WE ARE THE INSTITUTE OF TRAUMA AND ACUTE CARE

T. Shepherd
MD, MBA, FACS

Tchaka B. Shepherd, MD, FACS is an accomplished acute care surgeon whose dedication to healing, innovation, and collaboration has shaped an extraordinary journey in the world of medicine. Born and raised in Hartford, Connecticut, Dr. Shepherd's educational path began at Morehouse College in Atlanta, where he established a strong foundation in the medical sciences. Continuing his academic pursuits, he obtained his medical degree from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, further strengthening his commitment to providing exceptional patient care.

Following his medical studies, Dr. Shepherd ventured to Los Angeles to complete his surgical training, honing his skills as a surgeon. His passion for trauma and critical care led him to Baltimore, where he undertook a prestigious fellowship at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. This experience instilled in him invaluable expertise that has become the cornerstone of his medical practice.

Recognizing the importance of combining clinical proficiency with robust leadership, Dr. Shepherd earned an MBA from Brandeis University. This accomplishment has enabled him to navigate the intricate landscape of healthcare economics and drive impactful change. Dr. Shepherd's unique background and diverse skill set have informed his interests in leadership, cognitive bias, team building, communication, injury prevention, healthcare economics, and social drivers of health.

As a vital member of the acute care surgery group, Dr. Shepherd brings his unwavering dedication, innovative thinking, and expertise to the team, inspiring both colleagues and patients. Committed to excellence in every aspect of his work, he continues to champion positive change in the dynamic world of healthcare, making a lasting impact on countless lives.

Michael A. Jimenez
MD, FACS

Michael A. Jimenez, MD, Trauma Medical Director and chief of Acute Care Surgery is a native son of Los Angeles, embodying the city's ethos of resilience and innovation. As the esteemed Trauma Medical Director and the Chief of Acute Care Surgery at Pomona Valley Medical Center, his illustrious career stands as a monument to his steadfast commitment and unparalleled prowess. A Yale University graduate, Dr. Jimenez refined his medical acumen at the distinguished UCLA School of Medicine and the Drew Medical Education Program, gaining not merely knowledge but also a deep-rooted compassion.

His medical odyssey unfurled further at the prestigious St. Luke’s Hospital in Pennsylvania, eventually reaching an apogee through an elite fellowship at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center. Yet, Dr. Jimenez's dedication transcends clinical expertise. He is an impassioned advocate for performance improvement, quality enhancement, and the invaluable endeavor of injury prevention.

His family—his most treasured sanctuary—fuels the flame of his zeal, providing both the emotional nucleus and the sublime inspiration for his many achievements. It is within this intimate circle that Dr. Jimenez finds his greatest joy and purpose, aligning his professional commitments with the values that lie at the very heart of his existence.

Danielle N. Dabbs
DO, FACS

Danielle N. Dabbs, DO, FACS, Assistant Trauma Medical Director is deeply rooted in the vibrant heartbeats of Los Angeles, the city that witnessed her ascent to greatness. As the proud native daughter of this iconic metropolis, Dr. Dabbs brings an unwavering ardor to patient care, with a fierce emphasis on women's health, trauma operations, and the mentorship of emerging surgical residents.

Her academic trajectory is as sterling as her commitment to medicine. Beginning her scholarly endeavors at Midwestern University, she later immersed herself in the intricate world of surgical medicine at the renowned Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. This rigorous training was complemented by an esteemed fellowship at the University of Maryland Shock Trauma Center, fortifying her credentials and sharpening her clinical acumen.

Today, Dr. Dabbs stands tall as the Associate Trauma Medical Director for Pomona Valley Regional Medical Center, wielding her expertise to guide, innovate, and heal. Beyond the confines of the operating theater, she is a dedicated champion of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, fervently working to ensure that the realm of medicine is as diverse as the communities it serves.

Yet, Dr. Dabbs is not solely defined by her medical accomplishments. With an eye for aesthetics, she harbors a love for vintage clothing, finding stories in the threads of the past. Additionally, her appreciation for mid-century architecture speaks to her fondness for timeless design and her connection to Los Angeles' rich architectural heritage. In the grand tapestry of healthcare, Dr. Danielle N. Dabbs emerges as an embodiment of dedication, passion, and elegance, serving as an inspiration to both her peers and the generations that will follow in her footsteps.

