National Board

James “Jameson” Chua, MS is a current first year medical student at Touro University Nevada, College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was born to Chinese-Filipino immigrants in Seattle, Washington, and later moved to San Diego, California, where he spent the majority of his childhood and discovered a love for quesadillas and hip hop dancing. He received his B.A. in Biology from the University of San Diego, during which he became a brother of Sigma Pi fraternity and a coordinating director in charge of hosting a drag show on a religious-affiliated campus. Following graduation in 2019, he worked at The Scripps Research Institute and UC San Diego School of Medicine in Infectious Disease research, more specifically studying COVID-19. His work on SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies has since been published in journals such as Science and Nature Communications. In 2022, he received his M.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Drexel University, College of Medicine, and developed a passion for aimless walks and discovering hidden gems all throughout Philly. If he isn’t in the Touro library cramming for his next exam, he can likely be found in one of three places: cooking and baking up a storm in his kitchen, streaming on Twitch to raise money for charity, or watching Rupaul’s Drag Race with his best friend (his Shiba Inu-Beagle pupper). After medical school, he hopes to pursue a career in either Pathology or Psychiatry; stay tuned as a lot more is coming up in his first year! During his time as the 2024-25 Fundraising Director, he hopes to create novel and collaborative ways for members across all of the APAMSA chapters to work together to raise money for new scholarships and the future and longevity of the organization.

Hey y’all! I am a second year MD student at NYU. Originally born and raised in Pittsburgh, I studied psychology and education studies at Yale and, after graduating, worked in education for three years (two of which were spent in Fort Worth). I’m passionate about psychiatry, community- and school-based mental health, and decreasing barriers to quality health care. Outside of medicine, I enjoy learning languages, playing tennis and pickle ball, doing arts and crafts, and exploring new public transport systems.

Hello! My name is Brandon Park, and I am a medical student 6-year BA/MD Program at the University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Medicine. I grew up in the suburbs of Chicago, and I am currently serving as the National APAMSA Sponsorship Co-Director! Previously, I was a part of the National APAMSA Leadership Committee last year and my local chapter’s Treasurer the past two years. As a member of APAMSA, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming year, during which we will further extend our influence, collaborate with various organizations to advocate for our community’s needs, and tackle healthcare disparities. During my free time, I enjoy playing sports, especially soccer, hanging out with friends, and listening to pop and hip-hop music.

Hello! My name is Anne Nguyen and I am a medical student at New York Medical College. I first became involved with APAMSA as member of my local chapter and later as a co-Internal President. I had the great opportunity to be a part of the Southeast Asian Committee last year, in which I supported projects aimed at increasing representation of Southeast Asian students and awareness of Southeast Asian health disparities. I am excited to serve as the Women in Medicine Director for this year and work towards fostering mentorship for AANHPI women in medicine, as well as advocate for AANHPI concerns surrounding women’s health. In my free time, I like to knit, draw, and go to the beach!

Hi, my name is Natasha Arief (they/she)! I am currently a medical student at California Northstate University College of Medicine. I was born and raised in Los Angeles and obtained my B.A. in Health and Humanity, as well as an M.S. in Global Medicine, from the University of Southern California. As a non-binary individual trying to navigate the current sociopolitical landscape, I hope to foster a supportive and informed community within APAMSA where queer AANHPI folks can feel safe living as their authentic selves. I’ve been involved in health policy and community organizing since I was an undergraduate, and I look forward to bringing critical LGBTQ+ issues to light this year. Outside of studying and work, I enjoy reading, watching anime, gaming, baking, and thrifting! I’m also trying to learn crochet so that I can self-sustain my plush addiction.

Hello everyone! My name is Kimsa Nguyen and I am the daughter of Vietnamese refugees. I am a student at California Health Sciences University and will be the first in my family to become a physician. Prior to medical school, I received my MPH in Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health from University of California, Berkeley School of Public Health and my undergraduate degree from University of California, Davis in Cell Biology. I’m passionate about health equity, social impact, and reproductive justice. I’m enthusiastic about working in the intersection of public health and medicine to address health disparities and engage in meaningful systems-level change to ensure that people can live their best, healthiest lives. Outside of medicine, I love to travel, craft, and cook for my loved ones!

Aliza Ali, MS is a second year medical student at the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine in San Antonio, Texas. She was born in Pakistan and her family immigrated to America when she was 3 years old. She grew up and graduated high school in Chicago after which she attended undergrad at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She has BS in Biomedical Science and a BA World Religions. Her family moved to Dallas, TX while she was in college so she moved down after she graduated. After college she worked at the Dallas Public Library fulfilling her childhood fantasy of being a librarian, though she did not find her prince charming between the stacks of books she managed to read within that year. She then attended UNT Health Science Center for her Masters in Medical Science and scribed at a Neurology Clinic before beginning medical school at Incarnate Word. She was excited to serve as her local chapter president this past year helping with diverse representation on her campus. As South Asian Director she aspires to facilitate a greater understanding of the challenges inherent in caring for South Asian patients, while also promoting the integration of their cultural, backgrounds, and lifestyles into tailored care plans for these diverse populations. She seeks to promote greater integration of all Asian populations, fostering understanding of their unique challenges and facilitating the incorporation of their diverse cultural backgrounds and lifestyles into comprehensive care plans. Her hobbies include cooking, eating, sleeping, and going to the gym with her boyfriend. After medical school, her aspiration is to embark on a path and specialty that brings her personal happiness while enabling her to deliver high-quality care to her patients, prioritizing their health and satisfaction.

Hey y’all! My name is John Tran and I’m a third-year medical student at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. I started my leadership duties with APAMSA as Publicity Chair with McGovern APAMSA and I’m incredibly excited to continue to work on the social media side of our national organization! Aside from my role with APAMSA, I am also a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army and I enjoy hooping and watching the Houston Rockets play. 🚀

Hey everyone! My name is Andrew Leung, and I am a second year medical student at Hackensack Meridian School of Medicine. I grew up in South Brunswick, New Jersey and studied Biology at Washington University in St. Louis, so coming back to my home state for medical school was a great homecoming. I previously served as Secretary for my local chapter, and I instantly felt the connection to stay involved with APAMSA! Outside of school and rotations I like cooking different cuisines, watching movies and anime, playing the violin, and connecting with friends on the new APAMSA Discord #NotAnAd. Anyways, I’m thrilled to be your Social Media Co-Director and hope you enjoy what’s to come this year!

Hey everyone! My name is Lara Castaneda and I am currently a first-year medical student at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine Middletown. I was born and raised in Westchester, New York. For my undergraduate, I attended Stony Brook University where I majored in Health Science and minored in Chemistry. Since starting medical school, my commitment to increasing awareness and encouraging communication around AAPI medical concerns motivated me to Co-Found and serve as President for my local APAMSA chapter. Outside of school, I love trying new food spots, traveling, and playing volleyball. I’m excited to serve as your Database Director and continue my commitment to supporting the APAMSA community.