Residents

Varun Bhaktarahalli Renukappa, MD

Dr. Varun was born and raised in India where he completed his residency in Internal medicine and MRCP(UK). Choosing medicine over other options wasn’t just his career decision; it was driven by a strong sense of passion for the subject and a genuine desire to help people lead more fulfilling lives. His experiences in internal medicine and critical care allowed him to witness the distress of individuals facing health challenges and this is what motivated him to learn more about preventative medicine and choose this path. Alongside being close to his family, he is excited to begin his new journey in Las Cruces and serve the wonderful community here. In his free time he enjoys exploring new places with his wife, reading books, cooking and spend his time with family and friends.

Adrian Campos, MD

I am a native New Mexican. I was born in, as well as lived most of my life, here in Las Cruces. I attended NMSU where I received my bachelor’s degree. I also decided to stay in Las Cruces for medical school, attending the Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine.

I am excited to continue my graduate medical education here at Memorial Medical Center, and in New Mexico in general, seeing that I want to stay in Las Cruces to practice Family Medicine. I want nothing more than to give back and care for this great community that helped raise me.

When I am not providing care for patients, my family is my pride and joy, and my best days are spent with them. However, if it’s not medicine or spending time with my family, you can find me watching NFL or college football games.

Eduardo Cañedo, MD

Dr. Eduardo Cañedo comes from Tijuana, México where he graduated from the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California. He is known for his resourceful, empathic and articulate nature. He is currently enjoying his journey as a family medicine resident.

Dr. Cañedo is deeply committed to patient advocacy, striving to simplify the complexities of healthcare through patient education. His professional belief is that informed patients lead to better health outcomes.

On his personal time, Dr. Cañedo has a passion for music, particularly alternative rock, enjoys playing videogames, watching movies and discovering great food. He also loves analyzing character development in stories, enjoying comedy and cherishing moments with his family and friends.

Kori Gandara, DO

I was born and raised in the small town of Lordsburg, New Mexico. After obtaining my bachelor's degree at NMSU, I attended Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine for my medical degree.

Growing up in a rural town, I was able to firsthand experience what it was like to have limited access to not only healthcare, but several resources. While in medical school, I had the opportunity to work in both Las Cruces and El Paso and found that these areas struggled with the same issues. This is essentially what drove me to pursue a career in Family Medicine in my home state of New Mexico, specifically in the southern border region. I resonated with this program due to our shared goal in addressing healthcare disparities and serving our communities.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, reading, watching basketball, and spending time with my family and friends.

Jyoti Gurung, MD

I was born and raised in Nepal. I belong from one of the minority groups in Nepal and I feel blessed to represent my community.  My family is the reason I am here today. I have graduated from Chitwan Medical College, Nepal. I am excited for my residency training at memorial medical center. For my careers , I am exploring the beauty of family medicine and open to any possibility family medicine offers. I am huge soccer supporter, love to play and watch soccer during my free time. 

Aye Kyaw, MD

Dr. Aye Kyaw grew up in Myanmar, (formerly Burma) in southeast Asia. Her family migrated to Malaysia for her father’s career and for education for the children in her family. She received her medical degree from Kursk State Medical University in Russia. She recalls being inspired by her dad, a physician in general surgery and later as an OB/GYN and she had the opportunity to work as an assistant and took part in ambulatory outpatient care and various procedures. She was awarded the Outstanding Foreign Medical Graduate upon her graduation from Kursk State Medical University. She went back to Malaysia and worked as a medical officer at an ambulatory outpatient clinic for 3 years before coming to the United States to pursue her passion in Family Medicine. She worked at La Clinical del Pueblo at Tierra Amarilla for 7 years and had the opportunity to take part in long term management of chronic diseases, direct patient care, and various emergencies. Dr. Kyaw’s medical interests include full spectrum care including chronic metabolic disease management, high acuity emergencies and point of care procedures, substance use disorders, and interdisciplinary care. Dr. Kyaw enjoys New Mexico’s green chili and her personal interests include spending time with family and friends at church and in the community, traveling, cooking and tending to her plants.

