Paul Ambrose Scholars

Program

Participant Directory

Washington, DC

June 21-24, 2007

I am from Atlanta, and have lived here my entire life except for the four years I spent in western

Massachusetts at Amherst College. After graduating in 2004 with a B.A. in psychology, I moved

back to Atlanta to work at Emory University where I conducted research on Parkinson’s and

Huntington’s Diseases. Although the people, mice, and rats were great, I moved to a different

part of campus after two years to start at the Medical School.

I have just finished my first year, and although I love it, it is certainly a lot of work. The time that

I do have off is usually spent watching sports, going to movies, or playing tennis. I am hoping to

further my new interest in public health and study ways to overcome disparities in health

literacy. I also hope to learn ways to incorporate preventative medicine into my career as a

physician.

I spent my early years of my life moving from New Jersey to a small retirement community

of Port Saint Lucie, Florida. I enjoyed swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and all the outdoor

activities under the great sunny Florida weather minus the humidity as I grew up.

When I graduated from high school, I was in a dilemma of choosing a college or university

to attend. I had a split decision between a future career in engineering or the health field.

So based on cost, location, and favorite colors I decided to attend my undergraduate studies

at the University of Florida College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. My chosen primary major

was the accelerated two year pre-pharmacy associates degree and the back up was pre-

medicine, some people may call me crazy because of the course load but it was a great

choice. After finishing my two year associates degree, I was accepted into University of

Florida College of Pharmacy and began my studies for the PharmD. Currently I am

beginning my third year of pharmacy school. As a student pharmacist I began an interest in

public health service and considered obtaining a joint MPH. A car ride up to an American

Michael D. Bryant

Emory University School of Medicine

Andrew Alden Chanliongco

School: University of Florida

College of Pharmacy – Gainesville Campus

Pharmacy Association – Academy of Students Mid-year meeting speaking with a friend

about the United States Public Health Service consolidated my interest in public health

service.

Besides career wise plans, I enjoy volunteering for many community service projects; an

interest fostered by mother bringing me to the local American Cancer Society and

American Red Cross offices in my youth. Also I practice Filipino martial arts and enjoy

getting physically fit at the many gyms in the University of Florida. In addition, I practice

the culinary arts and experiment in fusing flavors and tastes from many cultures around the

world. If time permits, I also practice playing the violin and playing in public areas.

Around the time I learned how to write cursive, I also learned how to prick my grandfather’s

finger to check his glucose levels. He always advised me that “you must be the change you wish

to see in the world”, so for a long time, I thought he was repeating a wise Chinese proverb, but I

later realized, to my surprise, that it was first spoken by Gandhi, in Hindi, not in Chinese!

Indeed, the quote translates well across many languages, and conveys the inspirational message

to “be the change”, and not to wait for the change to happen on its own.

Even after my grandfather passed away after a 20 year struggle with diabetes, I have continued

to hold his advice close to my heart, and have called upon it on numerous occasions to guide me.

Memories of accompanying him as his translator during his doctor’s visits illuminated for me the

challenges and frustrations for a non-English speaking patient navigating the intricate maze of

the U.S. healthcare system. Eager to help patients, like my grandfather, gain access to culturally

competent healthcare, I began volunteering at the Stanford medical student-run free clinic,

Pacific Free Clinic, shortly after starting graduate school in the Biochemistry Department at the

Stanford School of Medicine. I have been volunteering at the Pacific Free Clinic for nearly four

years, and am now its Clinic Manager. This is the first year we are developing an initiative in

partnership with the Stanford Asian Liver Center to combat hepatitis B through a comprehensive

three-pronged approach including education, screening & vaccination, and treatment &

monitoring. With each patient we screen and are able to get vaccinated against hepatitis B, we

come one step closer towards our goal of eliminating the greatest health disparity facing the

Asian community, and one step closer to being “the change you wish to see in the world”.

Elizabeth Chao

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world”

–Mahatma Gandhi

When I am not in clinic, not doing research, and not studying, I enjoy dancing, swimming,

camping, playing the piano, listening to opera, and reading and writing poetry. I was born in

sunny Palo Alto, California, went to Palo Alto High School, and graduated from Harvard with a

degree in Biochemistry.

