BY KASANIA KHACHADOURIAN AND LIZ MADISON
Special to the Journal
Dr. Britiel Bethishou’s journey in medicine is coming full circle — right back to the Central Valley, where she grew up and first fell in love with the field. For Dr. Jasdip Singh, medicine was always more than a career path. It’s been a calling. And now medicine is calling him back to the Central Valley as a family medicine physician resident at Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center in Modesto.
This summer, two Turlock natives begin their residencies at Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, part of the inaugural class of 39 physician residents in the new nationally accredited internal medicine and family medicine residency programs.
“My heart has always been in the Central Valley,” Bethishou said. “It’s where I grew up, where my family is and where my passion for medicine first took root. When I found out I matched with Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center, I knew it was destiny. Being part of something new, right here in the community that shaped me, is incredibly meaningful.”
Bethishou’s calling to medicine began in high school, sparked by a love of science and deepened by her role helping her immigrant family members navigate medical appointments. She often stepped in to translate or explain procedures and medications. It was hands-on experiences that gave her an early glimpse into gaps in care and inspired her to pursue a career path where she could help fill them.
“The Central Valley’s population includes a wide variety of backgrounds, and that can come with language and cultural barriers,” she said. “When physicians can communicate with their patients, it builds trust and improves care — especially in high-stress situations.”
Dr. Bethishou chose internal medicine for its variety and potential to serve across specialties. She is especially drawn to critical care and hopes to pursue a fellowship in the field after her residency. The fast-paced ICU environment, where every second counts, aligns with her drive to make confident, informed decisions under pressure.
“An internal medicine residency is an essential foundation for physicians, offering intensive training that sharpens the ability to diagnose, treat and prevent a whole host of medical conditions,” said Dr. James Kruer, program director for the internal medicine residency. “These physician residents will train under board-certified and licensed physicians with extensive teaching experience and who are well-versed in the unique needs of rural and remote communities, which make up a big part of our Central Valley’s fabric.”
Dr. Singh’s journey toward becoming a physician can be traced back to when he immigrated from India to Turlock in 2007. As a seventh-grader, he had to navigate the challenges of learning a new language, culture and way of life. With the support of teachers and classmates, he found his footing. Their kindness had a profound effect and provided the base onto which he built his care philosophy.
His interest in medicine deepened as he volunteered at a hospital in Merced. Later, as a scribe in the emergency department at Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center, he had an unparalleled view into medical decision-making, closely observing how physicians work through complex cases.
But it was a personal experience that truly cemented Dr. Singh’s commitment to patient care. When his grandmother endured a stroke in India, leaving her partially paralyzed, he saw firsthand the devastating effects of illness on families.
“It really can leave a mark on you when you see a loved one in pain,” he reflected.
Dr. Bethishou’s vision for medicine extends beyond clinical care. She’s also passionate about giving back — particularly to local students navigating the difficult road to medical school. One of her goals is to work with nearby colleges’ pre-health clubs, mentoring students and hosting interactive demonstrations for things like suturing and intubation. While she was a medical student, days like these were some of her favorites.
“Pre-med can feel like a lonely path sometimes,” she said. “I want students to know they belong in medicine and that someone is rooting for them every step of the way.”
Now, living in Turlock again and commuting to work in Modesto, Dr. Bethishou says she feels grounded — surrounded by family, longtime friends and a renewed sense of purpose.
“This community gave me so much,” she said. “I’m excited to serve it and help shape the next generation of physicians who will do the same.”
Dr. Singh pursued his medical education at Liberty University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Lynchburg, Va. While there where he worked in a rural health clinic, encountering a broad range of conditions—from high blood pressure to wound care—often in resource-limited settings. He witnessed firsthand how hospital closures forced patients to travel long distances for treatment, reinforcing the importance of accessible care.
He also saw the effects of patients waiting too long to seek medical attention, explaining how insufficient primary care access can push patients toward emergency departments for treatment of preventable conditions.
It is a phenomenon that also exists in the Central Valley, says Dr. RaeLeigh Payanes, program director of the family medicine physician residency program.
“Research has shown there is a disproportionate number of health care providers to the number of people living in the Central Valley, and the area continues to grow,” she said. “Adding more primary care doctors can help patients receive timely, high-quality care more consistently.
Throughout his training, Dr. Singh has been humbled by his patient encounters, viewing them as opportunities for learning—not just about medicine, but about people. He is intentional about taking the time to listen, hoping patients don’t feel rushed.
“I want them to share their story, and I want them to know I am listening to their story,” he said.
Beyond the professional excitement, Dr. Singh is thrilled to be back in the place he calls home. With family close by and favorite familiar flavors waiting—especially Mexican food—his journey comes full circle. But more than that, he is eager to serve the community that embraced and shaped him, helping deliver compassionate and accessible healthcare for those who need it most.
“I know I can’t thank each of my classmates or my teachers or mentors personally, but returning to this community to care for others is the next best thing,” he said.
For more information about the internal medicine residency program at Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, visit: https://www.sutterhealth.org/education/gme/mmc-internal-medicine. For more information on the family medicine residency program, visit: https://www.sutterhealth.org/education/gme/memorial-medical-family-medicine.