Prabhjot Johnson, DO

I was born and raised in Sacramento, CA and completed my undergraduate degree at California State University, Sacramento. I also completed a Masters of Public Health at the University of Southern California and spent some time working for Sacramento County Public Health prior to starting medical school. I moved to Las Cruces in 2020 to attend Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine and fell in love with the culture and natural beauty of the area.  

I chose to pursue Family Medicine because I am passionate about preventative medicine as well as addressing social determinants of health in the care of my patients and I appreciate the broad scope of training family physicians have. I spend much of my spare time with my husband, daughter and our Australian shepherd. I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking, cooking and reading to my baby.

Nabin Paudyal, MD

I was born and raised in Nepal, where I completed my undergraduate studies at the College of Medical Sciences and earned my MS degree from Kathmandu University. My medical journey began with a strong foundation in these institutions. My passion for holistic care led me to pursue Family Medicine which allows me to make a comprehensive and continuous impact on my patients' lives.

I owe my dedication and success to the unwavering support of my parents, sister, and wife. Their encouragement has been a constant source of strength throughout my medical career. Outside of my professional pursuits, I enjoy activities that keep me balanced. I love going to the gym, listening to podcasts, and playing soccer with friends. Spending time with family and friends is important to me, as it helps provide a strong support system that enriches my personal life.

I am passionate about diving into this new experience at Memorial Medical Center, where I aim to bring a compassionate approach to my practice. My commitment to both personal and professional growth ensures that I remain at the forefront of medical knowledge and patient care, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those I serve.

Isabelo Sicsic, MD

Dr. Isabelo Sicsic Jr. (Iz) was born in the Philippines and immigrated to the United States at a young age. Having grown up in Miami and having been exposed to diverse cultures and life experiences, he appreciates perspectives that are global and holistic in nature. 

Not unlike other inspired visionaries, he reflects on his journey as the conglomeration of multi-generational dreams, community aspirations, intrinsic motivation, universal alignment, and resilience. 

Dr. Sicsic’s educational background include a Bachelor of Science degree in nursing from the University of Miami School of Nursing, a master’s degree in public health from West Coast University, and a medical degree from the Cebu Doctors’ University College of Medicine. Additionally, he has earned Lean Six Sigma Certification showcasing his interest in quality and process improvement measures. 

He seeks to create a niche that intertwines his background in medicine, public health, nursing, and process improvement endeavors. 

His interests include music, medical missions, travel, hiking, religious studies, fitness, various cuisines, and nonprofit work, where he continues to be involved with a Miami based 501(c)3 approved organization. 

Nowshin Sultana, MD

I was born and raised in Sylhet, Bangladesh. From a young age, I dreamed about becoming a physician as I wanted to serve the people around me who were deprived of receiving basic health care. I completed medical education at Dhaka Medical College, Bangladesh. Then, I moved to New York where I worked at Medical Clinics and Nursing Homes and Rehabilitation Centers, acquainting myself with the US healthcare system. Family Medicine attracted me because of the depth and variety of diseases and their comorbidities, the challenge of making a diagnosis, and the charm of patient care and management. I hope to become a well-rounded physician who will be able to make a difference for each patient and their community. In my spare time, I like reading, listening to music, cooking, hiking and spending time with family and friends.

Zaghum Abbas,MD

I grew up in a small village in Pakistan where healthcare was hard to access and often delayed. Seeing my loved ones struggle with preventable illnesses pushed me toward medicine from an early age, and over time, I became passionate about primary care and the impact it can have on entire communities. Family Medicine felt like the perfect fit as it allows me to care for people across all stages of life, build meaningful relationships, and focus on education and prevention. Alongside my clinical journey, I have spent years tutoring and mentoring other medical students preparing for their exams, especially those who could not afford formal guidance. I have also volunteered in free medical camps, rural clinics, and disaster relief efforts back home. When I am not working or teaching, I enjoy cycling, football, cooking, and spending time outdoors. I have always believed that both good food and good care are best when shared.

