Above: Dr. Britiel Bethishou at the American Academy of Family Physicians’ FUTURE Conference in 2024, before she decided to pursue internal medicine
Dr. Britiel Bethishou’s journey in medicine is coming full circle — right back to the Central Valley, where she grew up and first fell in love with the field.
This summer, the Turlock native begins her internal medicine residency at Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center in Modesto — just 30 minutes from where she grew up. She is part of the inaugural class of 39 physician residents in the new nationally accredited internal medicine and family medicine residency programs.
Dr. Bethishou as a child
“My heart has always been in the Central Valley,” she said. “It’s where I grew up, where my family is and where my passion for medicine first took root. When I found out I matched with Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center, I knew it was destiny. Being part of something new, right here in the community that shaped me, is incredibly meaningful.”
Her calling to medicine began in high school, sparked by a love of science and deepened by her role helping her immigrant family members navigate medical appointments. She often stepped in to translate or explain procedures and medications. It was hands-on experiences that gave her an early glimpse into gaps in care and inspired her to pursue a career path where she could help fill them.
“The Central Valley’s population includes a wide variety of backgrounds, and that can come with language and cultural barriers,” she said. “When physicians can communicate with their patients, it builds trust and improves care — especially in high-stress situations.”
Dr. Bethishou, right, practicing delivery of rescue breaths at Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center
Dr. Bethishou chose internal medicine for its variety and potential to serve across specialties. She is especially drawn to critical care and hopes to pursue a fellowship in the field after her residency. The fast-paced ICU environment, where every second counts, aligns with her drive to make confident, informed decisions under pressure.
“An internal medicine residency is an essential foundation for physicians, offering intensive training that sharpens the ability to diagnose, treat and prevent a whole host of medical conditions,” said Dr. James Kruer, program director for the internal medicine residency. “These physician residents will train under board-certified and licensed physicians with extensive teaching experience and who are well-versed in the unique needs of rural and remote communities, which make up a big part of our Central Valley’s fabric.”
Dr. Bethishou’s vision for medicine extends beyond clinical care. She’s also passionate about giving back — particularly to local students navigating the difficult road to medical school. One of her goals is to work with nearby colleges’ pre-health clubs, mentoring students and hosting interactive demonstrations for things like suturing and intubation. While she was a medical student, days like these were some of her favorites.
Dr. Bethishou graduating from medical school
“Pre-med can feel like a lonely path sometimes,” she said. “I want students to know they belong in medicine and that someone is rooting for them every step of the way.”
Now, living in Turlock again and commuting to work in Modesto, Dr. Bethishou says she feels grounded — surrounded by family, longtime friends and a renewed sense of purpose.
“This community gave me so much,” she said. “I’m excited to serve it and help shape the next generation of physicians who will do the same.”
For Dr. Bethishou, this opportunity isn’t just a return home — it’s a new beginning. For Dr. Kruer, it is opportunity of limitless potential.
“This is a community with a strong history of growing things — and now, we’re growing the next generation of physicians,” he said.
For more information about the internal medicine residency program at Sutter’s Memorial Medical Center in Modesto, visit: https://www.sutterhealth.org/education/gme/mmc-internal-medicine.
