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THANK A RESIDENT DAY

February 23, 2024

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To: ALL RESIDENTS AND FELLOWS, ALL PROGRAMS,

We appreciate each and every one of you for all your hard work and dedication.

We are proud to be a part of your Graduate Medical Education journey and are

always here to support you any way we can!

From: Everyone at the GME Office

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To: Alison DeForest, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Dr. DeForest, it has been a pleasure to get to know you this year, and I've

been impressed by your work so far! Thank you for all you do every day for our

patients, and our team!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Amira Shaikh, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey there Amira -- well, it seems like we haven't been able to work too much

together yet, but I'm definitely impressed by what I've seen so far. Thank you for

all the hard work you do every day for us and our patients. Looking forward to

more work with you over the next several years.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Andrea Cragoe, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

It has been wonderful getting to know you better Andi -- thank you for the great

job you are doing in our residency.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Annie Yau, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Annie, I feel like I haven't gotten to know you nearly well enough yet -- to MY

detriment! :) It has been fun working with you on OB and for a few surgeries.

Thank you for all the hard work you do, and for the excellence you bring to the

residency and our patients.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Cheyenne Feig, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Dr. Wifi ;) -- it has been fun to get to know you this year, and I'm impressed

with your work so far. Thanks for choosing Loma Linda and for all you do every

day!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Cindy Kim, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Cindy, it has been fun getting to know you better this year, and I'm impressed

with your work so far! Thank you for all you do each day, and for choosing Loma

Linda!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Cindy Matsumura, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hi Cindy - it has been so enjoyable to get to know you better as we've worked

together this year. I'm so thankful you chose our program, and I'm excited to get

to work with you for the next 3 years. Thanks for all the HARD work you do, each

day.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Dr. Abuelafiya, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

You are such a joy to work with. You bring laughter to every situation and always

have a smile on your face. Keep up the good work!

From: Mikarah Accardo, Maternity Services

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To: Dr. Bello, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

You shine like the star you are! You spread God's love, joy, compassion, and

grace everywhere you go. Our unit is blessed to work with such an excellent

doctor. Love you so much!

From: Mikarah Accardo, Maternity Services

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To: Feng, madison Brinker, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Dear Dr Feng, I love your positive wonderful cheerful attitude! Thank you for

always being so accommodating and helpful! You are the best!

From: Mala Trott RN, 5B Maternity

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To: Gyn Onc Residents, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Gyn Onc Residents!!!! To all of you I have worked with - I have great

appreciation for your work and dedication for our patients. Thank you!

From: Nolan Kinne, Gynecologic Oncology

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To: Jessica Davis, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

The great Dr. DAVIS!! -- You've been a star since day 1 and yes, I would

definitely hire you if you're looking for work next year. Thank you for being

awesome!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Jessica Davis, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Jessica! Hope 3rd year is going amazing! Thank you for an awesome time on

L&D nights way back in June. It was so great working with and learning from

you. Wishing you the best with the rest of 3rd year!

From: Merai Estafanous, Medical Student

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To: Jordan Rossi, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Partner -- It has been an absolute pleasure getting to see your development

into a mature physician and leader. I'm very pleased you've decided to join us!

I'll keep tying to (gently) convince you to forgo subspecialty training and stay

with us -- you're going to be a fabulous addition to our attending team. Bravo on

all your hard work - and thank you!!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Joy Kim, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Even though I have not worked that much with you, it was quite evident to me that

when we were in clinic that you are an exceptional resident with a lot of energy,

organization and can run things well. I know that you are thinking of going to

Kaiser or Riverside, but you have the abilities to stay at Loma Linda and not

everyone does--even if it is until your boards are done. Just wanted you to know.

From: Dr. Lau, OB/GYN

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To: Joy Kim, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Joy, what a wonderful time I've had getting to know you and working with

you more this year. You've really done excellent work and shown superior

leadership. Thank you for your excellence and dedication to our patients and our

group!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Joy Kim, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Joy! Thanks so much for all your advice and help along the way! It was so

great working with you way back at the beginning of my 3rd year on High Risk

OB, and I'm super grateful for all your help in applying for residency this year.

Wishing you the best with finishing up 4th year and starting attending-hood!

From: Merai Estafanous, Medical Student

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To: Kaori Morimoto, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hi Kaori - I've really enjoyed getting to know you better this year! You're such a

positive and kind person, and your skills and judgement are really maturing.

Thank you for choosing Loma Linda and for your dedication, teamwork, and

persistence -- it has not gone unnoticed. Bravo!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Kaori Morimoto, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hi Kaori! Hope 2nd year is going well! Just wanted to say thank you for all your

encouragement with all things OBGYN! So grateful to have met you on my

rotations and always fun to see you around the hospital. Good luck with the rest

of 2nd year!

From: Merai Estafanous, Medical Student

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To: Kelly Hood, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hi Kelly, it was great working with you. Thank you so much for your kindness,

patience, and commitment to teaching. Best wishes with the rest of your

residency!

