A Big Welcome to Our New 2013 Combined Interns!

Safi Ahmed was born in Houston, Texas but has spent a great portion of his life in Boston.  He attended the University of Massachusetts Medical School after completing his undergraduate studies in child development and community health, and a masters in public health--both from Tufts University.  Safi is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine.  One of his greatest passions is teaching and this is certainly emphasized by his work with the Peace Corps (South Africa), Unicef (India), and AmeriCorps (Boston).  Some of Safi's hobbies include yoga, cooking, photography, and travel.  In addition to his native English, Safi also speaks Bantu, Spanish and Urdu.

Aaron Meyer is originally from Springfield, Illinois-a city with great history.  Aaron attended Saint Louis University School of Medicine, where he also obtained his undergraduate degree in philosophy.  His impressive list of memberships include the American Academy of Family Physicians, the Association of Medicine and Psychiatry, and the Missouri Academy of Family Physicians.  His volunteer experiences are just as impressive, including working at a homeless shelter in Tacoma, Washington, and numerous community outreach programs in Saint Louis, MO. Hiking, bicycling, and independent films are some of his hobbies . . . not to mention his love of Sunday brunch!!

Our program is honored to welcome these two amazing physicians into our combined family! Welcome home!! We all very much look forward to the next five years!

Welcome to the Newest Members of the UCSD Combined Family!

Rachel Robitz is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati, College of Medicine. She has earned her B.S. in Biomedical Engineering from University ofCincinnati. She is a member of the AAFP, APA, and the AMP.  Her volunteer experiences include creating an empowerment program for women who were involved in prostitution in Cincinnati, research for juvenile justice fund in Atlanta, and has taught dance to children and recovering women in Ohio. In her off time she enjoys yoga, ballet, and crafts.

Theresa Chen is a graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine. She also has earned her M.S. in Biomedical Science from the University of Hawaii, Manoa andher B.A.  in Neuroscience from Middlebury College in Vermont.She is a member of AAFP, AMA, and Christian Medical and Dental Association. She has volunteered by providing care to halfway house residents in New Orleans to preparing and implementing primary school health curriculum in Kenya, Africa.  Her hobbies include dining, cooking, and hiking.

Please join us in welcoming Theresa and Rachel to the UCSD Combined Program!

The UCSD Combined Family Medicine and Psychiatry Residency Welcomes Two New Members to the Family!

Jennifer BrewerJennifer Brewer will graduate from the University of Michigan Medical School and earned her undergraduate dual degree in Molecular and Cell Biology and English Literature at UC Berkeley.  She is a member of the AOA Honor Medical Society.  Jennifer’s volunteer work is diverse...  She has worked in free clinics, with animal rescue agencies, and in a special needs aquatic program with children who have cerebral palsy and autism.  In her spare time she enjoys getting outdoors and staying healthy through activities like rock climbing and triathloning, and she has an avid interest in sustainable living in part through gardening and cooking. 

Christine HodgeChristine Hodge will graduate from George Washington University School of Medicine and earned her undergraduate degree from the Mississippi University for Women in Journalism.  Her volunteer experiences include work as a patient care coordinator at GWU Medical Center, clinical work at the Arlington Free Clinic, and a yoga instructor for inner city kids.   She has worked in software sales and development, advertising, and, and as an on-air radio personality.  During off hours she likes building things with her hands, gardening, and the art of good coffee. 

It is with great pleasure that we welcome Jennifer and Christine to the UCSD Combined Family…  Let the wild rumpus begin!

The Cold Weather Shelter Opens Tomorrow - St. Vincent's and the UCSD Combined Program Will Be There!

Once again it's time for the San Diego Cold Weather Shelter to open and with just a day's notice our program will once again bring our resources (and mobile medical unit) to bear on 300 homeless folks who will get the chance to see a physician, often for the first time in a long time!  We have been privileged to take part in this event and continue to follow those folks in the shelter through the Winter for several years now...  If there was ever a great time to have the medicine and psychiatric skills in one tool box, it's got to be opening day of the Cold Weather Shelter! 

For those that wonder what "cold weather" means for the homeless in San Diego, take a look at this recent article in the San Diego Union-Tribune.

Webinar Training for Local Primary Care Docs Presented by Combined Doc Dr. Ryan Shackelford

The Combined Program is very proud to have our own Dr. Shackelford present to the San Diego Council of Community Clinics tomorrow!  He kicks of a seminar series designed to teach primary care doctors about the diagnosis and treatment various psychiatric disorders.  The series is new and it is a testament to the combined skills of Dr. Shackelford that he has been asked to present in this live online webinar to the primary care physician community at large!  To learn more about the webinar or to sign up...

Download the flyer!