BALBOA NEPHROLOGY MEDICAL GROUP - Key Persons
Dr. Cantillep joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2018. He practices in the Fountain Valley area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both Fresenius and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Cantillep was raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Irvine. He attended medical school at Michigan State University, where he was a member of the Leadership in Medicine for the Underserved and Vulnerable program. He returned to sunny Southern California for residency at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, CA. He then completed a year as a Chief Resident followed by a year as an attending hospitalist. He went on to Nephrology fellowship training at the University of Southern California. During his time as a fellow he performed research in bedside ultrasound and received an award for his quality improvement work.
Dr. Matayoshi joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2015. She practices in the Oceanside area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Liu joined Balboa Nephrology in August 2023 and specializes in all aspects of kidney disease, including chronic kidney disease, hypertension, dialysis, and kidney transplant management.
Dr. Liu attended medical school at Hofstra/Northwell School of Medicine in Long Island, New York, where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine Degree. After completing his residency in Internal Medicine at University of California, Irvine, he completed his nephrology fellowship at University of California, San Diego.
He grew up in Taiwan and is fluent in Mandarin. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, landscape photography, and playing table tennis.
Job Titles:
- President
- President San Diego Metro
Dr. Patel joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2007. He practices in the Sharp Metro area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Patel attended medical school at Temple University School of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree. He completed both his residency and Nephrology fellowship at the University of California Irvine.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Leininger enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, visiting national parks, and traveling with his wife.
Dr. Amar V. Patel joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2019. He practices in the South Bay - Chula Vista area; specializing in kidney diseases including electrolyte imbalance, hypertension, and dialysis.
Dr. Patel was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Go Steelers!). He completed his undergraduate studies at New York University and obtained his medical degree from St. George's University. He completed residency at Rochester General Hospital in Rochester, NY and his fellowship at SUNY Downstate in Brooklyn, NY. As a physician, Dr. Patel prides himself on improving patient care. He researches advancements in medicine, but also takes time to learn about challenges patients and their families face in the everyday healthcare experience. It is both the science and the human element that has drawn him to a career in nephrology.
Outside of work, Dr. Patel is quick with a joke, nimble on the dance floor, and a 3-time Fantasy Football Champion. Though, what he enjoys most is basking in the San Diego sunshine with his wife, 2-year-old son, and dog.
Dr. Calderon Molina joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2016. He practices in the National City area; specializing in the management of chronic kidney disease with an emphasis on diabetic kidney disease and glomerular diseases. Dr. Calderon Molina's practice includes the management of hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Calderon Molina attended medical school at the Pontificia Universidad Javeriana School of Medicine in Bogotá, Colombia, where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree. Dr. Calderon Molina completed both his Internal Medicine Residency and Nephrology Fellowship training at the Yale New Haven Hospital/Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut. Dr. Calderon Molina is also a Fellow of the American Society of Nephrology (FASN). Dr. Calderon Molina is interested in quality outcomes and patient experience satisfaction.
Dr. Calderon Molina enjoys sports like tennis and soccer in his spare time and he is learning to play piano.
Job Titles:
- Medical Director, San Diego Vascular Access Center
Dr. Namazy joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2001. He practices in the College area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Marquis Hart joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2020. He is a board-certified surgeon with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He is a specialist in transplant, hepatobiliary and general surgery.
Dr. Hart received his Bachelor of Science in Biology from Stanford University, followed by a Doctor of Medicine from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. After finishing his surgical residency at Cedars Sinai Medical Center, he completed his fellowship training in general surgery and liver transplantation at Rush Presbyterian Medical Center. In 1993, Dr. Hart established the liver transplant program at the University of California San Diego and served as the director of the abdominal transplant programs. Dr. Hart developed the liver transplant program at Swedish Medical Center and served as the director of transplant programs until 2019.
Dr. Hart is committed to helping his patients return to living healthy, productive lives. In his spare time he enjoys photography and spending time with his three beautiful daughters and two grandchildren.
Dr. Steer joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2003. He practices in the La Jolla area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Steer attended medical school at Duke University where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree and completed his residency. He completed his Nephrology fellowship training at the University of California San Diego.
Dr. Lozada joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2005. She practices in the Chula Vista area; specializing in all aspects of kidney disease including renal replacement therapies. She has been the Medical Director of a south San Diego dialysis unit for the last 15 years.
