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 2026-2027 Internal Medicine Chief Residents,
Samaneh Bolourchi, Shima Dadashzadeh, Russell Ellyson, Perneet Powar.
Samaneh Bolourchi, DO
Chief Resident
​
I was born in Daly City and raised in Piedmont, California. I studied Molecular Environmental Biology and Ethnic Studies at UC Berkeley, then earned a Master's in Environmental Health Science at Johns Hopkins. After graduating, I worked in a translational pulmonary research lab at UCSF for several years. I went on to attend medical school at Touro University California, where I first began engaging in leadership development. I came to Highland for residency because I wanted to train at a safety-net hospital, and it has shaped how I care for patients who are too often overlooked by the rest of the healthcare system. In my role as Chief, I lead our program's advocacy, community, and engagement work, continuing that same commitment to caring for vulnerable populations. I'm currently in the process of applying for Pulmonary and Critical Care fellowship this year. Outside the hospital, I paint landscapes, train my very opinionated pet rainbow lorikeet, cook vegetarian recipes, and take on the occasional DIY project I probably didn't need to start.
Shima Dadashzadeh, DO
Chief Resident
​
I grew up in Sunnyvale, CA and have spent most of my life in various parts of the Bay Area. I studied Public Health and Spanish during undergrad at Santa Clara University, then went on to Touro University - CA for medical school. Residency at Highland has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life and I'm thrilled to be staying on as Chief Resident while applying for Cardiology fellowship. Outside of medicine, my hobbies include running, snowboarding, reading, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.
Russell Ellyson, DO
Chief Resident
​
I was born and raised in the small town of Jackson, California. Growing up, the mountains were my playground. I fell in love with snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, fly fishing, and everything else outdoors. For undergrad, I attended of California State University, Chico, where I studied cellular and molecular biology while also walking on to the division II men's soccer team. For medical school, I attended Touro University - CA (with my co-chiefs) and finally ended up at Highland for residency. My experience at Highland brought me into contact with the most amazing people, all of whom helped me find the joy in medicine. Which is why I chose to stay another year as a chief resident. After chief year, I will be going into primary care. Outside of medicine I continue to spend time outside but now I do it with my dogs and fiancé!
Perneet Powar, MD
Chief Resident
​
I grew up in Sacramento before moving to Los Angeles to attend the University of Southern California for undergrad. Drawn back to Northern California, I earned my medical degree at California Northstate University College of Medicine before completing my internal medicine residency at Highland Hospital. I'm excited to remain at Highland as a Chief Resident while applying for cardiology fellowship. Outside of the hospital I enjoy hiking, playing the piano, trying new restaurants, traveling to tropical locations, and searching for the best matcha the Bay Area has to offer.