My name is Myrlita Clark RN/BSN. I reside in Philadelphia, P.A. the city of brotherly love and

was educated through the public school system. My mother, a single parent always encouraged,

motivated and inspired me to seek a formal education after high school. However, I decided to

work as a nurse aid; this is how I learned to care for other human beings and that nursing would

become my career. I am a single parent of two wonderful children Sabrina, 19 and Jerrell, 17,

and I stress education to both of them as one of their most important decisions of life.

I started my formal nursing education in 1984, by completing my pre-requisite at Community

College of Philadelphia and obtained entrance into Frankford School of Nursing. I received my

diploma in nursing, became a Registered Nurse and went to work in a long term care nursing

facility. While caring for our elderly citizens, I decided to continue my education at Thomas

Jefferson University and entered the BSN program. In May of 2004, I received my Bachelors of

nursing degree and continued on into the Masters of nursing in the fall of 2004. I am currently

finishing my last semester in graduate school; my goal is to work as a family practitioner and a

nursing educator

When I am not studying I volunteer for various organizations but my fulltime job is in dialysis as

the facility administrator. I spend the majority of my time with the National Kidney Foundation/

Early Evaluation and Education program. This program gives me the opportunity to educate

patients about chronic kidney disease and to participate in a monthly education program titled

(The Kidney Talk). I would also like to create a chronic kidney disease program.

My hobbies are reading, listening to oldies on the radio and my special interest was when I was

the primary instructor for a nursing assistant program.

Finally my ultimate goal is to educate nursing students attending LPN/RN programs and to build

a bridge into our nations nursing shortage.

Myrlita Clark, RN, BSN

Philadelphia, PA

I did all of my prerequisite work for pharmacy school at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro,

Arkansas. This is where I am originally from. I was then accepted to the University of Arkansas

for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy. Here, I became active in the American Pharmacist

Association Academy of Student Pharmacist (APhA-ASP). The involvement in the association

allowed me to participate in many health screenings, be a member of its executive committee,

and be a political advocate for my profession of pharmacy. Through this association I have been

recognized on a state and national level for my achievements. I have received several

scholarships for leadership, been a top ten finalist in our APhA-ASP Chapter’s Patient

Counseling competition, and been selected as a Pharmacy Today One-to-One Counseling

Recognition Program Recipient.

Currently, I am starting my rotations as a forth year pharmacy student. In the next year I will

have a variety of pharmacy practice sites. My plans for the future are to complete a community

pharmacy residency program.

In my spare time, I like to hunt, fish, and play golf. I also try to be healthy by going to the gym

and running. In March, I completed my first marathon in Little Rock.

I’m a senior dental student at the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

in San Francisco, California. I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area but went to school at

Wellesley College in Massachusetts, where I received a B.A. in Chemistry. This past year I

served as President of S.C.O.P.E., Student Community Outreach for Public Education.

S.C.O.P.E. is Pacific’s student-run community outreach and mentorship program. We focus on

serving the many underprivileged populations in the Bay Area and Northern California. Through

the numerous events and projects throughout the year, S.C.O.P.E.’s goal is to educate, prevent

disease, and improve the oral health of the public.

Eric Crumbaugh

crumbaugheric@uams.edu

Chrystle Cu

University of the Pacific

Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

Zachariah (Zack) M. Deyo

Wingate University School of Pharmacy

I am originally from the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on the shore of beautiful Lake Superior. I

come from a large family as I am the oldest of 4 children. I completed my undergraduate studies

at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. I chose to attend Wingate University School of

Pharmacy because it is a new and progressive program that offers many early and advanced

clinical rotations and incorporates new technology into their curriculum. They offer courses

such as patient assessment and case studies to help give students experiences that are applicable

to practice. North Carolina’s board of pharmacy is extremely progressive as well. While on

campus I was able to be involved in our Student Senate and several national and state pharmacy

organizations as well as volunteering in many community service events. I feel strongly about

being actively involved in healthcare organizations and community service as well as

involvement on/in interdisciplinary committees and organizations.

