Kortney Ponce, DO

About

Hometown: San Diego, CA

Medical School: California Health Sciences University College of Osteopathic Medicine

Undergraduate School: Yale University

Life Before Medical School: Before medical school, I grew up in San Diego where I spent much of my time playing softball. This passion took me across the country to attend Yale University, where I had the opportunity to play Division I softball. During my undergraduate years, I coached youth softball clinics, pursued medical experiences including an internship with the LA Dodgers physical therapy team, and spent a summer studying giraffe behavior at the San Diego Zoo to explore my interest in conservation biology. After graduating, I was excited to return to California to pursue medicine and take the next step in my clinical training.

Why Community Memorial? During my clinical rotations, Community Memorial stood out for its strong culture of support and mentorship across all levels of the team. I believe that the people make the place, and my experiences working alongside the residents, attendings, and broader care team made Community Memorial Healthcare an easy choice for residency training. I was especially drawn to the program's focus on both advanced surgical training and developing compassionate, well-rounded physicians who value strong patient relationships. Additionally, Community Memorial Healthcare's location in Southern California provides an environment that supports my interests outside of medicine and allows me to stay close to my family and support system.

Hobbies: Any beach activity, exploring local farmers' markets, street fairs and coffee shops, participating in various group exercise classes, and travelling to national parks.