A gold IRA rollover guide might help you better understand the benefits and procedures of making the switch. Opening an Individual Retirement Account is the most excellent approach to preparing financially for retirement. Money from another retirement plan can be used to start a gold IRA. Gold is a refuge asset, a lovely way to gain exposure while maintaining portfolio diversification. There may be tax advantages to rolling over gold into an IRA.
What is a Gold IRA?
Historically, investors have sought refuge in gold during times of economic instability. Gold coins and bars and gold-backed ETFs are also acceptable forms of investment for a Gold IRA. Researching the various gold investment options and the tax implications of the rollover is essential due to the complexity of the process. Investors may learn more about the advantages of investing in gold with the help of a Gold IRA rollover guide, including protection against inflation, possible tax benefits, and the possibility of long-term capital appreciation.
If you’re looking to convert your 401k to a gold IRA and need guidance, you can download this FREE gold IRA guide. This guide provides comprehensive insights on transitioning your 401(k) to gold, selecting appropriate precious metals, and guaranteeing a stable retirement.
4 Step 401k to Gold IRA Rollover Guide
Find a Reputable gold IRA Company
Choose a trustworthy self directed custodian
Open a new gold IRA account
From your old account, transfer your funds to complete the 401k to gold ira rollover process
#1 Augusta Precious Metals: Runner up – Great Gold IRA Company Overall (4.9/5)
Pros:
Beginner-friendly with easy gold IRA account setup.
Excellent customer satisfaction with no complaints.
Trustworthy, boasting high ratings from BBB, Google Reviews, and Trustpilot.
Simple setup requiring minimal paperwork.
Financial advisors available at every stage.
Partnerships with depositories across the US for better accessibility.
Quick delivery to your depository within 10 days.
Hassle-free and insured fund handling.
Cons:
Required $50,000 minimum
More delayed query response
Precious Metals Available
Platinum
Silver
Gold
Palladium
Minimum Investment
$50,000
Company Background
Since 2012, Augusta Precious Metals has been a top provider of precious metals-backed IRAs, recognized for excellent service and commitment to diversifying retirement savings. Specializing in precious metals IRA, Augusta simplifies economics, with an expert team providing ongoing account assistance and investment tools.
Customers benefit from regular updates on precious metals, economic news, and exclusive offers, reflecting a focus on education rather than just sales. The firm collaborates with respected gold IRA providers and enjoys high ratings on Trustpilot, Better Business Bureau, Google, and Consumer Affairs.
Leaders like Isaac Nuriani, Devlyn Steele, and Howard Smith drive Augusta’s success, promoting informed financial decisions. The company’s core principles are transparency,
simplicity, and personalized service. In essence, Augusta Precious Metals equips clients with the expertise and resources needed for confident precious metals investing and retirement planning.
#2 Preserve Gold: Runner up – Best Price Match for Precious Metals IRA Company (4.8/5)
Pros
Free Wealth Protection Kit with valuable tips
Transparent, competitive pricing for metals
24-hour satisfaction and price match guarantees
No-penalty cancellation within 24 hours
Complimentary insured shipping for quick, secure delivery
Dedicated specialist for expert guidance
Hassle-free buyback without hidden charges
Cons
Direct contact is required for product pricing information.
Precious Metals Available
Palladium
Gold
Platinum
Silver
Minimum Investment
$10,000
Company Background
Preserve Gold, a leading precious metal firm in North America, is devoted to safeguarding and diversifying your wealth through tangible assets. Known for their dedicated service and commitment to informed investments, they treat each client with personal care, irrespective of the investment size.
The company strongly advocates for client education. Their team of adept Precious Metals Specialists is always available to answer any queries. Clients have access to ongoing research and industry updates, empowering them to make knowledgeable decisions in the gold and silver markets.
Boasting over thirty years of experience, the executive team at Preserve Gold offers comprehensive service that continues even after your purchase. Your assigned Precious Metals Specialist will regularly update you on your investment. If you choose to sell your precious metals, the company assures competitive buyback prices, without imposing any liquidation fees.
