Network Director

James Chen is currently a third year medical student at the University of Texas Medical Branch John Sealy School of Medicine (JSSOM) in Galveston, Texas. He grew up in Houston, Texas and completed his B.A. in Biochemistry and Cell Biology at Rice University with a minor in the Medical Humanities. His research background before medical school consisted of cancer therapeutic research at MD Anderson and wound healing research at Baylor College of Medicine, and in medical school he is involved with research around novel devices to help the visually impaired, improvements to medical education, and AANHPI health disparities. In the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association, he has previously served as the JSSOM Chapter President and is motivated to create a stronger sense of community for AANHPI medical students. Outside of school, he loves trying new restaurants, basketball, live music, traveling, and playing piano. After medical school, he aims to pursue a career as an ophthalmologist.

Hi everyone, I’m Christine! I’m a third year at PNWU. I was born in MA, but I was raised most of my life in OR. I graduated from University of Portland, majoring in Biology and a minor in Sociology. I deeply care about health advocacy in our AANHPI community and had the opportunity to serve as a Region VIII Director this past year. I am excited to be re-elected and look forward to strengthening our AANHPI community together. In my free time, I enjoy live music, baking, dancing and traveling!

Hello! My name is Bunnarin Theng, a third-year medical student at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. I was born and raised in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and immigrated to the United States when I was 15. I graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Since my first year of medical school, I have been involved with APAMSA, serving as our local chapter Vice President in Academic Research. I was also a part of the National Hepatitis Conference Committee in the past year. Outside of school, I enjoy exploring new coffee shops, Asian restaurants, and just about anything food-related! I also love traveling to new countries and have been to 24 countries so far!

Hey! My name is Jerry Liu, and I’m a second year medical student at Texas A&M School of Medicine. I grew up in Plano, Texas before attending UT Austin where I studied Management Information Systems and Chemistry. I’m excited to serve as one APAMSA’s Region 9 Directors, and help support the AANHPI population in this area. Outside of school, I enjoy west coast swing dancing, baking, and playing board games with friends!

Howdy, y’all! My name is Francis Khuong, and I am an MD-PhD student at Texas Tech University Health Science Center. Outside of school, I serve as one of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) Region IX Directors. Before medical school, I obtained my B.S. in Biochemistry from the University of Texas at Dallas and worked at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center as a research technician in the Wetzel Lab, studying the mechanisms of internalization for Leishmania parasites. I continue to take an avid interest in Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), and am planning to continue focusing on them during the PhD portion of my program. In my free time, I enjoy playing games, hanging out with my cat (Nori), and fueling both my obsession with culturing and my stomach through baking sourdough!

Hi everyone! I’m Brandon and I’m a first year at Keck School of Medicine. I was born in Los Angeles, California but spent my childhood growing up in the bay area between Fremont and Palo Alto. I graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a major in biology and minor in psychology. I’m currently the cultural/social chair of my local APAMSA chapter. I’m incredibly excited for the opportunity to be working with and strengthening the AANHPI community, and will be looking forward to be serving as one of the Region 8 Directors!

Hello, my name is Julia Liu and I am a 2nd year MD student at Oregon Health & Science University. I grew up in northern California and graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.S. in Sociology. In my free time I like to lift weights, crochet, hike, and discover new neighborhoods.

My name is Naomi and I am a medical student at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). I received my bachelor’s degree from Colorado College where I majored in biology & ecology and minored in environmental issues. After college, I was part of the American India Foundation Banyan Impact Fellowship for Service in India, where I was placed at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. Within APAMSA, I’ve served as a national conference committee member, local chapter co-president, and mentor for undergraduate students. I also volunteer with an adaptive sports program for youth with disabilities. My interests include global health, climate/planetary health, health disparities, and working with underserved populations. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, skiing, hiking, playing intramural volleyball, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends/family.

Hello again! My name is Lyndon Bui, MS4 at UofA Phoenix. I am originally from Orange, CA and I am excited to continue working with the wonderful chapters in Region VII and beyond. I have been passionate about AANHPI culture, outreach, and community conditions since college and it is a privilege to continue to learn more and collaborate on events with you all! Outside of APAMSA, my hobbies include spikeball, pickleball, ping pong, cooking, eating, and spontaneous hang outs:) I am very grateful for the opportunity to serve as Regional Director and look forward to creating fun memories with you all!

What’s up y’all! I’m Phil, an MS3 at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. Having been born and raised in Montreal, I attended McGill University for my undergraduate and graduate schooling, but I now call the Sonoran Deserts home. I am super excited to be serving as your Region VII Director as joining APAMSA has allowed me to connect with the many cultures that fall within the AANHPI community. Although region VII has expanded in size this year, I hope to bring us closer than ever before, with more inter-chapter networking socials, community outreach events, and professional development workshops! Outside of medicine, I am a (reformed) golf addict and a huge enjoyer of sleep, so in my free time you can probably find me taking a nap on the golf course.