Gabriel A. Estremera
MD

Dr. Gabriel Estremera, MD an embodiment of surgical excellence, traces his roots to the storied landscapes of New Jersey. Imbued with a drive that is deeply anchored in his upbringing, he cultivated his academic prowess at the esteemed Rutgers University, both for his undergraduate and advanced medical studies.

Journeying from the East Coast, Dr. Estremera refined his surgical expertise at the University of Illinois at Chicago. His passion and commitment led him further to the illustrious University of Texas Southwestern/Parkland, where he completed his fellowship with distinction.

Board-certified in both general surgery and surgical critical care, Dr. Estremera's fervor extends beyond the clinical. He is deeply invested in performance improvement and injury prevention, a testament to his holistic approach to trauma care. Since 2019, he has graced the ITAC group with his unmatched dedication and prowess.

Onaona U. Gurney
MD, FACS

Dr. Onaona U. Gurney, MD, FACS epitomizes the pinnacle of surgical distinction. With esteemed board certifications in General Surgery and Surgical Critical Care, she is an honored Fellow of the illustrious American College of Surgeons. Her medical odyssey commenced at Creighton University and progressed to an impactful surgical residency at the State University of New York, Downstate. Her thirst for excellence steered her to the esteemed halls of the University of Maryland's Shock Trauma, further sharpening her formidable expertise.

Before lending her exceptional talents to ITAC, NYU in New York flourished under her adept hands as a Trauma Critical Care Surgeon. Beyond the rigors of the operating room, Dr. Gurney revels in globe-trotting alongside her husband, often in the joyful company of their adored puppy. On a broader scale, she emerges as a guiding luminary in Trauma Associations, her research fervently exploring trauma outcomes.

Hailing from the radiant shores of Hawaii, Dr. Gurney embodies surgical prowess infused with the heartwarming 'Aloha' spirit. Her illustrious medical journey, rooted in dedication and unmatched skill, is a testament to her heritage— a harmonious blend of nurturing, healing, and unwavering commitment.

Andrew W. Michael
MD, FACS

Dr. Andrew Michael MD, FACS emanates an aura of medical dedication and expertise. After completing his residency in General Surgery at the esteemed Lehigh Valley Medical Center, located in the historic heart of Allentown, PA, his pursuit of excellence steered him to the sun-dappled grounds of the University of California, Irvine. Here, he immersed himself in an intensive fellowship, mastering the intricate nuances of Surgical Critical Care and Trauma Surgery.

Upon completion, UCI bestowed upon him the title of Assistant Professor, recognizing his depth of knowledge and commitment to teaching. Today, he graces The Institute of Trauma and Acute Care, elevating the institution with his profound expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care.

Rudy Murillo
MD

Rudy Murillo, MD is a burgeoning voice in the sphere of acute care surgery, whose roots trace back to the vibrant tapestry of Queens, NYC. The mosaic of experiences and challenges from his formative years in this dynamic borough ignited an unyielding ardor for Trauma Surgery and Emergency General Surgery.

He embarked on his illustrious medical odyssey at the revered University of California, San Diego, subsequently journeying to the historic city of Boston to further cultivate his surgical prowess. The zenith of his training took place at the iconic R. Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, where he immersed himself in the intricacies of Surgical Critical Care and Acute Care Surgery.

Beyond the operating room, Dr. Murillo is an avid lover of life's simpler treasures. He revels in moments with his cherished ones, finds serenity along the vast coastline, and nurtures his curious spirit by frequenting the area's rich array of museums.

Fatuma D. Ahmed
PA-C

Ahmed Fatuma stands as a distinguished Physician Assistant, holding national certification with a focus on Trauma/Acute Care Surgery and Critical Care. A proud alumna of Arizona State University, Fatuma further enriched her academic journey with a master’s in physician assistant studies from the esteemed Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles. Embracing Muhammad Ali's profound words, "Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth," she ardently seeks to influence her community through her dedicated hospital endeavors and community engagements. Outside her professional realm, Fatuma finds solace in hiking, globe-trotting adventures, immersing in sports, and cherishing moments with her loved ones.