I am currently on my clinical rotations in my 4th year of study. I am enjoying rotations so far. I

am most looking forward to my Academic Teaching elective at the school of pharmacy and my

cardiology rotation in January. I hope to complete a post graduate residency upon graduation. I

would like to have a practice site someday with the opportunity to precept students and lecture at

a school of pharmacy.

Outside of the classroom I enjoy mountain and road biking, whitewater kayaking, hiking and

camping. I like to cook, workout and enjoy time with friends and family. My favorite foods are

chicken wings and sushi.

Elaine DePrang

University of Houston College of Pharmacy

Howdy! I am a West Texas girl originally and I moved to Houston about three years ago for

Pharmacy School. I attended Texas Tech University for four years and then after a research

fellowship with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute I decided on a career in Pharmacy.

I am just starting my fourth year of Pharmacy School and I am loving it! My fourth year practice

sites include everything from traditional Retail Pharmacy to Transplant Therapeutics, Critical

Care, and Nutritional Support. In my spare time I also gain valuable experience volunteering at

the HOMEs Clinic, which is a free homeless clinic run by medical, public health and pharmacy

students.

With any extra time I focus on having a great time! For fun I play on the pharmacy intramural

volleyball team, go rock climbing, and play basketball.

Eberenna Egwu

College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Butler University

I am psyched to be finishing up my final year of pharmacy school at Butler University where I

am also minoring in Spanish. I desire to use my Spanish skills to reach out to the Spanish-

speaking community, identify disparities in health care and increase quality health care access

for non-English speaking patients. Currently, I am completing an ambulatory care rotation at a

family practice clinic in Indianapolis. When I am not studying or working up patients, I enjoy

working out at our on-campus recreational facility where I am a personal trainer. I enjoy

chocolate-covered strawberries, long walks on the beach, and am very excited to be a participant

in this year’s Paul Ambrose Symposium.

Miles Farr

I grew-up in a small town in South-West Louisiana near the Texas border. I, like so many

Louisianans, grew up a die-hard LSU fan and graduated from LSU with a Finance degree. My

love for LSU and Louisiana is as strong as ever!

The business experience I gained after college, which included working for a few global

conglomerates over several years, has provided a valuable perspective on globalization. My

field of internal audit and consulting offered the opportunity to travel, which whet my appetite to

see the world. Although I enjoyed my job, after much consideration, I made the decision that

health care was the field that would provide me the most long-term satisfaction. So after

completing the science prerequisites in four different cities, getting married and backpacking

through South America, I find myself in Galveston, Texas working towards my M.D. at The

University of Texas Medical Branch. While I am not sure of a specialty at this time, I am

certain that I want to be involved in Public and International Health in the future.

Alexander Garrard

Mercer University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

I am native of Atlanta, which if you are at all familiar with the city, is a rare phenomenon. My

family hails from Germany where I spent some time every year during my childhood years. I did

my pre-pharmacy coursework at the University of Georgia in Athens, Georgia – home of the B-

52s and REM. I am much more of a music fan than a football fan, which is a big deal at UGA.

I’m currently in my fourth and final year of pharmacy school rotating at various clinical sites in

Atlanta. By the time I meet everyone, I will have completed my toxicology rotation at the

Georgia Poison Center!

During my third year of pharmacy school, I spent quite a bit of time developing a heart failure

discharge counseling program for indigent patients with heart failure at Dekalb Medical Center.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the patients and empowering them to take control of

their health. I have also done considerable work with a local HIV clinic in educating, not only

the patients, but also the healthcare staff about the disease states they encounter and rational drug

therapy.

When I’m not studying, rounding, or volunteering, I enjoy spending time with my friends,

hanging out at the park, and having in-depth conversations about everything under the sun. If the

activity involves being outdoors and living life, I’ll probably enjoy it.

Joni Goodman

Baylor College of Medicine

I am from the hot and humid paradise of Houston, Texas. I moved here in 2004 after graduating

from Gonzaga University with a degree in Biology and Women’s Studies. I moved here initially

to take a job at Baylor College of Medicine in research, but after 2 years of working I decided to

pursue a more people oriented field in medicine and applied to the Physician Assistant program

at BCM.

