University: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

College/University Graduation Year: 2018

Degrees/Programs: Biology, Psychology

Years in PPMAH/Role: 3 years, PMAH Outreach Director

Medical School: John A. Burns School of Medicine, MS3

Specialty Interest: Neurology

Current Goals: As I start my clinical years, I hope to build good rapport with my patients and improve my clinical skills

PPMAH helped me to strengthen my networking skills and build stronger connections with my community, which I felt played a huge part in my journey to medicine. Through PPMAH and PMAH Outreach, I was able to use my public health skills to serve and advocate for Filipino communities during the COVID-19 pandemic while also learning from physicians and mentors who shared similar values. Being surrounded by Filipino physicians, medical students, and peers helped me feel more supported and reminded me that there was a place for me in medicine. My experiences with PPMAH strengthened my commitment to becoming a physician who gives back to my community.

Remember that your journey to medicine doesn't have to look like anyone else's, and it's okay to be non-traditional because there's so many pathways to becoming a doctor. Don't be shy to seek out mentors, build connections, and surround yourself with people who remind you why you chose to pursue this path. Our culture may sometimes expect us to be a bit more reserved and quiet, but I encourage you to push yourself out of your comfort zone because medicine constantly challenges you to adapt, grow, and seek guidance when you feel lost. Ultimately, continue to build on experiences that drive your passion for medicine because that's what will make you a better physician.

University:‍ University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

College/University Graduation Year: May 2021

Degrees/Programs: B.S. Biology

Years in PPMAH/Role: I've been a part of PMAH Outreach since 2020, then joined PPMAH as a mentor when I became a medical student in 2023.

Medical School: John A. Burns School of Medicine

Specialty Interest(s): Child/Adolescent Psychiatry

Current Goals: I aspire to address cultural and healthcare access gaps within rural communities.

PPMAH provided me a network of friends and mentors who I will remember for life. People who have been my peers during my pre-med journey, my med school classmates now, and who will be my amazing colleagues in the future. PPMAH has been a space for me to give back to the community that has been so supportive - for that I will always be grateful!

My advice is to say YES! to more opportunities. Don't be afraid to ask for help, to seek more opportunities, and to build relationships with mentors. Comparison is the thief of joy. Be proud of how far you've come, and trust you'll get where you need to be.

University:‍ University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

College/University Graduation Year: 2022

Degrees/Programs: B.S. Biology

Years in PPMAH/Role: 4

Medical School: John A. Burns School of Medicine, 1st Year medical student

Specialty Interest(s): Anesthesia, General Surgery, Cardiology

Current Goals: Give my all in medical school.

Going into college, I was the only one in my high school friend group who chose to pursue medicine, and I didn't really know what I was getting myself into. Throughout high school, we always had each other, but that changed when they pursued careers in engineering, computer science, and business. During this time of uncertainty, discovering PPMAH gave me a clearer understanding of the path ahead and connected me with others who shared similar goals. PPMAH opened opportunities, helped me understand the steps I needed to take, and ultimately played an important role in guiding me to where I am today.

Whenever I go through a difficult time, I always think about the saying "It will pass". I like this saying because it reminds me that nothing is permanent and that whatever difficult/painful thing I'm experiencing will pass. My journey as a pre medical student was rough and filled with a lot setbacks and during those moments it felt never ending. If you're going through a difficult time right now, remember that it will pass. Don't let the challenges overwhelm you— If your heart is truly in medicine, you will make it.

University: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

College/University Graduation Year: 2019

Degrees/Programs: Biology BS

Years in PPMAH/Role: 1 Year, treasurer

Medical School: John A Burns School of Medicine, MS4

Specialty Interest: Pediatrics

Current Goals: My current goals include becoming a caring physician for Hawaii's keiki and completing a second marathon!

PPMAH provided me with a community of peers who were on similar paths and who could understand the experience of being a premedical student. From the boba socials, workshops, and galas, PPMAH was a safe space to learn, ask questions, and connect with others during my gap years.

You've put in the hard work, you are capable, and you got this! It had helped me to focus on my "why" with knowing that my "why" can change and grow. Take care of yourself, explore your joys, and rely on your communities to help you navigate this time in your life.

University: New York University Shanghai

College/University Graduation Year: 2019

Degrees/Programs: Double major: Biology and Neural science

Years in PPMAH: 2021-2023

Medical School: John A. Burns School of Medicine, Class of 2027

Specialty Interest(s): Family Medicine, Geriatrics

Current Goals: Even after finishing my medical school chapter at JABSOM, I want to continue to stay connected with my PMAH family as a resident in Hawaii.

My undergrad didn't have much of a pre-health community, so it was great to connect with fellow premeds through PPMAH! I was able to find mentors and role models who helped me with my application and practice interviews. Even now as a medical student, I'm happy to continue connecting with premeds through JABSOM's student interest group Philippine Medical Students of Hawaii (PMSAH).

As someone who did not grow up in Hawaii or go to school here, I was worried about not knowing anyone, but I'm glad that I did because I was able to find community and support in PPMAH. So don't worry about the things that make you different! They make you even more interesting and exciting to get to know.

Hometown: Waipahu, HI

High School: Moanalua High School

University: University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

Medical School: Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences

Degrees/Programs: BS in Biochemistry

PPMAH has influenced my journey to medical school in many ways. First, we received incredible mentorship from amazing doctors and medical students, who shared what was needed to apply and what we should be accomplishing as we prepared. We were also exposed to numerous community outreach opportunities, with the doctors providing immense support. Whatever we wanted to pursue, they were there to help plan, set things up, and provide everything we needed. Most importantly, the greatest influence on my journey has been the friends I've made here. Without them, I wouldn't have been able to accomplish everything I have. They were always there to answer questions, volunteer together, plan events, and support one another. We were all facing similar challenges, successes, and difficulties, and I was grateful to have a group I could relate to and lean on.