NEWS
JiaJia Matches into Opthamology at Mass Eye and Ear
Jia Jia Zhang is originally from Dededo and graduated from SJS and is currently a fourth year at Harvard Medical School. She recently matched into the Opthamology program at Massachussets Eye and Ear Institute at Harvard Medical.
Chalan Amte Featured on the Wave 105.1 radio show
Brandon Lopez, Heera Kodiyamplakkal, and Hunter Sidell represented Chalan Amte on the 105.1 FM Brightside morning local radio show with Pauly Suba. They promoted the organization and our work and discussed their passion for the island
Ariana starts intern year at Stanford Neurology
Ariana Barreau graduated from Carle Illinois College of Medicine this past May. She serves a co-director of our Futures in Medicine Program
Tiffie starts intern year at Michigan Anesthesia
Tiffie Keung graduated from Michigan State College of Medicine this past May and began intern year at University of Michigan Anesthesia Residency. She has been an influential member in our group and has been providing robust advising for mentees.
Futures in Medicine presents to SJS pre-med club
Austin Kim and Lolita Blaz led a presentation to SJS pre-med club. Our Futures in Medicine program is seeking other interested Guam high school groups to speak with. Please let us know who we can speak with next!
Reina presents at the AACR Conference
Reina Evangelista, sophomore undergraduate member, presented on Guam’s breast cancer screening adherence at the AACR Conference in California. This presentation was part of her work with PIPCHE, the Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health Equity.
Chal Am Editorial Published in PDN, Highlights Group Organizing Effort
Several members of our group worked together to consolidate our thoughts on challenges in physician workforce development on Guam. We wrote an article that was published in the Pacific daily News and stimulated much discussion in the community.
Justin starts intern year at NY LI Ob/Gyn
Justin Gimoto graduated from New York Medical College this past May and began intern year at New York Long Island Ob/Gyn Residency. Justin is a passionate member of our group and is determined to improve healthcare for our community.
FiM presents to Harvest Christian Academy
Nathan Paz and the Futures in Medicine team facilitated a presentation at the Harvest Christian Academy. Nathan shares about why highschool outreach is important to him. “Leading Futures in Medicine is fulfilling because I get to give high schoolers the guidance I wish I had at their age, inspiring them to pursue healthcare careers with confidence.”
Eric delivers moving oral presentation at AACR
Eric Pineda, MS4-MBA, delivered an oral presentation at the National AACR Conference entitled “From patient to advocate: A personal story of roots, resilience, and research”. Eric shared how his journey through cancer treatment fueled his research and commitment to medical training to help future cancer patients.
Read mentor’s tweet, about Stanford sub-internship, first-author paper, and newspaper article.
Dr. Dizon speaks about his academic medicine career
Dr. Don Dizon, Associate Professor of Medicine at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Director of Medical Oncology at Rhode Island Hospital, spoke with members about his career in academic medicine, passion for oncology survivorship, and utility of social media for patient advocacy and education. Furthermore, he shared how his Guam upbringing gave him values that have strengthened his medical practice and relationships with patients.
Physicians share residency interview tips
Resident Mentors Program Co-Director, Dr. Kevin Benavente, shares why he is passionate about working with medical students. “Looking back at my journey applying for residency, I wished I had the mentorship of people who shared the same culture and heritage as me. I am so grateful to have found like-minded trainees who are passionate about mentoring the next batch of Chamorro physicians! It was so inspiring seeing the incredible talent and enthusiasm of the students who attended, and [I] am confident members of Chålan Åmte are destined for truly amazing and groundbreaking things!”
Residents offer advice to medical students
Resident physician members, Dr. Kevin Benavente, Dr. Ariana Barreau, and Dr. Kevin Ruaro, held a panel for medical student members. The discussion was rich with advice about clerkships, sub-internships, and residency applications.
Members organize panel for UOG premedical students
Advising and UOG Teams hosted a panel where medical students shared MCAT and application tips with UOG pre-meds. Ella Macatugal hosted the panel of 5 medical students, Van Michael Saludo, Joshrick Sablan, Kai Akimoto, Ryan Benavente, and Megan Gimmen. Afterwards, attendees were welcomed to sign-up for long-term advising, if desired.
Ed returns for outreach at JFK High School
With the help of the Futures in Medicine team, Ed Biala, MS4, returned to his alma mater to present to a class of over 20 students about becoming a physician.
Medical Students return for in-person ND outreach
Nathan Paz (FiM Co-Director), Kai Akimoto (MS3), and Eduardo Biala (MS4), speak with 22 Notre Dame High School sophomores about becoming a physician. Kai shares why he makes time to engage with Guam’s students. “When I was growing up on island, I saw medical school and medical students as so far away, and it was often difficult to envision myself in that position.” “I think the primary impact of this event is to provide local students with the knowledge that we are local kids who were in their same position here on island… and that we are super motivated to help them get to med school if that's what they would like.”
Paul Matches into General Surgery at Tripler
Paul Tominez Matched into General Residency at Tripler Army Medical Center. He will be beginning his training as a surgeon after his graduation from UCSF medical school in May.
Heera Kodiyamplakkal Celebrates Medical School Acceptances
Heera Kodiyamplakkal, born and raised in Tamuning, Guam, is charting an inspiring path to a medical career, driven by her love for learning, her community, and a deep desire to improve healthcare access on the island. A proud alumna of Harvest Christian Academy and St. John’s School, Heera has recently celebrated acceptances to multiple medical schools including the University of Rochester, Oregon Health Sciences University, and the University of Central Florida.