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Francis Essien, MD, FACS, is a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship trained in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery.

Dr. Essien's zeal for the art and science of medicine and surgery began as a teenager at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria.

An interest in providing excellent patient care brought Dr. Essien to the United States to pursue a natural calling in the surgical specialty.

Passionate about cutting-edge, advanced, minimally invasive, and robotic surgical technology, Dr. Essien’s knowledge and expertise give patients the advantage of a faster recovery. 

The surgeon’s more cosmetic approach also offers less pain and a quicker return to a happier and more productive lifestyle.

Dr. Essien is highly skilled in various procedures, most frequently performing laparoscopic surgery for severe gastroesophageal reflux disease, laparoscopic hernia repairs, hiatal hernia repairs, minimally invasive endocrine surgery, laparoscopic adrenalectomy, and laparoscopic colon resections for benign and malignant conditions.

Dr. Essien also performs laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, laparoscopic gastric bypass, and revision bariatric procedures.

With a passion for Bariatric surgery, Dr. Essien helps patients achieve their goals of a healthier weight while eliminating the medical illnesses associated with excessive weight and enjoying a better quality of life.

Dr. Essien believes in an individualized and holistic approach to improving the health and wellness of patients.

Outside of caring for patients, Dr. Essien enjoys spending time with family at home, cooking, traveling, cycling, and playing golf.

Book an appointment with Dr. Essien, MD here.

I am Dr. Kaylene Barrera, and it my absolute pleasure to be a surgeon in this community. I grew up in Southern California and got interested in Medicine when I was young. My mother had initially wanted to be a social worker, but then went back to school to become a nurse and would ask me to help her study by quizzing her with flashcards.

This led me to college at the University of California, Irvine and medical school at the University of Southern California, where I was fortunate to work with some amazing mentors that inspired me to go into surgery.  My surgical training continued at the State University of New York, Downstate in Brooklyn where I trained at county and university hospitals.  Again, I was blessed to have the most amazing mentors that taught me not only the technical aspects of surgery but the importance of dedication to our patients.  I appreciated how as a surgeon, one could be involved in every aspect of a patient's care, contribute to scientific breakthroughs and be a patient advocate.  Sharing what I have learned and experienced as a surgeon,  I have published 9 peer reviewed publications, 33 national presentations, and four book chapters.  I also have written about impact of meaningful issues such as drug shortage and the opioid epidemic, as these have a profound impact on my patients lives.

Thank you for choosing Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates, looking forward to the opportunity to help you in your wellness journey

I am a triple-board certified surgeon with expertise in general, colorectal and trauma/ critical care surgery. Born and and raised in Brazil, I completed my medical education at the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC).

In high school, my passion for Biology, Math and Physics led me to pursue medicine for its challenging and exciting nature. Working in the operating room, I take great satisfation in promptly addressing my patient's concerns through surgical interventions.

My frequent surgical procedures involve colorectal cancer removal, anorectal surgery (including hemorrhoids and fistulas), and hernia repair. With over two decades of surgical experience in Murrieta and Temecula, I am committed to providing patients with top-notch care and a positive treatment experience. As a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (FASCRS), I continuously strive to integrate new technologies into my practice. 

Beyond my medical pursuits, I enjoy traveling with my family, watching movies, reading, operating my drone, and capturing aerial photographs.

Brian Tiu, MD, is a board-certified vascular surgeon at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates.

Dr. Tiu always knew he wanted to be a doctor. Growing up, he volunteered at various hospitals and medical centers, which spurred his interest in medicine.

Dr. Tiu studied at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in Newark, earning his medical degree. Then, he completed a surgical residency at the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn and a vascular surgery fellowship at Maimonides Medical Center, also in Brooklyn. 

These experiences inspired Dr. Tiu to pursue a career in vascular surgery. Dr. Tiu thinks vascular surgery is the most interesting field of medicine. As an expert in the field, he does everything from minimally invasive procedures, like angiograms, to open procedures, like removing blockages and performing bypasses.

Dr. Tiu loves making a difference in his patients' lives. He never rushes appointments and makes time to explain each vascular diagnosis in-depth. Specifically, he explains the natural course of diseases, including where they originate, why they occur, and what can be done to improve them.

About Dr. Fischer

Trevan Fischer, MD, FACS, specializes in complex general surgical oncology and is certified by the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Fischer is an experienced surgeon who offers patients in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, Fullerton, and Orange, California, the latest surgical techniques, including minimally invasive surgeries, to help in the battle against cancer. His thorough understanding of the nature of cancer allows him to perform complex surgeries that help him diagnose and treat a number of conditions, including breast cancer, skin cancers, and soft tissue sarcomas.

