A Message From Our President
Welcome to the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)! Here, you’ll discover how we’re tackling critical health disparities in Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities by uniting the next generation of AANHPI medical students and healthcare leaders in our collective mission for health equity.
As the largest 501(c)(3) nonprofit representing the AANHPI medical community, APAMSA unites healthcare professionals at every career stage—from pre-medical students to seasoned attending physicians—in our shared mission to transform AANHPI health outcomes. For over 30 years, we’ve served as a national leader in health equity through advocacy, philanthropy, leadership, and professional development. What started as an Internet message forum has grown into a powerful network of 180+ chapters nationwide, advancing our work from local communities to national platforms.
By mobilizing medical students, physicians, and community partners, we’re building a future where every AANHPI individual has access to culturally competent care, life-saving treatments, and equitable health opportunities. Through initiatives like bone marrow registration, hepatitis and cancer screening, mental health advocacy, and community outreach, we address disparities with data-driven action. Furthermore, now more than ever, we are deepening our commitment to inclusivity with dedicated committees and programs that uplift the unique needs of all AANHPI subgroups. This is more than medicine; this is justice in action—and we’re just getting started.
Join us in fulfilling our 2025-26 National Goals, which we call the year of “RICE”:
- Recognition & Reverence – Honoring our past, securing our future.
We are committed to ensuring APAMSA’s sustainability for the next 30 years and beyond—through strategic sponsorships, fundraising, and the unwavering support of our community. By deepening engagement with our alumni, we will foster lifelong connections, ensuring APAMSA remains a pillar of support at every stage of a healthcare professional’s journey.
- Invigoration & Initiative – Building pathways for impact.
We will pioneer research opportunities to advance AANHPI health, revitalize our pre-med mentorship program, and launch a robust alumni-mentorship initiative to keep our leaders invested in APAMSA’s mission. Additionally, from local health fairs and cancer and health screenings, to the launching of our inaugural National APAMSA Hepatitis & Health Equities Conference 2025, we will amplify awareness of the disparities facing our communities and drive actionable change.
- Cultivation & Commitment – From advocacy to action.
We will empower our members with the resources, networks, and platforms to transform health equity principles into actionable policy and political impact—through tangible measures such as improving upon our advocacy toolkit and providing more funding for advocacy-based programming. Additionally, by forging stronger alliances with organizations like the Student National Medical Association (SNMA), the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA), the American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA), the Council of Young Filipinx Americans in Medicine (CYFAM), the Medical Student Pride Alliance (MSPA), the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), the Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA), the American Medical Association (AMA), and the American Osteopathic Association (AOA), we will unite the broader medical community in solidarity. Through targeted professional development and leadership opportunities, we will ensure APAMSA champions intersectionality and elevates historically marginalized voices within the AANHPI community.
- Expansion & Evolution – Growing stronger, reaching further.
We will refine APAMSA’s brand as a beacon of hope and unity—from our local chapters to the National Board—ensuring every AANHPI medical student and pre-med feels seen and supported. By expanding our membership through new chapters, scholarships, and travel grants, we will break barriers and create a more inclusive, empowered future for our community.
Now, I would like to personally invite you to join our mission by becoming a member of APAMSA today. If you would like to stay connected with our organization, please consider following our Facebook, Twitter/X, Tiktok, Youtube, and Instagram, or signing up for our newsletter to stay in the loop for all things APAMSA—from scholarship opportunities, professional development workshops, and all other upcoming events. We look forward to you joining the APAMSA family and standing together in solidarity as we aim for true health equity.
“Sometimes we can offer a cure, sometimes only a salve, sometimes not even that. But whatever we can offer, our interventions, and the risks and sacrifices they entail, are justified only if they serve the larger aims of a person’s life.” – Atul Gawande, MD, MPH
Yours Truly,
James Maxwell Chua, MS, OMS-II
He/Him/His
National President
president@apamsa.org
Shawn Lim, Region 9 Director
National Board
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.
Aliza Ali, Region 9 Director
National Board
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!
Francis Khuong, Region 9 Director
National Board
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!
Allison Chang, Region 8 Director
National Board
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.
Julia Liu, Region 8 Director
National Board
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.
Naomi Tsai, Region 8 Director
National Board
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, Region 7 Director
National Board
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.
Teresa Anh Tran, Region 7 Director
National Board
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!
Carol Chen, Region 7 Director
National Board
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!