Faculty
Administration
Raul Ayala, MD, MHCM
Designated Institutional Official
Board-certified by the American Board of Family Medicine, Dr. Ayala serves as Designated Institutional Official (DIO) of the Hanford Family Medicine Residency program. He is the Market Medical Officer for Adventist Health in the Central Valley and sits on the networks’ governing boards.
Frank Gavini, MD, FACC
Program Director
As Board Certified Cardiologist Dr. Gavini has been with Adventist Health for 35 years. He held many leadership roles at AH which include Chair-Department of Medicine, Chief of Medical Staff, Chief Medical Officer, Director of Cardiac Catheterization Lab, Director of AH Specialty Clinics. He is on the faculty of Family Medicine residency programs at Hanford and Tulare. He holds an academic position as an Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He is also the Chair of AH Medical Staff Well-being Committee and currently serves in the Administration as Associate Chief Medical Officer. He is passionate about serving underserved areas, improving access to care, developing new modalities in delivery of care, teaching residents and students, mentoring physicians in leadership. He is married to his wife Nileema and have three children and lives in Hanford CA.
Brenda Mendoza
Program Coordinator
One year of experience working in GME. Brenda supports the Tulare Internal Medicine Residency program core faculty and residents. Brenda received her undergraduate degree from Fresno Pacific University.
Jerald Pelayo, MD
Core Faculty
Specializes in internal medicine, Dr. Pelayo is part of the Core Faculty for the Tulare Internal Medicine Residency program. He is eager to serve the community and educate his patients on improving their health.
Prem Sahasranam, MD
Core Faculty
Board certified endocrinologist. Dr. Sahasranam is a member of the Core Faculty for the Tulare Internal Medicine Residency program. He provides education oversight and support for the internal medicine experience.
James Simmons, DO
Core Faculty
Specializes in hospice and palliative care. Dr. Simmons is a member of the Core Faculty for the Tulare Internal Medicine Residency program. He provides education oversight and support for the internal medicine experience.