Hassan Nawaz, MD

I come from an agricultural background in the small town of Jhang, Pakistan. I am an alumnus of Nishtar Medical University, Multan. I am attracted to Family Medicine due to its broad spectrum of training, which includes caring for patients of all ages with nearly all conditions in both inpatient and ambulatory settings, along with continuity of care. The prospects of well-rounded training with exceptional exposure to hospital medicine attracted me to Memorial Medical Center. I look forward to becoming a successful hospitalist in the future. In my free time, I love playing chess, watching cricket, enjoying TV series, and spending time with my friends and family. I am excited to explore what the future holds for me.

Prekshya Parajuli, MD

I was born in Nepal and completed my MD from University of The Visayas in the Philippines. I chose to pursue my Family Medicine residency at Memorial Medical Center because of the program’s dedication to caring for a diverse population, especially the underserved. I am looking forward to contributing to this endeavor, and learning all I can to become a well-rounded, compassionate family physician.

Family medicine stood out to me because it gives me the opportunity to advocate for my patients while understanding what matters most to them as individuals. It’s one of the few fields where you truly get to care for everyone and a little bit of everything.

In my spare time, I enjoy swimming, watching movies, and spending time with my family, who have always been my biggest support.

Luv Patel, MD

I am from Texas. My hometown is San Antonio, I did my undergraduate education in Dallas at UTD, and my medical school training in El Paso. I have loved my experience growing up in Texas. The people are kind and appreciative. The food is excellent.

My future goals in family medicine are in the outpatient setting. I want to improve the overall health of the community and make sure appropriate services are available and used.

I have a myriad of hobbies and interests. I am a sports guy at heart. I love basketball and football. I now try to run every day, and the nearby park is a great place to pace through. Additionally, I play chess and occasionally go to the theatre to watch movies. I feel Las Cruces and Memorial Medical Center have been quite welcoming to both my personal interests and my long-term professional goals.

Shivani Sharma, MD

Dr. Sharma was born in India and moved to Canada during her teenage years. She completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto, earning a double major in Integrative Biology and Psychology. Pursuing her passion for medicine, she attended Caribbean Medical University School of Medicine and later refined her clinical skills working in Toronto as a clinical supporter. She also gained valuable experience as a research coordinator, contributing to multiple pharmaceutical phase IV clinical trials. Dr. Sharma’s interest in medicine was inspired by her early experiences witnessing health care disparities. This passion for equitable care led her to choose SNMFMRP, whose mission of providing multidisciplinary care to underserved populations closely aligns with her own values.

Growing up in rural India, Dr. Sharma developed a deep connection with nature, a bond she continues to nurture. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, painting, sketching, playing tennis and badminton, and going on hikes. Above all, she deeply values spending quality time with her family.

Ruchi Sood, MD

I was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, and completed my undergraduate degree in Psychology at York University. I later attended medical school on the beautiful island of Curaçao and completed my clinical rotations in the windy city of Chicago, where I had the opportunity to care for patients from diverse backgrounds and cultures.

I chose Family Medicine because I value the opportunity to build long-term relationships with patients while providing comprehensive, patient-centered care across all stages of life. I enjoy the broad scope of the specialty and am passionate about preventive medicine, health promotion, and empowering patients to take an active role in their health.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy traveling, practicing yoga, trying new restaurants, exploring museums, sightseeing, cooking, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I am excited to be joining the Memorial Medical Center Family Medicine Residency Program and look forward to serving the Las Cruces community.

Rikelle Trent, DO

Hello! My name is Rikelle Trent and I am so grateful to be attending The Southern New Mexico Family Medicine Residency Program here in Las Cruces, NM! I was born and raised in NJ where I attended Rutgers University for Undergraduate Studies and majored in Exercise Science. I explored the beauty and healthcare of Athens, Greece in a study abroad internship and worked as a surgical care nursing assistant where I learned to provide compassionate care, listen attentively, and to advocate for my patients. Taking a leap of faith, I moved across the country to attend Burrell College of Osteopathic Medicine, where I had a wonderful experience studying medicine, establishing new friendships, and learning the community. It was at Burrell that I found a home in Las Cruces and found my passion for Family Medicine! I affectionately call Las Cruces, my “River in the Desert” as it is a place of Divine faithfulness, provision, and grace for me and my family. With family being foundational in my life and the foundation of society, I press forward to be a family physician who serves as a resource to my family, advocate to my patients, and pillar in the community.

