Dr Vijayalakshmi Pratha
Dr. Pratha received her medical degree from Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam, India. She served an internship and residency in internal medicine at Wayne State University in Detroit and a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of California San Diego (UCSD).
A diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine with special certification in gastroenterology, Dr. Pratha serves as assistant clinical professor in the Department of Medicine at UCSD and is on the teaching staff at Scripps Mercy Hospital.
She is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American College of Gastroenterology, the American Gastroenterological Association, and the American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy and serves as chief medical officer and on the board of trustees for the San Diego Chapter of the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation.
Throughout her career, Dr. Pratha has presented at medical conferences and authored dozens of articles and abstracts for scientific journals on topics related to gastroenterology.
Board Certifications
- American Board of Internal Medicine, Gastroenterology, 1995
- American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine, 1992
Medical Education
- Andhra Medical College, MD, 1986
Internships
- King George Hospital, Internship-Medicine, 1987
Residencies
- Wayne State University, Internal Medicine, 1992
Fellowships
- University of California, San Diego, Gastroenterology, 1995
Paulina
Paulina Riedler enjoys working in Integrative Medicine and uses her own life experiences to develop a personalized approach to her patient’s care. In virtue of her own health struggles early in life, Paulina developed a sincere appreciation for the whole-person approach to care practiced at Surya Medical. She enjoys all the learning that comes from working directly with Dr. Pratha in the office. Paulina holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing from National University of San Diego and is currently pursuing a Master’s Degree at USC. She has spent time in Peru studying alternative medicine and is also a Certified Yoga Instructor. She also studied Integrative Health & Lifestyle through the University of Arizona. Creating long-lasting relationships with patients brings her much fulfillment, along with her other passions in life. Movement and fitness is an integral part of her routine; she is an avid Salsa Dancer and has performed and traveled all around the world sharing her love for dance.
Frances
Frances moved to San Diego at the age of 5. She always felt a strong calling towards a life of healing and service. She knew early on that becoming a nurse was what she wanted. At 13, she moved to Sasebo, Japan with her family while her dad served in the Navy. After graduating high school, she moved to Long Beach and San Francisco. She eventually relocated back to San Diego to attend National University where she received her Bachelor’s in Nursing. She is grateful for the opportunity to work in an environment where the patient's conditions are managed and treated both traditionally and holistically, and integrating the body as a complete whole. She enjoys building relationships with her patients ensuring they have the best experience possible.
When’s she not working, Frances enjoys road trips near and far, traveling, going to pop-up art galleries and installations, and spending time at local coffee shops.
Office Staff
