Women in Medicine Conversations: Dr. Rachel Lee on Service and Military Medicine
Welcome to Season 3! This episode of White Coats and Rice features Dr. Rachel Lee, a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and internal medicine physician who is a professor in the Department of Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and a professor of medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. As a retired U.S. Navy medical officer, Dr. Lee reflects on her 20+ years in military medicine through the HPSP pathway, her transition into allergy and immunology, and her experiences balancing clinical practice with military leadership. She also shares insights on mentorship, resilience, and navigating identity as an Asian woman in academic and military medicine, emphasizing advocacy and support for trainees. This episode highlights her perspective on building a meaningful, adaptable career across service, academia, and specialty practice.
For listeners who would like to continue the conversation or reach out, Dr. Lee can be contacted at ral026@ucsd.edu
Listen here:
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
YouTube
This episode was produced by Grace Kim, hosted by Madeline Pan, and graphic by Romi Sheng.
00:07 — Opening
01:38 — What led Dr. Lee into medicine and HPSP
03:48 — How the Health Professions Scholarship Program works
07:05 — Branch options and different paths into military medicine
09:00 — What to consider before choosing military medicine
12:22 — Advice about purpose and preventing burnout
14:16 — Unexpected opportunities from the Navy
17:46 — How the Navy shaped Dr. Lee personally and professionally
21:14 — Choosing allergy and immunology
24:59 — Identity, bias, and navigating stereotypes
29:36 — Advice for women advocating for themselves
31:55 — Myths about allergists
33:45 — Closing remarks
00:07 — Opening
Madeline Pan: Welcome back to White Coats and Rice and the APAMSA podcast from roundtable discussions on current health topics to recaps of panels with distinguished leaders in healthcare to conversations with student leaders across the organization. This is White Coats and Rice. My name is Madeline Pan, and I am the Woman in Medicine Director this year and a fourth-year medical student at the University of Texas Medical Branch. I am joined today with one of my committee members.
Carolyn Vo: Hi, my name is Carolyn Vo. I am currently a second-year at Touro Nevada. We will be your host today.
Madeline Pan: We are really excited to introduce a very special guest for this episode, Dr. Rachel Lee. Dr. Lee is a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and internal medicine physician who started her medical school journey as a part of the Health Professions Scholarship Program. After completing residency training at Naval Medical Center San Diego and fellowship training at Scripps Clinic, she served for over 20 years as a medical officer in the United States Navy before retiring as a captain. Today she is a professor in the Department of Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and a professor of medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. We are grateful to have you today with us, Dr. Lee. How are you doing?
Dr. Lee: I’m doing well. Thanks so much for inviting me to speak on this forum here.
01:38 — What led Dr. Lee into medicine and HPSP
Madeline Pan: Since we are filming this episode with the pre-health audience in mind, could you start by telling us what initially inspired you to pursue medicine and when did the Health Professions Scholarship Program, or HPSP, first come onto your radar?
Dr. Lee: Yeah, so I will say that when I was younger, this is way back before Google and social media, so back in the nineties when I was finishing college. I was really, you know, everybody goes through that journey of figuring out what do we want to do when we grow up, right? And I definitely wanted to do something in healthcare.
03:48 — How the Health Professions Scholarship Program works
Madeline Pan: For students who may not be familiar with the program, can you explain how the Health Professions Scholarship Program works and what it offers to aspiring healthcare professionals?
Dr. Lee: Yeah, so the Health Professions Scholarship Program is a military-sponsored program where they are training future medical officers. For medical school, they offer a full scholarship for all four years of medical school, and during that time you get a stipend for living expenses and they pay for all your books and supplies and everything.
07:05 — Branch options and different paths into military medicine
Carolyn Vo: Do students have preferences for different branches, or is it kind of like a self-finding journey about which branch?
Dr. Lee: Yeah. So there’s actually several ways into military medicine. Mine was before med school I applied and I got accepted before starting med school. Some people are already in residency and they realize they have all this debt, and they’ve actually joined during residency.
09:00 — What to consider before choosing military medicine
Carolyn Vo: For pre-health students interested in this program, what are the biggest considerations that they should keep in mind when deciding if it’s a good fit? And you may have already answered this previously, but what was the deciding factor for you?
