Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
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.
I am a board-certified general and vascular surgeon affiliated with Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates. Raised in Brazil, I'm fluent in Portuguese and Spanish. My passion for science, teaching and helping others led me to medicine, and I discovered my calling in surgery during anatomy class.
After graduating from the Federal University os Santa Catarina in Brazil, I continued my education in New York, completing residency in general surgery and a vascular surgery fellowship on the East Coast. Opting for warmer climate of California, I've been treating vascular diseases for over two decades, cherishing the connection with my patients. I prioritize lasting cardiovascular health beyond surgical interventions. Recently, I joined the faculty at the UHS General Surgery Residency program, where I stay updated on vascular surgery developments while enjoying teaching.
Outside of work, I endulge in cooking, hiking and tennis with family and friends.
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.
Bolaji Nafiu, MD, FACS, is a double-board-certified vascular surgeon at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates.
Dr. Nafiu studied at the University of Ibadan College of Medicine in Nigeria, earning his medical degree. After graduation, he moved to the United States. He completed a general surgery residency at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Willowbrook, California, and a vascular surgery fellowship at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut.
As a general and vascular surgeon, Dr. Nafiu treats various medical conditions, including blood clots, carotid artery disease, and chronic venous insufficiency. He also treats aortic aneurysms and peripheral vascular disease.
He holds privileges at several area hospitals, including Inland Valley Regional Medical Center in Wildomar, California; Rancho Springs Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta in Murrieta, California; and Temecula Valley Hospital in Temecula, California.
Dr. Nafiu is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Society of Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. He welcomes anyone needing vascular or general surgery to Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates today.
Craig Owens, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates.
Dr. Owens studied at the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts, earning his medical degree. Then, he completed a transitional year internship at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Massachusetts.
Before entering private practice, Dr. Owens completed a general surgery residency at the Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium in Loma Linda, California, receiving extensive training in all aspects of surgical care.
Dr. Owens is knowledgeable in various surgical techniques and specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.
He holds privileges at several area hospitals, including Inland Valley Regional Medical Center; Rancho Springs Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta; Temecula Valley Hospital in Temecula, California; and Menifee Valley Hospital.
When he isn’t meeting with patients or performing operations, Dr. Owens enjoys golfing and car racing. He also believes in continuing education and stays abreast of advances in surgical techniques and technologies.
Dr. Owens is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. He welcomes anyone needing general surgery to Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates today.
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.
Dr. Ghobrial is a Board Certified General Surgeon. He has over 20 years of experience in trauma, critical care and general surgery, with a special interest in advanced laparoscopic procedures. He is a highly skilled physician who utilizes the most advanced techniques and technology available today, such as Robotic Assisted Hernia Repair, to ensure the best surgical outcome for each patient.
Gergis Ghobrial, MD, is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He has been in private practice in Southern California since 1997. He is an active member at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center where he served as Chief of Surgery and is a member of the Board of Trustees.
Dr. Ghobrial is a Board Certified General Surgeon. He has over 20 years of experience in trauma, critical care and general surgery, with a special interest in advanced laparoscopic procedures. He is a highly skilled physician who utilizes the most advanced techniques and technology available today, such as Robotic Assisted Hernia Repair, to ensure the best surgical outcome for each patient.
Gergis Ghobrial, MD, is certified by the American Board of Surgery and is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. He has been in private practice in Southern California since 1997. He is an active member at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center where he served as Chief of Surgery and is a member of the Board of Trustees.
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.
Xiujie Wang, MD, FACS, RPVI, is a board-certified vascular surgeon at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates.
Dr. Wang studied at Shanxi Medical University in Jinzhong, China, earning her medical degree. After graduation, she moved to the United States and completed a surgical residency at St. Mary’s Hospital in Waterbury, Connecticut. She also completed a vascular surgery fellowship at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City.
Dr. Wang brings more than 20 years of vascular surgery experience to the practice. She treats a wide array of conditions but has a special interest in treating peripheral artery disease (PAD), varicose veins, and aneurysms.
Outside of the office, Dr. Wang holds appointments at several area hospitals, including Inland Valley Regional Medical Center; Rancho Springs Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center; and Temecula Valley Hospital.
Dr. Wang is board-certified in general and vascular surgery by the American Board of Surgery. She’s also a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Society of Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum.
Dr. Wang welcomes anyone in need of vascular surgery to Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates today.
Craig Owens, MD, is a board-certified general surgeon at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates.
Dr. Owens studied at the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts, earning his medical degree. Then, he completed a transitional year internship at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center in Brighton, Massachusetts.
Before entering private practice, Dr. Owens completed a general surgery residency at the Loma Linda University Health Education Consortium in Loma Linda, California, receiving extensive training in all aspects of surgical care.
Dr. Owens is knowledgeable in various surgical techniques and specializes in minimally invasive laparoscopic surgery.
He holds privileges at several area hospitals, including Inland Valley Regional Medical Center; Rancho Springs Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta; Temecula Valley Hospital in Temecula, California; and Menifee Valley Hospital.
When he isn’t meeting with patients or performing operations, Dr. Owens enjoys golfing and car racing. He also believes in continuing education and stays abreast of advances in surgical techniques and technologies.
Dr. Owens is board-certified by the American Board of Surgery. He welcomes anyone needing general surgery 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.
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.
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.
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.
Bolaji Nafiu, MD, FACS, is a double-board-certified vascular surgeon at Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates.
Dr. Nafiu studied at the University of Ibadan College of Medicine in Nigeria, earning his medical degree. After graduation, he moved to the United States. He completed a general surgery residency at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Willowbrook, California, and a vascular surgery fellowship at Yale New Haven Hospital in Connecticut.
As a general and vascular surgeon, Dr. Nafiu treats various medical conditions, including blood clots, carotid artery disease, and chronic venous insufficiency. He also treats aortic aneurysms and peripheral vascular disease.
He holds privileges at several area hospitals, including Inland Valley Regional Medical Center in Wildomar, California; Rancho Springs Medical Center and Loma Linda University Medical Center Murrieta in Murrieta, California; and Temecula Valley Hospital in Temecula, California.
Dr. Nafiu is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Society of Vascular Surgery and the American Venous Forum. He welcomes anyone needing vascular or general surgery to Murrieta Valley Surgery Associates today.
