2023-2024 Chief Residents
Shawn Kashef
Dr. Shawn Kashef was born and raised in the SF Bay Area. He has a bachelor’s degree in Microbiology from UC Davis along with a minor in technology management. During his gap year, he worked with a local podiatrist for a year before attending and receiving his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from the California School of Podiatric Medicine. He graduated as co-valedictorian and a member of the Pi Delta National Honor society while also receiving the Stephen M. Geller Graduate Merit award. During medical school he enjoyed volunteering at community events such as the Napa Valley Marathon and the UC Davis Special Olympics. Outside of the hospital, Dr. Kashef is a huge Golden State Warriors fan, an avid gamer, and loves spending time outdoors and on the beach. He is excited to be a member of the Kaiser Permanente team and looking forward to serving the SF Bay Area community.
Paul Marinos
Dr. Paul Marinos was born in New York and grew up in Cyprus, a small island nation in the Mediterranean. He moved back to New York in 2011 to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor. He received his Bachelor’s degree with High Honors in Biology from CUNY Queens College. During that time he volunteered for New York Cares, a non profit organization and participated in various projects such as tutoring for SAT preparation, clothing and toy donations. He was also the volunteer leader in the emergency department in New York Presbyterian Queens where he trained new volunteers and supported them as needed. He received his DPM degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine. During his time at the NYCPM, he was co- president of the Pi Delta National Honors Society and President of the International Podiatry Club, a mission driven entity that offers podiatric relief in underserved countries. During his free time, Paul enjoys playing soccer, cooking, traveling and spending time with friends and family. He is looking forward to his new life in the Bay Area and excited to be part of the Kaiser Permanente family.
Nickolas Grimes
Dr. Nickolas Grimes was born and raised in Newport Beach California, an hour south of Los Angeles. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of California, Irvine where he received a degree in Neurobiology. After graduation, Nickolas worked as a laboratory specialist studying nicotine addiction on mice models. Upon discovering his interest in diabetic neuropathy, Nickolas pursued a degree in Podiatric medicine and graduated from the California School of Podiatric Medicine. During his time in medical school, he published numerous research articles, held several leadership positions, and volunteered extensively at the Suitcase clinic, Allen Temple Baptist Church health fair, and St Vincent de Paul, which provides medical services to the underserved community in the Bay Area. Outside of medicine, Nickolas enjoys kayaking, skydiving, painting, hiking, and spending time with his family. He is honored to be a part of the Kaiser Permanente Health System.
2nd Year Residents
James Diep
Dr. James Diep was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. He completed his undergraduate education at University of California Riverside, earning a Bachelor in Psychology with an emphasis in Biology. After working in the business sector for several years, he spent time working with non-profit organizations and locally underserved populations which inspired his passion for medicine. He went on to complete a Master’s in Medical Science at LECOM Bradenton and then received his doctoral degree from the California School of Podiatric Medicine. During his training, he was a recipient of multiple academic scholarships, held several leadership positions, and published numerous research articles. Outside of work, his hobbies include basketball, fantasy football, and exploring new restaurants. Dr. Diep is honored to serve the Bay Area’s Kaiser Permanente Health Care System.
Matthew Kennedy
Dr. Matthew Kennedy was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. He received his bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Portland State University. While at Portland State, he received Midwestern University, he received a research scholarship, was elected president of the local chapter of a national podiatry organization, and multiple awards and taught the Fluid dynamics laboratory. Before medical school, Dr. Kennedy work as a mechanical engineer in the manufacturing and semi-conductor industries. Dr. Kennedy received his doctoral degree from the Arizona College of Podiatric Medicine at Midwestern University. While at participated in volunteer events such as Special Olympics, marathons and as a judge for the Arizona Science and Engineering Fair. Outside of medicine, Matt’s hobbies include cooking, cycling, hiking, skiing and travel.
