Meet Our Chief Residents
As a Valley Children’s pediatric resident, you become very close to the program’s chief residents, as they serve as clinicians, educators and liaisons between the program and the residents. Chief residents have insight into what the residency program and workload is like because they’ve just completed it themselves.
Who are our chief residents this year? Let’s get to know Dr. Anahita Emamian and Dr. Adrianna Sosa!
Dr. Adrianna Sosa (left) and Dr. Anahita Emamian (right)
Share a bit about yourself! Where did you go to medical school? What drew you to medicine? What do you do when you're not working?
Dr. Emamian: I was inspired to pursue medicine at an early age by my father who specialized in obstetrics and gynecology and my mother who worked in behavioral health. I attended the University of Southern California for undergraduate and subsequently attended the American University of the Caribbean for medical school on the island of Saint Maarten. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking, traveling and spending time with my family and friends -- preferably outside in the sun or trying new restaurants and bars in the region.
Dr. Sosa: I attended Western University College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific in Pomona, California. I grew up in Sacramento and my dream to become a doctor began in childhood as I watched both of my parents heal their own patients. I knew I wanted to work with children during undergraduate as I was volunteering at my local hospital’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my partner, family, friends and pets.
What made you choose Valley Children’s?
Dr. Emamian: As a medical student, I had the opportunity to rotate at Valley Children’s, which was momentous in my decision to rank Valley Children’s as my number one choice for residency. I enjoyed the diverse patient population, the vast pathology, and most importantly, the wonderful team of resident physicians, faculty, leadership and staff.
Dr. Sosa: I rotated through Valley Children’s as a fourth-year medical student (with my co-chief, actually!). From my first day in the hospital, I knew this was a place where I wanted to train. I loved the colorful, friendly environment as well as the wide variety of patients we got to take care of. Physicians were clearly passionate about teaching and there was an emphasis on interprofessional collaboration that attracted me from the beginning.
What are you most excited about as Chief Residents?
Dr. Emamian: As chief resident, I am most excited to develop my teaching and leadership skills while advocating for the compassionate and hardworking resident physicians in our program. Having started at Valley Children’s as a visiting medical student, I feel incredibly honored and excited to be in this position this year.
Dr. Sosa: I’m excited to work on my skills as a mentor and a teacher. I feel so deeply grateful to my wonderful mentors throughout residency and attribute so much of my growth to them that I want to pay it forward.
In one sentence, how would you describe this residency program to an interested medical student?
Dr. Emamian: The pediatric residency program at Valley Children’s is a diverse group of individuals who are dedicated to becoming leaders in clinical care, education, advocacy and research with much support from our leadership and faculty members.
Dr. Sosa: You will see a huge variety of pathologies here and learn more than you could even imagine. More than that, you will be amongst leaders who are passionate about teaching the next generation of pediatricians and find a new family here with your co-residents.
What is your favorite part about living in the Central Valley?
Dr. Emamian: The sense of community! There are so many great community events every weekend. Please feel free to come talk to me if you need any recommendations!
Dr. Sosa: The laid-back and kind nature of those who live here! Also, the farmer’s markets with some of the best, freshest produce you’ll be able to find anywhere.
What is your favorite self-care activity?
Dr. Emamian: Hiking followed by a delicious lunch with friends!
Dr. Sosa: I love to cook and try my hand at new recipes!
Share with us your absolute favorite meal.
Dr. Emamian: Thanksgiving with an extra slice of pumpkin pie. At work, my favorite go-to meal is the Grape Jellyfish Café grilled cheese basket with wheat bread and seasoned fries.
Dr. Sosa: My absolute favorite meal is Thai yellow curry with tofu! Also that midnight grilled cheese from our hospital cafeteria.