March 16, 2026
Local roots, broad impact: Doctors inspire health
Branden Turner, MD, and James Zamora, MD, connect with young people by sharing personal stories and facilitating discussions focused on physical and mental health.
Students paused to learn and connect during a wellness session at Intuit Dome, home of the LA Clippers.
Branden Turner, MD, and James Zamora, MD, have a lot in common. Both are family and sports medicine doctors. Dr. Zamora practices at Kaiser Permanente in Downey, California, and Dr. Turner practices at the new Kaiser Permanente Sports Medicine Center at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.
They both agree that being a doctor goes beyond the exam room. Most importantly, they are united by a shared interest in helping young people live healthy lives.
This passion brings them back into the Los Angeles-area communities where they grew up. There, Drs. Turner and Zamora talk with students about health, movement, and everyday choices. By sharing their own experiences, they help young people imagine what is possible in their own lives.
Connecting through experiences
Through field trips to Intuit Dome — made possible by Kaiser Permanente’s partnership with the Los Angeles Clippers — Drs. Turner and Zamora find meaningful ways to connect with young people.
During a recent visit, these doctors met with students and discussed healthy habits and their journeys to becoming doctors. Their shared community backgrounds made the interactions especially impactful. Interests in science, sports, and health can open doors to new opportunities, as they showed during their visit.
Dr. Turner (right) shares his background and expertise while inspiring students with information about wellness, opportunity, and careers in health care.
Dr. Turner: Inspired by family and community
For Dr. Turner, these conversations are deeply personal. Growing up in South Los Angeles, he was inspired by his grandmother, a certified nursing assistant, to pursue a career in medicine. Her example highlighted the value of care, consistency, and encouragement. Now, Dr. Turner brings this commitment to his work with students, helping them see how daily choices shape their health.
“Being able to talk with young people outside of the exam room is rewarding,” Dr. Turner said. “It allows us to share our own paths into medicine and spend time with students on simple habits that support their mental and physical health. When they meet someone from a similar background, they begin to see what’s possible for their futures.”
Students reach high and wide during an outdoor stretch session led by Dr. Zamora, who shares his expertise in movement and injury prevention.
Dr. Zamora: Opening doors through practicing healthy habits
Dr. Zamora grew up in El Monte and became the first person in his family to attend college. Recognizing the role of youth sports and community programs, he helps students envision their own futures. His mission is to teach healthy habits that promote lasting well-being.
“When students learn how movement and healthy habits support their bodies and mental health, they start to see new possibilities for themselves. Being part of that moment makes this work so rewarding,” Dr. Zamora said.
Making a difference and inspiring the next generation
Since 2025, students from 8 local schools have participated in field trips and youth programs supported by Kaiser Permanente and the LA Clippers. These experiences introduce students to health, wellness, and career possibilities through hands-on activities and mentorship.
Physicians like Drs. Turner and Zamora play a key role in connecting with students through sports initiatives, patient care, and real-world insight. By sharing their lived experiences and medical expertise, Drs. Turner and Zamora help young people build healthy habits, explore career paths, and see themselves as future leaders — strengthening both their communities and the next generation of changemakers.
