Meet the Class of 2023
Sam Adams
Pediatrics, Spectrum Health/Michigan State University
About Me
I am a fourth year medical student, husband to the most amazing wife in the world, and father to the three most amazing boys anyone could ask for. I love playing bluegrass music and crafting.
My Medical School Journey
Medical school has been challenging, yet rewarding. I began medical school after five gap years, which made transitioning back into academia somewhat difficult. Two of our children were born during medical school, one with complex medical needs which made things even more complicated. Overall we have been very blessed to be in such a supportive community where I could not have asked for better mentors.
Hopes & Aspirations
I would love one day to be an in-patient pediatrician (either general hospitalist or critical care specialist).
Carsten Ashton
General Surgery, Keesler Air Force Base
About Me
My wife Courtney and my two kids Cace and Chloe are the best things in my life and are my biggest motivators.
My Medical School Journey
Filled with hours and hours of studying and then forgetting and then studying the same thing again. Learning just as much about myself as I did about medicine.
Hopes & Aspirations
To become a surgeon that people want to send their family members to when they need help.
Danica Balsiger
Internal Medicine/Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School
About Me
I grew up in Burien, Washington. I studied engineering before choosing medicine. I love reading, baking, any outdoor activity, yoga, and dance. I also love writing and watching old movies.
My Medical School Journey
A long, hard journey that I am happy is almost over and proud of as well. I am a different person now and I am grateful for the opportunity to grow.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to be in the inpatient setting either in pediatrics or combination of medicine and pediatrics. I also want to work to improve my community’s access to health care and education.
Danielle Banks
Family Medicine, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
About Me
I was born in New Hampshire and moved to Washington with my parents when I was very young. We settled in Battle Ground, Washington, just outside of Vancouver. I am the oldest of three and attended a small high school where I graduated one of fifty in my senior class. As a first-generation college student I was excited to attend at Gonzaga University, where I majored in biology with a minor in English. In my free time, you can find me at an Orange Theory class, cooking, or exploring the Portland food scene with my fiancé, Keegan. I am so thankful for the wonderful support of Keegan and my family throughout this entire journey!
My Medical School Journey
When I was a premedical student at Gonzaga University, I was intrigued to hear that WSU was opening a new medical school in Washington State. I am thankful for the knowledge and perspective I have gained over the course of my four years in medical school and immensely grateful that I have also had the opportunity to make lifelong friends along the way!
Hopes & Aspirations
I am thrilled to be pursuing family medicine for residency, and I look forward to exploring the opportunity to complete an obstetrics fellowship following my training. I aspire to be an advocate for my patients and to continue to treat their trust in my care as a privilege.
Reilly Bealer
Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina Hospitals
About Me
I was born and raised in Eastern Washington. After experiencing housing insecurity while navigating a chronic renal condition as a teenager, I wanted to become a physician who could connect with patients that face complex social challenges. I have two dogs who are the lights of my life. I love running and exploring new restaurants in whatever city I am in.
My Medical School Journey
During my medical school journey, I not only grew as a future physician, but also as a person. At the start of medical school, I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of different interest groups and organizations which exposed me to all aspects of medicine. In between my second and third year of medical school, I was able to spend a year in Washington DC doing a health policy fellowship working on issues facing our country including maternal mortality, health inequities, COVID-19, and rural health access. Upon returning to clinical rotations, the lessons I learned during this year allowed me to work with the communities of Eastern Washington to collaborate on policy changes to improve health outcomes.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to be a physician that always centers their patients and community in the work that they do. I am so excited to go into the field of Obstetrics and Gynecology where I hope to make a difference in the lives of my patients both inside and outside of the exam room. In my future career, I want to continue health policy and advocacy work in an effort to deliver evidence-based, accessible, equitable, and compassionate care to my patients.
Brooke Byun
Psychiatry/Family Medicine, University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
About Me
Passionate about full-spectrum Family Medicine, especially behavioral health, palliative care, and family planning.
My Medical School Journey
Entering college, I wanted to be an English professor but somehow graduated with a degree in Biochemistry and fell in love with medicine along the way (in addition to a minor in English). I am still passionate about applying my love for literature through narrative medicine and advocacy efforts (writing resolutions, messaging legislators, etc).
I have always wanted to practice Family Medicine, and thanks to great mentors, this passion has been supported throughout my education. I am so grateful for all the wonderful opportunities and training I have received in the past several years; I can’t wait to apply this knowledge during residency and eventually to serve the diverse patients of Washington state!
Hopes & Aspirations
At the end of the day, listening to and supporting patients is what I love to do. I aspire to work for my community as long as I am able and hope to be remembered positively by the people I have cared for.
Mariko Ching
Emergency Medicine, University of Michigan Hospitals
About Me
I was born in Seattle but spent a lot of time in Hawaii as both my parents are from Oahu. I enjoy rock climbing, mushroom hunting and jumping into cold bodies of water.
My Medical School Journey
It was a grind but I made it through with the help of my friends and family.
Hopes & Aspirations
Career goals include emergency medicine residency and critical care fellowship. My personal goal is to continue to nurture my relationships and interests outside of medicine throughout the next few years of training. I hope to one day return to the Pacific Northwest to practice medicine and settle down.
Michelle Chiou
Family Medicine, PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center
About Me
I was born on the East Coast, but moved back to Taiwan where my parents are from shortly thereafter. My parents, two older brothers, and I lived in Taiwan for six years before migrating back to the U.S., landing in Nebraska. Eventually we settled in Washington, the state I call home.
I attended the University of Washington in Seattle, where I majored in Biology and Psychology. My father, a family medicine physician, was my initial inspiration to pursue a career in medicine in addition to my brothers, a cardiology fellow and a cardiothoracic surgery resident. After college, I served as an AmeriCorps member at a public health nonprofit, which was an incredible experience in getting to connect individuals and families to health resources like Medicaid. I was excited and thankful for the opportunity to stay in Washington for medical school at the College of Medicine.
In my spare time, I love playing tennis, baking, exploring new coffee shops, and going to the movies.
My Medical School Journey
Throughout medical school, I have had the privilege of growing alongside an amazing class and making lifelong friends who I know will be great physicians for their future patients! Additionally, co-founding the Asian Pacific Islander Medical Student Association (APAMSA) chapter at WSU has been one of my proudest achievements and I can’t wait to see how the group continues to flourish.
My medical school experience helped me to develop my own specific interests within medicine in women’s health and preventative care. I am so grateful for the support I received along the way from family and friends, without whom I would not be where I am today. I am looking forward to the road ahead in residency. Go WSU MD Class of 2023!
Hopes & Aspirations
My goal is to become a trusted resource in my local community as a full-scope family medicine physician. I am particularly passionate about providing equitable maternal and child health care in addition to medication-assisted therapy for substance use disorders during pregnancy and beyond. My hope is to combine these interests of mine to advocate for and empower my future patients!
Nicholas Chock
Pediatrics, University of Washington
About Me
Nick grew up on the Big Island of Hawai’i and moved to Washington to study at Seattle University. He worked at Swedish Pediatric Neurology before attending medical school, which solidified his passion for pediatrics. When he can find free time, Nick enjoys cooking, baking, and running with Koda the husky.