Dr. Fadda joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 1992. He practices in the La Mesa area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Fadda was an assistant professor of Medicine and Nephrology at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles before he joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group. He has also authored more the 45 articles and is the founder of Balboa Research, formerly California Institute of Renal Research.
Dr. Lund joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2008. He practices in the Sharp Metro area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Davis joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2012. He practices in the Hillcrest, Coronado and Sharp Metro area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Halldorson joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2017. He is a General Surgeon specializing in kidney transplantation at Sharp Memorial where he is also the Surgical Director of Transplantation.
Dr. Pham joined Balboa Nephrology in 2023. She practices in the Chula Vista area and is trained to manage all forms of kidney-related diseases and conditions, including hypertension, chronic kidney diseases, kidney transplants, and dialysis needs.
Dr. Pham grew up in Los Angeles and went to UC Irvine for her undergraduate degree in the biological sciences. She went on to obtain her medical degree from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Australia and completed her Internal Medicine residency training at the Ochsner Clinical Foundation in New Orleans, Louisiana. After a long trip around the world, she returned to California to pursue Nephrology training at UC San Diego.
In her spare time, Dr. Pham enjoys reading, traveling, cooking, and playing board games. She is fluent in English and Vietnamese.
Dr. Cruz Whitley joined Balboa Nephrology in January 2023. She attended medical school at the University of California San Diego where she was a part of the Program in Medical Education with a focus on Health Equity (PRIME-HEq). Dr. Whitley completed an internal medicine residency in the primary care track at the University California Davis. She completed nephrology fellowship training at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital Joint Nephrology Program where she received the program's inaugural Humanism in Medicine Award.
Dr. Whitley went on to complete palliative care training at the Harvard Interprofessional Palliative Care Fellowship Program. She is interested in integrating palliative care and nephrology with a focus on advanced care planning, shared decision making and supportive care of kidney patients, as well as increasing access to palliative medicine to underserved communities.
She is a native San Diegan and is happy to return to her hometown.
Dr. Meyer joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2009. She practices at Sharp Chula Vista Hospital and two offices in the Chula Vista area. She specializes in hypertension and kidney disease and cares for patients on hemodialysis at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Baranski joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 1999. He practices in the Hillcrest area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Baranski attended medical school at The Medical College of Wisconsin where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree. After completing his residency at Scripps Mercy Hospital, he completed his Nephrology fellowship training at the University of California San Diego.
He was born in San Diego and loves the ocean and environment. He is a regular surfer and diver but his greatest love is his two children.
Dr. Hammes joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2013. He practices in the Hillcrest and Coronado area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Videen joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2011. He practices in the Chula Vista area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Videen attended medical school at the University of Arizona where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree. He completed both his residency and Nephrology fellowship training at the University of California San Diego.
In his personal life, Dr. Videen enjoys all manors of outdoor activities, is married and a proud grandfather of a future major league pitcher.
Dr. Greenstein joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2016. He practices in the Escondido and Poway area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Neyaz joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2016. He practices in the Escondido area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Kyaw joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2015. He practices in the Oceanside area; specializing in treatment of patients with all manner of kidney disease, including the care of dialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients.
Dr. Saeed joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2017. He practices in the El Centro and Brawley areas; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at FMC Dialysis unit.
Dr. Saeed attended medical school at the University of Baghdad College of Medicine where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree. After he completed his residency at Coney Island Hospital in New York, he completed his Nephrology fellowship training at Kaiser Permanente (LAMC) in Los Angeles.
In his free time, Dr. Saeed enjoys traveling, table tennis, playing guitar and swimming.
Dr. Khawar joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2016. He practices in the Escondido area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients and transplant patients. He has a particular passion for home dialysis methods in particular: both Home Hemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis. He is also a Principal Investigator for Balboa Research.
Dr. Khawar attended medical school at Glasgow University and then obtained a Masters from the John Hopkins School of Public Health.. After completing his residency at St. Mary Medical Center in Long Beach, he completed his Nephrology training at Harbor-UCLA.
Dr. Khawar also works in the medical device industry as Chief Executive Officer for a company developing a novel home hemodialysis machine. In his free time, he spends time with his family, travels and is currently learning the electric guitar.
