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Adventist Health in Central California nationally recognized for excellence in stroke care

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 02:49:18 +0000

All six of the Adventist Health hospitals in Central California that report data to the American Heart Association Get With The Guidelines® have been nationally recognized for demonstrating a commitment to following the latest research-based guidelines for the treatment of heart disease and stroke.

Stroke is the No. 4 cause of death in the United States, according to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics Report. Studies show patients can experience better outcomes when care teams consistently follow evidence-based treatment guidelines.

Get With The Guidelines puts the expertise of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association to work for hospitals nationwide, helping ensure patient care is aligned with the most up-to-date science-backed guidelines. As a participant in the Get With The Guidelines programs, the following Adventist Health hospitals in Central California qualified for the awards by demonstrating a sustained commitment to improving the quality of stroke care by saving lives, supporting recovery, and minimizing the long-term effects of stroke:

Adventist Health Hanford
- Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Adventist Health Tulare
- Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Adventist Health Bakersfield
- Stroke Gold Plus with Target: Stroke Honor Roll Elite
- Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll
Adventist Health Specialty Bakersfield
- Stroke Silver Plus
Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley
- Rural Stroke Silver
Adventist Health Delano
- Rural Stroke Bronze

“Adventist Health in Central California is committed to delivering high-quality care by adhering to the latest treatment guidelines and streamlining processes to ensure timely, appropriate care for stroke,” says Lisa Kreber, PhD, senior director of brain and spine services lines at Adventist Health Central California Network. “Our hospitals are caring for hundreds of stroke patients a year. Get With The Guidelines programs help our teams put proven science into practice to support improved outcomes so more community members across Central California can live longer and healthier lives.”

Adventist Health Selma and Adventist Health Reedley are in the process of adding data to Get With The Guidelines data registry.

“These awards reflect Adventist Health in Central California’s commitment to caring for people in their communities who need cardiovascular care,” said Karen E. Joynt Maddox, M.D., MPH, chair of the American Heart Association Quality Oversight Committee.

“By following the American Heart Association’s quality improvement protocols, Adventist Health in Central California can help advance our shared vision of better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for patients, families and health care systems.”

To learn more about stroke care at Adventist Health in Central California, visit this link.

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Third class graduates from Sierra View Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Residency Program

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 03 Jul 2026 06:28:56 +0000

Sierra View Medical Center celebrated the graduation of 10 physicians from its Graduate Medical Education Internal Medicine Residency Program on Friday, June 26, at River Island Country Club. The ceremony marked the completion of three years of residency training for the program’s third graduating class as family members, faculty, hospital leadership, and community partners gathered to celebrate the milestone.

“Investing in physician education is an investment in the future of healthcare,” said Donna Hefner, President and Chief Executive Officer of Sierra View Medical Center. “Over the past three years, these physicians have provided compassionate care to our community while growing into skilled clinicians. We are proud of all they have accomplished and hope many will continue serving patients here in the Central Valley.”

The Class of 2026 includes:

Mustafa Alsharafi, MD
Tiffani Barham, MD, Chief Resident
Igor Gorodniuk, MD
Shashi Gupta, MD
Armine Martirosyan, MD
Ghufran Quresh, MD
Malik Shetab, MD (Graduating December 2026)
Shiva Verma, MD
Kiran Wasiq, MD, Chief Resident
Sharanya Thiagarajan, MD, Chief Resident

The evening featured welcome remarks from Dr. Bindusagar Reddy, Vice Chairman of the Sierra View Local Health Care District Board of Directors, and Tulare County Supervisor Dennis Townsend. Dr. Nashwan Obad, Program Director, led the graduation ceremony.

Graduates received certificates presented by Tulare County Supervisor Dennis Townsend and Porterville Mayor Greg Meister. Dr. Obad and Dr. Randy Tingle, Associate Program Director, presented each graduate with their diploma and a stethoscope in recognition of completing residency training. The graduating class also presented Dr. Obad and Dr. Tingle with a framed class photograph in appreciation of their leadership and mentorship throughout the program.

Since welcoming its first class in 2021, Sierra View Medical Center’s Graduate Medical Education Internal Medicine Residency Program has continued to expand physician training opportunities in the Central Valley. The Class of 2026 leaves behind a lasting impact through the patients they cared for, the residents they mentored, and the contributions they made to the continued growth of the program.