Rosa M. Carcamo
MSN, AGACNP-BC, RNFA

Rosa M. Carcamo is a nationally board-certified Nurse Practitioner (NP). She has 16 years of hands-on experience spanning dynamic healthcare environments, including 11 years as a skilled Registered Nurse (RN) in the emergency department at a level II Trauma Center. Rosa graduated from American Sentinel University at Aurora, Colorado, with her undergraduate studies in 2014. She then completed a Master of Science in Nursing and Adult Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner in 2016 at the revered Waldon University. Currently, she is earning her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) at Wilmington University and implementing a capstone project titled: Implementation of the Stop-Bang questionnaire in the trauma patient population: A Quality Improvement Project. Rosa is the co-author of the publication The American Surgeon titled “Predictors of Mortality in Trauma Patients Receiving Massive Transfusion Protocol.” Her clinical practice includes specializing in Critical Care, Trauma, and Acute Care Surgery at Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center Level II Trauma Center. Rosa is a respected leader and preceptor with proven success, providing training and education to nurses and new recruits for skill development. 

Apart from being a NP, Rosa started a Christian non-profit organization to help youth and homeless people. She has dedicated her life to community outreach and is a member of the Trauma Prevention Initiative/Pomona Community Action for Peace (CAP). Rosa believes in bringing a smile to the faces of people by releasing their grief through helping them. Her love for children has allowed her to work as a youth Sunday school teacher. She has embarked on a mission to help orphaned and abandoned children in the United States. Her mission is to make a difference in people’s lives by becoming a helping hand that leads people to the path of Christ. 

Stephanie A. Hernandez
PA-C

Stephanie Hernandez, PA-C, is a board-certified Physician Assistant with extensive clinical expertise and proficiency in a wide array of medical disciplines, including procedural expertise, medical therapies, and diagnostics. Her recent clinical tenure notably spans over three years of dedicated service within the realm of trauma and acute care surgery. She obtained her master's degree from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science after completing her undergraduate studies at the illustrious University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). A member of the American Academy of Physician Associates, she also holds certifications in both advanced cardiac life support and advanced trauma life support, further testament to her commitment to ensuring the highest standards of patient care and safety. Beyond her clinical and academic accomplishments, she is distinguished by her fluency in the Spanish language, which enriches her ability to provide comprehensive care to a diverse patient population. Stephanie's wealth of experience, formidable educational background, exceptional skill set, and unwavering commitment make her an invaluable asset to the healthcare community, and particularly, to our esteemed trauma team.

Mayra L. Osuna
ACNP-BC, MSN, RNFA

Mayra L. Osuna, ACNP-BC, MSN, RNFA seamlessly blends clinical acumen with an innate passion for patient care. As a board-certified Adult-Gerontology and Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, her expertise in trauma care and case management is both deep and expansive. With a Master's in Nursing Practice from the esteemed Walden University and further credentials from the prestigious UCLA's Registered Nurse First Assist program, her academic pedigree is undeniably robust.

Having orchestrated trauma operations as the Trauma Program Manager at a Level 2 ACS-verified Trauma Center, her insights into trauma operations, quality benchmarks, and hospital efficiency are profound. Her role as an instructor for the Trauma Nurse Core Course (TNCC) and Advanced Trauma Care for Nursing (ATCN) stands as a testament to her unwavering commitment to elevating the standards of trauma education. Moreover, her ATLS certification emphasizes her mastery of advanced trauma life support.

Venturing beyond clinical walls, Mayra has championed causes of injury prevention and community outreach, fervently advocating for safety and holistic well-being within her community. Her unyielding dedication to optimizing patient care and outcomes shines through in every endeavor, underscoring her stature as an indispensable pillar in the healthcare landscape.

Mindy A. Thomas
MSN, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC, TCRN

Mindy A. Thomas, MSN, FNP-C, AGACNP-BC, TCRN, is a highly skilled double board-certified Nurse Practitioner with over 10yrs of experience in trauma and acute care surgery. She holds a Master's degree in Nursing Education from California State University Los Angeles, received her Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) post Masters Certificate from the University of Massachusetts and her Adult-Gerontology Acute Care Nurse Practitioner post Masters Certificate (AGACNP) from the University of Pennsylvania and has successfully completed the Registered Nurse First Assist program at UCLA. She is highly trained and has shared her experience and knowledge of the nursing field with the next generation of nurses as a Nurse Educator at Mount St. Mary’s University. She is also a certified instructor for the Trauma Certified Registered Nurse Certification (TCRN) demonstrating her commitment to education. Mindy also holds a certification as an ATLS provider, highlighting her expertise in advanced trauma life support. Mindy’s experience, education, skills, and commitment to excellence have proven to be an asset to healthcare and ITAC's team.