My Medical School Journey
My medical school highlights have been the friendships and the opportunity to work across all of Washington State. I am so appreciative of the friends that kept me afloat throughout these four years, despite having been separated for the majority of the time because of COVID-19 and our clerkships. From the Lummi Tribal Health Center in Bellingham to Providence Spokane, WSU has provided diverse opportunities to learn from patients across the state and hear their amazing stories.
Hopes & Aspirations
To continue finding joy and fun through a challenging career in medicine.
Jae Choi
Internal Medicine, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
About Me
I spent the first half of my life in South Korea before coming to the United States. I now consider Washington as home and truly love the lifestyle in the Northwest. I am married and have a 3-year-old daughter (as of March). I love caring for elderly patients and hence becoming a geriatrician is my career goal. I resonate with our college’s mission which is to help Washingtonians live longer and better.
My Medical School Journey
The last four years, especially the latter half, have been the greatest time in my life. Frankly, I felt exhausted sometimes; however, even difficult times were well worth wading through for the wonderful experiences I had by learning from and caring for patients. I feel very grateful for community physicians who endeavored to teach future doctors and for patients who willingly supported our education.
Hopes & Aspirations
I aspire to be a compassionate primary care physician as well as a community physician who would bring impactful changes to healthcare in Washington. Through my future training, I hope to learn more about health systems and the administration of healthcare, and look forward to working with passionate people who carry the same mission.
Brahm Coler
Internal Medicine, University of Washington
About Me
I was born and raised in Seattle. My parents—a hospitalist from the Tri-Cities and an infectious disease scientist from Trinidad & Tobago—have been tremendous inspirations for me, as has my sister. Outside of my medical interests and training, I carry a deep enthusiasm for the natural world instilled in me by my grandfather and in my free time enjoy reading, running, and hiking.
My Medical School Journey
I attended Whitman College for my undergraduate education to earn a degree in Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology. Along the way, I grew increasingly drawn to medicine and entered the Class of 2023 at the College of Medicine. Initially interested in reproductive healthcare, I pursued volunteering opportunities, research endeavors, and advocacy efforts aligned with advancing a career as an OB/GYN.
Over the next few years, however, I found myself drawn to internal medicine. Preclinical courses illuminated fascinating pathology, diagnostics, and treatments, all of which were further contextualized by the spotlight the COVID-19 pandemic placed on public health and critical care. My clinical rotations exposed me to the rich spectrum of humanity and stirred my interest in working with acutely sick people experiencing multifaceted illnesses. All throughout, I worked in a lab at the University of Washington studying obstetrical infectious disease, primarily evaluating placental adaptive immunologic defenses against SARS-CoV-2 and other viral or bacterial pathogens.
Much of my medical training has been underscored by the COVID-19 pandemic, but has also ultimately been defined by the communities and connections that I have been fortunate to foster along the way. I am deeply grateful to the family and friends who have supported me over the past four years, particularly my grandfathers for their respective profound influence on my path into medicine.
Hopes & Aspirations
Through the training of an internal medicine residency, I aim to pursue a career as a hospitalist or intensivist in Washington. Either career offers a broad scope in the spectrum of people who I care for and work alongside. I plan to continue contributing to infectious disease research and expand my role as a mentor for the next generation of future physicians.
Cameron Cupp
Internal Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University
About Me
I was born and raised in Yakima, Washington, went to college at Central Washington University, and now will be graduating medical school from the College of Medicine. My hobbies include playing piano, going to the gym, hiking, and cooking.
My Medical School Journey
I have had an amazing experience with mentors and developed skills that I didn’t think I ever would use which has turned me into a more well rounded person. I also have a keen interest in the adult congenital heart community so I utilized resources and mentors in the school to help develop my research project which was completed and now is going on to be conducted as a multicenter study this year.
Hopes & Aspirations
I will be attending an internal medicine residency where I hope to become an excellent internist but with aspirations to go into adult congenital cardiology.
Kenny Darcy
Surgery—Preliminary, University of Virginia
About Me
I’m a fourth-year medical student from Enumclaw, Washington with a passion for health equity work and compassion-centered patient care. I attended the University of Virginia as an undergraduate student (Go Hoos!) and am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve communities throughout the Pacific Northwest for the last four years.
My Medical School Journey
Throughout medical school I have come to recognize the importance of the doctor-patient relationship. I am proud to be a part of the Class of 2023 and am perhaps, most thankful for the lifelong friends I have made with my cohort.
Hopes & Aspirations
I’m certain that I will continue to participate in advocacy and lobbying efforts throughout my career. In the immediate future, I hope to explore the breadth and depth of my specialty as a resident physician. I am excited for my next chapter—wherever it takes me!
Brianna Diaz
Internal Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Hawaii
About Me
I grew up in the town of Lake Stevens, Washington; the daughter of an engineer and a social worker, and the older sister of a kind-hearted and adventurous little brother. With the guidance of my family, many friends, teachers, and community leaders I was raised with a strong sense of community and a passion for service. Before medical school, I studied Biochemistry and Art History at the University of Washington. From there, I worked in community health and then in palliative and cancer care at the Fred Hutch in Seattle.
Along the way, I played softball for 10+ years, volunteered in my community, battled in choreographed light-saber duels, discovered a love for traveling (I just returned from visiting my brother in Taiwan!), and continued to fall deeply in love with the Pacific Northwest. I was beyond excited to be accepted into the College of Medicine, where I have had the privilege of learning medicine from patients, teachers, and communities in my home state.
My Medical School Journey
My medical school journey has not been an easy one. During my second year, I suffered from a misdiagnosed pulmonary embolism, which led to further complications and hospitalization. From this, I learned the value of patient advocacy and the importance of active listening in patient care. During my fourth year of medical school, I lost six members of my family including my beautiful mother, who passed away unexpectedly in July of 2022. Words cannot express how much I miss her.
As I look forward to graduation, I reflect on those moments of personal hardship and know that I am forever impacted by them. I know I am equally impacted by the many positive interactions I have had with friends, mentors, and patients that have graced my life thus far. Through volunteering and advocacy, I found a voice in medicine I didn’t know I had. I am grateful for the many ways I have grown as a person and future physician during my time here!
Hopes & Aspirations
At the beginning of medical school, I pledged “to uphold and demonstrate the principles of integrity, compassion, and cultural sensitivity in patient care.” I hope to continue my medical journey with these values at the heart of every step that I take.
I will continue learning new ways to use my voice and uplift the voices of my community in the pursuit of equity and reducing barriers to quality healthcare for all. I will listen actively to my patients and their stories, practice life-long, evidence-based learning, and bring an essential human touch to each patient encounter.
Most of all, I will live, work, and grow such that my family, and especially my mom, will be proud of who I am.
Alexandra Dullea
Urology, University of Miami School of Medicine
About Me
I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. After high school I moved to Texas, California, and finally Washington DC where I met my husband, Matt. We then moved back to Washington for medical school. We love the Pacific Northwest and spending time in the outdoors with our two dogs, Freya and Pebbles. We welcomed our first baby this winter and are so excited to be parents.