I am currently starting my second year at BCM. Although PA school has left me with very little

free time, I have spent some of that time acting as the External Affairs Chairperson of the PA

program to work with all the other students at BCM. I also represented my school in the Student

Association of the American Academy of Physician Assistants Challenge Bowl in May 2007. I

also have a strong interest in Women’s Health and I am planning on doing my Masters Thesis on

a topic in Women’s Health and most likely becoming an OB/GYN PA after graduating.

While I am not in class, I spend my free time planning a wedding. I am getting married to my

fiancé John Ganguzza on December 21, 2007. We also enjoy taking swing dance lessons and we

are planning on doing our first dance to a swing song!

Mera Goodman

Stony Brook University School of Medicine

Born in California, I was raised on Long Island (NY) and then spent eight years in Manhattan.

For four of these years I pursued a B.A. in Biology at Barnard College of Columbia U, spending

the remaining time in management consulting at a couple of firms in NYC. As much as I enjoyed

the intensity and steep learning curves of management consulting - belaboring corporate strategy

projects for diverse clients - my passion for medicine seemed to consistently rear its friendly

face. In addition to my exploration of the business world, I have worked in several labs (e.g.

molecular biology, cardiothoracic surgery, preventative medicine), volunteered in a few clinical

settings (e.g. pediatric ER, pediatric oncology), and participated in community service projects. I

have also spent time overseas involved in healthcare projects. I’ve volunteered in Peru and India

and I will be heading to Madagascar this summer to work on a health care needs assessment of

an underserved community in efforts to establish a university clinic.

I am currently finishing my first year at Stony Brook University School of Medicine. So far,

I’ve had the opportunity to assist in university building activities and to engage in a few outside

interests. I have been gradually building a research study to examine the effectiveness of a trial

unit of a community hospital. In terms of leadership, I’m specifically interested in developing a

condensed, extracurricular leadership and management skills curriculum with a primary focus

within healthcare and prevention that can be offered to the hospital, university students and

greater community.

While my family and friends will always be two of my greatest motivations, I am excited by

additional opportunities life has to offer. Recently this has manifested in my interests of

international volunteering, "entrepreneurialing", traveling, running, snowboarding, loving the

outdoors, and "restauranting".

Priyanka Handa

I am finishing up my first year at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. I earned

an undergraduate Bachelors of Science in Biology in three years as a part of the Medical

Scholars Program (combined BS/MD program in seven years). In undergrad, I started a program

for eating disorder and nutrition education and awareness of eating disorders in the public school

system through an organization called Body Image for Girls & Guys (BIGG).

I am currently solidifying a partnership between our school and a free clinic, which provides

medical service to victims of abuse in the Miami area. My interests include dancing and

traveling.

Gavin H. Imperato

State University of New York

I am a rising second-year medical student at the State University of New

York Downstate College of Medicine in Brooklyn, New York. I was born in New York City and

grew up in Manhasset, Long Island. I graduated from Haverford College in Pennsylvania with a

major in English and a minor in Biology. My interest in public health and prevention developed

through my undergraduate experience as co-chair of Haverford’s Student Health Advisory

Committee, and my work as co-director of a student-run homeless outreach organization serving

Philadelphia. I spent my summers in college working at the New York State Department of

Health AIDS Institute and the Cornell University Medical Center Department of Epidemiology.

After graduating from college, I decided to explore my interest in public health further by

spending a year at the AIDS Institute as a project and research assistant under the guidance of the

Institute’s Medical Director, Dr. Bruce Agins. With the opportunity to work on various

prevention and quality improvement initiatives, I gained an appreciation for the powerful role of

prevention in combating the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

The role of teaching and research in the advancement of medical care is another great interest of

mine. I completed a master’s degree in the Biological Sciences at New York University where I

served as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Biology. During my graduate studies,

I developed strong interests in immunology, virology, and oncology. I have had the opportunity

to integrate my interest in these disciplines through research I have conducted at Memorial

Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center with Dr. Renier Brentjens, who is keenly focused on developing

an immune-based cure for certain hematologic malignancies. It has been exciting to participate

in studies of this novel therapeutic strategy in which patients’ own T cells are genetically

modified to kill their cancer cells.

