DeTar Welcomes New Class of Resident Physicians Committed to Caring for South Texas
6/16/2026
Nine physicians begin family medicine training in Victoria, bringing diverse experiences and a shared commitment to community care
The future of healthcare in South Texas gained nine new physicians this month as the DeTar Family Medicine Residency Program welcomed its newest class of resident doctors during a white coat ceremony held June 19 at DeTar Hospital Navarro.
Representing different backgrounds, cultures and life experiences, the Class of 2029 arrives in Victoria with a common goal: to become skilled family medicine physicians dedicated to improving the health of the communities they serve. Over the next three years, these residents will provide care for patients of all ages while receiving hands-on training in a broad range of medical specialties throughout the Crossroads region.
The addition of the new residents brings the program’s total physician workforce to 25 resident doctors, further strengthening access to primary care and supporting the development of the next generation of family medicine providers.
“Our residency program plays an important role in addressing the growing need for primary care physicians, particularly in communities like ours,” said Brett Maxfield, CEO of DeTar Healthcare System. “Through our partnership with Texas A&M College of Medicine, we’re preparing physicians to deliver compassionate, high-quality care while experiencing firsthand the rewards of practicing medicine in South Texas. We are excited to welcome these talented physicians to Victoria.”
Residents will see patients at the DeTar Family Medicine Center and complete clinical rotations across multiple specialties and healthcare settings, gaining experience in the full spectrum of family medicine.
Dr. Julia Shae Krause-Castaneda, program director of the DeTar Family Medicine Residency Program, said the program’s mission extends beyond medical education.
“Family medicine is built on relationships, continuity and community,” Dr. Castaneda said. “Our goal is to train exceptional physicians who not only provide excellent care but also develop meaningful connections with the patients and communities they serve. We are proud to welcome this outstanding group of physicians to our residency family.”
Meet the DeTar Family Medicine Residency Class of 2029:
- Richard Alan Darrah, M.D.
- Richard Philip Doelger, M.D.
- Brian Ferguson, D.O.
- Kainat Husain, M.D.
- Minseob Jeong, M.D.
- Jithin Jose Kallumalickal, M.D.
- Kyong Joon Lee, M.D.
- Thanh Tam Ann Nguyen, D.O.
- Emily Patricia Solarte Zabaleta, M.D.
Richard A. Darrah, M.D.
Dr. Richard Darrah earned his medical degree from Ross University and chose family medicine to build lasting relationships with patients and families. His clinical interests include preventive care, chronic disease management and community health. Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, hosting game nights and playing competitive tennis.
Richard P. Doelger, M.D.
A Texas native, Dr. Richard Doelger earned his medical degree from Ross University School of Medicine after completing advanced studies at UT San Antonio. His background in immunology research inspired a transition to clinical medicine, where he focuses on whole-person care and strong patient relationships. Outside of medicine, he enjoys running, tennis and automotive mechanics.
Brian Ferguson, D.O.
Dr. Brian Ferguson earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from The University of Texas at Arlington and his medical degree from the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine. Drawn to family medicine for its broad scope and continuity of care, he has a special interest in osteopathic manipulative medicine. In his free time, he enjoys Olympic weightlifting, hiking, hockey and driving his Miata.
Kainat Husain, M.D.
Dr. Kainat Husain is an international medical graduate from India who practiced obstetrics and gynecology in rural communities before moving to the United States. Her diverse experiences shaped a passion for patient-centered care and building meaningful connections with patients. Outside of medicine, she enjoys reading thriller novels, learning new things and spending time with her family.
Minseob Jeong, M.D.
Originally from South Korea, Dr. Minseob Jeong earned his medical degree from Saint Louis University School of Medicine in the Philippines and completed a cardiovascular research fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. His passion for evidence-based medicine and disease prevention led him to family medicine. Outside of medicine, he enjoys hiking, photography, soccer, museums, classical music and spending time with his wife.
Jithin J. Kallumalickal, M.D.
Dr. Jithin Kallumalickal completed medical school at Armed Forces Medical College in India and earned a public health degree from UTHealth Houston. He chose family medicine for its holistic approach to care and emphasis on prevention and community health. Active in volunteer and church outreach efforts, he enjoys traveling, cooking and spending time with family.
Kyong Joon Lee, M.D.
Dr. Kyong Joon Lee spent his early years in South Korea and Missouri before earning his medical degree from the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He chose family medicine for its broad-spectrum approach and opportunity to care for patients throughout every stage of life. Passionate about health equity, he has been involved in health literacy and community health initiatives. Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing violin, following the English Premier League and fantasy football.
Thanh Tam “Tammy” Nguyen, D.O.
A San Antonio native, Dr. Thanh Tam “Tammy” Nguyen earned both her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of the Incarnate Word. She is passionate about broad-spectrum family medicine, preventive care and osteopathic manipulative medicine. Outside of medicine, she enjoys weightlifting, reading, drawing, listening to podcasts and spending time with family.
Emily Solarate Zabaleta, M.D.
Originally from Venezuela, Dr. Emily Solarate Zabaleta earned her medical degree from the University of Zulia School of Medicine before moving to Houston. Her volunteer work focused on improving healthcare access for diverse populations and strengthened her commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care. She is particularly interested in women’s health, children’s health and serving Spanish-speaking communities. Outside of medicine, she enjoys dancing, traveling, exploring different cultures and spending time with family.
The arrival of this new class brings the total number of residents at DeTar to 25, each one contributing to a healthcare mission deeply rooted in community and care. Dr. Krause-Castaneda says the hope is simple but powerful: train excellent family physicians who will stay and serve South Texas.
The Class of 2029 reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences that strengthen modern healthcare. Several residents have served in underserved communities, participated in medical mission work, led public health initiatives, or pursued interests in preventive and lifestyle medicine. Together, they bring a shared passion for comprehensive, patient-centered care and a commitment to serving individuals and families across every stage of life.
The new residents will begin accepting patient appointments at the DeTar Family Medicine Center on July 27, 2026.
Accredited by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME), the DeTar Family Medicine Residency Program has trained physicians in Victoria since 2016 and remains focused on developing family medicine leaders who will help meet the healthcare needs of South Texas and beyond.
To learn more about the DeTar Family Medicine Residency Program, visit detarresidency.com.
The 2029 class of the DeTar Family Medicine Residency Program. Back row, left to right: Jithin Kallumalickal, M.D.; Richard Doelger, M.D.; Brian Ferguson, D.O.; Minseob Jeong, M.D.; Kyong Lee, M.D. and Richard Darrah, M.D.. Front row, left to right: Marissa Rubio, Kainat Husain, M.D.; Emily Solarte Zabaleta, M.D.; Thanh Nguyen, D.O.; Ambry Green and Julia Shae Krause-Castaneda, M.D.
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