My Medical School Journey
Prior to medical school I worked in clinical research at UCSD. After starting medical school, I wanted to continue to build my research skills and elected to take a research year between M3-M4 at the University of Miami. I am so thankful for all the opportunities I have been given at WSU and ecstatic to continue my training at UM!
Hopes & Aspirations
As a future urologist, I hope to serve my patients with kindness and compassion. I would like to build relationships with my patients that foster honesty, transparency, and trust. I am also excited to continue to engage in research.
Marlena Endsley
Child Neurology, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
About Me
I grew up in Cheney, Washington and attended Eastern Washington University where I earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology before starting medical school at WSU. I am a proud wife, dog and cat mom, and most recently human mom to my 3-month-old daughter. I love to explore the Pacific Northwest, read, and watch reality TV.
My Medical School Journey
I wasn’t sure what specialty I wanted to pursue when starting medical school, but it became apparent to me that I loved working with pediatric patients during my clinical rotations. I chose child neurology because of the variety of patients and pathologies that I can see, but also because of my own history of a stroke as a child and the significant impact well-trained and compassionate neurologists have had on my life.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to become a physician who is able to guide patients and families through some of the most difficult times in their lives with empathy and compassion. I also hope to be a physician, mother, and wife that can give the same thoughtfulness and grace to my patients as I do my family.
Kade Eppich
Anesthesiology, University of Florida College of Medicine/Shands Hospital
About Me
I grew up in small farming community in Southeastern Washington called Eltopia. I attended Connell High School, (Go Eagles!), and then completed my undergraduate degree at Brigham Young University in Provo, UT where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science. I have been blessed with my beautiful wife, Shannon, spunky three-year old daughter, Nova, and the happiest one year-old little boy, Nash. Between my first and second year at BYU, I had the opportunity to go on a mission for my church for two years to Ghana. Growing up in a rural farm town shaped me into wanting to obtain the ability and knowledge to help in any way to serve and assist those who are in need. Washington has and always will hold a special place in my heart.
My Medical School Journey
Medical school has indeed been quite the journey. One that I could not have completed without the love and support from my wife, Shannon. COVID-19 through us a curve ball, but I was able to make the most of the online learning by spending more time at home with my family. I have thoroughly enjoyed my rotations and making connections with the doctors I have precepted with and the patients I have served.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to complete my anesthesia residency and a fellowship training in pediatrics. I am excited for what the future holds!
Ashlynn Felker
Emergency Medicine, University of Utah Health
About Me
I was born and raised in North Pole, Alaska. I grew up playing hockey with my 3 younger brothers (who are all MUCH bigger than me now), hunting with my family, fishing, running, riding four-wheelers, snowmachining (aka: snowmobiling in the “lower 48”) and hiking. I am the first person in my family to graduate from college and choose a medical career. I have loved learning for as long as I can remember and that has stayed with me throughout my journey through medical school. I will carry this energy with me into residency and beyond as I am very passionate about teaching and helping others whether it be answering questions to other pre-medical/medical students, teaching military medicine tactical medicine, or simply explaining a disease process to a patient.
My Medical School Journey
I started college having no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up. I changed my major 3 times before deciding that pursuing medicine would be my ultimate adventure (thanks to the support and encouragement from my husband who knows I live for challenges). My love for all my pre-medical courses and training as a military medic in the Washington Air National guard further enhanced my desire to become a physician. The four years prior to medical school were the busiest and toughest times of my life. I struggled immensely with what the path to becoming a doctor would be like as I had no mentor to ask questions to. After retaking the MCAT for the THIRD time, I finally decided to reapply to medical school for a second time. I still remember receiving that acceptance phone call from Dr. T. That was the proudest moment of my journey thus far, and I am forever grateful for the College of Medicine taking me into the Coug family.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to ultimately work at multiple locations over the course of my medical career. My husband and I love to travel and would love to live all over the United States working as an emergency medicine physician. I also hope to give back to my Alaskan community in some shape or form in the future. Throughout these next few years of residency, I will also be staying in the Air National Guard practicing as a military physician. I live for the journey, and I can confidently say that my journey through medical school has been incredible and I would not be who I am today without the challenges and amazing opportunities I have experienced here at the College of Medicine.
“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step” — Lao Tzu
Josiah Gikungi
General Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University
About Me
I was born and raised in Kenya. I have lived in the US for the last 10 years.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to serve marginalized populations as part of my patient population. There exist multiple barriers to accessing health care across the globe and I aspire to be a part of the solution. Health care is a right not a privilege and I believe that I will be able to share this message across the world.
Joseph Hendrickson
Diagnostic Radiology, HealthONE Sky Ridge Medical Center/University of Washington
About Me
Grew up in Lake Stevens, Washington and went to UW for undergrad. Took a two-year detour working in organ and tissue donation before coming to WSU. Love playing basketball, video games, or doing anything outdoors.
My Medical School Journey
I came into medical school with aspirations of being an emergency medicine doctor working in a rural mountain town. However, the pandemic really shifted my perspective on those plans. I also found that the most interesting part of medical emergencies was the imaging. It took Dr. Kaczmark about 20 minutes to convince me radiology was the best specialty, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
Hopes & Aspirations
My goal is to practice radiology somewhere in our beautiful state, hopefully in Spokane. I plan to mix up my days by also doing procedures and mentoring students to be the next generation of radiologists. I also want to build in plenty of time for my wife and I to do the things we love, like skiing, climbing, and traveling. If it all works out, we’ll retire to a small house on the beach in Hawaii.
Athena Hoppe
General Surgery, Louisiana State University School of Medicine
About Me
I was raised in Aberdeen, Washington and graduated from the University of Portland with a degree in Economics in 2019. I am the oldest of five siblings, who are all in the Pacific Northwest area. I like board games, reading, writing, hiking, martial arts, debating, traveling, and generally being around the people who make me laugh.
My Medical School Journey
First and second year were quite a blur, especially with COVID-19 forcing us online. One of the best things I did in medical school was participating in a Native Health Sciences Research Opportunity and gaining familiarity with local tribes and native perspectives on health, which I will take forward with me no matter where I work in the future. I am also grateful to be a member of the Vancouver cohort, and so glad for the amazing community I have found there.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to survive residency alive, sane, and not too jaded. I also aim to work on the frankly abysmal financial policies in the health care world, keep my kitten and houseplants alive, and someday publish a fantasy novel.
Julie Hwang
Internal Medicine, Providence Portland Medical Center
About Me
I grew up in Bothell, Washington after moving from South Korea at a young age. I enjoy hiking, golfing and spending family and friends.
My Medical School Journey
Throughout my medical student journey, I grew in various aspects including knowledge, skills, character and resilience. I am thankful for my family and friends for supporting me to achieve my longtime dream. I am thankful for the patients and teachers for helping me learn to be a good physician.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to provide kind, caring and thoughtful healing to all my patients throughout my career as a physician.
