A Message From Our President
Welcome to APAMSA! Thank you for visiting our website and learning more about our initiatives for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) pre-medical students, medical students, physicians, and community members.
As the largest, official 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the unique health challenges of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities, we are driven by a mission to enact meaningful change. Since our inception in 1995, APAMSA has been pivotal in combating health disparities through robust leadership, mentorship, advocacy, research, and service. With over 170 chapters spanning nine regions, we are strategically positioned to impact the AANHPI communities directly, delivering critical services and fostering health equity where it is most needed.
APAMSA has intensified its focus on preventative health measures by championing hepatitis, cancer, and mental health education. Our local chapters have been instrumental in enacting change on the ground by organizing health fairs, advocating for policy changes, expanding research participation, and educating the public about health disparities. We have strengthened our commitment to inclusivity by leading committees and initiatives that serve diverse subgroups within our community. Through civic engagement and professional development initiatives, we are amplifying AANHPI voices and preparing a new generation of healthcare leaders.
Join us in fulfilling our 2024 National Goals:
- Expanding Educational Initiatives: Educating both patients and healthcare providers on the unique health challenges and disparities AANHPI communities face.
- Spearheading Diversity: Strengthening our commitment to inclusivity by advocating for diverse subgroups within the AANHPI community, and creating more opportunities for traditionally marginalized groups.
- Promoting AANHPI-Centered Research: Creating opportunities for students to learn from researchers who conduct AANHPI-centered research, identify and address specific health and professional challenges that AANHPI communities face, and disseminate this research at national and regional conferences.
- Strengthen Mentorship Programs: Guiding the next generation of healthcare leaders by matching mentees with mentors who share similar experiences.
- Grow Our Alumni and Membership Base: Bridging connections between local and national APAMSA through joint initiatives, events, and socials.
- Enhance Partnerships: Strengthen our partnership with allied organizations and creating more opportunities for inter-organizational collaboration.
We invite you to join us in our mission by becoming a member of APAMSA HERE and following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected with us. Stand with APAMSA and become a catalyst for health equity. Let’s ensure that every member of the AANHPI community has access to the quality, culturally-sensitive healthcare they deserve. Together, we can create lasting change!
“The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” – Coretta Scott King
Yours sincerely,
Victoria J. Shi
She/Her/Hers
President
president@apamsa.org
Helen Heo, National Conference Director
National Board
Helen Heo is a third-year MD/PhD student at the Duke University School of Medicine. Originally from Milwaukee, WI, she completed her B.S. in Neurobiology and Molecular Biology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison before spending a year in San Francisco, CA as a SENS Research Foundation Postbaccalaureate Research Fellow at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging. She then moved to Durham, NC to pursue her MD/PhD training at Duke. She is completing her PhD in lab of Dr. Cagla Eroglu, where her research will focus on the role of astrocytes in Multiple Sclerosis using human cellular models.
She has been involved in Duke’s chapter of APAMSA for the past three years, serving as chapter president in 2023-2024. She is excited to serve as a National Conference Logistics Director for the 2025 National APAMSA Conference, and is looking forward to celebrating APAMSA as well as introducing attendees to Duke and Durham!
Kelly Pu, National Conference Director
National Board
Hi everyone! My name is Kelly Pu, and I am an MS1 at Duke University School of Medicine. I am originally from Minnesota and majored in biomedical engineering at Columbia University. I’m interested in neuroscience and neurology. Outside of medicine, I enjoy running and the outdoors- I’ve run two marathons (so far) during medical school!
I’m part of Duke APAMSA’s Mental Health Committee and excited to be co-Director of Speaker Relations for the 2025 National Conference!
Katrina Hon, National Conference Director
National Board
Hi! My name is Katrina Hon and I am currently a first year medical student at Duke University School of Medicine. I grew up in Connecticut and got my Bachelor’s in Neuroscience at Harvard. Before medical school, I worked as a healthcare consultant in San Francisco. I am interested in exploring the intersection of neuroscience and medical humanities, as well as finding ways to support and build connections within AANHPI communities. I have loved being able to take a more active role in community engagement through APAMSA, and I am excited to expand my involvement through the national conference! Outside of medicine, I also enjoy traveling, thrifting, and painting!
Jamie Lim, National Conference Director
National Board
Hi! My name is Jamie, and I’m a medical student at the Duke University School of Medicine. I grew up in Alabama and studied Biology and History as an undergraduate at Duke University. My current medical interests lie in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology. In my free time, I love trying new restaurants and cafes, crocheting, taking care of my plants, going on road trips, and enjoying live music.
Hannah Zang, National Conference Director
National Board
Hannah Zang is currently a third year medical student at Duke University School of Medicine in Durham, North Carolina. She was born and raised in the Dallas, Texas area. Since then, she has completed her B.S. in Biology and Psychology at Lyon College. Her research before medical school consisted of CRISPR-Cas9 molecular analysis at University of Arkansas and protein transport characterization at Lyon College. In medical school, she is involved with research comparing epidural techniques, improving maternal morbidity and mortality, and investigating AANHPI health disparities. In the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association, she has served as the Social Committee Chair in her local chapter and is motivated to create a stronger sense of community for AANHPI medical students. Outside of school, she loves reading romance novels, writing to penpals, taking care of plants, and trying new restaurants. After medical school, she aims to pursue a career in the field of obstetric anesthesiology.
Allan Chen, National Conference Director
National Board
Allan Chen is currently a 1st year medical student at Duke University School of Medicine. He grew up in Denver, Colorado and graduated from Duke University in 2021 with a BS in Biology. Since then, he has worked as a medical assistant in orthopedic surgery and completed a Fulbright Scholarship in Mexico. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, baking, watching NFL, music festivals/concerts, and karaokeing to Taylor Swift. He hopes to pursue a career in surgical oncology and continue his work teaching and working with Hispanic and Asian populations.
Stephen Lin, Region I Director
National Board
Hi everyone! My name is Stephen Lin, and I am a medical student at the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine (UNE COM). I was born in NYC but grew up in Wisconsin where I completed my undergraduate studies at St. Norbert College, and obtained my B.S. in Biology. In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, playing board games, trying new recipes, making music, and spending time with my family/friends. Last but not least, I love spending time with my cat, Martin (@martin_the_sheriff). I am very excited to join the APAMSA family this year and looking forward to serving you all as the APAMSA Region 1 Co-Director!
Emily Chen, Region V Director
National Board
Hi everyone! My name is Emily Chen, and I am currently a M1 at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. I was born in Guangzhou, China and immigrated to the US with my parents when I was young. Before medical school, I got my B.S. in Neuroscience at The Ohio State University. I am currently the co-president of my local APAMSA chapter and am heavily involved in our organization’s hepatitis outreach and Mandarin education. In my free time, I love dancing to K-pop, trying new restaurants, and cooking with my family!
Alicia Bui, Hepatitis B & C Director
National Board
Hello! My name is Alicia Bui and I am a third year medical student at Oakland University William Beaumont School of Medicine. I grew up in Irvine, CA and I graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences. I’ve been involved with APAMSA since my first year of medical school and I served as the Chapter President this past year. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, eating good food, doing nail art, going to concerts, and loving BTS. I’m passionate about addressing health disparities in the AANHPI population so I’m excited to serve as a Hepatitis B/C Director this year!