Outside of his private practice, Dr. Fischer continually strives to stay on top of the latest techniques in treating cancer, and he’s involved with innovative clinical trials at the Saint John's Cancer Institute (formerly John Wayne Cancer Institute) in Santa Monica. He also serves as an assistant program director of the Donald L. Morton, MD Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship program at the Institute.

Dr. Fischer began his medical career at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City, where he earned his medical degree in 2008. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Florida in Gainesville in 2015, serving as chief resident from 2014-2015. In 2015, Dr. Fischer became a fellow at the John Wayne Cancer Institute, where he completed two years of specialized surgical oncology training. 

To continue his education, Dr. Fischer is a member of the Society of Surgical Oncology, the American College of Surgeons, and the American Medical Association.

Over the course of his career, Dr. Fischer’s involvement in research and clinical trials has led to numerous articles, papers, and presentations in peer-reviewed publications and at national conferences.

Dr. Fischer is constantly exploring new ways to gain the upper hand on cancer through state-of-the-art surgical techniques and brings this experience to the Southern California area. He also accepts patients across all of Southern California, including Bakersfield, San Luis Obispo and Palm Springs. 

Dr. Fischer now has expanded his practice to Orange County and sees patients at both Providence St. Joseph and St. Jude. 

About Dr. Krahn

Western Bariatric, AMC is a bariatric surgery provider serving patients in the San Bernardino, Riverside, and surrounding areas of Southern California. Available surgeries and treatments include Roux En Y Laparoscopic Gastric Bypass, Sleeve Gastrectomy, Lap Band, Medical Weight Loss, Body Contouring, and Hiatal Hernia Surgery. Douglas Krahn, MD, FACS is fellowship trained in general surgery and specializes in bariatric surgery. He is strongly dedicated to their patients and want to help each person live the healthy life that they deserve.

When patients arrive at Western Bariatric, AMC, the first goal is helping each person to determine their weight loss needs and goals. The doctors and staff at Western Bariatric, AMC can customize a weight loss plan for each person, whether it involves non-surgical options like the medical weight loss plan or surgical options like laparoscopic gastric bypass. Call to arrange a consultation anytime!

Hege Johnsen, MD, FACS, is a board-certified general surgeon at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates, providing complete surgical care to patients in Wildomar, Temecula, Hemet, and Menifee, California.

Dr. Johnsen studied at Albert Szent-Gyorgi Medical University in Szeged, Hungary, earning her medical degree. She then moved to the United States and completed a residency in general surgery.

Dr. Johnsen brings more than 20 years of experience to the practice. She specializes in general surgery but has a special interest in breast surgery and inguinal hernia repair without mesh (shouldice procedure).

Outside of Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates, Dr. Johnsen holds appointments at several area hospitals, including Inland Valley Regional Medical Center in Wildomar, California; Rancho Springs Medical Center in Murrieta, California; Menifee Valley Hospital in Menifee, California; and Temecula Valley Hospital in Temecula, California; and Loma Linda University Medical Center. 

Dr. Johnsen is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. She speaks English and Norwegian fluently, allowing her to serve the practice’s diverse clientele. 

Dr. Johnsen welcomes anyone needing general, breast surgery, hernia repair or cholecystectomy to Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates today. 

Raymund Cordero, MD, is a skilled, dedicated, and board-certified doctor of medicine specializing in general surgery and has been practicing locally for over 20 years. 

In addition to his work at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates, Dr. Cordero also holds appointments at Inland Valley Regional Medical Center, Rancho Springs Medical Center, Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta, Temecula Valley Hospital, and Menifee Valley Hospital. 

Dr. Cordero is a member of the American College of Surgeons (ACS), the American Society of Breast Surgeons (ASBrS), and the Society of Laparoendoscopic Surgeons (SLS). He is certified by the American Board of Surgery (ABS).

When Dr. Cordero isn’t serving patients, he likes watching basketball and soccer. He also enjoys spending time with his two children, who are both interested in pursuing medicine.

Amit Karmur, DO, is the newest vascular surgeon to join Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates (MVSA).

Dr. Karmur graduated from medical school at the Western University of Health Sciences and completed his general surgery residency at Community Memorial Health System in Ventura, California. He then went on to sub-specialize and complete his fellowship in vascular surgery at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center.

Dr. Karmur treats all types of diseases that affect the vascular system. He specializes in both traditional open surgical and minimally invasive endovascular techniques. These include diseases of the carotid arteries, aortic aneurysms, peripheral arterial disease, and dialysis access.

During his spare time, Dr. Karmur likes to travel and learn about new cultures. He also enjoys maintaining his health by working out and staying active by exploring the outdoors. He and his wife are both from the Inland Empire and are excited to be back in the community.