Kasey Johnson
Ophthalmology, MacNeal Hospital and Loyola University/Hines VA Hospital
About Me
I grew up in the small town of Colfax, Washington. My dad was an internist in Colfax and seeing the impact he had on the community was my initial inspiration to pursue a career in medicine. After high school, I attended Pacific Lutheran University where I was a two-sport collegiate athlete and earned honors with a degree in chemistry and minors in biology and computer science. After graduating from PLU, I started my journey as part of the third class at the College of Medicine. My hobbies include sports, working out, hiking, backpacking, woodworking, and construction. My passions include giving back to the community, church, and spending time with my family, my wife, and our new baby boy.
My Medical School Journey
Three of my most notable medical school experiences were student mentorship involvement, volunteerism, and research. During my first year of medical school I volunteered at the Stevens County Mentorship Program and during my fourth year I helped design a mentorship program in Grant County. For volunteerism, I was able to spend time at the Union Gospel Mission serving at both the free clinic and the eye clinic. For research, I was involved in two main projects: the first working with the Global Triathlon Safety Database out of WSU Pullman focusing on Ironman athletes; the second working with a community ophthalmologist looking at immunomodulatory agents in the treatment of ocular mucous membrane pemphigoid (OcMMP). We were able to publish this manuscript as the first study ever published out of private practice on OcMMP and present it at multiple national conferences.
Hopes & Aspirations
I desire to improve vision outcomes everyday as a strong service minded clinician and surgeon. I hope to contribute to the advancement of the field through research and innovation and help prepare the future generation of ophthalmologists. Most of all, I aspire to invest in a community as a skilled teacher and advocate of my patients, and serve my community everyday.
Tevyn Kagele
Medicine—Preliminary, Providence St. Vincent Medical Center
About Me
I am from a small farming community in Central Washington. I have been living in Portland, Oregon, with my spouse and our cat for the last few years. In my free time, I enjoy biking, making pizza, skiing, and exploring local hiking trails.
My Medical School Journey
I decided to pursue a medical career during my undergraduate studies at Whitworth University. As a first-generation college student, I was unsure what to expect, but growing up on a farm prepared me well for this challenging, rewarding journey.
Hopes & Aspirations
I am excited to use my medical training to serve others and harness advancements in technology and medicine to improve patient care and patient outcomes.
Thomas Khuu
Ophthalmology, University of Texas at Austin Dell Medical School
About Me
I’m a first-generation Vietnamese-American and the first in my family to graduate from college and medical school. Outside of medicine, I’m a big fan of cooking, concerts and music, and staying active (especially tennis!)
My Medical School Journey
Ophthalmology was the first ever specialty I shadowed as an undergraduate—it was love at first sight. In medical school, I conducted ophthalmology research, volunteered at free eye clinics, and immersed myself in the field in hopes of matching. I’m beyond excited and feel so fortunate to continue my medical training as an ophthalmologist. I could not have gotten to where I am without all my amazing peers, mentors, and loved ones who supported me throughout this journey and cannot wait to grow my community in Austin.
Hopes & Aspirations
As a physician and surgeon, I hope to provide the most inclusive and up-to-date care to support all of my patients’ vision and ophthalmic needs. Additionally, I would like to play an active role in medical education and research.
Adam Knott
Internal Medicine, Providence Portland Medical Center
About Me
I grew up in a small town called Stanwood, Washington after which I received my Bachelor of Science at the University of Washington in Seattle. After taking a few years off as a medical scribe in the ER I attended medical school at the College of Medicine. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family and friends and playing competitive volleyball.
My Medical School Journey
I initially was unsure of what specialty I would pursue, but during my third year rotations I discovered a passion for internal medicine and a love for infectious disease. While in medical school I also discovered a passion for community organizing and political advocacy. As part of the Everett cohort I have also gotten to serve the community I grew up in and learn how to be an exceptional physician.
Hopes & Aspirations
My hope is to one day work in an underserved community where I can not only help patients within the context of medicine but also outside of it as a leader and advocate in my local and statewide community. I also hope to one day specialize in Infectious Disease.
Sarah Krawczak
Family Medicine, Kaiser Permanente Burien Medical Center
About Me
I grew up in Woodinville, WA with my identical twin sister. Before medical school, I attended Whitman College and participated in AmeriCorps helping connect community members to health resources. Outside of medicine I love to hike, trail run, bike, and adventure with my partner and my dog.
Hopes & Aspirations
I am very thankful for the opportunity to attend WSU and become a homegrown doctor! I love Washington and community-based care and am excited to continue to serve our state as a family physician.
Rachel Kudrna
Family Medicine, Providence Hood River Memorial Hospital
About Me
I grew up in a small town in eastern Oregon and moved to Washington after college. I’ve loved living here and enjoy exploring the natural beauty all over the state. I came to medicine after exploring other professional avenues, and it feels great to be on a track that resonates with my desire to have a tangible impact on people’s lives. When I’m not in classes or clinic, you can usually find me swing dancing or spending time in the sunshine with my fiancee and friends.
My Medical School Journey
I started medical school wanting to be an endocrinologist, but my third year showed me that I love doing procedural work and being hands-on with patients.
Hopes & Aspirations
I aspire to be a reliable and dedicated provider in a community in the Pacific Northwest.
Katelyn Larson
General Surgery, NYU Grossman School of Medicine
About Me
I’m a born and raised Washingtonian, coffee connoisseur, and fan of all flowers, especially tulips! I will also be a first generation physician, and I feel beyond blessed by the privilege of learning medicine and caring for patients.
My Medical School Journey
As a non-traditional medical student, I spent several years between college and medical school traveling and working in health care. Those experiences shaped me and confirmed my desire to pursue medical school. I entered medical school with an interest in surgery, which was further confirmed once I stepped into the operating room as a clerkship student. Nothing in my training thus far has compared to physically participating in someone’s care in the way surgery allows.
Hopes & Aspirations
My greatest aspiration is to practice surgery. I’m entering a general surgery residency, which opens the doors for a strong surgical foundation as a general surgeon. Since I will be exposed to multiple surgical sub-specialites in residency, I may end up pursing additional training after residency with a surgical fellowship.
Jennifer Lee
Family Medicine, Swedish Medical Center—Ballard
About Me
I am thrilled to match into family medicine and to have the opportunity to continue providing patient-centered care to underserved communities within Washington state. Family Medicine is about people and their stories, and my decision to pursue this specialty was inspired by my parents. My mom passed away from nasopharyngeal cancer over a decade ago, but she will always be one of the best people I know. She taught me what it looks like to have strength and resilience in challenging situations, and she modeled the qualities I hope to have as a physician: patience, compassion, and grace. My dad taught me nearly everything I know outside of medicine; he is loyal, hardworking, committed, and he has exceeded every expectation as a single parent. I would not be where I am in life without his support and I have him to thank for everything. It has been an absolute privilege to pursue medicine and I am grateful for the experiences that led me here. Most especially, I am grateful for the people who have committed to coming along with me on this wild journey. Next stop, residency.