Sierra View Medical Center congratulates the Class of 2026 and wishes each graduate continued success as they begin the next chapter of their medical careers.

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Adventist Health launches new minimally invasive enlarged prostate treatment in Tulare, Hanford with

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 04:57:53 +0000

Men experiencing the frustrating symptoms of an enlarged prostate now have access to a minimally invasive treatment option close to home. Adventist Health Hanford and Adventist Health Tulare are offering prostate artery embolization (PAE), an innovative procedure performed by interventional radiologist Arthur Fontaine, MD.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as an enlarged prostate, affects millions of men as they age. Symptoms can include frequent urination, a weak urinary stream, and difficulty completely emptying the bladder. While BPH is not cancerous, it can significantly impact quality of life.

PAE offers an alternative to traditional surgery for eligible patients. During the procedure, a small catheter is inserted through the wrist or groin, and tiny particles are used to reduce blood flow to the prostate. Over 3 to 6 months, the prostate shrinks, helping alleviate urinary symptoms.

“Many men assume urinary symptoms are simply a normal part of aging and that they have to live with the inconvenience,” said Dr. Fontaine, interventional radiologist at Adventist Health. “Prostate artery embolization provides a safe, effective, and minimally invasive option that can significantly improve quality of life while avoiding many of the risks and recovery challenges associated with traditional surgery. On average, patients experience a 90 percent improvement in their urinary symptoms, making it a highly effective treatment for men suffering from an enlarged prostate.”

The procedure is typically completed in one to two hours, and most patients return home the same day. Because PAE does not require major surgery, patients often experience shorter recovery times and minimal downtime.

In addition to symptom relief, many men are interested in PAE because it carries a low risk of erectile dysfunction and urinary incontinence compared to some surgical treatments for BPH.

Potential benefits of PAE include:

Improved urinary flow
Fewer nighttime restroom visits
Reduced urinary urgency and frequency
Minimal recovery time
No major surgical incision

PAE may be an option for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms who have not found relief with medication, want to avoid traditional surgery, or have medical conditions that increase surgical risk.

“Not every patient is a candidate, but many men are surprised to learn that this treatment is available,” Fontaine said. “If urinary symptoms are affecting your sleep, work, travel, or daily activities, it may be worth exploring.”

The addition of PAE services reflects Adventist Health’s ongoing commitment to expanding access to advanced specialty care throughout Kings and Tulare counties. Interventional radiology procedures use advanced imaging technology to treat conditions through small access points in the body, often resulting in less pain and faster recovery.

Patients interested in learning more about prostate artery embolization are encouraged to speak with their primary care provider. To find an Adventist Health primary care provider, visit this link.

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Blood pressure monitors now available at libraries in Tulare, Kings Counties

Tony Maldonado Jr — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:07:26 +0000

Patrons across 18 Central Valley libraries will now be able to check their blood pressure and manage a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke. The resources are available as part of Libraries with Heart by the American Heart Association, devoted to a healthier future for all. Library card holders will also have the option to borrow blood pressure monitoring kits for at home measurement the same way they check out a book.

“Libraries across our community are an amazing source of trusted resources. We know that high blood pressure is a major health threat, and now people can find tools at many of their local libraries to help them manage their heart health – especially as families visit libraries more often during our summer reading programs,” said Veronica Casanova, Librarian V of Tulare County Library. “Through participating libraries, patrons can access blood pressure cuffs as well as American Heart Association information on how to properly measure blood pressure at home, an explanation of what blood pressure numbers mean, and a contact list of care providers who can provide follow‑up to anyone who needs it.”

High blood pressure is known as the silent killer because usually it has no symptoms. The only way to know if someone has high blood pressure is to get it checked, according to the American Heart Association. Almost half of U.S. adults – 47.3% – have high blood pressure1, increasing their risk for heart attack, stroke or kidney disease. These poor health outcomes can potentially be avoided if high blood pressure is managed. Unfortunately, many people are not even aware that their blood pressure is elevated and the use of a blood pressure monitor might be difficult because of cost or lack of access. Libraries with Heart aims to improve the health of local communities by making these resources readily available for free for those who need them.

“Managing blood pressure shouldn’t be complicated or hard to access,” said Satjit Sanghera, MD, American Heart Association volunteer medical expert and Family Medicine Physician at Kaiser Permanente. “Libraries with Heart helps bring basic health tools and trusted information into familiar community spaces allowing Central Valley residents to take control of their health and ultimately save lives from heart disease and stroke.”