Dr. Lee: So I think personally it was really just not having a huge debt at the end and just having that burden. But looking back and looking at current students and residents and fellows and kind of young junior staff attendings, I think everybody in medicine is very like probably type A personality. The military really will say they don’t really care too much about your plans. It’s mission first.
12:22 — Advice about purpose and preventing burnout
Madeline Pan: Looking back on your journey, what is the most significant piece of advice you heard as a pre-health student that has shaped your journey the most?
Dr. Lee: I think one of the biggest things that helped me figure out what I want to do and going into medicine and figuring out my career and various jobs that I’ve had along the way really is choosing a career where we can serve our community. I think that even though it sounds very obvious in medicine, there are a lot of people in medicine as you’ve probably seen that that’s really not the reason they choose it. But choosing a career that ultimately gives you a reason to get up every day helps prevent burnout.
14:16 — Unexpected opportunities from the Navy
Madeline Pan: I’d love to hear about some of your experiences in the HPSP program. Were there any unexpected opportunities or perspectives that came from being in the Navy that you would not have had otherwise?
Dr. Lee: There are so many, I don’t even know where to start. My whole family, my parents and relatives and all the people I knew, I never knew anybody in the military. And I didn’t know anybody in medicine actually growing up. But along the way, the military is going to offer a lot of opportunities that you just never even knew existed.
17:46 — How the Navy shaped Dr. Lee personally and professionally
Madeline Pan: How did your experience in the US Navy shape you both professionally and personally?
Dr. Lee: Professionally, I spent my entire early medical life in the military. So I did my internship, residency. I was an internist for a while and then I went back to fellowship and did my fellowship in allergy. The military is very big on education and they will pay for almost any kind of educational opportunity if you want it.
21:14 — Choosing allergy and immunology
Madeline Pan: I also really liked hearing about your personal life and different roles in your family. Your advice and your experiences are going to help a lot of students who are considering the program. So just to change the topic, I’m curious about your specialty. How did you decide on your specialty?
Dr. Lee: I knew nothing about allergy when I went into allergy. I had initially planned to go into infectious disease. But when I was an internist for a few years, I really wanted to be able to go home for dinner every night, or at least most nights. The more interesting thing was why some people got really sick from the same pathogen, whereas other people never got sick.
24:59 — Identity, bias, and navigating stereotypes
Madeline Pan: How has your identity as an Asian woman shaped your experience in medicine? How did you encounter stereotypes in medicine and navigate them?
Dr. Lee: Everybody has biases, right? We all have whether implicit or explicit. As an Asian woman, people didn’t always see a military officer or a doctor. I used to be very mad when I was younger, but now I don’t take it personally.
29:36 — Advice for women advocating for themselves
Carolyn Vo: With being in the HPSP program and the US Navy, what advice would you give to women in medicine advocating for themselves in environments where they may feel outnumbered or less represented?
Dr. Lee: Always making friends, networking, getting advocates, advocating for other people. I think all those create a network of people who will support each other. Ultimately you’re there. Fitting versus belonging. We belong wherever we are.
31:55 — Myths about allergists
Carolyn Vo: As we’re nearing the end of the episode, we had one more fun, lighthearted question for you. What is one myth about allergists that you’d like to debunk?
Dr. Lee: There’s a myth. But I will say several times when I’ve actually talked to other doctors and when they find out I’m an allergist, they are surprised. There are very few allergists out there, and allergy is a very small field, but it’s a great field if you’re interested in it.
33:45 — Closing remarks
Madeline Pan: Is there anything else that you might want to add before we end?
Dr. Lee: Well, I know we have very little time left, but I want to focus on one last thing: the four pillars of well-being in medicine and life — physical, intellectual, emotional, and spiritual. Keeping those in balance can help prevent burnout and keep you grounded.
Madeline Pan: Thank you so much for sharing. You gave us a lot to think about today, and I’m really grateful that I got to hear your advice and listen to your stories. And to our listeners, thank you so much for joining us for this episode of White Coats and Rice. Be sure to follow the podcast and stay connected with the APAMSA.
Dr. Lee: Yeah, so my I can send my email address to you if people want to send me an email if they have questions about HPSP or other things about allergy in general. So I’m happy to respond to emails.
Madeline Pan: Thank you so much again. I think that concludes the session. And to our listeners, we hope you’ve enjoyed today’s episode as much as we did. Thank you for tuning in and keep an eye out for future episodes. Until then, take care.
