Resident Profile: Seemal Kumar, MD

Seemal Kumar, MD, was born in Fiji and grew up in the Central Valley of California. She earned her medical degree from St. George’s University School of Medicine, Grenada. She then completed Master of Business Administration in Multi-sector Health Management and Master of Public Health, also from St. George’s University.

Dr. Kumar believes family medicine highlights many aspects of the medical field which fit her outlook. She enjoys patient interaction and getting to know them. She says continuity of care is one of the staples of family medicine and having the opportunity to follow and treat a patient over many years, as well as being an outlet for their questions and concerns and be their first point of contact is rewarding.

Caring for patients with both acute and chronic issues is one of the more rewarding aspects of her work, and she believes building a strong patient-physician bond is one of the cornerstones of family medicine. Treating the patient as a whole, Dr. Kumar says, is more effective than simply treating their symptoms, and her work in family medicine allows her to give back to the community by participating in health clinics, helping mentor and educate patients, and working hard to help promote preventive care.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Kumar enjoys traveling, hiking, biking, boating and other outdoor activities. She met her fiancé in medical school, and he has supported her through her journey. She and her fiancé travel often between Toronto and California to see their families, but also find time to explore their community. She is excited to be a part of this first residency class.