I am thrilled to be studying medicine in a place as dynamic as New York City at a time when the

opportunities to effect change for both individuals and populations are so great. In my free time,

I enjoy taking advantage of all the cultural offerings of the city. I also have an avid interest in

the history and arts of Africa, and recently conducted fieldwork in Mali, West Africa on beliefs

and practices related to twins.

Alisa Kachikis

University of Texas Medical Branch

School of Medicine

Galveston has been my home for the past two years, but I am used to

moving and living in different places. While I was growing up, my

family and I lived in Germany for some time and after finishing high

school I moved to Illinois to begin college. I completed my

undergraduate degree at Wheaton Collage, just west of Chicago, with a

double major in German and holistic human health, an interdisciplinary studies major. During

my years at college, I had an amazing professor who introduced me to public health and

preventive medicine, which I have been interested in ever since.

This month I am beginning my 3rd

year of medical school and I am very excited about working

in the hospitals and clinics in and around Galveston. Last summer I had to the opportunity to

complete a pre-clinical preceptorship in central India where I worked alongside a native doctor in

a non-profit clinic. I was also able to conduct a small research project on women’s health issues

while I was there. In addition, some fellow students and I kept busy during the past year by

founding the Public Health Organization (or “PHO” as we call it), a new student organization at

UTMB. The purpose of this organization is to teach students and the UTMB community about

public health and preventive medicine as well as host lectures on current issues pertaining to

disease prevention.

Otherwise, I really enjoy living in Galveston. My favorite thing to do is to go on bike rides along

the gulf with my friends - the gulf breeze is definitely a benefit of living here. I also enjoy

exercising outside and volunteering in an exercise program for kids through the local YMCA.

This year I became a first-time aunt, so a new hobby of mine is visiting my niece as often as

possible.

Mitul Kanzaria

I am from Cherry Hill, NJ, a town outside of Philadelphia, PA. I went to Rensselaer Polytechnic

Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY majoring in Chemical Engineering and Biology. I am a huge fan of

all Philadelphia sports. I enjoy many outdoor activities, including skiing, running, and did I say

skiing?

I am currently a first year medical student at Albany Medical College and am also involved in

research studying the organ donation process and methods on improving donation rates. We are

investigating the use of a Mothers of Donor (MOD) squad intervention program to help families

at the time of donation decision with coping and increase donation rates. Additionally, I am

working with creating a new method of screening breast tumors to determine the most

efficacious treatment. I am also interested in health disparities both on an global level and local

level. I will be traveling to Haiti this summer for a medical mission trip and also work with

Quest kids, an after school program in Schenectady, NY, to help improve the healthcare for these

children.

As this school year winds down, I look forward to the busy summer that awaits me and to the

new challenges that I will be presented with in the upcoming years of medical school.

Sarah Kramer

Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health

I am originally from Washington State. I was raised in a small, country town that rarely makes it

on the maps. After high school, I moved to the big city, Seattle, to attend the University of

Washington. I completed my undergraduate studies there, majoring in sociology. Upon

graduation, I moved to Arizona to begin attending the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral

Health where I am pursuing my D.M.D. degree.

Currently, I am just wrapping up my second year of dental school. I am just beginning to see

patients in the clinic, which is both exciting and overwhelming as there is so much to learn. One

of the greatest qualities about my program is that the mission statement focuses on public health,

which is the reason why I chose this school. I want to be involved with public health dentistry

throughout my career and possibly pursue a Master’s degree in the topic. Right now, I am

involved in a public health project that is addressing the possible link between maternal

periodontal disease and pre-term low birth weight deliveries. The project focuses on oral health

education and access to dental services for a group of expectant mothers in South Phoenix. This

summer I will be participating in a research study that is examining this same topic. I am very

excited about this opportunity as it will be my first research experience and the topic is one of

great personal interest.

Outside of school I enjoy doing almost anything in the great outdoors. Some of my favorites are

soccer, biking, and horseback riding. I also love to spend the weekend hiking and camping with

my fiancé, Michael, and pooch, Emmett. I also enjoy volunteering my time. I spend Saturday

mornings helping at The Therapy Zone, which is a therapeutic horseback riding center for people

with developmental disabilities. And finally, when the Arizona heat becomes unbearable, I

escape by curling up on the couch with a good book to read.