Suhkaranjan Nijjar
Dr. Suhkaranjan Nijjar was born and raised in the Bay Area. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley), where she majored in Microbial Biology. There, she conducted research on plant gene imprinting in rice, which was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Journal. At UC Berkeley, her interest in medicine led her to volunteer at many medical clinics, where she discovered her passion for podiatry and the desire to help the underserved population. Dr. Nijjar is a graduate of the California School of Podiatric Medicine (CSPM). During her time at CSPM, she served as the Vice President for the Podiatric Education Society and, in her free time, volunteered at several podiatric medical clinics. Dr. Nijjar was given the Philip Gardener Award for the Most Outstanding Student in Podiatric Medicine in the class of 2022. Dr. Nijjar looks forward to bringing this compassion and care to the Kaiser San Francisco Bay Area Foot and Ankle Residency Program and serve the community that she grew up in. In addition to her love of podiatry, Dr. Nijjar enjoys spending time with family, cooking, gardening, and exploring all sorts of scenic spots.
1st Year Residents
Denny Chung
I was born in Los Angeles, CA, and raised in Phoenix, AZ. I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Biology at the University of Washington while working full time at Virginia Mason Medical Center as an Orthopedic Technician. Within my personal experience as an orthopedic technician, I realized that being part of the patient’s care can be extremely rewarding. Though I was participating in the patient’s care, I had realized that the limitation of my title would never allow me to dictate the care the patient sought. Through many mentors, I discovered the field of podiatry and eventually, pursue and obtain a Doctorate of Podiatric medicine, from Samuel Merritt University – California School of Podiatric Medicine, and was awarded membership into the Pi Delta Honors Society.
Though my interests in podiatry lie in orthopedics, reconstruction and trauma, I love the multifaceted nature of podiatry where facets of dermatology, orthopedics, vascular and wound care are involved. Outside of medicine, I enjoy spending time with family, cooking, snowboarding, hiking local trails, and kart racing. I am honored and excited to join Kaiser Permanente team to provide high-quality healthcare, improve the health of the community and most importantly, thrive.
Miriam Jones
The healthcare journey which led me to Kaiser Permanente was as unexpected as it was rewarding. As a Kentucky native, I attended Transylvania University for my undergraduate education. Following college, I was lucky enough to fall into a job as the Medical Assistant for a Podiatrist at Bluegrass Orthopaedics. For four years, I served our patients in a wide array of roles. This job was the spark that ignited my passion for patient care, medicine, surgery, and all things foot and ankle.
I went on to become a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in North Chicago, Illinois. There, I built my medical knowledge in the classroom before learning from attending and resident physicians across the country while out on rotations. I traveled from the east coast to the west coast, and everywhere in between, from hospital to hospital, furthering my education and skill level until I ultimately decided that Kaiser Permanente’s Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Residency was where I wanted to receive my surgical training. Lucky for me, it was a match! Now that I am here in the Bay Area, I’m eager to continue my education by working with KP’s talented physicians, residents, and staff as well as the diverse patients that come through its doors.
When I am not at the hospital or on the job, I enjoy spending time with my Husband and our two border collies while hiking, kayaking, fishing, or just lounging around. I also dabble in golf and would enjoy any tips you might have! I look forward to meeting you.
Ashita Sehgal
Dr. Ash Sehgal was raised in Singapore and Atlanta, GA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from the University of Georgia where she was also involved in public health research, wrote for one of the school’s newspapers, and even sang in an acapella group. After completing her undergraduate education, she took a gap year where she worked as a medical assistant and discovered the field of podiatric medicine. Dr. Sehgal is a graduate of Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. During her medical education, she was the recipient of several academic scholarships, a member of Pi Delta National Honors Society, president of the school’s American Public Health Association chapter, and volunteered in numerous underserved and homeless communities. Outside of medicine, she enjoys trying new restaurants, playing the guitar, listening to podcasts, traveling, and playing tennis. She is very excited to be a part of the Kaiser Permanente team and explore the Bay Area.