Mission Statement
To develop exceptional, compassionate family medicine physicians dedicated to serving the diverse healthcare needs of rural, tribal, and US-Mexico border community residents. We are committed to fostering a culture of patient-centered, integrated healthcare, delivered through collaborative partnerships that benefit our community.
Our Vision
Our vision is to transform rural healthcare by becoming a nationally renowned hub for family medicine education, cutting-edge research, and impactful community service. With an innovative curriculum and strategic partnerships, we are shaping the next generation of physicians who will champion health equity, improve healthcare access, and elevate clinical excellence. Together, we’re not just preparing doctors—we’re cultivating leaders who will revolutionize population health and drive real change for underserved communities.
Program Leadership
MANDANA SEMNANI, MD
PROGRAM DIRECTOR
WENDY FIGUEROA, MS
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
TRACI COUTURE
DESIGNATED INSTITUTIONAL OFFICIAL
Administrative Leadership
MS. AMANDA AGUIRRE, M.A., R.D. PRESIDENT & CEO
MARISOL PENUELAS, PCMH, CCE,
CHIEF OFFICER OF QUALITY/MEDICAL INFORMATICS
KEVIN DRIESEN, PHD
RCBH TEACHING HEALTH CENTER DIRECTOR
PHILIP GLADNEY
CHIEF IT/COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER/TELE-MEDICINE COORDINATOR
Ana Montoya, M.S
WAHEC DIRECTOR
Core Faculty
ALEX VALENZUELA, LCSW
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH ADULT SERVICES DIRECTOR
ABHINAV MARKUS, MD
FAMILY MEDICINE
Clinical Faculty
PRAKSHEP BHATT, MD
INTERNAL MEDICINE
MEDICAL DIRECTOR
CHARLOTTE RICHARDS, MD-BC
OB-GYN DEPARTMENT HEAD
MICHAEL STEVENS, MD
OB-GYN
DANIEL CALABRESE, MD-BC
PEDIATRICS
RAMON L. CARAMPATAN, MD
PEDIATRICS
AVA ROSE, MD
INTERNAL MEDICINE
URGENT CARE DIRECTOR
STEPHEN BAILEY, MD
PSYCHOLOGIST
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CHILDREN SERVICES DIRECTOR
NANCY ROJAS, LPC
BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CHILDREN SERVICES DIRECTOR