Rhiana S Menen, MD

Education & Training

Undergraduate: Mount Holyoke College

Medical School: University of California, San Diego

General Surgery Residency: UCSF-East Bay

Fellowship: Breast Surgical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX

Employment

General & Breast Surgeon, St. Luke’s Hospital, Boise, Idaho

What was your favorite thing about UCSF East Bay?

UCSF-East Bay is the perfect blend of academic and community medicine. I was prepared to pass my boards and go on to a prestigious fellowship. Just as importantly, I had the autonomy and hands-on experience of a community program to prepare me for independent practice.

What about UCSF East Bay helps you in your career now?

I felt immediately prepared to begin independent practice, which I did within a very busy and high acuity community hospital. I also have a passion for international surgery. For the past five years, I have participated in general surgery camps in rural Kenya. I travel with the Tiba Foundation to Kenya, accompanying one of my mentors from UCSF-East Bay, Dr Richard Godfrey. I look forward to this work every year, in particular because we have been building long lasting relationships with the local hospitals and physicians.

What would you like to share with applicants about your experiences at East Bay?

UCSF-East Bay is a unique family. Living and practicing in Oakland was a particular highlight. My training was excellent, and the relationships I made there will last a lifetime.

Do you have a favorite memory from residency?

My favorite day in residency happened as a chief resident. A patient had swallowed a fishbone, which had perforated his esophagus. My co-chief (Dr Randi Smith) and I completed the entire thoracotomy and esophageal repair while Dr Victorino sat in the corner. Our highest compliment came when he said, “I’m bored. There is nothing for me to do.”