June 2026: Pride Month
June 2026: Pride Month
The intersection of being queer, Asian, and in medicine can carry layers of identity, resilience, generational complexity, and joy. This Pride Month, APAMSA is here to uplift queer Asian voices in medicine through storytelling, community-building, and mentorship. While these efforts begin in June in recognition of Pride Month, they will continue throughout the year to support ongoing celebration, visibility, and community-building. We encourage you to participate and engage with these efforts this month and year-round.
June 3, 2026
We are launching the Queer Asian Health Equity Series, a programming series that will be held throughout the year dedicated to exploring the intersections of queer Asian identity and health equity in medicine.
Our first event in the series is the Queer Asian Voices in Medicine panel, featuring physicians and medical students discussing how their queer and Asian identities have shaped their journeys in medicine and approaches to patient care and leadership in healthcare. Participants will also have the opportunity to connect with other queer Asians in medicine and engage in meaningful conversation and community-building.
Dr. Elaine Hsiang
Stanford
Emergency Medicine Fellow
James Chua
APAMSA President
MS3
Audrey Lam
APAMSA LGBTQIA+ Director
MS3
Date: Wednesday, June 3, 2026
Time: 5 PM PT | 8 PM ET
June 8, 2026
This Pride Month, National APAMSA’s LGBTQIA+ Committee is highlighting Queer Asian Voices in Medicine, a year-long initiative inviting queer Asians in medicine and healthcare to share their stories and experiences.
We want to hear from you! Visit the link below to submit your story. The form will remain open year-round, but please submit by June 22nd to be featured during Pride Month.
June 15, 2026
National APAMSA’s LGBTQIA+ Committee is conducting this needs assessment to better understand the experiences, needs, interests, and priorities of queer Asian pre-medical and medical students. The goal of this survey is to guide future programming, educational content, advocacy efforts, mentorship opportunities, and community-building initiatives that are meaningful, inclusive, and representative of our members.
We want to hear from you! Visit the link below to complete the survey. Responses will be reviewed on a rolling monthly basis, but we encourage early submissions. Your responses are anonymous unless you choose to provide contact information.
Estimated completion time: 5-10 minutes
June 22, 2026
This Pride Month, National APAMSA’s LGBTQIA+ Committee is launching a Queer Asian Physician Mentorship Project to help queer Asian pre-health and medical students connect with physicians and trainees across specialties.
This directory is designed to support conversations around medicine, identity, career development, and community. Visit the link below to view the mentor list.
Response to ICSD Shooting
On May 18, 2026, a shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego claimed the lives of three members of the mosque community and left others traumatized in the aftermath of this act of hate-based violence. We mourn the lives lost and extend our deepest support to the victims, their families, and the broader Muslim community affected by this tragedy.
National APAMSA strongly condemns Islamophobia, hate-driven extremism, and all forms of violence targeting religious and marginalized communities. Consistent with our previous statements and APAMSA policy compendium, National APAMSA recognizes gun violence as a preventable public health crisis and urges legislators to implement stronger gun safety measures. Places of worship should remain spaces of safety, healing, and community, not fear. We also recognize the courage and heroism displayed by those who acted to protect others during the attack.
As an organization committed to health equity and advocacy, APAMSA stands in solidarity with Muslim communities in San Diego and across the nation. We remain committed to supporting communities impacted by hate, violence, and discrimination, and to advocating for a safer and more compassionate future for all.
Resources
- Islamic Center of San Diego Community Support Fund
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- Donations will support victims, families, and community recovery efforts following the shooting
- bit.ly/supportICSD
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- National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
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- Call or text 988 for immediate confidential support
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- Disaster Distress Helpline
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- 1-800-985-5990 or text “TalkWithUs” to 66746
- Immediate emotional support after traumatic events
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- Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR)
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- https://ca.cair.com/community-resources/
- Community advocacy, reporting resources, and support for those affected by anti-Muslim discrimination and violence
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- Asian Mental Health Collective
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- https://www.asianmhc.org/
- Therapist directory and mental health resources for AANHPI communities
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- APAMSA Mental Health Initiative
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- https://www.apamsa.org/mental-health-initiative/
- APAMSA Resource list
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For questions regarding this statement, please contact the Rapid Response Director, Pehr Williamson at rapidresponse@apamsa.org
Ethan Minh Nguyen, Sponsorship Committee Member
Network Director
Ethan Minh Nguyen is an incoming fourth-year (MS-2) at the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine in their six-year BA/MD program. Ethan was born and raised in Las Vegas, where he found his passions for minority, rural, and global health advocacy. He joined APAMSA in his first year at UMKC and has since served as the Chapter Junior Publicity Chair (2024-2025) and Co-President (2025-2026).