The Libraries with Heart program can be found at the following libraries:

Fresno County:
- Bear Mountain Branch (30733 E Kings Canyon Rd, Yokuts Valley CA 93675)
Inyo County:
- Big Pine Branch (500 South Main Street Big Pine, CA 93513)
- Bishop Branch (210 Academy St., Bishop, CA 93514)
- Furnace Creek Branch (201 Nevares, Death Valley, CA 92328)
- Independence Branch (Central Library, 168 N. Edwards St, P.O. Drawer K, Independence, CA 93526)
- Lone Pine Branch (210 N. Washington Lone Pine, CA 93545)
- Tecopa Branch (408 Tecopa Hot Springs Road, Tecopa, CA 92389)
Kings County:
- Kettleman City Branch (104 Becky Pease Street, Kettleman City, CA 93239)
Madera County:
- Madera Branch (121 N G Street, Madera, CA 93637)
Mariposa County:
- Mariposa County Library (4978 10th Street, Mariposa, CA 95338)
Tulare County:
- Earlimart (780 E Washington Ave, Earlimart, CA 93219)
- Exeter Branch Library (230 E Chestnut, Exeter, CA 93221)
- Farmersville (623 N Avery Ave, Farmersville, CA 93223)
- Ivanhoe (15964 Heather Ave, Ivanhoe, CA 93235)
- Lindsay (157 N Mirage Ave, Lindsay, CA 93247)
- London (5711 Ave 378, Dinuba, CA 93618)
- Tipton (301 E Woods Ave, Tipton, CA 93272)
- Woodlake (400 W Whitney Ave, Woodlake, CA 93286)

Through the non-profit Califa, twenty-four libraries in 49 locations in rural areas of California are participating in Libraries with Heart, as part of the Rural Health Connections Project which is supported in whole or in part by the U.S. Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, administered in California by the State Librarian.

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Sierra View Medical Center recognized in Best of Central California Awards

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 05:04:19 +0000

Sierra View Medical Center and several of its locations were recognized in the 2026 Best of Central California People Choice Awards, earning multiple Gold, Silver, and Bronze honors across healthcare categories.

Honors included Gold awards for Best Hospital, Best Surgery Center, and Best Cancer Treatment Center; Silver awards for Place to Have a Baby, Orthopedic Surgery, Women’s Clinic, and Nonprofit Organization; and a Bronze award for Medical Facility.

“These awards are especially meaningful because they come directly from the communities we serve,” said Donna Hefner, President and CEO of Sierra View Medical Center. “Every recognition reflects the dedication, compassion, and teamwork shown throughout our organization each day. We are grateful for the continued trust and support from our community.”

Gold – Best Hospital

Sierra View Medical Center was named Gold Winner for Best Hospital for the third consecutive year. For more than 60 years, Sierra View Medical Center has grown alongside the community, continually evolving to meet the healthcare needs of Tulare County.

The hospital was also recognized as a Silver Winner for Place to Have a Baby. Approximately 1,100 babies are born at Sierra View Medical Center each year, and the hospital remains the only Baby-Friendly designated hospital in Tulare County.

Gold – Best Surgery Center

The SVMC Ambulatory Surgery Center was named Gold Winner for Best Surgery Center for the third consecutive year. Designed specifically for same-day procedures, the Ambulatory Surgery Center allows many patients to recover at home just hours after surgery while receiving advanced outpatient surgical care.

Gold – Best Cancer Treatment Center

The SVMC Roger S. Good Cancer Treatment Center received Gold Winner for Best Cancer Treatment Center for the second consecutive year after earning Silver in 2024. The Roger S. Good Cancer Treatment Center provides comprehensive oncology services for patients throughout the Central Valley, bringing advanced cancer care closer to where patients live and work. In addition to treatment services, the center offers a cancer support group and educational resources that help patients and their loved ones navigate treatment and recovery.

Silver – Orthopedic Surgery

The Sierra View Hip & Knee Center was recognized as a Silver Winner for Orthopedic Surgery. Sierra View Medical Center continues advancing orthopedic care through minimally invasive procedures, outpatient joint replacement, and robotic-assisted surgery. Sierra View Medical Center is the only hospital in Tulare County offering the Stryker Mako SmartRobotics system for joint replacement procedures and has now completed more than 300 robotic-assisted surgeries using the technology.

