James “Jameson” M. Chua, MS, is an osteopathic medical student at Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine, Class of 2027. Born to Chinese-Filipino immigrants, James grew up in San Diego, California, where he eventually earned his Bachelor of Arts in Biology, from the University of San Diego. As an undergraduate, he was deeply involved in campus life as a lifelong brother of Sigma Pi fraternity, an active member of the Filipino American Student Organization, and a researcher in comparative immunology as a member of the Hohman Lab group.

Following graduation in 2019, James worked at The Scripps Research Institute and the UC San Diego School of Medicine, where he conducted antibody development research on SARS-CoV-2 during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. His work contributed to the global response to COVID-19 and was published in journals including Science and Nature Communications. After two years of intensive research, James experienced burnout, which prompted him to realign with his long-standing goal of pursuing medicine. To strengthen his medical school application, he completed a post-baccalaureate program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and subsequently earned a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences from Drexel University College of Medicine in 2022.

Following his time in Philly, James began his journey to becoming an osteopathic physician, or, as he fondly calls it, a “bone wizard,” at Touro University Nevada in 2023. Since then, he has immersed himself in the medical school community, becoming an active member of his local APAMSA chapter, as well as the volleyball club and culinary medicine club.

In APAMSA, James has held positions both on a local and national level. Locally, he has served as a chapter president, where one of his favorite memories is bringing together his chapter to participate in Community Impact Week 2025 to volunteer at Three Square, the largest food bank that serves Clark County, Nevada. Nationally, James has served as the Fundraising Director from 2024-25, and now, as a two-term National President from 2025-26 and 2026-27.

James aspires to become a psychiatrist, with plans to subspecialize in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, and a particular emphasis on culturally responsive and LGBTQIA+ affirming care.