Raeleigh C. Payanes, M.D.

Dr. Payanes is passionate about caring for the parent–infant unit together, supporting families through every stage of life—from family planning and pregnancy to postpartum care and infant wellness. She is committed to the health and well-being of the community and believes in compassionate, collaborative care that empowers patients through education, trust, and shared decision-making. Dr. Payanes also finds great fulfillment in teaching and mentoring future family medicine physicians as part of her commitment to strengthening care for generations to come.

Dr. Payanes provides comprehensive family medicine care for patients of all ages, with a special focus on women’s health and maternal health. Her clinical interests include caring for the parent–infant unit across the full continuum of care, from family planning and contraception to pregnancy, postpartum care, lactation support, and infant care. She also performs office-based procedures, including contraceptive procedures such as implants and IUDs, as well as endometrial biopsies.

Dr. Payanes serves as the Program Director for the Family Medicine Residency Program and brings extensive experience in physician education and leadership. She previously served as core faculty with the Valley Consortium for six years and as Department Chair of Family Medicine at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. Through these roles, she has played an integral part in training and mentoring future family medicine physicians while supporting high-quality, community-focused care.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Payanes enjoys reading, staying active and creative, spending time outdoors, and making memories with her beloved friends and family.