Silver – Women’s Clinic

The SVMC Women’s Services Clinic received Silver recognition in the Women’s Clinic category. Opened last year, the Women’s Services Clinic expanded access to women’s healthcare with three providers dedicated to caring for women through every stage of life. The clinic was created to help address the growing need for OB/GYN services locally while keeping pregnancy and women’s healthcare connected to Sierra View Medical Center.

Silver – Nonprofit Organization

The Sierra View Foundation received Silver recognition in the Nonprofit Organization category. The Foundation helps fund new equipment, programs, and healthcare initiatives through community support, fundraising events, and donor partnerships.

This fall, the Foundation will host Midnight in Manhattan on September 18 at Eagle Mountain Casino, featuring a night of city-inspired entertainment in support of local healthcare. Additional information is available at sierra-view.com/midnightinmanhattan.

Bronze – Medical Facility

Sierra View Community Health Center – Terra Bella was recognized as a Bronze Winner for Medical Facility. The health center helps improve access to primary care in Terra Bella through same-day appointments, bilingual providers and staff, and services for patients of all ages.

Sierra View Medical Center thanks the community for its continued support and for helping make these recognitions possible through the Best of Central California People Choice Awards.

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Sierra Hills Senior Living unveils newly renovated community June 16

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:56:04 +0000

Sierra Hills Senior Living will unveil its newly renovated community on June 16 with a celebration open to the public. The event begins at 2 p.m., with a ribbon cutting led by the Porterville Chamber of Commerce to follow at 2:30 p.m.

For 26 years, Sierra Hills has been home to seniors in Porterville. The $180,000 renovation, completed this year, refreshes both the individual living spaces and the shared common areas across the community’s 121 apartment homes and cottages. Updates include the dining rooms Bistro area, the private dining room, new chandeliers throughout the first floor and a fully upgraded multipurpose room.

The celebration invites guests to travel through a series of Colombia-inspired “ports” without leaving Porterville. Each guest receives a passport to stamp along the way, with every stop offering something different, from traditional Colombian treats and foods to cultural experiences and community resource stations. Guided tours of the renovated spaces and live music will round out the day.

The event will also benefit Central Valley Rescue Railroad, raising awareness for shelter animals through gift basket raffles held throughout the day. Guests can stop by a photo booth from a local vendor and meet tropical birds brought by a local resident.

“Our residents are the heart of this community, and these renovations are about giving them spaces that feel fresh and comfortable,” said Betty Botello Ledezma, Executive Director of Sierra Hills Senior Living. “After 26 years in Porterville, we’re proud to open our doors and celebrate this next chapter with our neighbors.”

Call 559-396-4522 to RSVP by June 14 or click here to learn more.

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Adventist Health Tulare offers new lifesaving procedure

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 22 May 2026 03:23:33 +0000

Adventist Health Tulare is expanding access to advanced heart care with the launch of Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI), also known as coronary angioplasty. This minimally invasive, lifesaving procedure, which treats blocked or narrowed arteries, will allow community members to receive timely treatment close to home without needing to leave the city or undergo open-heart surgery.

PCI is a minimally-invasive procedure used to treat coronary artery disease, which is a condition where plaque builds in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. This buildup can reduce blood flow, leading to symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and an increased risk of heart attack. During the procedure, a cardiologist inserts a thin tube through a blood vessel to reach the heart. A small balloon is then used to open the blocked artery, and a tiny mesh tube, called a stent, is set in place to help keep it open and restore healthy blood flow.

As the leading cause of death in the United States, cardiovascular disease continues to impact millions of individuals and families each year. By offering PCI locally, Adventist Health Tulare is taking a significant step toward improving heart health outcomes across the community and surrounding areas.

Adventist Health Tulare is licensed for an Elective PCI Program, meaning the hospital meets rigorous standards to safely perform this procedure and has the necessary protocols, training, specialized supplies, and expert care team in place.

“This is a transformational moment for cardiac care in our community,” said Patrick Hoffman, director of cardiopulmonary services at Adventist Health Central California Network. “The cardiac catheterization lab team in Tulare has been able to diagnose coronary artery disease, but patients often needed to be transferred elsewhere for treatment. With PCI approval, we are no longer limited to just identifying the problem — we can now treat it immediately.”

Timely care is critical when it comes to heart disease.

