At Camarena Health, we believe in the power of homegrown talent to transform healthcare in the Central Valley. Our commitment to fostering local talent drives our initiatives, such as the Aspire to Inspire program and the Hometown Scholars partnership, which are designed to create opportunities for individuals to train, grow, and serve their communities. These programs are essential to addressing the healthcare provider shortage in our region while ensuring a sustainable and locally-rooted workforce.
Today, we’re proud to highlight two incredible hometown heroes, Jasmine Thandi and Parmveer Bains, whose journeys reflect the success of these initiatives and the impact of giving back to their communities.
Jasmine Thandi, PA
Jasmine Thandi’s journey began in Kerman, where her passion for service led her to Camarena Health as an AmeriCorps volunteer. Inspired by our mission and community-first approach, Jasmine pursued training through the Aspire to Inspire initiative and the Hometown Scholars program.
Today, she serves as the lead provider at the Matilda Torres School-Based Health Center, offering personalized and compassionate care to students and families. Jasmine’s deep connection to the Valley informs her approach to healthcare and emphasizes the importance of serving the community that raised her.
“We need more providers in the Valley, and we have tons of opportunities for providers, community, patients, and students,” Jasmine says. “It’s important to be able to serve the community you love.”
Parmveer Baines, PA
For Parmveer Bains, healthcare has always been about making a difference in the place he calls home. Growing up in Madera, Parmveer pursued his dream of becoming a healthcare provider through the Hometown Scholars program, studying at A.T. Still University.
After completing his Physician Assistant degree, Parmveer returned to Madera for his clinical residency at Camarena Health. He now serves as a Family Medicine Physician Assistant, seamlessly integrating his education and practice to provide exceptional care for his community.
“My transition from education to actual practice was seamless,” Parmveer shares. “There are so many kids who want to get into healthcare and serve their community. I was fortunate enough to hear about the program.”
Jasmine and Parmveer embody Camarena Health’s vision of empowering local talent to enrich the Central Valley. Their journeys inspire others to pursue careers in healthcare and highlight the transformative impact of investing in local education and mentorship programs.
By cultivating pathways for future providers, Camarena Health is ensuring that our community continues to thrive—led by those who know it best.
To learn more about the Aspire to Inspire initiative and the Hometown Scholars program, visit our Aspire to Inspire landing page. Together, we can build a brighter, healthier future for the Central Valley.