As an esteemed member of the Precious Metals Association (PMA), Preserve Gold operates under strict ethical standards, compliance, education, and customer resolution guidelines. This ensures complete transparency and integrity within the industry.
When it comes to products, Preserve Gold presents a wide array of precious metals including gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. You are invited to explore their extensive catalog to discover the perfect investment option tailored to your needs.
Endorsements from celebrities like Chuck Norris and Sean Hannity.
Over 4,400 top-rated reviews.
Precious Metals Available
Silver
Platinum
Gold
Palladium
Minimum Investment
$25,000
Company Background
Goldco, a Los Angeles-based firm, has been helping customers secure their retirement savings for over a decade through Precious Metals IRAs or direct gold and silver purchases. Their exceptional customer service, ethical practices, and valuable educational resources have earned them an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau and a Triple-A rating from the Business Consumer Alliance.
Goldco’s mission is to empower Americans by protecting their wealth and contributing to financial security, emphasizing the role of precious metals in a comprehensive retirement strategy. They have experienced remarkable growth, tripling their staff in the past year and facilitating over $2 billion in gold and silver placements since 2011.
Their commitment to quality and growth has been recognized with numerous awards, including “Best Customer Service” from Money.com, placement on Inc 5000’s list of Fastest Growing Private Companies for seven consecutive years, and two “Company of the Year” awards from the American Business Awards. They also rank among the top 25 fastest-growing private companies in Los Angeles according to the Los Angeles Business Journal.
#4 American Hartford Gold: Editor’s Choice – Best Price for Bullion (4.6/5)
Pros:
A+ BBB and high Trustpilot ratings
No first-year trade fees and free shipping on eligible orders
Streamlined precious metals IRA setup and physical asset purchasing
Experienced guidance team
Retirement account rollovers into a precious metals IRA
Variety of precious metal-backed IRA options: gold, silver, platinum, palladium
Focus on customer care and education
Bonus coins, price match guarantees, and free IRA setup/storage
Personalized customer service
Hassle-free policies with low fees and superior security
Cons:
Website requires updates for latest prices
Precious Metals Available
Silver
Gold
Palladium
Platinum
Minimum Investment
$10,000
Company Background
American Hartford Gold, a trusted precious metals partner, is recognized as the #1 Gold Company by Inc. 5000. They’ve delivered billions in precious metals, offer a Lowest Price Guarantee, and are endorsed by figures like Bill O’Reilly and Rick Harrison.
Featured on platforms like Forbes and Fox News, their offerings include:
No fees for first-year trades and free shipping on qualifying orders
Hassle-free process to start a precious metals IRA or buy physical assets
Exceptional, personalized customer service
Retirement account rollovers into a precious metals IRA
Bonus coins, price match guarantees, and free IRA setup/storage
Founded in 2015, American Hartford Gold has delivered over $2 billion in precious metals, making them the nation’s largest gold and silver retailer. Their CEO, Sanford Mann, takes pride in their commitment to economic security and market knowledge. They offer customized solutions like Precious Metals IRA, Gold/Silver IRA Rollover, and physical delivery of precious metals while ensuring constant contact with clients. Choose them for a secure future and total customer satisfaction.
#5 Birch Gold Corporation: Great Staff Overall (4.5/5)
Pros:
User-friendly resources.
Veteran in the gold industry.
Wide array of IRAs and metals.
Trust of top financial institutions.
Quick delivery to chosen depositories.
Flooded with positive reviews.
Top-notch, tailored customer service.
Cons:
Fee details unclear on site.
Only U.S. operations.
Precious Metals Available
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Palladium
Minimum Investment
$10,000
Company Background
With a legacy spanning over two decades, Birch Gold Group stands as a beacon of trust in the gold IRA industry. They don’t just guide clients on diversifying their portfolios with precious metals like gold, silver, palladium, and platinum, but rather see it as weaving a safety net to protect against the capricious nature of gold prices.
Their service, exceptional and reliable, is fortified by robust partnerships with established banks, enabling them to tailor unique solutions for each client. Transitioning to a gold IRA is made effortless thanks to their advisors, who offer prompt, comprehensive responses to all inquiries.