“In cardiology, time is muscle,” said Ankur Gupta, MD, interventional cardiologist at Adventist Health in Central California. “When a patient is experiencing a heart attack or critical coronary blockage, every minute is vital. The ability to open blocked arteries and restore blood flow in real time reduces treatment delays, limits the need for patient transfers, and significantly improves clinical outcomes.”

The addition of PCI services also ensures patients can remain close to home during critical moments in their care.
“This advancement allows our community members to receive comprehensive cardiac treatment surrounded by their loved ones and support systems,” Hoffman added. “It reflects our commitment to delivering high-quality, evidence-based care that meets national standards.”

The PCI program will be led by a team of experienced cardiologists, including Drs. Ankur Gupta, Reza Rafie, Shashi Sharma, Atul Singla, and Bikram Soni, along with specially trained nurses and cardiovascular technologists.
With this expansion, Adventist Health Tulare strengthens its ability to respond to cardiac emergencies and provide seamless, lifesaving care when seconds count.

For more information about cardiac services at Adventist Health Tulare, visit:
Adventisthealthcentralca.org/HeartCare

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Adventist Health expands robotic surgical capabilities in Hanford with a second da Vinci Xi system

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 08 May 2026 06:54:50 +0000

Adventist Health is expanding access to advanced, minimally invasive surgical care in the Central Valley with the addition of a second da Vinci Xi robotic surgical system in Hanford. The system will be housed at Adventist Health’s Kerr Outpatient Center, complementing the existing da Vinci Xi at Adventist Health Hanford.

“Expanding access to advanced technology outside of the hospital is a giant leap forward for Kings and Tulare counties,” said Daniel Ruiz, associate network operations executive for Adventist Health Central California Network. “Not long ago, minimally invasive surgical tools, such as the da Vinci Xi, were only available in the hospital setting, so having this level of care available in an outpatient center allows specialized treatment to be more convenient and accessible for community members.”

The expansion of the robotic surgical system comes in response to a high demand for robotic-assisted procedures. According to Intuitive, the manufacturer of the da Vinci surgical system, Adventist Health Hanford currently performs the highest number of surgeries, per robot, in the nation. With more than 170 robotic cases performed per quarter on a single system, the addition of a second robot is expected to increase surgical capacity by approximately 15 to 20 percent, enabling more than 75 additional procedures each quarter.

“This has been a tremendous effort by our surgeons and leadership, and it’s truly a big moment for our community,” said Abraham Khan, MD, a minimally invasive gynecologic surgeon. “Currently, patients are waiting between four to six months for robotic surgery because we have one robot and multiple highly skilled surgeons. Adding a second system will help us care for more patients sooner, restore health, and help community members return to their normal daily activities faster.”

Robotic-assisted surgery using the da Vinci Xi system allows surgeons to perform a wide range of minimally invasive procedures with greater precision and control. Specialties utilizing this technology include:

General surgery
Colorectal surgery
Gynecologic surgery
Urologic surgery
Thoracic surgery
Cardiac surgery
Head and neck surgery

Today, approximately 60% of general surgery cases at Adventist Health Hanford are performed using robotic technology, reflecting a broader shift in surgical care nationwide.

“Robotic surgery is no longer the future — it’s the present,” added Dr. Khan. “We’re seeing faster recovery times, less pain, fewer infections and, in many cases, patients are leaving the hospital the same day as their procedure. Patients consistently tell us their experience is better than they expected, and that’s exactly what we’re aiming for every single time.”

A representative from Intuitive emphasized the importance of expanding access to robotic-assisted care in high-demand communities.

“We are proud to support Adventist Health in bringing advanced robotic technology to more patients in the Central Valley,” said Cyril Tyson, Intuitive spokesperson. “Expanding access to minimally invasive surgery helps improve patient outcomes, reduce recovery times, and enhance the overall surgical experience for both patients and care teams.”

The expansion of Adventist Health’s robotic fleet in Hanford and Bakersfield is expected to help recruit new surgeons who are trained in robotic techniques. This will further strengthen the region’s healthcare capabilities.

“Our teams, ranging from surgeons and nurses to surgical technicians and support staff, are deeply committed to delivering the highest quality of care,” said Dr. Khan. “This second robot is going to make a meaningful difference. It will allow us to serve more patients, reduce suffering, and continue advancing the level of care available close to home.”

For more information about robotic surgical services at Adventist Health, visit this link.