Ethan is an aspiring Otolaryngologist, where he hopes to work in improving hearing care access across the globe. He currently serves on the executive board with organizations such as Remote Area Medical, Global OHNS Initiative, Global Surgery Student Alliance, and Global Medical Brigades.
Outside of school, Ethan runs a successful vintage wholesale business (@thriftbohue) that curates clothing for vendors across Kansas City and Las Vegas. He is an avid collector of old t-shirts and sweatshirts. He also enjoys rock climbing, updating his Beli, and finding new genres of music.
Jude Nathaniel Saarenas, Sponsorship Committee Member
Network Director
Jude Nathaniel Saarenas is a fourth year pre-medical student at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Born in Cagayan de Oro, Philippines, he immigrated to the U.S. at a young age, now living in Phoenix, Arizona. He is majoring in Physiology & Medical Sciences with minors in Biochemistry and Asian Pacific American Studies. Outside of classes, he also volunteers with a rehabilitation program for the elderly and works as a STEM tutor on campus. He fell in love with APAMSA being Treasurer Intern and later serving as Treasurer for UA Pre-Health APAMSA his sophomore year. His favorite memories included traveling for the annual national conference as well as participating in the Big-Little program. His passion lies in giving back to the AANHPI community, which he aims to integrate into his future medical career. Beyond his studies, he is interested in trying out new restaurants, picking up a good book, and dancing in K-pop covers!
Allison Peng, Sponsorship Committee Member
Network Director
Allison Peng is a first-year medical student at the Yale School of Medicine. She is originally from the Bay Area, CA and studied Neuroscience at UCLA. Through past partnerships, she’s worked with Taiwanese-American and AANHPI communities to advance community-centered care, with a focus on cardiovascular health and nutrition education. She’s excited about neurology and radiology, with a focus on improving stroke diagnosis and treatment. Outside of school, she enjoys developing cafe drink recipes, attending live music events, and exploring the local food scene.
Christin Tran, HEAL Summit Committee Member
Network Director
Christin Tran is a second-year medical student at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Colorado. She is originally from Atlanta, Georgia, and her parents immigrated from Bac Lieu, Vietnam. Christin completed her B.S. in Chemistry at Georgia State University. She enjoys the intersection between the sciences and taking care of others, especially her roots with the Asian American population. She hopes to become an anesthesiologist and continue to integrate compassionate and cultural care as a future physician.
William Gao, HEAL Summit Committee Member
Network Director
William Gao is a first year medical student at Rocky Vista University College of Medicine in Colorado. He was born in San Diego, CA, and completed his B.A. in Biochemistry at Whittier College. He worked at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla prior to matriculating at RVU, where he serves as treasurer for APAMSA’s local chapter. He has an interest in pharmacodynamics, drug metabolism and mechanisms, and intends to pursue a career in anesthesiology after completing medical school.
Winston Nguyen, HEAL Summit Committee Member
Network Director
Winston Nguyen is currently a second-year medical student at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He was born in Augusta, Georgia, and later attended the University of South Carolina, where he earned his B.S. in Exercise Science with a minor in Business Administration. During his gap years before medical school, he worked as an orthopedic medical assistant with Prisma Health and as an Educator at Lululemon. He also volunteered at a free clinic and with Crisis Text Line, where he gained meaningful experiences supporting patients and individuals both within medicine and beyond.
In his undergraduate studies, Winston was involved with his local Vietnamese Student Association chapter, where he developed a deeper appreciation for cultural identity, community outreach, and creating spaces for connection. In medical school, he continues to carry these values through his role as Inclusive Excellence Officer on the Class Council for the Class of 2029, as well as through his involvement in APAMSA and other student organizations. He is currently interested in emergency, orthopedics, OB/GYN, and family/sports medicine. He is also passionate about working with marginalized communities who have historically been underserved, underrepresented, and impacted by barriers to equitable health care in his future practice.
Outside of medicine he is a big foodie, music enthusiast, and traveler. He likes trying new things, exploring new places, and experiencing different food, cultures, and perspectives.