Birch Gold Group rolls out a treasure chest of physical precious metals, encompassing coins, bars, and bullion from renowned mints. And with a repurchase guarantee accompanying every transaction, they provide an assurance of security for your investment.
The simplicity of setting up an account with Birch Gold sets it apart from the crowd. Their unwavering commitment to stellar service is reflected in their A+ rating from the BBB, an impressive 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot, and a cascade of five-star Google reviews. For those seeking a gold company they can rely on, Birch Gold Group shines as a top choice.
#6 Lear Capital: Top Gold IRA Firm Offering a Simplified and Easy Transaction Process (4/5)
Pros:
Customer support is always ready and available, 24/7.
Content is constantly refreshed with daily or weekly updates.
A top-tier AAA rating from the Business Consumer Alliance.
An impressive history of handling over $3 billion in transactions.
A 24-hour risk-free purchase guarantee for peace of mind.
Swift doorstep delivery to bring your purchase straight to you.
Free services for setting up and storing your IRA.
A high Trustpilot score of 4.9 that speaks volumes about their reputation.
Cons:
An annual fee is applicable for self-directed IRAs.
A minimum purchase requirement is in place.
Precious Metals Available
Palladium
Platinum
Silver
Gold
Minimum Investment
$25,000
Company Background
Since its establishment in 1997, Lear Capital has earned a reputation as a reliable provider in the U.S. Precious Metals market. It offers a variety of investment opportunities such as bullion purchases, rare coins, and physical gold and silver for IRAs. As an AAA-rated PCGS Authorized Dealer, Lear Capital guarantees secure transactions and maintains lasting relationships with its clients.
Their website is a rich resource, offering real-time pricing, daily updates, email alerts, and the latest articles and news. A unique feature of Lear Capital is their provision of free IRA setup and storage, contingent on the investment amount.
Lear Capital extends a wide array of services, including:
Coin Selling: Offers expert advice on liquidating your gold coin portfolio.
Free Information: Keeps you informed through their complimentary newsletter, Insight.
Premium Rare Coins: Provides the option to use gold coins as protection against inflation.
Price Alerts: Allows you to set a price alert and notifies you when it’s achieved.
Coin Encyclopedia: Lets you delve into the world of various American coins.
Retirement Center: Helps you learn about incorporating precious metals into retirement accounts.
Bullion Purchase: Enrich your portfolio by adding bullion coins.
Market Charts: Enables you to monitor real-time prices for strategic market entry.
Those trying to diversify their retirement savings can consider a gold IRA rollover. Gold IRA providers facilitate the transfer of funds from standard retirement accounts like 401(k)s and IRAs into precious metals IRAs, where the money can be invested in precious metals like gold, silver, platinum, and palladium. This alternative offers protection from inflation and market fluctuations that stocks and bonds might not. Please do your homework and confirm the company’s validity before entrusting your retirement savings to them. Verify the company’s legitimacy by verifying its licensing and insurance.
Finding A Broker or Custodian for Your Gold-Based IRA
Anyone wishing to diversify their retirement savings might consider a gold IRA rollover. A broker or custodian’s assistance is necessary for a gold IRA to remain in good standing with the IRS. Gold IRA funds must be managed by a broker or custodian responsible for keeping them safe and secure by IRS regulations. An investor’s broker or custodian is a valuable resource for information and advice as they navigate the financial world. The success of your gold IRA rollover investment depends on your choice of broker or custodian. Find a broker or custodian with a good reputation, satisfied customers, and transparent pricing and service terms. The broker’s or custodian’s knowledge of the gold market and the quality of their customer service are further factors to consider. Gold IRA rollovers require the services of a broker or custodian. You can choose a broker or custodian, do your homework, compare services, and be bold about asking questions or getting second opinions. You can confidently invest in a gold IRA rollover with the help of the correct broker or custodian, broadening the scope of your retirement savings.
Reasons to Invest in Gold for Retirement
Many financial experts recommend including gold in your portfolio. Gold’s historical ability to retain its value makes it a practical inflation hedge. Gold prices rise when economic or political uncertainty prevails, or the U.S. dollar performs poorly. Lastly, gold’s historically poor connection with other asset classes means that buying gold can help you diversify your portfolio.
