Meet our R5 (Class of 2022) Residents

Hamid Alipour, R5

Hometown: Kermanshah, Iran

Education: Kermanshah University of Medical Science

Interests (non-medical/medical): I'm interested in minimally invasive surgery and more specifically hernia repair and bariatric operations. I found music a great way to relax at the end of the day and enjoy playing violin. Aviation is my other hobby. I'm trying to get my private pilot license while finishing my surgery training.

Favorite thing about Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara is one of the best places to live. It has fantastic weather, beautiful beaches, and great hiking spots. I personally love flying over the coast!

Nick Faunce, R5

Hometown: Eugene, Oregon

Education: Undergraduate at University of Kansas, Lawrence

Masters of Public Health (Incomplete) - University of San Francisco

Medical School - University of Kansas, Kansas City; two months research at Groote Schuur hospital in Cape Town, South Africa; 1 month Orthopedic Traumatology study abroad at Sanatorio Allende in Cordoba, Argentina

Interests (non-medical/medical): I don't have cable TV and I like to be outside. I camp, dive, spearfish, surf, hike, and trail run. I also enjoy woodworking and reading.

Medical: I like challenging cases which push me to learn and grow. From aortobifemoral bypasses to lipoma excisions I've learned new and interesting techniques to incorporate into my practice. General Surgery is the only surgical specialty with a residency at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital which has allowed me to assist in cases from hand, ENT, Plastics, urology, and OB/Gyn that have broadened my skill set. These operative experiences, and my interest in challenging cases have drawn me to apply to hand fellowship.

Favorite thing about Santa Barbara: Santa Barbara is one of the best places to live. It has fantastic weather, beautiful beaches, and great hiking spots. I personally love flying over the coast!

Cameron St. Hilaire, R5

Hometown: University Place, Washington

Education: Undergraduate at University of Washington, and Medical School at University of South Florida

Interests (non-medical/medical): Wine tasting, cooking, Clippers basketball, my Cavapoo Charlie, the great Pacific Northwest, Vascular Surgery, Quality Improvement, Simulation.

Favorite thing about Santa Barbara: This city has it all, beach town vibes for the surfers, great culinary options for the foodies, it’s surrounded by endless mountains and trails for the mountaineer, and wine country top it off. What’s not to love?!

Tatyana Kopilova, R5

Hometown: Saky, Ukraine. Has lived in US since 2005.

Education: BS in Biochemistry from Stony Brook University, Stony Brook NY, MD from Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College Of Medicine, Boca Raton FL

Interests (non-medical/medical): Interested in pursuing a career in general surgery, special interest in robotic and minimally invasive surgery. Non-work related interests include nature, hiking, camping, watersports, travel, national parks.

Favorite thing about Santa Barbara: Beautiful place to spend 5 years of residency. It has something for everyone - surf, camp, hike for those who love to rough it out and a year round golf, tennis, boardwalk sight-seeing, sailboat cruises, 5-star restaurants for lovers of civilization.