From: David Ngan, Loma Linda University School of Medicine

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To: Kelly Hood, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Wow Kelly, I've been so impressed with you this year! I was just telling one of my

partners how happy I was to be on call with you recently. Your mature judgement

and excellent thoughts and plans seem years ahead of where you are in training.

Thank you for choosing Loma Linda -- can't wait to work with you more. Thanks

for all you do!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Kristiina Miller, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hi there Kristina, it sure has been fantastic working with you over the past

several years. You're skill and judgement are really remarkable. Thank you for

coming to Loma Linda, and for the daily hard work you do for us and our

patients.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Kriti Vedhanayagam, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hi Kriti -- it seems like we are just starting to work together more, and I'm so

happy to get to know you better. Thank you for the hard work you do every day,

and for the excellence you bring to our program.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Kriti Vedhanayagam, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Kriti! Hope 2nd year is going well! Just wanted to say thanks for everything!

I had so much and really enjoyed my L&D nights rotation way back in June. So

grateful for all your advice and encouragement with residency applications and

interviews too. Wishing you the best for the rest of 2nd year!

From: Merai Estafanous, Medical Student

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To: Laurel Nelms, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Dr. Nelms -- what a splendid time I've had working with you this year. You have

a sparkling personality that never fails to brighten up the day, even when the

work load is heavy. Thank you for your dedication, skill, and kindness--you've

made our residency a better place. Bravo!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Leen Hammam, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hi Leen, I've been really impressed with your work over the past year! Thank you

for the wonderful job you do for our patients, and for your positive attitude during

the long hours.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Leen Hammam, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Leen! Hope 2nd year is going well! Just wanted to say thank you for an

amazing time on High Risk OB earlier this year. I learned so much from you and

the team and am grateful to have gotten to know you! Best wishes with the rest of

2nd year!

From: Merai Estafanous, Medical Student

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To: Lorene Cudjoe, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey there Dr. Cudjoe!! I feel like I've just started to get to know you, but I'm

very impressed with what I've seen!! Thank you for the fantastic work you are

doing in our residency program -- can't wait to work with you more.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Madeline Abuelafiya, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Dr. A, what a pleasure it has been getting to know you, and working with you for

the past year! Thank you for the wonderful work you do for us each day. :)

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Madison Feng, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey there Madison - it feels like I'm just starting to get to work with you more --

and I'm impressed with what I'm seeing!! Thank you for your hard work in our

department.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Maria Acosta de Gonzalez, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Maria, your presence in our group has been an incredible positive force for good.

Thank you for choosing to stay at Loma Linda. You did not know the trials you

would face, but your strength and positive influence have inspired us all. Bravo!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Mary Herberger, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Wow -- what a fantastically memorable resident you are, Mary! Your work is

exemplary and your witty attitude is fun and infectious. You've made such a

positive impact here at Loma Linda. Bravo and thank you!!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Megan Nguyen, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hi Megan, it has been really fun getting to work with you this year, and seeing

your excellence in all the hard work you do. I'm very impressed. Thank you for

choosing Loma Linda and for the wonderful job you are doing for our patients.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Melissa Nishino, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Melissa, I've really been impressed with your work this year! I know we

haven't spent THAT much time together yet, but all I have seen has shown me

what an excellent physician you are. Thank you for your leadership, teaching,

and dedication to our patients through the MANY hours of hard work.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Melissa Nishino, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Aika! Hope 2nd year is going well! Just wanted to say thank you for all your

support and encouragement in figuring out all things OBGYN! Good luck with the

rest of 2nd year!

From: Merai Estafanous, Medical Student

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To: Michelle Hiebert, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Michelle, what a pleasure it has been working with you over the past several

years. You've make an enormous contribution to our residency and to your

patients. Thank you for such excellent work, every day.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Minh An, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Minh! I've really enjoyed working with you lately! You've done a fantastic

job in the GYN OR. Thank you for all your help and positivity.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Miriam Fahim, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

OK, it is true -- you are one of my all-time favorite residents. No surprise, I'm

sure. What can I say, you're just awesome! From our first patient together, who

made you cry (meanie!!) to your strong (yet effortlessly stylish) leadership, you've

always impressed me. Thank you for making LLUH a better place. Bravo!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Natalie Creekmur, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Natalie, I've enjoyed working with you this year and I'm impressed with your

performance! Thank you for choosing Loma Linda, and for the wonderful work

you are doing for our patients.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Nicolette Jessen, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Dr. Jessen -- wow, you have REALLY impressed me early in your training.

I've received multiple positive comments on your work and your teaching from

family friends who have encountered you in training. Thank you for your strength

through adversity, and for the good you are spreading in the world. I'm so glad

you are at Loma Linda!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Nicolette Jessen, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Nicolette! Hope 1st year is going well! Just wanted to say thank you for an

amazing time on High Risk OB earlier this year. I learned so much from you and

the team and am grateful to have gotten to know you! Best wishes with the rest of

1st year!