Ali Ahmed, MD

I was born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan, where I completed medical school at Jinnah Sindh Medical University. Growing up, I developed a passion for helping others through volunteering in my community and caring for those around me.

My background in athletics, particularly track running during my childhood, taught me the importance of discipline, perseverance, and the value of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These principles continue to shape my approach to medicine. Through my clinical experiences in Pakistan and the United States, I had the opportunity to care for patients from diverse backgrounds and discovered that Family Medicine was the right fit for me. I enjoy building long-term relationships with patients, focusing on preventive care, and helping individuals achieve their health goals.

I am excited and honored to begin my residency at Memorial Medical Center and look forward to learning from my colleagues while serving the Las Cruces community. Outside of medicine, I enjoy working out, running, traveling, creating medical education content, and spending time with my family.

Yusra Anam, MD

Born and raised in Hyderabad, India, I graduated from Deccan College of Medical Sciences, where training across two affiliated teaching hospitals allowed me to care for a diverse patient population while gaining exposure to a wide range of clinical experiences. It was during these formative years that my passion for caring for patients across all stages of life began to take shape.

Growing up in India, I witnessed the deep trust families place in their physicians, often looking to one doctor to care for their loved ones across generations. This inspired me to become a physician who can provide comprehensive, compassionate care to patients of all ages. Joining the MMC Family Medicine Residency brings me closer to that goal and allows me to continue growing into the kind of doctor I aspire to be.

 Outside of medicine, I believe that you cannot pour from an empty cup. I enjoy getting lost in a good thriller novel, experimenting with new recipes, and baking for the people around me. My lifelong love for reading across different genres has nurtured my curiosity and desire to keep learning, qualities that drew me to the breadth, connection, and lifelong learning that define this specialty.

Raza Aslam, MD

I was born and raised in Pakistan and earned my medical degree from Nishtar Medical University in Multan. Growing up in a small town, I developed a passion for medicine through the values of compassion, hard work, and service that my parents instilled in me.

Before starting residency, I worked as a primary care physician in Pakistan, where I discovered that Family Medicine was the perfect fit for me. I love the opportunity to build lasting relationships with patients, care for people of all ages, and make a meaningful difference in their lives. My clinical interests include outpatient medicine, geriatrics, and preventive care, and I am excited to continue exploring hospital medicine throughout residency.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, trying new restaurants and cuisines, and cooking. I am excited to begin this new chapter of my journey and grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and serve this community.

Alamdar Hussain, MD

I was born and raised in a rural farming community in Pakistan, where access to quality education and healthcare was limited. Growing up, becoming a physician seemed like an ambitious dream, and I am honored to be the first doctor in my family. The challenges I encountered along the way strengthened my resilience, shaped my perspective, and reinforced my commitment to serving others through medicine.

Before entering residency, I completed clinical rotations at multiple hospitals across the United States, where I had the privilege of caring for patients from diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. These experiences broadened my clinical skills, deepened my appreciation for patient-centered care, and confirmed that Family Medicine is the specialty where I can make the greatest impact. I am grateful to join a residency program that values comprehensive training and the opportunity to care for a diverse patient population.

What inspires me most about Family Medicine is the opportunity to care for individuals and families across every stage of life while building meaningful, long-term relationships based on trust and compassion. I enjoy both inpatient and outpatient medicine and look forward to developing as a well-rounded family physician. I am excited to begin this next chapter of my career and remain committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care while continuing to learn and grow alongside my patients, colleagues, and mentors.

Sushma Kalva, MD

I was born and raised in India and received my medical degree from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad. Being the first physician in my family, I grew up answering medical questions from friends and relatives, an experience that strengthened my desire to care for others. Family Medicine appealed to me because of its broad approach to patient care and its emphasis on understanding the social, environmental, and personal factors that influence health. I hope to contribute to patient advocacy and initiatives that improve health beyond the clinic and hospital.

The warmth and kindness with which I was welcomed into the Memorial Medical Center family is something I will always cherish. I hope to carry that same spirit with me throughout my career.

I enjoy spending time with friends, exploring arts and crafts, kayaking, and watching movies and TV series.