In contrast to paper money, coins, and other assets, gold has kept its worth over time. Gold is seen as a means by which riches can be preserved and passed on from generation to generation. The valuable metal’s one-of-a-kind qualities have made it highly sought after since ancient times.
Gold’s resistance to corrosion and its malleability as a material makes it ideal for coinage. And unlike every other element, gold is both rare and visually stunning. Absorption of some light is caused by gold’s heavier atoms and faster-moving electrons, a phenomenon that required Einstein’s theory of relativity to explain.
A History of Holding Its Value
Gold’s value has not fluctuated like paper money, coins, or other valuables. Gold is seen as a way for families to protect their wealth for future generations. The precious metal has been prized for its exceptional qualities since ancient times.
Gold is commonly used for coinage because it is corrosion-resistant and can be melted using household heat. In addition, gold is the only metal with a distinctive and attractive hue. Einstein’s theory of relativity explained how gold’s heavier atoms and faster-moving electrons cause the absorption of some light.
Inflation Hedge
Gold’s ascending price has made it a reliable inflation hedge in response to rising inflation. Gold prices have soared, and stock markets have crashed during increasing inflation over the previous 50 years. Because gold is typically priced in fiat currency units, it tends to climb along with everything else when the value of fiat money declines due to inflation. People may be tempted to buy gold when they fear their local currency may lose weight because of gold’s reputation as a haven asset.
Deflation Protection
Although several areas of the world experienced mild deflation after the financial crisis 2008, this was the first time it had happened worldwide since the Great Depression of the 1930s. Gold’s purchase power rose considerably compared to other currencies during the Great Depression. This is because people decided to hoard money, and since gold and gold coins were the safest places to keep cash at the time, they did so.
Conflicting International Signals
Gold’s stability in value is not limited to monetary crises; it also holds in times of political unrest. Due to its perceived safety, it is often called the “crisis commodity” during international unrest. When people have less faith in their government, the price of gold tends to climb.
Rising Expectations
Demand for gold was bolstered in earlier years by the growing riches of emerging market nations. Gold plays a significant role in the traditions of many of these nations. Gold has various uses in India, including jewelry, which is why the country is the world’s second-largest consumer of precious metal. Consequently, the Indian wedding season in October is historically the time of year when gold demand is at its highest worldwide.
Investors are also driving up the price of gold. Many people consider commodities, especially gold, as a viable investment option. The SPDR Gold Trust (GLD) has become one of the country’s largest and most actively traded ETFs.
Diversifying Investments
Finding different types of investments that do not perform similarly is essential for diversification. Throughout economic history, gold has been inversely correlated with equities and other market indicators. This is supported by recent history:
The ’80s and ’90s were prosperous for stock investors but disastrous for gold investors.
Investors lost a lot of money in 2008 because buyers switched to gold.
Gold is just one component of a well-diversified portfolio, including stocks and bonds.
Understanding A Gold IRA Rollover
Rolling over a Gold IRA is a simple procedure. Looking for a reliable IRA custodian that provides Gold IRAs would be best. The next step is establishing a Gold IRA and rollover monies from your current retirement account. After transferring cash, you and your Gold IRA custodian will decide the precious metals you want to purchase.
A custodian will take care of you to buy and store metals in a safe, insured location. An individual’s retirement portfolio can benefit significantly from including a Gold IRA due to its added diversification and security during economic uncertainty. You must do your homework and contact a reputable IRA custodian to ensure a seamless and successful Gold IRA rollover.
What are the Types of Retirement Accounts Qualify For A Gold IRA Rollover?
Rollovers from 401(k)s, regular IRAs, and 403(b)s are all acceptable into a gold Individual Retirement Account. To make sure the rollover is done correctly and by IRS laws.
401(k)s: Employers often provide their workers access to a 401(k) retirement savings and investment plan. The employee’s contributions are deducted from each paycheck and placed in a fund that the employee has selected. 2023 the yearly contribution ceiling is $22,500 ($30,000 for individuals 50 and up). The plan got its unique moniker from the provision of the Internal Revenue Code that created it: 401(k). Staff members make contributions to their own gold IRA accounts through payroll deductions. The tax benefit can be taken when contributing or withdrawing funds in retirement. Sometimes free money is involved, and if you fell asleep at this point in employee orientation, you may have missed the finest part.
