At Redwood Pulmonary, we partner with patients to resolve their health issues rather than just treat the symptoms. Our goal is to use all the therapies available to help patients heal as quickly as possible.
Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine
Melissa created Redwood Pulmonary Medical Associates (RPMA), now Redwood Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Associates/Somology Medical Group, in January 2002 as a solo practitioner specializing in Pulmonary Medicine, Critical Care, and Sleep Disorders. The offices of RPMA have always been located inside Sequoia Hospital, where most of our patients receive hospital and outpatient services.
Sleep Medicine
Brian, originally from Sacramento, CA, is a Sleep Medicine Physician at Redwood Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Associates/Somnology Medical Group. He holds a Doctorate in Medicine from Northwestern University and is passionate about improving patients' sleep quality. Outside of work, he enjoys hobbies like numismatics, racquetball, scuba diving, and spending time with his family.
Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine
Ramon, originally from Panama City, is a physician specializing in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. He completed his medical training at Stanford University and has a special interest in pulmonary hypertension and health disparities. Outside of work, Ramon enjoys cross training, surfing, traveling, and spending time with family.
Affiliated Sleep Specialist
Carlos joined the sleep specialists of Redwood Pulmonary in 2023 as an interpreting physician. Originally from Mexico, he is fluent in both Spanish and English. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Texas Tech University in El Paso, TX. He then completed his fellowship in Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine at the University of Miami, and continues to specialize in those fields. Dr. Blanco decided to seek additional training in sleep medicine after treating many patients with COPD and pulmonary hypertension who also suffer from obstructive sleep apnea. When he is not working, he likes to travel and spend time outdoors hiking and running.
Affiliated Sleep Specialist
Vani is a board-certified Internal Medicine and Sleep Medicine physician, who has been practicing medicine for nearly 20 years. She is the Founder and Medical Director of Sleep360 Sleep Diagnostic Center in Austin, TX, which provides comprehensive care for sleep problems. She has also participated in industry-leading research to study the link between sleep apnea and human memory. Redwood Pulmonary and Somnology are privileged to add Dr. Vallabhaneni to our panel of sleep physicians and advisors. She is passionate about building and extending care to improve the sleep health of our communities so people can experience life to their fullest potential. Outside of work, she enjoys playing tennis, hiking, gardening and philosophy.
Clinical Operations
Emma is the Clinical Operations overseer at Redwood Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Associates/Somnology Medical Group. With a diverse background in Biology, Nursing, and Midwifery, she excels in planning and managing clinical programs. Emma has extensive leadership experience and is actively involved in the local Pony Club, where she mentors young members. Outside of work, she enjoys horseback riding and spending time with her children and friends.
Leah is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant based in Northeastern Ohio. She specializes in sleep and pulmonary disorders and has experience in ophthalmology. Leah enjoys spending time with her family and dog when she's not working.
Morgan Hughes is a Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner through the American Nurses Credentialing Center and a member of Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society. She received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Florida State University in 2005. She began her nursing career as a Labor and Delivery Nurse in Panama City, FL. While working as a registered nurse, she became extremely passionate about topics surrounding health promotion and disease prevention.
Joining Redwood Pulmonary Medical Associates in 2023 as a nurse practitioner, Paige brings years of experience as a Critical Care Nurse at the California Pacific Medical Center (CPMC) in San Francisco, CA. She graduated from Iowa Methodist School of Nursing in 1998 and worked as an intensive care nurse at CPMC for more than twenty years, specializing in cardiothoracic surgery and organ transplant patients. After returning to school to finish a bachelor’s degree at Samuel Merritt University, she went on to graduate from San Francisco State’s family nurse practitioner program in 2021. Paige is board certified by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners and a member of Sigma Theta Tau National Honor Society. She looks forward to developing deep and long-lasting relationships with clinic patients at RPMA.
Paige grew up on a little farm in Iowa and moved to San Francisco in 1998. She enjoys movies (old and new), reading, walks in Golden Gate Park, dinners with her husband, and volunteering at church.
Sleep Technologist and Respiratory Therapist
Chris is a Sleep Disorder Specialist at Redwood Pulmonary Medical Associates/Somnology Medical Group. With over 20 years of experience in sleep and diagnostic testing, he holds degrees in Exercise Physiology, Respiratory Therapy, and Psychology. Chris is also a Respiratory Therapist at Sequoia Hospital and enjoys outdoor activities with his family.