From: Merai Estafanous, Medical Student

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To: Ob/Gyn PGY-1 Residents, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Thank you, interns, for all the time and energy you pour into providing excellent

patient care. We appreciate your willingness to learn, and your help and support.

Thank you for all you do :-)

From: Eileen / Ob/Gyn Residency Program, Ob/Gyn

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To: Ob/Gyn PGY-2 Residents, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Thank you for all you do for eachother, patients, and our department. We

appreciate your hard work and are thankful you are part of our team. Thanks for

all you do :-).

From: Eileen / Ob/Gyn Residency Program, Ob/Gyn

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To: Ob/Gyn PGY-3 Residents, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Thank you all for your help and support. We appreciate your hard work, attention

to detail, and leading by example for your underclassmen. Thank you for all you

do :-).

From: Eileen / Ob/Gyn Residency Program, Ob/Gyn

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To: Ob/Gyn PGY-4 Residents, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Thank you, Chiefs, for your leadership, support, and training given to your

underclassmen. We appreciate your taking the time to help them succeed in our

program. Your time, talent, and dedication are appreciated :-).

From: Eileen / Ob/Gyn Residency Program, Ob/Gyn

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To: OBGYN Residents, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

To Our AMAZING OBGYN Residents! Thank you for your tireless efforts caring

for our patients! You provide such comprehensive and compassionate care every

day and it does not go unnoticed. I am so blessed to work with each and every

one of you and am continually humbled and inspired by the incredible people you

are. Thank you for all you do!

From: Danielle Mason, OBGYN

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To: OBGYN residents, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

To my OBGYN resident colleagues -- I could not hope to handpick a better group

than you all to work in our department --EACH of you make me proud every day!!

Thank you for the many hours of hard work, the dedication even when you're

exhausted and the kindness that you show to our patients and our students. Your

empathy, skill, and integrity are making the world around you a better place - day

by day. Bravo!!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Oluwatomisin Bello, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Dr. Bello!! You have done such a wonderful job in our residency!! I've truly

enjoyed working with you and getting to know you. Your mature leadership,

excellent judgement, and technical expertise have completely impressed me -- and

it makes me laugh to remember that day in your internship when I came into the

workroom and you though I was mad at you :) I wish you great success and joy

in your future.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Patrida Rangchaikul, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Rida -- I've hardly been able to work with you much this year -- are you avoiding

me?? ;) I'm so happy to have you in our family and I'm really impressed with the

work you do. Looking forward to more! Thanks for choosing Loma Linda and all

your hard work this year.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Rachel Patterson, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hi Rachel, well -- we haven't worked together to much yet, but I've been

impressed by your skills and attitude during our calls together! Thank you for the

wonderful job you are doing this year!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Samantha Luna, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Dr. Luna, you have really impressed me this year. It is so enjoyable to watch

someone mature into a leader with excellent skill, judgement, and communication.

Let's talk more about next year!! Thanks for all you do each day -- Bravo!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: SICU Residents, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY, SICU

I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for all of your hard work and

dedication to your patients and colleagues. Thank you for everything you do; it

makes a BIG difference every day!

From: Santhy Fang, PSR - Clinical Documentation Integrity

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To: Sogol Ashrafian, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Sogol!! Even though I'm still mad at you for daring to find a job away from Loma

Linda, I must take (at least partial) responsibility for not holding up my end of the

deal. There just were no worthy suitors.... Alas, we will miss you greatly after

you're gone. You have always been so impressive to me, both in your mature

judgement, and your technical expertise. Your exceptional communication skill

makes you a "triple threat"! Thank you for making our department, and LLUH a

better place.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Stephanie Chang, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Steph, thank you for your wonderful work in our department! Your positivity

and excellence have made a big impact for our patients.

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Stephanie Chang, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Stephanie! Hope 3rd year is going well! Just wanted to say thanks for an

amazing time on my High Risk OB SUBI. I took so many notes on that rotation

because I felt like I was learning so much everyday! You were an amazing senior.

Thanks for all the support and encouragement along the way too. Hope the rest of

3rd year treats you well!

From: Merai Estafanous, Medical Student

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To: Stephanie Larson, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Well well Dr. Larson, you have definitely make an impact here at Loma Linda.

Who will every forget you!? How can one person be so fun and funny and still

demonstrate excellent judgement, and technical skill? I guess you've got the

secret! Thank you for making our residency such a wonderful family to belong to.

Bravo!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN

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To: Yen Nguyen, OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY,

Hey Yen, you have been such a wonderful part of our residency these past years --

I'm so proud of you. Your hard work, expertise, knowledge, and leadership has

REALLY impressed me. I can't wait to see what great things you will do in the

world of MFM. Thank you for all you've given to us, and our patients!! Bravo!

From: Kevin Balli, OBGYN