Our Providers

Derek McCrae, MD, MA, FAAP

Pediatrician

Dr. Derek McCrae is a board certified pediatrician who has been caring for children for the past 20 years. He is a Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Dr. McCrae was born and raised in Los Angeles. He studied psychology at UCLA as an undergraduate, graduated from UCLA Medical School and also holds a master's degree in biology from California State University, Dominguez Hills. He completed his pediatric training at UCSF Oakland Children's Hospital.

He joined Cardin HealthCare in 2014 and is committed to serving families in Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles area. In his spare time, he enjoys running and traveling.

• Education:MD, UCLA Medical School; MA in Biology, California State University, Dominguez Hills; undergraduate degree in Psychology, UCLA
• Pediatric training:UCSF Oakland Children's Hospital
• Certification:Board certified in Pediatrics; Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP)
• With Cardin HealthCare since:2014

Tyra P. Reece-Smith, MD, FAAP

Pediatrician

Dr. Tyra P. Reece-Smith is a board certified pediatrician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for children of all ages.

She earned her Doctor of Medicine from St. George's University and also holds a Master of Science in Forensic Science from Drexel University. She completed her pediatric residency at UCSF Fresno and has experience in both clinical practice and research, with a focus on preventive medicine, acute and chronic conditions, and newborn care.

Beyond her work in the United States, Dr. Reece-Smith has contributed to global health projects, including teaching young people about HIV/AIDS and helping with medical care in underserved communities in Ghana. She is passionate about community outreach, adolescent health and helping her patients stay well for the long run.

• Education:MD, St. George's University; MS in Forensic Science, Drexel University
• Pediatric residency:UCSF Fresno
• Certification:Board certified in Pediatrics; Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP)
• Special interests:Preventive care, newborn care, adolescent health, community outreach

Christy Vuong, MSPAP, PA-C

Physician Assistant

Christy Vuong is a board certified physician assistant. She earned her master's degree from the University of La Verne in 2024.

She holds a bachelor's degree in Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology with a minor in Chemistry from California State University, Long Beach, where she was a University Honors student and did neuroendocrine research. Before becoming a PA, Christy worked as an EMT in prehospital 911 care and in a pediatric emergency department, where she thrived in busy, high acuity settings.

Christy is passionate about expanding access to healthcare, patient education and serving underserved communities. She joined Cardin HealthCare in May 2025. Outside of medicine, she enjoys baking, experimenting with cooking and coffee drinks, canyon drives, and spending time with her family and two cats.

• Education:MSPAP, University of La Verne (2024); bachelor's degree in Molecular Cell Biology and Physiology, minor in Chemistry, California State University, Long Beach
• Certification:Board certified Physician Assistant (PA-C)
• Special interests:Patient education, access to care, underserved communities
• With Cardin HealthCare since:May 2025

Naomi

Mental Health

Naomi supports the emotional and mental health of the kids, teens and families we care for.