National Board Bio

Shawn Lim is currently a third year medical student at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston, Texas. He was born and raised in Sugar Land, Texas and graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a B.S. in Biochemistry. After college, he worked as a medical assistant at a neurology clinic and a dermatology clinic before pursing his love for coffee as a barista. He has spent two years involved in UTMB’s local APAMSA chapter, including one year as chapter President, before taking on his current role as a Region IX Co-Director. He is passionate about investing in the next generation and is a strong proponent of “paying it forward”. Outside of school, he enjoys playing sports, trying new recipes, exploring new restaurants, and travel. After graduation, he aims to pursue a career as a dermatologist.

Hi everyone! I’m excited to step into my role as the Region IX Director for APAMSA this year. As a rising fourth-year medical student and former South Asian Director, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the incredible impact APAMSA has on our communities and future physicians. This organization has given me invaluable experiences, lifelong friendships, and a deeper passion for advocacy and mentorship. I can’t wait to see what this year holds and work alongside such an inspiring group of leaders!

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 Leishmania during the PhD portion of my training with the Karamysheva lab. In my free time, I play games, hang out with my cat (Nori), and travel whenever I can!

Hi! My name is Allison Chang, and I am a third year medical student at the University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine. I was born and raised in the Bay Area, and received my undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and History of Art and Architecture from Harvard University. Previously, I served as the Co-Chair of our local APAMSA chapter at UCSF. My medical interests are in trauma surgery, surgical oncology, global surgery, and medical education.

Hello, my name is Julia Liu and I am a 3rd 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. I am interested in advocacy, social determinants of health, and developing community health outreach. 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, where I was placed at the Madras Crocodile Bank Trust in Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu. Within APAMSA, I’ve served as a Region 8 Director, National Conference Committee Member, local chapter co-President, and mentor for undergraduate students. I’m also involved with AMWA as an Anne C. Carter Global Health Fellow and AWHS Clinic Grant Subcommittee Student Chair. Outside of school, I volunteer with an adaptive sports program for youth with disabilities. I enjoy traveling, skiing, hiking, playing intramural volleyball, trying new restaurants, and spending time with friends/family.

Melanie Jun is a medical student at The University of New Mexico School of Medicine, Class of 2027, and was born and raised in Alamogordo, New Mexico. She graduated from The University of New Mexico.

Melanie is dedicated to addressing healthcare disparities and is actively involved in various leadership roles. She currently serves as the Region VII Director for the APAMSA National Board, Membership Branch, and has held positions within her local APAMSA chapter, including President and Secretary. She is also engaged in advocacy and service through the Native Health Initiative, where she mentors in the Healers of Tomorrow Mentorship Program and volunteers with the Adaptive Sports Program in New Mexico.

In addition to her advocacy work, Melanie leads the Family Medicine Interest Group at UNM and participates in the Rural Urban Underserved Program and the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Interest Group.

Outside of medicine, Melanie enjoys playing tennis, basketball, ultimate frisbee, and backpacking. She is passionate about improving healthcare access and equity, particularly in rural and underserved communities, and aims to integrate these values into her future career in medicine.

Hi everybody! I am currently an MS3 at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. As a previous board member for my local APAMSA chapter, it’s been so rewarding to collaborate with my AANHPI peers in furthering our various APAMSA initiatives. Outside of life as a medical student, I truly have too many hobbies and not enough time. Some current obsessions are gaming with friends, soup, and quality time with my cat. I hope to meet as many of y’all as possible through some fun events and conferences throughout this year as Region VII director!

The University of Arizona Pre-Health APAMSA chapter has been my second home throughout college, and I truly want to give back to this community that has given me so much. Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving on the executive board, starting as an intern and now as the Director of Volunteer Outreach.

I am currently involved in Dr. Ying-Hui Chou’s Brain Imaging and TMS lab, where I work on a study investigating the applications of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, I serve as one of the Co-Director of Internal Outreach for the Asian Pacific American Student Council, advocating for the best interests of the APA community on campus. Outside of school, I enjoy rock climbing, crocheting, baking, traveling, painting, exploring cute cafes and restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

Having grown up in the Phoenix area and now attending college in Tucson, I have strong ties to many Arizona chapters. Yet, I dream bigger. My goal as your Region VII Director is to strengthen relationships across all chapters in the region so that, together, we can achieve more than any chapter could on its own. I am excited to work with and support each chapter in achieving its goals!

I am currently a second-year medical student at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. I graduated from the University of California, San Diego in 2018 with dual bachelor’s degrees in Biochemistry and Psychology in Human Health. Through APAMSA, I hope to be an advocate for underrepresented students in medicine as well as promote awareness on the unique responsibilities and obstacles of medicine within AANHPI communities. Outside of school, I recently picked up sewing – so far I’ve made pouches and bags. I also love playing video/PC games, cooking, and cuddling with my @pupperino.pals! I am excited to work alongside my peers to uphold APAMSA values and ideologies.