Chloe Lee
General Surgery, 81st Medical Group—Keesler Air Force Base
About Me
I was born in Seoul, South Korea and moved around a lot when I was younger. I grew up in many different places, including Colombia, South Carolina, Lafayette, Indiana, and Seoul, South Korea, before moving to Bellevue, Washington. I had turned twelve-years-old when my family and I settled down in Washington state, and this was the first place we called home. Thus, I certainly feel like a home-grown doctor as I have completed my pre-medical studies at the University of Washington – where I majored in Neurobiology and minored in Bioethics – and am now receiving my medical degree at the College of Medicine.
It is truly a blessing to be where I am today and to have the opportunity to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a doctor and surgeon. All of this would not have been possible had it not been for my mom (umma), my dad (Sunil), my sister Cayla, my brother Caleb, and my grandma (halmoni), who have all made countless sacrifices, supported me, and believed in me before I even learned to believe in myself.
My Medical School Journey
It has been a privilege to have received my medical education at the College of Medicine. I am grateful for all the faculty members and healthcare providers—including physicians, residents, nurses, dieticians, and therapists—who have taught me the complex yet beautiful art of medicine with their genuine passion for teaching and desire for each students’ success. Learning alongside my classmates whom I have grown to respect made this journey all the more fun and special. During these past four years, I have had the opportunity to not only learn medicine, but also cultivate my leadership skills through various groups, learn how to push the boundaries of medicine through multiple research projects, and contribute to a community I care for through mentorship. In my clinical years, I have seen life take its first breath in an infant whose parents shed tears of joy, and I have seen life take its final breath in a ninety-eight-year-old whose family repeatedly whispered “we love you” in her ear while holding her hand. The wide spectrum of experiences I have had in medical school reminded me that practicing medicine is truly a privilege and that the careers my classmates and I are about to embark on will be nothing short of extraordinary.
Hopes & Aspirations
I am honored and thrilled to continue my medical training at the Keesler Air Force Base General Surgery Residency Program as I transition from being a medical student and become a surgeon. I have always understood that I occupy a specific position within a chain of sacrifice and compassion, and thus I hope to practice medicine with gratitude and humility while serving my patients. My goal is to use my medical, surgical, and military training to become a compassionate and skillful surgeon—one who is dedicated to reciprocating my gratitude by paying it forward and expanding the boundaries of medicine.
Felicia Lew
Radiation Oncology, Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine/University of Washington
About Me
I grew up in Bothell, Washington and attended Washington State University where I graduated with a BS in Neuroscience and a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine. I completed a small animal surgery and medicine rotating internship at a private specialty hospital in San Diego, California and a three year veterinary residency in Medical Oncology at Tufts University. After residency I was the head of Medical Oncology at a large specialty veterinary hospital in Chicago, IL for three years before making the decision to apply to medical school. I was fortunate enough to be able to come home to Washington. During medical school I met my husband, got married and we welcomed a baby girl during the middle of fourth year.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to use my experience in veterinary and comparative medicine to advance the field of radiation oncology by challenging the traditional preclinical research model.
Sarah Lewis
General Surgery, University of Hawaii
About Me
Born and raised in Washington, after college I left home to join the Marine Corps where I lived all over the country and served overseas. I was so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to return home and complete my medical school education at the College of Medicine. My favorite things to do are riding horses, being in the wilderness, and hanging out with my husband and our two dogs—especially all at the same time! I also love cooking and traveling and am super excited for the next chapter in life following medical school.
My Medical School Journey
From the moment I was accepted to medical school, I always suspected I wanted to be a surgeon. But, throughout my first few years, I sought to keep an open mind. Also aware of how challenging and daunting being a surgeon would be, I was cautious to commit myself to surgery before I thought I really knew I could do it. During my third year, I found that confirmation and affirmation through working with excellent trauma and acute care surgeons in Richland, Washington, and with a practicing general surgeon in rural northern Washington. Grateful for their mentorship and support, I completed several away rotations my fourth year which drastically expanded my surgical experience and exposure to busy level I trauma centers, academic medicine, and different models of general surgery residency programs. Now, I can hardly wait for what comes next and am so grateful for the formative experiences I received through my education at the College of Medicine as well as the immense support from faculty and staff and my peers through all the challenges of the past several years.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to become a competent, safe surgeon who provides excellent care to my patients and contributes to the surgical field and quality improvement wherever I go. As a community surgeon, I also hope to contribute to graduate medical education where it is scarce in rural communities. I hope to continue my military service as a physician in the reserves in either the Navy or the Air Force (Marines don’t have medical personal). I hope my husband and I will be blessed with children and have the opportunity to start raising our family in the next few years.
Veronika Lobova
General Surgery, Kaweah Delta Health Care District
About Me
I grew up in the greater Portland/Vancouver area and now can say I have lived in almost all four corners of Washington. I am the oldest of seven children from a large extended family. Growing up, holidays always involved a lot of delicious food and intense board games, which are still my favorite. I attended Washington State University for undergraduate studies, majoring in Biology and double minoring in Chemistry and Spanish. Both my upbringing and working with diverse populations at a free clinic and homeless shelter are what inspired me to apply to medical school. I am thankful to have gone through my medical education at the College of Medicine. I am a Coug for life now!
My Medical School Journey
Attending the College of Medicine has been a great honor, and having support from classmates, faculty, and mentors from day 0 of classes was life changing. Going into medical school, I was looking forward to exploring surgery as a specialty, having been a prior medical scribe in an outpatient surgical specialty office. Because of my clinical and research experiences and the inspirational mentors I met, I am excited to continue my medical training in this field. I have also served as a student mentor, contributed to multiple student interest groups, and have been involved regionally and nationally with organizations that promote women in medicine and surgery over the last couple of years, and I plan to continue these passions as I progress through training.
Hopes & Aspirations
I am looking forward to starting residency in general surgery and plan to continue being involved in research, teaching/mentorship, and working with diverse patient populations.
Esmeralda Lopez
Pediatrics, UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital–Oakland
About Me
I was born and raised in Yakima, Washington. I am proud to be the daughter of parents who worked as seasonal farm workers. They are my biggest inspiration. I am the first physician in my family, which was possible because of my parent’s sacrifices and my sisters’ unconditional support.
My Medical School Journey
As a medical student at the College of Medicine, I served as the class student representative on the Inclusion Matrix Work Group. I served on the leadership team for the Pediatrics and Family Medicine student interest groups. I also co-founded our chapter of the Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA).
Hopes & Aspirations
I aspire to be a pediatrician working on the front lines in primary care in a historically disinvested community like my own with a physician shortage and a deficit of pediatricians to care for medically complex pediatric patients.
Pranav Mellacheruvu
Internal Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
About Me
I was born in Hyderabad, India and moved to the United States before my first birthday. I am a proud South Asian-American and the first member of my family to attend medical school. Outside of medicine, I enjoy obsessing over Seahawks football (Go Hawks!), hitting early morning groomers on the slopes and singing South Indian Carnatic classical music.