Adaora Moka, MD

I was born in Nigeria, spent a lot of my formative years in Canada, and returned to Nigeria for medical school at Babcock University. Having lived and trained across different countries has shaped my approach to medicine and given me an appreciation for the many different ways people experience health and healthcare.

I chose Family Medicine because I love its variety and the opportunity to care for people at every stage of life. I enjoy getting to know my patients beyond their diagnoses and being part of their health journey over time.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy traveling, trying new restaurants, getting hooked on a good TV series, and spending time with family and friends. I also love puzzles and strategy games, and I’m always up for exploring somewhere new. I’m excited to make Las Cruces home and see more of New Mexico!

Theja Pakala, MD

Manuel Polo, MD

I was born and raised in Mexico, where I earned my medical degree from the Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara.

I have always been passionate about serving underserved communities. During my career, I worked in underserved areas and a tuberculosis program with the U.S. Embassy in Ciudad Juárez, where I cared for vulnerable populations and learned the importance of prevention, patient education, and teamwork. I also completed clinical rotations in the United States, where working with diverse patient populations confirmed that Family Medicine was the specialty that best matches my values and career goals.

I am honored to join this residency program and look forward to caring for patients from diverse cultural backgrounds while continuing to grow as both a physician and a person. Being bilingual in English and Spanish allows me to build meaningful relationships with my patients and help reduce barriers to quality healthcare.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy road cycling, staying physically active, learning new languages, and spending time with my family and friends. I believe that maintaining balance outside of medicine helps me provide the best care possible to my patients.

Fuseina Salifu, MD

I was born and raised in Nima, a vibrant community in Accra, Ghana. I earned my medical degree from Ryazan State Medical Institute in Russia. Throughout my medical journey, I had the opportunity to care for children, older adults, pregnant women, and underserved communities. Caring for such a wide range of patients made me realize that Family Medicine was the right fit for me because I wanted to care for the whole family, regardless of age or stage of life.

“I believe in treating every patient as I would treat my own family.”

My interests include full-spectrum Family Medicine, FMOB, and expanding access to healthcare in underserved communities. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, cooking, and jump roping.

Fun fact: I’m a twin married to a twin!

Anjlee Sawlani, MD

I am from Karachi, Pakistan, where my medical journey began at Dow Medical College. My passion for medicine comes from the opportunity to care for people during some of the most challenging moments of their lives while making a meaningful difference in their health and well-being. I was drawn to Family Medicine because it offers the unique opportunity to care for patients at every stage of life, from newborns to older adults, while building meaningful, long-lasting relationships with individuals and their families.

Outside of medicine, I enjoy working out at the gym, painting, cooking, traveling to new places, and exploring nature. I am deeply grateful to my parents and brothers for their constant support, encouragement, and belief in me throughout my medical journey.

Nehal Shaikh, MD

I am a medical graduate from Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College (GMMMC) Sukkur, originally from Khairpur, a rural town in Sindh, Pakistan. My passion for medicine was deeply rooted in childhood, watching both of my parents serve their patients with unwavering dedication. Their commitment left a lasting impression on me and became the foundation of my own journey in medicine.

I chose Family Medicine because it offers the unique opportunity to care for patients throughout every stage of their lives. My goal is to serve underserved communities, ensuring that every patient — regardless of background — has access to quality, compassionate care.

Outside of medicine, I find joy in spending time with my daughter Minsa and my family, whose support grounds and motivates me daily.

Madinah Usman, MD

I was Born and raised in Abuja, Nigeria. My passion for medicine was inspired by watching a close friend spend years searching for answers before finally being diagnosed with Lupus. That experience taught me the importance of listening carefully, recognizing what others may overlook, and advocating for every patient.

I earned my medical degree from Kharkiv National Medical University, Ukraine and moved to the United States, where I have gained diverse clinical experience while deepening my commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. I chose Family Medicine because it allows me to care for the whole person, build lasting relationships, and help patients achieve lifelong health.

 Beyond medicine, I aspire to be a philanthropist dedicated to improving the lives of women and children by expanding access to healthcare, education, and essential resources in underserved communities. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, planning picnics, playing games, and creating meaningful moments with family and friends