MADERA, Calif. – A largely homegrown class of residents began their journey at Valley Children’s on Friday during a White Coat Ceremony, a symbolic step on their way to becoming pediatric specialists.
The ceremony celebrated the incoming residents as they received their white coats – a rite of passage that signifies their commitment to compassionate care and professional responsibility.
“This white coat is more than a garment,” said Dr. Vini Vijayan, director of Valley Children’s Pediatric Residency Program. “It is a symbol of trust, compassion and the commitment to care for children and families across Central California. For these new residents, it represents the next chapter in their medical education and the start of a lifelong calling.”
This year’s pediatric residency class includes 14 doctors, 10 of whom are from California, including four from Fresno. The group reflects the hospital’s ongoing efforts to recruit and retain physicians within the state. Five pharmacy residents were also honored during the ceremony and will begin hands-on training in pediatric pharmacy care.
The event highlighted the diverse backgrounds and shared dedication of the new residents, all united by a common goal: to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children.
Class of 2028
- Nikita Akkala, DO, Ohio University Heritage College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Jeffrey Chu, DO, Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Harman Dhesi, MD, University of California, Davis, School of Medicine
- Meredith Harding, DO, Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Joshua Ibanez, DO, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Komal Marwaha, MD, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, School of Medicine
- Susan Park, DO, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Bansri Patel, DO, A.T. Still University of Health Sciences School of Osteopathic Medicine in Arizona
- Ria Peralta, DO, Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine
- Sanskriti Saxena, MD, St. George’s University School of Medicine
- Aman Upadhyay, DO, Arizona College of Osteopathic Medicine of Midwestern University
- Gino Luis Urbano, MD, Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health
- Mai Houa Vue, MD, St. George’s University School of Medicine
- Robert Wedge, DO, Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