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Adventist Health hospitals in Central California earn ‘A’ grade from Leapfrog group

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 08 May 2026 02:35:20 +0000

For the second time in a row, all six eligible Adventist Health hospitals in Central California have earned “A” Hospital Safety Grades from The Leapfrog Group, an independent national nonprofit watchdog focused on patient safety. Leapfrog assigns an “A”, “B”, “C”, “D,” or “F” grade to general hospitals across the country using evidence-based measures of patient safety focused on preventing medical errors, accidents, injuries, and infections.

The hospitals that achieved the top grade include:

Adventist Health Selma
Adventist Health Hanford
Adventist Health Tulare
Adventist Health Bakersfield
Adventist Health Specialty Bakersfield
Adventist Health Delano

“Maintaining an ‘A’ grade requires strong collaboration across our teams and a deep commitment to meeting rigorous safety and quality measures,” said Ghassan Jamaleddine, MD, chief medical officer for Adventist Health Central California Network. “Protecting our patients from injury, accidents, and infections is our highest priority, and we are dedicated to continuing that level of excellence across our hospitals.”

All six eligible Adventist Health hospitals also received “A” patient safety grades in fall 2025. Adventist Health Reedley and Adventist Health Tehachapi Valley did not participate in the survey because there was not enough publicly available data to determine a safety grade this period.

“An ‘A’ Grade is a strong sign that Adventist Health in Central California is deeply committed to protecting patients from harm,” said Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group. “We commend the leadership, Board, clinicians, staff, and volunteers for the role each played in earning this distinction.”

The Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade stands as the only hospital ratings program focused solely on preventable medical errors, infections, and injuries that kill more than 500 patients a day in the United States. This program is peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public. Grades are updated twice annually, in the fall and spring.

To explore grade details and to find valuable tips for staying safe in the hospital, visit HospitalSafetyGrade.org.

To learn about Adventist Health in Central California, visit: AdventistHealth.org/Centra-California

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Sierra View Medical Center celebrates first graduating class of SVMC Nursing Education Pathway, powered by Unitek College

Valley Voice Contributor — Fri, 24 Apr 2026 05:13:35 +0000

Porterville, CA – April 20, 2026 – Sierra View Medical Center, in partnership with Unitek College, celebrated a major milestone on Friday, April 17, 2026, with the graduation of the first cohort from the SVMC Nursing Education Pathway, powered by Unitek College.

The inaugural graduation and pinning ceremony, held at Porterville Church of the Nazarene, recognized nine graduates who completed the three-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. This marks the first locally trained cohort through the partnership, designed to expand access to nursing education and strengthen the healthcare workforce in the Central Valley

“This partnership began with a simple but powerful conversation. In 2019, before the pandemic reshaped healthcare as we know it, Dr. Jeffery Hudson and I met over lunch at the ACNL conference. What started as a discussion quickly became a shared vision—to create a program that would prepare the nurses of the future right here in this region. That vision, grounded in collaboration and commitment, is what we celebrate coming to life today,” said Dr. Abdel Yosef, Chief Academic Officer at Unitek College.

All nine graduates are current Sierra View Medical Center employees who advanced their careers through the program, reflecting the organization’s commitment to supporting workforce development and professional growth.

The Class of 2026 includes:

Amy Cha
Adriana Espinoza
Erica Gonzalez
Yanet Hurtado
Daisy León
Keeanna López
Teresa Ruiz
Jayson Tabucao
Joaquin Zavala

Graduates completed a rigorous curriculum focused on evidence-based practice, patient safety, and compassionate care. Program data indicates a projected first-time NCLEX pass rate of approximately 97%, reflecting strong preparation as graduates move toward licensure in the coming months.

The SVMC Nursing Education Pathway, powered by Unitek College, was created to help address the ongoing nursing shortage while building a sustainable, locally trained workforce. The United States is projected to face a shortage of more than 200,000 registered nurses annually through 2031, making programs like this critical to ensuring continued access to care.

“This is an important milestone for Sierra View Medical Center. These graduates have demonstrated a strong commitment to their education, their patients, and to one another throughout this program. Sierra View is proud to support their growth and to see them advance into nursing roles that will help meet the needs of our community,” said Donna Hefner, president and chief executive officer of Sierra View Medical Center.

As these graduates begin their nursing careers, they are stepping into roles that will directly support patients, families, and the future of care in the Central Valley.

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