My Medical School Journey
As a kid, I aspired to be some weird combo of a meteorologist/NASA scientist/professional cricketer! Yet seemingly my childhood interests in math, music, human kinetics and how things fit together, eventually created a natural love for medicine during my undergrad. I am grateful to WSU College of Medicine for giving this kid out of Issaquah, Washington, a chance at becoming a physician. Throughout medical school, I have had the privilege of meeting 79 of the brightest minds ever and collectively we have overcome gargantuan obstacles including spending the majority of our four years in an unprecedented pandemic. I couldn’t have made it to the finish line without the support of my peers both in and outside the classroom.
Hopes & Aspirations
I aspire to fulfill a trifecta of becoming a clinically skilled cardiologist, academic researcher and health policy leader. I hope to work with like-minded individuals to devise innovative solutions, rooted in precision medicine, to tackle the leading cause of mortality worldwide: cardiovascular disease. I also seek to augment our state’s greater commitment to addressing disparities in metabolic health and inculcate in our region, a zeal for improving community-based cardiovascular health initiatives through grassroots health policy initiatives.
Rob Meyer
Family Medicine, MultiCare Good Samaritan Hospital
About Me
Raised on each side of the cascades, I completed college in Bellingham studying the geology of our state, then doing various odd jobs, before ultimately moving to the Spokane with my wonderful wife, and nuclear-powered dog.
My Medical School Journey
What started as smooth sailing became ominous as we completed our infectious disease lectured in March 2020. Shaded heavily by a backdrop of a global pandemic, an already tough education experience became heavier. Despite rough seas, these four years have well weathered me for whatever comes next.
Hopes & Aspirations
My hope is to become a family physician, a community physician, a health partner. To train, practice, and weave myself into a Washington community embodies the career I wished for after my first physician shadowing opportunity nearly a decade ago.
Heidi Ness
Family Medicine, St. Mary’s Medical Center/SCL Health
About Me
I grew up in Longview, Washington, and have had the privilege of living in every corner of this state I call home. My journey to becoming a physician was not a traditional one, but I feel that my previous careers as an EMT, researcher, and international volunteer have informed the type of physician I hope to be, just as the holistic nature of my training at the College of Medicine has.
My Medical School Journey
Being at the College of Medicine has allowed me to really dive deep into the communities I am serving, and work toward addressing needs both at a holistic patient level and in the broader community.
Hopes & Aspirations
It is my hope to serve a rural community as a full spectrum, holistic family medicine physician and community advocate.
Tien Nguyen
Surgery—Preliminary, The MetroHealth System/Case Western Reserve University
About Me
I am a first generation college student. I have a close relationship with my parents and two older siblings. I have worked in a variety of jobs including fast food, nurses’ aide, and preschool teacher which all have helped me decide to become a doctor! I enjoy hanging out with other people’s dogs and wine tasting.
My Medical School Journey
There has been a lot of ups and downs but I have learned so much about my strengths, weaknesses, and love for wine.
Hopes & Aspirations
My aspiration is to be an amazing teacher in hope of motivating other students towards working in medicine, specifically surgery.
Christian Pham
Anesthesiology, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health
About Me
I am first generation born in the United States, coming from a family of Vietnamese War Refugees. I grew up in a three-bedroom house which struggled to fit the nine or more relatives trying to create a home in America. Although I had many hardworking role models to influence me, it was my ailing grandmother who raised me and provided me my first naive inclinations to practice medicine. It was in hopes of one day caring for her as she cared for me that medicine became a calling. Moreover, it is my hometown in South Seattle and its myriad of immigrant populations hailing from all over the globe that raised me and fostered my desire to serve those from all walks of life.
My Medical School Journey
My journey through medical school furthered my passion to serve those in my community as I was fortunate enough to be in multiple clinics close to where I am from. Medical school also offered me the opportunity to overcome adversity. I had sections of my knee replaced, which required two separate organ donors, both of whom I am forever grateful for. One of the most rewarding experiences of this journey was the chance to be a role model for high school students in my community. I was able to help coach an inner city high school basketball team to the furthest they had ever gone, just two games shy of making the state tournament. But beyond that, the most rewarding aspect was offering guidance to student-athletes as they transition into young adulthood and helping them look towards their futures.
Hopes & Aspirations
I aspire to be a compassionate physician and to ingratiate myself fully into the communities I serve. I have hopes of not only one day practicing in my home community, but to be a community leader, whether that is in the role of a high school coach or some other form of mentorship.
Devon Plewman
General Surgery, Trinity Health Ann Arbor Hospital
About Me
I am from Spokane, Washington and I enjoy hiking, camping, running, and climbing.
My Medical School Journey
After my undergraduate neuroscience degree at WSU, I went on to get an MS in biochemistry and Baylor University. While in medical school it became clear that general surgery was the specialty for me.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to be a practicing general surgeon in an underserved community somewhere in the western United States.
Emily Poe
Family Medicine, Naval Medical Center Camp Lejeune
About Me
I am a non-traditional student who grew up in Whitefish Montana and joined the Navy at 22 years old. Joining the Navy as an enlisted medic was a platform to get to medical school while serving my country.
My Medical School Journey
Overall, I am blessed to have had this opportunity. My journey was not smooth or ideal by any means, but I made it through and I get to be a doctor that helps people in the end.
Hopes & Aspirations
I will serve as a doctor in the US Navy for many years to come, and I would love to get an emergency medicine residency spot after my intern year. If not, I continue with the Family Medicine Residency Program at Camp Lejeune, NC and then hope to apply to sports med fellowship.
Daelyn Richards
Pediatrics—Medical Genetics, University of Colorado School of Medicine
About Me
I was born and raised in Texas and moved to the Pacific Northwest 20 years ago. My first time at college at UAB I had a full ride on a soccer/academic scholarship and dropped out after the sudden death of my father. I came back home to the PNW and worked entry level jobs for the next few years- front desk girl at a gym, Starbucks barista, retail stores, waitress, etc.- until I ended up in caregiving for the elderly. I knew from that moment I wanted to spend my life helping others with the most intimate aspect of their life, their health. I decided to become a medical assistant and ended up working at an orthopedic clinic. I quickly raised through the ranks and became the MA leader for the patient flow team, focusing on optimizing clinic efficiency. But I was always drawn to what the physicians were doing—reading x-rays, developing treatment plans, surgery—in fact I was the only MA that regularly asked to scrub in on surgeries to observe and learn. I realized that while I enjoyed being in the clinical environment, it was not challenging my mind. With much hesitation after my first failed attempt at higher education, I decided to take night classes at the local community college, starting with anatomy and physiology, while I continued to work as an MA by day. Much to my surprise, I excelled in these classes and after a year I decided to take the plunge in becoming a full-time student, taking out government loans, and following my dreams to become a doctor. That was 2010, and I’ve been in school ever since. I have now achieved my wildest dreams, twice! Becoming a PhD doctor and now an MD.