403(b)s: Public schools, universities, hospitals, churches, and charities can all provide 403(b) accounts to their staff. If you enroll in the plan, your employer will deduct a set amount from your pay each pay. In 2021, you can put away up to $19,500 in a 403(b) and delay paying taxes. Catch-up donations of up to $6,500 can be made by those aged 50 and up. Some companies will even double the money you put into your 403(b) up to a certain point. Your company may double the first three percent of your pay. If you earn $1,000 in a given pay period and contribute $30 to your 403(b), your employer will donate 3%, or $30. In 2021, you and your employer can each contribute up to a maximum of $58,000 to the plan.
457(b)s: Public officials, municipal workers, police officers, and firefighters can all take advantage of the tax benefits offered by a 457(b) retirement plan. Executives at nonprofits like hospitals, unions, and some contractors working for state and municipal governments are also eligible to join 457(b) plans. Like other employer-sponsored retirement plans, the 457(b) allows for the tax-efficient accumulation of retirement savings by avoiding paying capital gains taxes on the purchase and sale of investments held within the account. With a Roth 457(b), you can invest after-tax dollars now and withdraw them tax-free in retirement. Your 457(b) investment earnings are included in this calculation. You may need help to fund your 457(b) with Roth contributions at your employment.
TSPs: When your current employer plan or IRA transfers funds directly to your TSP account, this is called a direct rollover. Direct rollovers do not trigger income taxation in the year they are received. An indirect rollover occurs when you receive funds from a plan or IRA and then transfer some or all of those funds to your TSP account.
Gold IRA – FAQ
It’s natural to have concerns before committing to a gold rollover investment. Most frequently asked questions about precious metals, gold IRAs, and rollovers.
What is a gold IRA rollover?
It’s a way to convert some or all of your current IRA into a gold IRA. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium are purchased and stored in a gold IRA.
You can protect your nest egg and feel secure knowing it’s invested in something physical.
You may make an intelligent choice about your retirement funds with the guidance of a gold IRA rollover guide and a financial expert. Please consider your unique requirements and financial position before deciding on the best gold IRA rollover.
What advantages of a gold IRA rollover?
A gold rollover IRA offers numerous advantages. The value of your retirement funds can be protected from inflation by investing in gold. Adding gold to your portfolio might help spread out your investment risk.
Can anyone do a gold IRA rollover?
You must open a new Gold IRA account with a reliable financial institution. After establishing your Gold IRA, you should contact your current retirement account provider to request a transfer of assets.
How do I initiate a gold IRA rollover?
After receiving a distribution from your IRA or retirement plan, you have 60 days to transfer the funds to another IRA or retirement plan. If you cannot meet the 60-day deadline for your rollover due to extenuating circumstances, the IRS may grant you a waiver.
Are there any fees with a gold IRA rollover?
Gold IRA rollover fees are different for each custodian and each type of gold. These charges are typically more expensive than those associated with a standard IRA or 401(k). Although costs are associated with gold, many investors believe the benefits outweigh them.
Specific gold IRA providers have formed partnerships with designated depositories to facilitate the transfer of investments. While some companies limit you to just one custodian, others provide you with a choice between several options.
What types of precious metals can I hold in a gold IRA rollover?
Coins, bars, and other monetary types. You need the help of a reliable dealer to invest in genuine gold products.
Is a gold IRA rollover a safe investment?
Yes. Retirement funds and experience the peace of mind that comes with long-term investments when you roll them over into a gold IRA. You may diversify your portfolio and hedge against inflation by rolling over your IRA into a gold IRA, and there are tax benefits.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of reliable companies like Augusta Precious Metals, American Hartford Gold, Preserve Gold, Goldco, Birch Gold, and many more trustworthy businesses you can choose from.
Any one of these firms can help you transfer your existing retirement account to a gold Individual Retirement Account (IRA).
