Class of 2027

Mary Jane Calagui, MD

Jane was born and raised in the Philippines. She then moved to Texas where she reunited with her family. Inspired by her roots and driven by a passion for holistic care, she chose to become a family medicine physician. With a heart dedicated to serving diverse demographics, Jane finds fulfillment in meeting the unique needs of both pediatrics and geriatrics, while also embracing the hands-on aspect of performing procedures. Guided by mentors at the Primary Care Clinic of Hawaii, Jane had the opportunity to serve the underserved population using evidence-based approach and ensuring the highest standard of care. She hopes to continue this mission beyond residency. Outside the realm of medicine, Jane loves exploring scenic trails through hiking, nourishing her green thumb through gardening, and immersing herself in diverse culture through traveling.

Kenny Decaro, MD

Born and raised in New York, at 18 years old, Dr. Decaro attended medical school in his mother's home country, Colombia. During his six years of medical school, he excelled academically and demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for healthcare equality by founding a business that significantly improved access to training tools for healthcare students and professionals nationwide. Upon completing his medical degree, He gained training in various settings, including ER, Hospital, and Hematology/Oncology medicine. His commitment to broadening his expertise led him back to New York, where he earned a Master of Public Health from New York University. Kenny is a lifelong athlete who has competed in CrossFit for the last ten years and integrated his passion for fitness and medicine by co-founding a breast cancer awareness organization tailored to the local CrossFit community of Cali, Colombia. He speaks several languages, is learning more, and enjoys the outdoors, jazz, and cafes with great espresso. Known for his belief in extreme ownership, Kenny approaches his work with a sense of responsibility and a desire to serve his community. He is passionate about creating meaningful connections, advocating for his patients, and is enthusiastic about mentoring the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Paola Nuñez Cruz, MD

Paola was born and raised in the Dominican Republic, she broke new ground as the first in her family to attend college and pursue a career in medicine, graduating from Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo.  

Her medical journey began with three years at the Instituto Dominicano de Estudios Virológicos, where she provided compassionate care to children and adults living with HIV/AIDS. This pivotal experience ignited her passion for family medicine and integrated patient care.

Before joining Saint Joseph’s Medical Center, Paola accumulated invaluable experience in various healthcare settings. She served as a clinical research coordinator at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, contributing to groundbreaking research initiatives aimed at advancing medical knowledge and improving patient care. Additionally, she worked as a patient advocate at New York Presbyterian Hospital, where she championed the rights and well-being of patients, embodying the principles of compassionate care and advocacy. 

Motivated by her personal experiences with limited healthcare access, she is committed to enhancing the healthcare system and improving patient experiences. Looking ahead, she plans to specialize in health administration to acquire the skills necessary for healthcare innovation and improvement.

In her free time, Paola enjoys cooking and preparing healthy recipes. She is also passionate about basketball and regularly visits the gym to stay active.

Aron George, MD

Aron was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He became passionate about medicine when he volunteered at Franklin Center nursing Home and North Central Bronx Hospital. After finishing up highs school he attended Long Island University where he graduated with his bachelor's degree in Biology. He completed his medical school training at Saint James School of Medicine in St. Vincent. Aron did his rotations in South Texas where he helped an underserved population. His interests in Medicine include Psychiatry, Pediatrics and Neurology. Some of his hobbies include exercising, watching basketball, wrestling, traveling and hanging out with his friends.

Diana Vargas Gonzalez, MD

Diana, the first-generation doctor in her family, was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. Her childhood fascination with medicine led her parents to prioritize her education, enabling her to fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. After graduating, she worked in a primary care center before moving to New York City, where she became a health coordinator at a clinic providing house call services. She discovered her fervor for Family Medicine. Witnessing patients' needs in their homes spurred her to diagnose hidden diseases. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Diana finds immense joy in her personal life. Happily married, she cherishes the moments she shares with her husband and son, particularly when engaging in seasonal activities such as apple picking, river visits, road trips, and relaxing picnics. It is through these simple pleasures that she truly appreciates the beauty of life. Aside from her family, Diana also delights in walking along beach sunsets, exploring coffee shops, and discovering new places.