I would not have achieved either of these doctorates without the support from this program. Back in 2019, I came to WSU broken. I wasn’t healthy or happy with the life I was living. Mental health had always been a struggle for me, and something that isn’t widely talked about is how hard doctorate programs are on a person’s mental wellbeing. At that point in my life, being 6 years into a PhD doctorate program with little-to-no dedication to wellness, every day was a struggle for me. My whole life changed here at this college, where wellness has been a priority from day one. With the support from the faculty, administration, staff, and incredible classmates at this college that were able to put each other first due to the progressive structure of the program, (plus quite a bit of therapy) I became whole for the first time in my adult life. From our orientation where Dr. T told our class our priorities were to take care of ourselves first, family second, and the job third (what a radical concept to me!), to the introduction of Dr. Brene Brown from Dr. Haney in leadership, and all of the staff like Carrie Brood, letting me cry on her shoulder before my third year OSCE, or Dr. Marcin editing every rough draft I had for applications, and all of the coordinators/support staff working tirelessly to schedule me in my community with the experiences I wanted most—I have never felt so supported and loved. This kind of dedication, genuine caring, and support I have had every step of the way through this program has been extraordinary, and unlike anything I have experienced in my 13 years of higher education.
The College of Medicine incredibly special. I knew it from the day I interviewed here with Dr. Harrison, telling all of us applicants we deserved to be there, that she believed in us already, even when we maybe didn’t believe in ourselves, or hadn’t heard anyone tell us that in a long time. Being here changed me. I will always be grateful to my Coug family for shaping me into a physician, scientist, and person that I could not be prouder to call myself: a Coug Doc.
Hopes & Aspirations
To serve the rare disorders community and cure genetic diseases as a pediatric biochemical geneticist.
Justin Seymour
Family Medicine, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
About Me
I grew up in Walla Walla Washington and have wanted to become a family medicine doctor for as long as I can remember. My wife Talitha and I recently welcomed our son Weston into the world. She is a fantastic nurse and we are enjoying being in health care together. I enjoy fixing up cars in my spare time and am currently restoring my father’s 1976 F100 pickup.
My Medical School Journey
I came into medical school having a strong interest in family medicine, and my time at the College of Medicine only confirmed my interest. My favorite rotation was spending a month practicing rural family medicine in Pullman, Washington. Go Cougs!
Hopes & Aspirations
I look forward to becoming a family medicine doctor who serves Eastern Washington.
Courtney Sherick
Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
About Me
I was born and raised in Spokane, Washington, and I went to undergrad at Carroll College in Helena, MT. During our free time, my fiancé and I enjoy any and all outdoor activities including climbing, skiing, hiking, running, tennis, camping, etc. I am passionate about pursuing a career in pediatrics and am excited to continue to learn how to treat my future patients.
My Medical School Journey
I am incredibly lucky in that my medical school journey doubles as a love story. Over the last four years, I have bonded with my classmates over shared triumphs and challenges of medical school. These colleagues have become my closest friends. Among them is one I am lucky enough to call my fiancé. We have all dedicated the last four years in pursuit of a shared dream of becoming physicians. Over time we will forget the kitty-gritty details, but the bonds we made with one another will remain.
Hopes & Aspirations
It is my hope that I will continue to learn how to provide the best care to my future patients. Ideally, this would include coming back to the Pacific Northwest to serve the communities also consider this place home.
Bailey Simon
Family Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University
About Me
I’m passionate about making concepts in medicine and health science understandable accessible to all through my work as a physician! When I’m not doing my best to empower people through knowledge about their health, I’m powerlifting, hiking, hanging out with my cat, eating baked goods, and playing video games.
My Medical School Journey
My favorite organ going into medical school was the placenta and it still is. My journey in medical school was about affirming my passions for the full spectrum of family medicine and growing up to be someone who embraces increasing responsibility especially in difficult situations.
Hopes & Aspirations
To be an excellent physician for my community and to have a life full of meaning and adventure.
Deepkiran Singh
Family Medicine, MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
About Me
I had fallen in love with Washington ever since my move here from Michigan in fifth grade. While I was completing my Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and minor in Chemistry at the University of Washington, I enjoyed spending my free time volunteering, mentoring international students, and tutoring in math and science. During this time, I discovered my interest in education once I began teaching MCAT biology and biochemistry at The Princeton Review. I was able to learn more about rural and underserved populations and ways to help them as President of Golden Key Honor Society at UW. I have known that medicine was my calling from as long as I can remember. Working in a pharmacy and conducting research on cancer stem cells allowed me to learn about a different aspect of medicine. I was lucky enough to be able to come back to the same hospitals I used to volunteer at during medical school and complete many of my rotations there. All of my experiences have taught me many life lessons that will allow me to better help others. I am extremely grateful that I got the opportunity to attend the College of Medicine!
My Medical School Journey
I feel privileged to have gotten the opportunity to stay in Washington for my medical education training. My time in medical school has taught me how resilient and passionate I am to medicine and serving my community. From the faculty and preceptors that worked hard to train us to the members of our communities that allowed us to enter their lives, I am so grateful for the constant support, love, and encouragement that I have received from everyone that I have met along this journey. Most of all, I am extremely blessed to have two pillars of unconditional strength in my life who have done so much for me and stood beside me along every step of my life. Thank you, Mom and Dad.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to return to the Pacific Northwest following my training to give back to the community that helped shape me into the person that I am today. I am excited for the endless possibilities that lie ahead.
Kalkena Sivanesam
Anesthesiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center
About Me
I grew up in Malaysia and moved to Seattle, Washington at age 18 to pursue my dreams of becoming a physician. Along the way, I gained lifelong friends, found the love of my life, started a family, and discovered my passion for helping the underserved.
My Medical School Journey
My time at the College of Medicine has been full of surprises. Surviving a pandemic, having a baby, and discovering my love of anesthesiology—it has been a great journey. I have gained a lot of friends, people that will be with me on the rest of my journey in medicine and in life. I have discovered passion and found support for my dreams in the amazing staff and faculty who continue to be my cheerleaders every day. It has been a long four years and while I am glad to be starting on the next phase of my education, I know I will miss the College of Medicine and everyone who has helped shape the physician I am going to be.
Hopes & Aspirations
I want to be a leader for change, someone who uses my position to bring attention to the most vulnerable members of the population and who leads the charge to help these patients. I also want to do significant research, and contribute to the advancement of medicine in any way.
Shi-Min Tan
Surgery—Preliminary, Temple University Hospital
About Me
I am a first-generation college graduate and medical school graduate. I graduated WSU Pullman with a degree in neuroscience and then joined the College of Medicine shortly after that. Outside of medicine and academics, I would label myself as a foodie, I love to explore new food places, make food, and share food with my friends and family.
My Medical School Journey
There has been a lot of ups and downs throughout this journey, especially having to complete parts of the this journey virtually due to the pandemic. However, I am happy and glad that I was still able to find my crew, my life long friends and mentors.
Hopes & Aspirations
My goal is to complete general surgery residency and become a surgeon. I am unsure if I will further specialize at this point, but I think I will have a clearer vision of my career trajectory in a year or two. With family in Pullman and my love for the weather of the Pacific Northwest, I do hope to eventually return to Washington or at least the Pacific Northwest area to practice and teach/mentor future students.
Corey Thurman
Internal Medicine, Lakeland Regional Health
About Me
I grew up in Southwest Washington where my interest in the outdoors compelled me to study biology at Eastern Washington University. I continue to enjoy hunting, fishing, foraging and exploring the outdoors.