Today’s seniors are more connected than ever, with a renewed focus on retirement as a time of discovery and enriching experiences. The ultimate reward for a retirement well-earned is the wisdom to appreciate it all, and what better place to enjoy that unique perspective than Vi at La Jolla Village, in the heart of San Diego.
All-access pass to good living.
As a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC), Vi provides access to a connected and fulfilling community while making it easy to plan for future care, should the need ever arise. With a care plan in place, residents enjoy greater financial predictability and long-term value, freeing them to focus on making the most out of retirement.
Resort-style amenities at the epicenter of a cultural hub like San Diego offer a retirement experience unlike any other. Paired with exceptional dining, spacious accommodations and dedicated staff, the best of maintenance-free living is all around. And with the introduction of Vista 360 Well-Being, Vi’s panoramic approach to wellness, there are more ways than ever for residents to access it all.
The harmony of mind, body and community.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
The key to longevity is striking the right balance in maintaining an active lifestyle with an active mind in a fulfilling community. With newly renovated community spaces and restaurants, Vista brings a variety of opportunities for residents to elevate their well-being through Vi-exclusive “Signature Experiences.”
Vista Enrich takes an evidence-based approach to brain vitality, keeping residents at the forefront of cognitive health through exergaming (exercising + gaming), nutritional plans and informative workshops. It is also home to The Brain Vitality Studio, an innovative facility dedicated to cognitive fitness that has garnered national recognition.
Vista Discover invites residents into stimulating educational experiences, from chef-led cooking demos and guided wine tastings to lectures at local universities and intimate lectures following cultural outings.
While Vista Enrich focuses on brain health and Vista Discover engages residents intellectually, Vista Explore cultivates a sense of adventure through curated travel and local excursions. But broadening one’s horizons doesn’t always require a plane ticket. One recent event brought a taste of the world right to the community: an onsite “jazz cruise” featuring live music and global cuisine served at a series of themed “ports” all within the community’s own ballroom.
“Location, location, location”
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
One of the biggest perks of life at Vi at La Jolla Village is its proximity to just about everything. With easy access to transportation and local attractions just steps away, residents can explore and engage with their community at their own pace.
“There are trolley and bus stops within a 5-minute walk that will get you to the beach, UCSD Campus, medical appointments, downtown La Jolla or San Diego, et cetera. We rarely use our car,” said resident Tom Yager.
With the best of San Diego just steps away, residents don’t just live in the city, they live within reach of everything that makes it special.
The best of all worlds.
Courtesy of Vi at La Jolla Village
At Vi at La Jolla Village, retirement isn’t a chapter to slow down; it’s an invitation to discover more. Tailored community experiences created by Vista, paired with the vibrant pulse of San Diego just outside the door, mean that residents don’t have to choose between security and adventure, connection and independence. They get all of it.
This is what an all-access pass to good living looks like: the comforts of an elevated lifestyle, a community built for growth and a city made for discovery – all in one place.
To learn more about Vi at La Jolla Village or for details on available floor plans, visit ViatLaJollaVillage.com/SDM.
In May 2026, Dr. Noran Barry performed Southern California’s first robotic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy since the procedure received FDA approval. The milestone brought a new option for patients facing breast cancer surgery. It also reflects the specialized care available through Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group, where Dr. Barry works alongside other doctors and specialists as part of a coordinated care team.
Dr. Barry is a fellowship-trained breast cancer surgeon with Sharp Rees-Stealy and Sharp HealthCare’s medical director of breast health. She is affiliated with Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns and Sharp Memorial Hospital. Sharp Mary Birch was the first hospital in Southern California and one of just 15 in the United States to offer the procedure.
For a patient considering a mastectomy, treating cancer is the first concern. Questions about appearance, sensation and recovery matter, too. Robotic-assisted nipple-sparing mastectomy gives Dr. Barry another way to address those concerns while working with patients and their care teams on the treatment ahead.
What makes the procedure different
A nipple-sparing mastectomy removes breast tissue while preserving the nipple and surrounding tissue for reconstruction. Dr. Barry uses a single-port robotic system, guiding surgical instruments and a high-definition camera through one small incision. She can often place that incision in a less visible area, such as near the underarm.
