MADERA, CA – (March 25, 2025) – Valley Children’s Pediatric Residency Program, affiliated with Stanford University School of Medicine, proudly welcomes its newest class of residents, announced on Match Day, Friday, March 21, 2025. This annual event determines where medical students nationwide will continue their training, and for Valley Children’s, it is an opportunity to invest in the next generation of pediatricians dedicated to serving children and families.
This year’s residency class reflects Valley Children’s commitment to recruiting and retaining physicians in California, with 10 of the 14 incoming pediatric residents hailing from the state, including four from Fresno.
“We couldn’t be prouder of this exceptional group of incoming residents,” said Dr. Vini Vijayan, Valley Children’s Residency program director. “Each one brings unique strengths and perspectives that will enrich our program, our hospital and the future of pediatric care in our community. I’m beyond excited to see how these new residents develop as clinicians and leaders. They’re not just our future - they’re the future of pediatrics.”
Valley Children’s Pediatric Residency 2025 Match Day Residents:
- Nikita Akkala, DO – Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine; San Diego
- Jeffrey Chu, DO – Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine; Fremont, CA
- Harman Dhesi, MD – University of California, Davis, School of Medicine; Fresno
- Meredith Harding, DO – Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine; Fresno
- Joshua Ibanez, DO – Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine; Manteca, CA
- Komal Marwaha, MD – Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland School of Medicine; San Ramon, CA
- Susan Park, DO – Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine; Rowland Heights, CA
- Bansri Patel, DO – A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona; Chino Hills, CA
- Ria Peralta, DO – Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine; Gaithersburg, MD
- Sanskriti Saxena, MD – St. George's University School of Medicine; Denver, CO
- Aman Upadhyay, DO – Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University; San Ramon, CA
- Gino Luis Urbano, MD – Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health; Fresno
- Mai Houa Vue, MD – St. George's University School of Medicine; Fresno
- Robert Wedge, DO – Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine; Fresno
Valley Children’s continues to build a strong pipeline of pediatricians in the region, ensuring that families in the Central Valley have access to specialized, high-quality care. The program’s emphasis on recruiting residents with ties to California aligns with its mission of addressing physician shortages in the state and strengthening the local healthcare workforce.
In addition to the pediatric residency program, Valley Children’s Pharmacy Residency Program welcomes a new class of pharmacists who will receive hands-on training in pediatric pharmacy care:
- Long Dang, Pharm.D PGY1 – University of the Pacific, Thomas J Long School of Pharmacy
- Timothy Glenn, Pharm.D, PGY1 – Loma Linda University
- Tara Rikabi, Pharm.D, PGY1 – Ohio State University
- Kalista Vue, Pharm.D, PGY1 – Marshall B. Ketchum University
- Gislia Negrete, Pharm.D, PGY2 – Pacific University, Hillsboro, OR
“Specialized pediatric training for medical professionals at Valley Children’s is paramount to the health and wellbeing of the children living throughout Central California,” said Pharmacy Residency Director Dr. Melissa Chase. “Our residency training programs continue forward with our longstanding goal to train, and retain, highly qualified medical professionals who will provide care for our specialized population.”
Match Day selections are coordinated by the National Residency Match Program, a private, non-profit organization that ensures a fair and structured placement process for medical students. Valley Children’s continues to be a destination for aspiring pediatricians and pharmacists, reinforcing its commitment to training future healthcare leaders and enhancing access to expert pediatric care in California.
For more information about Valley Children’s Pediatric Residency Program, visit https://www.valleychildrens.org/pediatric-residency-program/residency-program-home