Chief Residents
Welcome from the Chiefs
Welcome to the Highland Hospital Internal Medicine Residency Program website and thank you for your interest in our program!
Our IM Residency Program provides the opportunity to work in a safety-net hospital that cares for vulnerable populations in the East Bay, experience a vast diversity of clinical pathology, and foster your individual professional development. Every person in our program, from intern to program director, aligns with the Alameda Health System mission statement of “Caring, Healing, Teaching, Serving All”. Our shared commitment to our patients and our passion for learning are the backbone of the culture within our Highland Family.
A major focus in our training is to have residents experience autonomy with supervision. This allows you to take full ownership of your patient, in both inpatient and outpatient settings, and develop into a confident and competent physician. Our former residents have gone on to have successful careers as primary care doctors, hospitalists, and have entered many competitive fellowships across the country. As a result of our training, our graduates have the reputation for being prepared for anything and “just getting it done”.
As this year’s chiefs, we wish to foster a welcoming environment with an open door policy, create a culture of engagement and inquiry, and make our educational conferences lively and fun. We will continue to steer the improvements to our program based on resident-directed feedback.
Your 2024-2025 Internal Medicine Chief Residents,
Yasmin Bains, Katie Farley, Tochi Nwosu, and Omair Syed.
Yasmin Bains, DO
Chief Resident, Primary Care Track
Yasmin Bains, who hails from Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania, completed her undergraduate degree in Economics, followed by graduate studies in Medical Health Sciences and her medical degree from Touro University California. She completed residency training at Highland Hospital in Oakland. Yasmin chose Highland for the people, patients, and community that make it a uniquely special place to practice medicine. She appreciates Oakland for its diversity, calling it a "melting pot of global cultures," with great food, a strong sense of community, and an urban vibe close to beautiful trails and nature. Her academic interests focus on metabolic syndrome, diabetes, obesity medicine, and culinary medicine. A local favorite of hers is Damask Rose Coffee Shop. When not in the hospital, Yasmin enjoys hiking, road trips, and spending time with her dog.
Katherine Farley, DO
Chief Resident
Katie Loustaunau is originally from Tustin, California. She has a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and minor is Sociology. She attend medical school at Touro University, CA. Katie trained at Highland in the categorical track. Katie chose Highland because, “when [she] was a student rotating here, [she] felt more included and valued than any other places [she] went. Highland also emphasized education, had impressive and interesting patient cases, and seemed to have such good morale and team dynamics amongst residents and attendings! [Her] three years here have reinforced all of [her] initial thoughts. Highland is truly a special place.” Katie has particular interests in academics, systems, and quality improvement. A local favorite, Katie enjoys visiting Acre Kitchen and Bar. Outside of work, Katie can be found spending time with her family (she has a 6 month old), any outdoor activities involving bodies of water, cooking and eating with friends.
Tochi Nwaneri Nwosu, MD
Chief Resident
Tochi Jeffrey Nwaneri Nwosu, originally from West Covina, CA, holds a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry with an emphasis in Chemistry and a Minor in Religious Studies. He trained at Alameda Health Systems Wilma Chan Highland Hospital. Tochi chose Highland after rotating here during his last two years of medical school, describing the experience as invaluable for both his professional and personal growth. He appreciated the dedicated teaching and mentorship from attendings, who invested deeply in his education in a supportive environment. He credits Highland with shaping him into the doctor he is today. He loves Oakland for its diversity, which he describes as a chance to experience the world through the city’s cultural events and cuisines. His academic interests focus on hospice and palliative medicine. Among his favorite local spots are Taco Sinaloa, Champa Garden, and Slivers. Outside of work, Tochi enjoys videography, photography, playing and watching basketball (especially the NBA), and journaling.
Omair Syed, MD, MPH
Chief Resident, Primary Care Track
Omair Syed, originally from Walnut, CA, (not to be confused with Walnut Creek) completed his undergraduate political science and global health studies at USC, followed by a master’s in international public policy and management at USC and his MD/MPH at SGUSOM. He trained at Highland Hospital, drawn to its mission of serving society’s most vulnerable, including the unhoused, refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants. Inspired by attendings who practiced truly holistic, patient-centered care, Omair knew Highland would provide the environment he sought for his training. Omair appreciates Oakland for its diversity, social justice spirit, strong sense of community, and vibrant farmers' markets, as well as for being the "second most diverse city in the country." His academic interests focus on health equity, cancer care delivery, and supportive oncology. Local favorites include Arizmendi, Jerusalem Coffee House, and Daughter Th ai. Outside of work, Omair enjoys hiking, being in nature, visiting galleries and museums, binging Netflix, and discovering new cafes.