That placement can leave a smaller, more hidden scar than a traditional mastectomy. Preserving tissue for reconstruction may also help create a more natural-looking breast. In some cases, the surgery may preserve nerves in the remaining tissue and help maintain breast sensation.
Compared with traditional methods, the robotic-assisted approach may offer less blood loss during surgery, less pain during recovery and a faster recovery. Early results also suggest a lower likelihood of nipple necrosis, a complication in which loss of blood flow damages the nipple and areola.
For Dr. Barry, the ability to place the incision strategically is especially meaningful. It allows her to treat the cancer while considering the scar a patient will see after surgery. Along with reconstruction, that detail can make a difference to someone adjusting to changes in their body.
Care that continues beyond surgery
Breast cancer care extends beyond one surgical technique. At Sharp Rees-Stealy, doctors and specialists work together to support patients through decisions about their care. The medical group’s breast cancer navigation program also supports patients as they move through diagnosis, treatment and the steps that follow.
That team approach is evident in Dr. Barry’s work. After she performs the breast surgery, plastic surgeons complete the reconstruction. Together, their work addresses the cancer treatment and the patient’s appearance after surgery. Dr. Barry understands how difficult breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can be, and how meaningful it is to offer an option that may help patients feel more like themselves.
For patients, the care surrounding the operation matters alongside the technology. They may want to understand how the surgery works, what reconstruction involves and what to expect during recovery. They can bring those questions to a team that works together, with navigation support through the course of their care.
Dr. Barry’s milestone expands the surgical options available to her patients. Her work within Sharp Rees-Stealy’s coordinated care brings the story back to what patients need: skilled specialists, clear conversations about their choices and support that extends beyond one procedure.
Sharp Community Medical Group connects patients with high-quality, coordinated health care close to home while supporting the communities its physicians serve.
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Dr. Kaveh Bahmanpour, a family medicine physician and patient
When it comes to health care, convenience matters. Whether you need a routine checkup, a specialist appointment, diagnostic imaging, or hospital care, receiving services close to home can make a meaningful difference for you and your family. That is the philosophy behind Sharp Community Medical Group (SCMG), one of Southern California’s largest physician networks, built around a simple idea: exceptional health care should be available in the communities where people live, work, and raise their families.
SCMG’s local care delivery model begins with choosing a primary care physician in your neighborhood. When specialty care is needed, your doctor can refer you to local specialists who are part of the SCMG network. Those specialists can admit patients to nearby Sharp HealthCare or Palomar UC San Diego Health hospitals, helping ensure care remains coordinated and close to home.
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Sharp Community Medical Group’s local care delivery model
The benefits extend far beyond physician visits. SCMG patients have access to community-based laboratories, MRI and radiology centers, urgent care locations, pharmacies, and other ancillary services throughout the region. Instead of traveling across the county for care, patients can often receive the services they need in the communities they know and trust. As a result, care becomes more convenient, more connected, and easier to navigate.
For many SCMG physicians, the word “Community” in the organization’s name is more than branding. It reflects a commitment to giving back to the people and neighborhoods they serve.
That commitment is evident in the work of Dr. Joseph Novencido, an SCMG-affiliated physician and President of the Filipino Medical Association of San Diego, who organized the inaugural 2025 Carabao 5K. The event was created to encourage healthy lifestyles and physical activity among Filipino Americans, a population that experiences cardiovascular disease at significantly higher rates than the general U.S. population.
“Community is extremely important to me,” said Dr. Novencido. “I grew up in a very diverse community, and working in this area, in the community I grew up in is so fulfilling. It is so nice to be in a position where I can make a difference in the lives of the people here.”
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Dr. Joseph Novincido, a family medicine physician and his family
SCMG physician Dr. Leticia Polanco shares a similar passion for serving her community in Chula Vista.
“The reason I decided to go into medicine is because I felt there was an overwhelming need for people like me to take care of the community that I live in,” she said. “In our practice, we work as a team, we collaborate with our staff, and we really want to give that warm feeling to people who come here for care.”