Dr. Choudry joined Balboa Nephrology in 2023. He graduated from St. George's University of Medicine. Following medical school, Dr. Choudry completed his residency at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Santa Clara, and subsequently pursued a nephrology fellowship at the University of Louisville. For 15 years, Dr. Choudry practiced at a single specialty nephrology practice in Louisville, Kentucky, with a particular emphasis on Interventional Nephrology.
Recently, Dr. Choudry relocated to San Diego to be closer to his family. In his free time, he enjoys staying active through running, trekking, and playing basketball with his two boys.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Vice President
Dr. Berenji joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2006. He practices in the El Centro and Brawley area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at Fresenius Medical Care.
Dr. Berenji attended medical school at the University Of Hamburg School Of Medicine, in West Germany where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree. After he completed his residency at Good Samaritan Hospital/John Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland, he completed his Nephrology fellowship training at Stanford University.
Dr. Berenji holds the following Memberships: American Medical Association, California Medical Association, Imperial County Medical Society, American Society of Nephrology and American College of Physicians. He has been awarded the Fellow of American College of Physicians and the Fellow of American Society of Nephrology.
Dr. Berenji is Vice President of Balboa Nephrology Medical Group, Executive Vice President and Principal Investigator at Balboa Research. He is also a Clinical Instructor at Imperial Valley College and speaks German and Farsi.
He enjoys jazz, playing tennis, travel and photography.
Dr. Dang joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2020 after 14 years of private practice. He is board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology and practices in the Orange County area; specializing in kidney diseases which include hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis patients at both Fresenius Medical Care and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Hussain joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2006. He practices in the El Centro and Brawley area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis at FMC Dialysis units. He is dual board certified in Internal Medicine and Nephrology and is also a certified interventional nephrologist, and performs hemodialysis access procedures in the Imperial Valley. He is also a sub investigator in the California Institute of Renal Research, El Centro.
Dr. Behrend joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2001. He practices in the College area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes hemodialysis patients at both FMC and DaVita Dialysis units.
Dr. Behrend attended medical school at the University of Michigan where he obtained his Doctor of Medicine degree. He went on to complete both his residency and Nephrology fellowship training at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis Missouri.
Outside of work, Dr. Behrend enjoys anything technology related, snowboarding and college football.
Terry Behrend is the Chief Medical Officer of Balboa Nephrology. Dr. Behrend's clinical practice is focused on the care of patients with End Stage Renal Disease, with particular interest in using technology to drive efficiency, improve quality and provide value.
Dr. Behrend received his medical degree in 1994 from University of Michigan. He completed his nephrology training at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in 2000. In addition to being a Nephrologist, Dr. Behrend is also an Interventional Nephrologist where he performs thousands of vascular access procedures each year.
Outside of work, Dr. Behrend enjoys anything technology related, snowboarding, and college football.
Dr. Cao joined Balboa Nephrology 2021 and practices in the Fountain Valley area. The son of Vietnamese refugees, his mother was 8 months pregnant with me when she boarded a refugee boat in Cambodia. Dr. Cao's family lived in refugee camps in Thailand and the Philippines until the United Nations eventually moved his family to the United States when he was 2. He grew up in Little Saigon in Orange County, California and have lived there most of his life.
Dr. Cao completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Irvine and earned a B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Anthropology. He attended medical school at Touro University Nevada, College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at Valley Hospital Medical Center in Las Vegas.
Dr. Cao completed his fellowship in Nephrology at the Keck School of Medicine at USC. Fellowship training was extremely unique in that he trained during the height of a global pandemic. During those unique times, he was challenged to think outside the box and develop new skills in extracorporeal blood purification. After completing the fellowship, he is grateful and enthusiastic to finally return home to Orange County to give back to the large Vietnamese community in the area.
Dr. Nguyen joined Balboa Nephrology Medical Group in 2020. He practices in the Hillcrest and Coronado area; specializing in kidney diseases which includes chronic kidney disease and dialysis.
Dr. Al-Dahhan joined Balboa Nephrology in 2022 and practices in the Escondido area. Dr. Al-Dahhan attended medical school at Ross University School of Medicine and completed his Internal Medicine residency at University of Nevada Las Vegas and finished his fellowship at UCSD.
In his free time Dr. Al-Dahhan enjoys taking his dog to the beach, cooking and playing tennis.