Sleep Technologist
Diana is a highly experienced sleep technologist with over 12 years of expertise. She works closely with the providers at Redwood Pulmonary Medical Associates/Somnology Medical Group, delivering comprehensive sleep care. Originally from the Philippines, Diana values patient-centered care and enjoys cooking, walks by the beach, and spending time outdoors with her children.
Sleep Technologist
Jacob is a highly experienced sleep technologist with over 20 years of expertise. He has been part of the Redwood Pulmonary Medical Associates/Somnology Medical Group for 7 years, providing exceptional care to sleep patients. Outside of work, Jacob enjoys learning Spanish, staying active, and engaging in arts and cultural events in San Francisco.
Senior Healthcare Advisor
Amanda, a Senior Healthcare Advisor at Redwood Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Associates/Somnology Medical Group, grew up in Northern Ohio. With a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and a minor in Political Science from Oberlin College, she screens veterans for at-home sleep testing and serves as the practice's Salesforce Administrator for Population Health Management. Amanda is inspired by reaching underserved communities with limited healthcare access and enjoys cooking, tennis, and crossword puzzles.
Healthcare Advisor
Alejandro Wasserman is a Healthcare Advisor at Redwood Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Associates/Somnology Medical Group. With a background in emergency medical services and project management, he is dedicated to improving patient outcomes and making a positive impact on people's lives.
Healthcare Advisor
Chandra is a Healthcare Advisor for Redwood Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine Associates/Somnology Medical Group. Originally from California, she’s been fortunate to live in many different places in the US. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics & Computer Science, and loves to see how modern technology intersects with outcome improvement for patients. Her hobbies include writing, running, and traveling.
Healthcare Advisor
Ian, a Healthcare Advisor at Redwood Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Associates/Somnology Medical Group, screens and educates patients on at-home sleep study devices. Originally from Ohio, he holds a Master of Education degree and assists US college students in pursuing international educational opportunities. Based in Rhode Island, Ian enjoys photography, board games, and walking his dog.
Healthcare Advisor
Lorna, a Healthcare Advisor at Redwood Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Associates/Somnology Medical Group, has over 20 years of experience. She started as a receptionist and progressed to become a skilled Medical Assistant. Lorna now screens patients for sleep problems and coordinates home sleep apnea testing. Originally from Galway, Ireland, she enjoys spending time with her family and creating new memories.
Healthcare Advisor
Melissa is a Healthcare Advisor at Redwood Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Associates/Somnology Medical Group, specializing in biology and nursing. She enjoys supporting veterans with sleep screening and testing, and is also a skilled content creator and marketer. In her free time, she loves traveling, cooking, and going on long walks with her dogs while listening to audiobooks.
Office Manager
Mina is the Office Manager for Redwood Pulmonary Medical Associates/Somnology Medical Group, where she has worked for 20 years. She graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in Accounting. Her passion is travelling the world and meeting new people, learning and relishing different cultures. Her other great loves are gardening and hiking.
Executive Assistant and Patient Liaison
Patricia, originally from Manila, now lives in San Francisco. She studied graphic art and design and transitioned to patient care in 2000, assisting Dr. Lim in establishing a medical practice. Patricia is passionate about painting, coral reefing, playing mahjong, and traveling.
Patient Liaison
Natalia is the lead Patient Liaison at Redwood Pulmonary Medical Associates/Somnology Medical Group. With a phlebotomy certificate and experience in patient care, she excels in helping others. Natalia enjoys outdoor activities and actively volunteers in her community.
Medical Assistant
Abigail (Aby) is an experienced Medical Assistant at Redwood Pulmonary. Our providers and patients alike benefit from her dedication to patients. She enjoys facilitating patient visits from booking the appointments to exiting the office and loves it when patients feel satisfied with their experience with the practice. Aby attended De Anza College and graduated from the Medical Assistant program at Unitek College. When she is not working she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her nephews, hiking, cooking, painting, and walking on the beach with Kobu, her chocolate Labrador retriever.
Patient Liaison
Alicia Cordova, a Patient Liaison at Redwood Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Associates/Somnology Medical Group, is a Bay Area native dedicated to providing excellent patient care. She values respect, compassion, and patience in every interaction. Alicia enjoys sports, art, drawing, exercising, and spending time with loved ones.
Patient Liaison
Edson, a Bay Area native, is a Medical Assistant at Redwood Pulmonary and Sleep Medicine Associates/Somnology Medical Group. He is passionate about enhancing patients' sleep and continuously expanding his knowledge in our specialties. Edson's hobbies include motorsports, combat sports, and going to the gym.
