I did my med school at the University of Santander UDES in Bucaramanga Santander, Colombia as well. After my residency I would like to work with underserved communities  but also Part of my dream as an IMG is to continue with a fellowship. I haven't fully decided which one I want to apply to yet, because I want to give each rotation and the community that is specifically served by them a chance. I consider that staying healthy is important as a doctor too, that's why I like running and working out in the gym.  I also enjoy reading books, painting

MEGHANA VOLADRI, md

Hi everyone!

My name is Meghana Voladri and I went to UC Berkeley for my undergraduate education and then attended St. George’s University for medical school. As of this moment, I love so many different pathways— sports medicine, Ob, hospitalist medicine, and outpatient clinic (maybe many more as this journey continues, who knows!) — I’m going to need more time to discern what it is I love THE most. One thing I know for sure, is that I want to continue working with the underserved. I want to be an advocate and an educator regardless of where I may be as a physician. As for the fun side of me, I enjoy nature in every aspect, whether it’s hiking with my cute little guy Peanut, biking, swimming, gardening, or taking care of my pet chickens/tropical fish, while also playing games/sports (video games, board games, tennis, volleyball, and basketball).

ZAIDE RODRIGUEZ, md

Hey there! I’m Zaide and my friends call me Zai. I am from Venezuela where I went to medical school and had the opportunity to work with underserved communities. There I learned to see my patients with a genuine sense of compassion and not just a number. To me, being a doctor has always been about getting the care me or someone in my own family deserves. My main interest as a family doctor is to grow as a professional where I can share with my patients what I learn on a daily basis. I want to make sure I can provide comprehensive health care in the inpatient and outpatient settings. I am really passionate about women’s health, wellness, lifestyle, and preventive medicine. I am honored to continue my medical training in Family Medicine at SJGH. Outside of medicine, I enjoy gardening, a “yummy” meal, and hanging out with family and friends. I also love hiking, exploring, and connecting with nature. Thank you SJGH for choosing me to be part of this community.