communications_committee

Xin Rong Dong is a first-year medical student at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine. Born in Fuzhou, China and raised in Michigan, she graduated from the University of Michigan with a double major in Chinese Studies and Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience. She is passionate about advancing health equity by addressing cultural and LGBTQ+ disparities in care to ensure inclusive representation in medicine. In her free time, she enjoys creating digital art and spending time with her dog.

My name is Thinh Nguyen, but I go by Bin. I’m a third-year medical student at Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University. I was born and raised in Saigon, Vietnam, and moved to the U.S. at age 20 to pursue my journey in medicine. In my free time, I love exploring local coffee shops, growing my collection of houseplants, and maybe lifting – depending on who’s asking. One of my long-term goals is to advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community and increase visibility for Asian queerness in medicine.

Hi, I’m Elijah! I’m a nontraditional medical student at Marian University – Wood College of Osteopathic Medicine, with a deep appreciation for public health and a passion for reproductive medicine and sexual health. I’m one of three kids born in Southern California and raised primarily by my grandparents in a Chinese immigrant household. I’m also proudly first-generation, pursuing this self-determined path well beyond the high school level. My journey to medicine wasn’t linear: I earned a Bachelor’s in Music at University of California-Irvine before pivoting into the sciences and completing a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences at Marian, where I focused my research on increasing representation in healthcare, especially for communities too often left out of the conversation. When I’m not in my student doctor role, I’m lounging around listening to music, solving Sudoku puzzles, watching documentaries, being a devoted cat dad to my Tabby, Paulette Bonafonté, and learning the nuanced art of keeping my growing plant nursery happy and alive!

Born and raised on the island of Guam. Of Native CHamorro, Japanese, and Filipino heritage. Pursuing a career in primary care with a focus on preventative medicine and health systems reform in the Pacific.

Josephine Kaohi is a second-year medical student at Kansas City University College of Osteopathic Medicine – Kansas City Campus. She received her B.S. in Biology from the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa and was raised in a multicultural household with Korean, Japanese, Chinese, and Native Hawaiian heritage. Growing up as a military child, she moved frequently between the United States and Korea, which deepened her appreciation for cultural diversity. She is passionate about representing her heritage as a future physician and is committed to promoting culturally competent care in healthcare. In her free time, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, listening to K-Pop, and reading historical fiction novels.

Hi everyone! My name is Reina Takaki-Nakagawa and I am a rising OMS-III at Touro University Nevada, College of Osteopathic Medicine! I’m from Mililani, Hawai’i and hope to return back home as a primary care physician. In my free time, I love eating and trying new restaurants and attending professional sports games with my husband!

Aloha, I’m Ka‘iu! As a first-generation student born and raised in Hawaii and part Native Hawaiian, I have always been passionate about working towards health equity in underserved communities. I graduated from UCLA with a degree in Psychobiology and recently earned my Master of Public Health at USC. Currently I am a Clinical Research Assistant at USC Keck Medical Center, where I help with a study focused on uncovering biomarkers for brain diseases that lead to cognitive impairment and dementia in Asian American populations. As an aspiring physician, I’m dedicated to amplifying NHPI voices and driving meaningful change in healthcare. Outside of studying and work, I love playing basketball, crocheting, and exploring new music!

My name is Cuong “TJ” Vu, and I’m an MS1 at the University of Washington in Seattle. In my free time, I enjoy running and photography. I’m excited to work with APAMSA to advocate for Southeast Asian communities, amplify their voices, and ensure that their stories and needs are heard and supported.

Hello, my name is Gigi Thao. I’m a OMS-II at CHSU COM. I’m local to my medical school, so this gives me a unique advantage to engage with my Hmong community for various Asian American events. I am passionate about community outreach and diversity representation. In my time off, I enjoy collecting gems and minerals and gardening. I’m excited to be a part of APAMSA, and contribute to the growing representation.

Hi folks! My name is Christelle Bucag and I am a rising M3 at the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine (FIU HWCOM). I did my undergraduate at Florida State University (FSU), and had the opportunity to study abroad for a semester at the University College of London. I joined National APAMSA as I am really passionate about Southeast Asian representation in medicine especially in the Southeastern US following my work in the Asian American Student Union at FSU and my current role as Class Council President for the FIU HWCOM MD Class of 2027. I previously reestablished the local APAMSA chapter at FIU HWCOM and served as president and I look forward to continuing that work on a broader scale. Outside of school, I like to cook, swim, play music, and dance Zumba (Live love 305 ~ Miami!).