My Medical School Journey
I didn’t consider the application of my interest in biological systems toward the pursuit of medicine until grudgingly enrolling in human biology at community college because all other science courses were full. I went on to work in primary care, oncology, behavioral health, and internal medicine in various roles before fully committing to apply to medical school.
Hopes & Aspirations
I aspire to acquire the greatest depth and breadth of skills to be of service to patients across all levels of needs and environments. I also hope to mentor and pass on what I have learned.
Aivi Tran
Family Medicine, MultiCare Tacoma General Hospital
About Me
My name is Aivi, pronounced “Ivy” like the plant! I was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. After graduating from Charles Wright Academy, I stayed in Tacoma to study Biology and Religion at Pacific Lutheran University. My interest in medicine began early on in my childhood, as my mother and I were the primary caregivers for my paraplegic father. Growing up, I witnessed the time and care his doctors took to learn his story, his worries, and how he envisioned his life. I knew that, as a future physician, I wanted to, one day, be able to create lasting relationships with patients and their families, as they had with mine. I came into medical school with a particular interest in primary care, and as I rotated through the core subspecialties, my heart always found its way back to Family Medicine.
My medical interests within family medicine include obstetrics and reproductive health, behavioral health, health equity, and urban underserved communities. Outside of medicine, I enjoy cooking, experimenting with new foods, rock climbing, and zumba.
My Medical School Journey
I came into medical school with an interest in family medicine. Although I tried to keep an open mind throughout didactic and clerkship years, I found myself always being drawn to primary care and full-spectrum family medicine. I fell in love with bits and pieces of every specialty, both in and out of the classroom.
Outside of class, much of my activities throughout medical school revolved around mentorship and education. Mentorship is something that I’ve greatly enjoyed both providing and receiving throughout my life. I know how impactful the right mentor at the right time in one’s life can be.
In my first year, I absolutely fell in love with anatomy lab. Collaborating with my classmates, and working with our “first patient” in the cadaver lab under Dr. Conley has truly been one of the greatest highlights of my medical school journey. In my second year, I wanted to help spark the same joy that anatomy had brought me, albeit in virtual learning landscape due to the pandemic. During this time, I also got involved in several mentorship programs working with middle school, high school, and college students aspiring to pursue a career in medicine.
During my second year of medical school, I joined the Language Access Team, a sub-committee of The Health Equity Circle, that was dedicated to improving medical care for limited English proficient patients. Our work culminated in the drafting of House Bill 1852, which would mandate that all prescription labels be printed both in English and a patient’s primary language. Although the bill ultimately did not make it through the legislative cycle, this experience taught me that we all can become leaders within our communities and be the first to spark change.
Although medical school has been challenging with unexpected hurdles along the way, I feel blessed to have been surrounded by classmates, colleagues, friends, and mentors that have enriched my experience in ways that words cannot begin to describe. I am inspired every day by the compassion, perseverance, and grit of those I have been privileged to have met and worked along side for the past four years. My medical school journey has undoubtedly been filled with many ups and downs over the years, but I would not have made it to this point without the support of my those around me.
Hopes & Aspirations
I was born and raised in Washington, and it is my goal to stay in the Pacific Northwest to serve as a primary care physician for the community that has given me so much. While my first glimpse into the medical world was through the eyes of a young child caring for her father, now as a student transitioning into the next chapter of my medical training, I remain steadfast in my passion to care for entire families, across generations. As a resident, I aspire to create strong ties through engagement with the community, challenge health care and language barriers, and grow my skills in patient advocacy to bring about meaningful and actionable change.
Olivia Vargas
Pathology—Anatomic Pathology/Clinical Pathology, University of Washington
About Me
I was born and raised in Seattle, Washington and completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Chicago. After graduation, I moved back to Seattle and completed my Masters of Public Health while also working in global health and vaccine distribution in Mozambique. I also worked in biotech for a few years before beginning medical school.
My Medical School Journey
My journey to medical school was not linear but it was fun and interesting. I let my curiosity guide me and ended up finding a specialty that suits my personality and career goals.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to have a career where I can learn something new everyday and have a smile on my face. I would also love to challenge the stereotype of pathologists staying in the basement by involving myself in public health and working to make pathology more accessible to patients and medical students.
Abby Velarde
Anesthesiology, Oregon Health and Science University
About Me
I was born and raised in the Lewis-Clark Valley amongst a family of five. I was a gymnast from a young age, which led me to pursue collegiate athletics and complete my undergraduate degree at Boise State University. This is where I met my husband. We both love hiking, camping, fishing, traveling, and spending time with our Labrador, Woody.
My Medical School Journey
It has been a rewarding journey thus far. It started out with an eventful time in the anatomy lab during our MS1 year. By the end of it, the pandemic hit and we struggled through online curriculum for two years. We were immersed back into the clinical environment starting our MS3 year. While I loved all specialties I rotated through, nothing was as exhilarating as pediatric anesthesiology. I spent my fourth year confirming this specialty choice through time spent at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Spokane, and traveling rotations throughout the Pacific Northwest. I am very grateful for all I have learned and experienced throughout these past four years.
Hopes & Aspirations
I aspire to be a Pediatric Anesthesiologist that provides safe and effective perioperative care to areas that need it most within our state. I hope to continually seek global health and mission trip opportunities throughout my career.
Olivia Wang
Internal Medicine, California Pacific Medical Center
About Me
I was born and grew up in China till I was 18, then I attended the University of Washington where I earned a BS in physiology. Being a physician seemed impossible when first I moved to the US, but overcoming the culture shock and language barrier and pursuing a career in medicine taught me to work hard, stay curious, and view every challenge as an opportunity to grow. I worked as a Mandarin-English medical interpreter in my gap year, and I found my passion in internal medicine and medical education throughout medical school.
My Medical School Journey
My favorite part of medical school is rotating through different specialties and learning something new every day in clinical training. My heart was drawn to internal medicine after experiencing the complex pathology in the field and the life and death of my patients. I am inspired to be an Internal Medicine doctor who listens to patients’ wishes, strives to achieve their goals of care, and provides cure, relief, and comfort throughout all stages of their lives.
Hopes & Aspirations
I hope to become a leader in hospital medicine and medical education and provide excellent services to local communities while educating next-generation medical students in Washington.
Lana Yurkin
Family Medicine, Kootenai Health
About Me
As a refugee from Ukraine, I look forward to serving the Inland Northwest community that graciously accepted my family and countless other refugee families. I first graduated as a pharmacist and later decided to continue my medical education at WSU. I am passionate about behavioral health, culinary medicine, and enjoying the outdoors in the beautiful Inland Northwest.
My Medical School Journey
My medical school experience was an incredibly humbling process. Through my patient interactions, I developed empathy, compassion, and leadership.
Hopes & Aspirations
My aspiration as a family medicine physician is to stay local in the northwest and provide excellent primary care to our region. I want to develop lifelong genuine connections with my patients that will empower them to take full ownership of their health to ensure healthy, happy lives.