Courtesy of Sharp Community Medical Group | Dr. Leticia Polanco, a family medicine physician and a staff member
Stories like these highlight what distinguishes SCMG: a network of physicians who are deeply invested in the health and well-being of the communities they serve, while providing patients with access to a coordinated local system of care. From preventive care and specialty services to imaging, urgent care, and hospital treatment, SCMG helps patients receive the right care, in the right place, close to home.
About Sharp Community Medical Group
Sharp Community Medical Group (SCMG) is one of Southern California’s largest physician networks, with more than 1,200 affiliated primary care and specialty physicians practicing throughout San Diego County. SCMG physicians can admit patients to local Sharp HealthCare and Palomar UC San Diego Health hospitals, providing convenient access to coordinated care throughout the community. For more information, visit scmg.org.
It’s fall again. You’ve done the cider tasting. You’ve done the three-legged race at the rec center down the street. You’ve done the craft fairs and candle-making class but have you pedaled down a railroad track built in the 1880s in a two-person, auto-assisted Railbike with the wind blowing through your hair as you take in the sights—citrus groves dotted with bright yellow lemons, sun-drenched mountains—and stopped at a pumpkin patch (with a petting zoo!) along the way?
Enter Sunburst Railbikes in Santa Paula, the bucket-list experience your bucket didn’t even know it was missing. Until now. “It’s the perfect escape from the city, from the hustle and bustle,” said Nicholas Martinez, who, as a manager and frequent guide for the Railbikes, has taken more than 500 rides and wants to do at least 500 more. “It’s exhilarating.”
It goes like this: You meet at the quaint historic Santa Paula Depot and hop on a bike, one specially created to perch snugly on the tracks. Because of the electric assist, you get to be as lazy or overachieving as you’d like. Kids three years old and up can do it, too. The whole journey is 10 miles and takes two hours, during which you take in fresh air and listen peacefully to the hypnotic clickety-clack while snaking in and out of lush groves. In April and August, you’ll see the avocado harvest. During fall, it’s all about the lemons. “It’s just a thrill to be gliding along,” says Martinez, explaining the uniqueness of the experience. “It’s like nothing else.”
The activity is a fit for all ages, with children under three riding in a front-facing chest carrier. Adults love the feeling of freedom. Kids love railroad crossings. They often wave at the stopped car traffic as they cruise by. “It’s such a hoot!” says Martinez.
Courtesy of Sunburst Railbikes
Toward the end of the journey, there’s a stop at Prancer’s Farm, a local business which is pretty much the holy grail of October activities. You can buy local produce like avocados, strawberries and honey, but also zipline, pet animals, pick a pumpkin or fresh produce, and go on hayrides or horse rides, get lost in a corn maze, pose in a marigold field or a sunflower field, ride a barrel train or…or…or maybe all of the above.
You’ll also experience a bit of history along the way. The tracks, laid down in 1887, used to shuttle passengers between Los Angeles and San Francisco. You can envision it as you go—travelers embarking on big trips before air travel. Later, in the 1940s and ’50s, freight trains used the tracks to haul fresh citrus.
It’s still a working railroad today, but it’s also a bit of a celebrity. The very tracks used by the Railbikes have been in more than 500 television and movie productions, everything from a Dr. Pepper commercial to the feature film Seabiscuit. So yeah, riding those tracks is Hollywood adjacent, kind of like meeting a well-known prop like the sofa from Central Perk.
While driving up from San Diego and back in one day is possible, you can easily turn the occasion into a fun weekend getaway. The cute-as-heck town of Ojai is a short car ride away. Think idyllic meanderings through nature, picturesque historic downtown and top-notch food choices. Ventura, equally close, is a chock-full of craft breweries and beach walks. Book a night somewhere and indulge.
Fall has plenty of traditions. So yes, you could spend another autumn afternoon at another craft fair. You could make some soup or play pin the stem on the pumpkin, but you also might want to climb aboard a Sunburst Railbike, pedal down a 139-year-old railroad track, wave at confused motorists and make an entirely unique core memory for you and your people.
Come experience the Sunburst Railbikes for yourself during their year-round trips through the citrus groves – sunset, extended, and other themed rides available seasonally.
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