communications_committee

Katherine Xie is an incoming sophomore at Rice University studying Biosciences with a concentration in Cell Biology and Genetics. She is passionate about pursuing a career in medicine, with a particular interest in dermatology and the intersection of clinical care and scientific research. Katherine is especially interested in translational medicine, skin biology, and skincare innovation, and hopes to contribute to advancing patient care through research-driven discoveries. Through her academic and extracurricular experiences, she aims to develop as both a clinician and researcher dedicated to improving health outcomes.

Shaylla Wilson is a rising sophomore at Rice University majoring in Chemistry and Asian Studies. She is driven by a deep interest in clinical care and Asian American health disparities. Shaylla is the Co-Founder and Co-President of Rice University’s upcoming chapter of the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA), where they work to support and resources for Asian American pre-medical students. In addition to her leadership in APAMSA, she serves as an O-Week Peer Academic Advisor (PAA), providing academic mentorship to incoming students, and also serves as the Cultural Chair for Rice’s Vietnamese Student Association (VSA). She is fascinated by the intersections of internal medicine and systemic disease, and ultimately plans to pursue a career in medicine specializing in ophthalmology or cardiology. She hope to integrate her love for chemical sciences, clinical research, and community advocacy into a future medical practice dedicated to protecting patient health.

Jada Truong is a second-year medical student at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) John Sealy School of Medicine and serves as a South Regional Conference Committee Member for APAMSA. Originally from the Houston area, she earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Baylor University and is passionate about advancing health equity, mentorship, and community engagement. At UTMB, Jada serves as President of the local APAMSA chapter, where she leads initiatives focused on professional development, cultural celebration, advocacy, and community outreach. Through APAMSA, she has helped at health screening events and educational programs serving Asian American communities, with a particular focus on improving healthcare access for Vietnamese-speaking patients.

As a first-generation college graduate and future physician, Jada is committed to addressing healthcare disparities through culturally competent care, mentorship, and service. Her professional interests include family medicine and community-based health initiatives, and she hopes to continue integrating leadership, advocacy, and service throughout her medical career.

Truong Nguyen is currently an MS-II at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. He currently serves as President of his local APAMSA chapter and is broadly interested in anesthesia, interventional psychiatry, and advancing health equity for the AANHPI community. Outside of medicine, he enjoys anime, all things horror-related, and spending time with his two cats.

Nathan Kim is currently a first-year medical student at the Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles. He graduated with a B.A. in Biological Sciences and minor in Computer Programming at the University of Southern California in 2024. During his gap year, he taught English to elementary students in Spain. Additionally, he has been a part of his college’s Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) chapter since he was a freshman as a chapter President, Vice President, and Finance Director, and now one of the West Region Directors. He enjoys learning languages, financial literacy, and hiking. After medical school, he aims to pursue a career in radiology and specialize in either neuroradiology or breast radiology.

Abby Regacho is currently a first year medical student at Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine (TUNCOM). She was born in Manila, Philippines, and immigrated to Indiana at age twelve. She is interested in the specialties emergency medicine or trauma surgery due to all the natural calamities she witnessed growing up in the Philippines. She completed her B.S. in Neurobiology and Physiology at Purdue University where she started her involvement with the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) as the president and founder of the Purdue Pre-Med chapter. Currently, she is the first-year representative at the TUNCOM chapter. In her free time, she enjoys traveling, pilates, and trying different restaurants and coffee shops in Vegas.

Teresa Tran is an MS3 at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix. As a previous board member for her local APAMSA chapter and a returning Region Director, she is so excited to continue supporting the AANHPI community through APAMSA. Outside her life as a medical student, she loves gaming with friends, staying active, and quality time with her cats. She’s looking forward to meeting all the wonderful people of APAMSA!

Carol Chen is currently a junior and will be a senior (2026-27) studying Neuroscience and Cognitive Science with minors in Biochemistry, Spanish, and Health and Human Values at the University of Arizona. Carol started her APAMSA journey three years ago at the University of Arizona Pre-Health APAMSA chapter. She has served on her local chapter executive board over these past couple of years, starting as an intern, then as the Director of Volunteer Outreach, and now as the President. She also served on National Board last term as one of the Region 7 Directors.

She is also part of Dr. Ying-Hui Chou’s Brain Imaging and TMS lab, where she investigates the applications of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, she serves as one of the Co-President for the Asian Pacific American Student Council, advocating for the best interests of the AANHPI community on campus. Outside of school, she enjoys rock climbing, crocheting, baking, traveling, painting, exploring cute cafes and restaurants, and spending time with family and friends.

Julie N. Trinh is currently a first-year osteopathic medical student at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She was born in Can Tho, Vietnam, and immigrated to Houston, Texas when she was 2 years old. Growing up in a predominantly Hispanic and Vietnamese immigrant community shaped her love for language, culture, and service, and has allowed her to become fluent in English, Vietnamese, and Spanish, with additional Korean language skills developed through 15 years of obsessing over Korean dramas.

Julie graduated on a full-ride from Rice University as part of the Class of 2025, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biosciences with a concentration in Cell Biology and Genetics, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Asian Studies with a Spanish certificate. She currently serves on the board of the Vietnamese Culture and Science Association as Program Chair, where she helps lead health and cultural programming for the over 70,000+ Houston community, members who attend the events, including one of the largest Vietnamese festivals in the southern United States.

In addition to her medical training, Julie is involved in research spanning both biomedical science and public health. She works as a medical student researcher in the Biomedical Engineering Department at the University of Houston, focusing on systemic lupus erythematosus research, and also contributes to public health research through Texas A&M, conducting surveys on health issues affecting the Vietnamese nail salon community.

Outside of medicine and research, Julie enjoys teaching Vietnamese to kindergarteners at her local church, dancing to V-pop and K-pop, singing karaoke, and trying out viral cooking recipes at home. Her passions for cultural connection, community service, research, and advocacy all come together in her aspiration to pursue a career in pediatrics and primary care, while also participating in global health missions on a biannual basis.