Shakiba Muhammadi, MD

Soon after birth, Shakiba Muhammadi embarked on a life of arduous yet adventurous journey as a refugee, which eventually led her to St. Joseph’s Medical Center. Born in Afghanistan to an ethnic minority, Hazara, who faced decades of ethnic persecution and deprivation, which compelled them to seek refuge in Pakistan. Her life experiences, filled with hardships and lack of access to basic needs, have profoundly influenced her approach to healthcare. They have taught her the importance of empathy, compassion, listening, and understanding. Her experience in public health revealed many in underserved communities without primary care and her observation helped her understand the prohibiting factors. Shakiba is determined to make a difference in the lives of underserved populations in the clinical field.

Chisa Oparanma, MD

Chisa was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, until the age of ten when he moved to Nigeria with his family. His interest in medicine began at a young age, inspired by observing the profound impact healthcare professionals had on people's lives. Growing up, he was fascinated by the stories his parents, both of whom worked in the medical field, would share at the dinner table. Their dedication to helping others and the complex yet rewarding nature of their work sparked a curiosity in him that only grew stronger with time. Volunteering at local hospitals during high school provided him with firsthand experience in patient care and the intricacies of medical procedures. These experiences cemented his desire to pursue a career in medicine, where he could combine his passion for science with his commitment to improving the well-being of others. After graduating from medical school, he worked as a general practice physician in Nigeria and as a medical assistant in the US. Chisa has a strong interest in preventive medicine, chronic disease management, and health education promotion. He is particularly passionate about working with underserved populations and improving access to quality healthcare for all patients. Outside of medicine, Chisa enjoys playing sports, video gaming, and the piano. He also loves exploring new places and learning about different cultures and traditions.

Rajiv Singh, MD

Rajiv was born and raised in Guyana, South America, where he developed a strong love for medicine while helping to care for his ailing grandfather. He himself was a patient and learnt the importance of receiving great medical care. He pursued medical training in his home country, and later worked in Trinidad and the United Kingdom earning a Postgraduate Diploma in Internal Medicine. Having had the experience of working in different countries has allowed him great experience caring for people from diverse populations. However, he decided to return to the US and pursue his passion for Primary Care to provide continuous and comprehensive care to those who need it in the US. His aim is to continue to learn and grow while giving his best to the patients at St Joseph’s. During his free time he enjoys traveling, spending time with his family, reading and experiencing new cultures and cuisines.

Garth Waldron, MD

Born in the vibrant city of New York, I have always felt a deep connection to my Caribbean roots. I come from a large family who keeps me grounded. My medical odyssey began in the West Indies, in Jamaica, a land renowned not only for its breathtaking landscapes and spirited culture but also for its rich medical heritage. My path towards medical residency has been long and arduous, however I truly believe what God has planned for you, is for you. Over the course of my journey I have become more dedicated towards enrichment of medical service in underserved areas along with improvement of access. Beyond the hospital corridors, I find joy in a variety of activities that keep me grounded and energized. Fitness is a significant part of my life, and I have a particular passion for martial arts, especially Kung Fu. Music is another profound aspect of my life. I have been an avid saxophonist for 10+ years and am currently learning Steel Pan. Now when it comes to the dance floor, I’m the first one on and last one to leave, particularly if there’s Soca, Dancehall or Reggae! In every aspect of my life, from my medical practice to my personal interests, I bring a blend of warmth, resilience, and a deep appreciation for culture. Looking forward to leaving my mark in medicine, being of service to a wide demographic and paving the way for others to reach and achieve this goal.

Marvin Wynant, MD

Marvin was born in Singapore and was raised in the Philippines, Papua New Guinea, and California. He is the youngest of four children and is the first doctor in his family. In order to reconnect with his Filipino roots, Marvin returned to the Philippines and went to University of Santo Tomas in Manila, and eventually received his medical degree from Our Lady of Fatima University. Aside from pursuing his medical degree, Marvin took some time to pursue his other passion, to become a professional dancer and cheerleading coach. After becoming a licensed physician in the Philippines, he worked as a general practitioner in the Philippines for three years before returning to the United States where he worked as a scribe at UCLA. Here, he developed a passion for primary care and fell in love with long-term care of patients. Marvin is passionate about mental health and LGBTQ+ health. He stays active by dancing, swimming, doing gymnastics, and in his free time loves to cook cuisines from around the world.