Paul J. Krezanoski

Boston University School of Medicine

I was born in California and lived in both Northern and Southern California until I went to high

school in Massachusetts. I graduated from Middlebury College in 2001 with a degree in

Computer Science and Anthropology. I worked for a couple of years as a software programmer

and then project manager for IBM in Washington, DC before deciding that I wanted to go to

medical school. Before applying to and being accepted at BUSM, I spent two years in the Peace

Corps in Madagascar where I managed HIV and malaria education projects.

I just finished my first year at BU. This summer I will be traveling back to Madagascar to

expand on a mosquito net distribution project I created while in the Peace Corps. I currently

work part-time as an IT and communications consultant at the Joint Learning Initiative for

Children and AIDS at the Francois-Bagnaud Center for Health and Human Rights at Harvard

University. I am also a founding director of Opportunity Solutions International, a non-profit

organization focused on health equity and poverty alleviation projects in Madagascar.

I played four years of varsity basketball at Middlebury and am involved in a couple of leagues in

my spare time. I love to travel, with the goal of seeing a new country every year. I also enjoy

playing chess and walking around Cambridge, Mass with my wife who is a first-year PhD

student in Health Policy at Harvard.

Hello! I am from a small city called Fitchburg, Massachusetts located an hour west of Boston. I

have been a nurse for twenty two years working in public and community health nursing.

I am a third year graduate student at Indiana State University pursuing a Masters in Community

Health Nursing with dual concentrations in Adult Health and Nursing Education. Currently, I

work in school based health in the Fitchburg Public School District focusing my work in

Wellness Policy development, teen obesity, diabetes, and primary prevention efforts to promote

physical activity and nutrition among inner city teens. I am also a Health and Consumer Science

Teacher invested in developing a model to spiral health and wellness throughout middle school

curriculums.

I graduated from St. Vincent Hospital School of Nursing and Fitchburg State College. I am a

member of the Epsilon Beta Chapter of Sigma Theta Tau. This spring I kept busy taking classes,

working, and acting as a teaching assistant at ISU for a graduate nursing research class and will

return to that role in the Fall.

I am married and have two boys, ages 14 and 12, and love the Red Sox. When I am not studying

or working I enjoy spending time with my family, jogging, the beach, traveling, and reading. I’m

looking forward to networking and learning about all of my colleagues’ projects at the

symposium.

Shelly Luger

Indiana State University

College of Nursing

Hi everyone, I live in a rural community in Nebraska. I have an undergraduate degree in

biology from Concordia University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the

University of Nebraska Medical Center. I have worked as a nurse in a variety of settings

including: community health, administration, psychiatry and general medical surgical. Currently

I teach community and public health nursing at a small college in South Dakota (the Missouri

River separates Nebraska and South Dakota where I live). I also attend Indiana State University

working towards my advanced practice nursing degree with hopes of graduation May 2008.

Jacqueline Lessard

I am especially busy this summer. I will be traveling to Chicago to write test questions for the

NCLEX (National Counsel Licensure Exam) for registered nurses. Next I will be heading to

Greeley Colorado to take two 3 credit graduate level transcultural nursing courses. Then my

travels will take me to Washington, DC with the rest of you. This leaves me with one more

course which I will be taking this summer. I will be working on my thesis next year.

When I am not working, involved in organization activities or busy with graduate school

requirements, my husband and I are busy with our four children’s activities. Particularly I enjoy

camping, fishing and gardening.

Zach Marcum

Butler University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

I am originally from Hamilton, OH (near Cincinnati), but I have lived in Indianapolis, IN the

past 5 years as I have made my way through pharmacy school at Butler University. I am

currently in my 6th

and final year of a Doctorate of Pharmacy program. This year I will complete

10 different one-month clinical rotations, which include topics such as oncology, general

medicine, underserved clinics, FDA Office of Special Health Issues, and an Indian Health

Service site in Pine Ridge, South Dakota. After graduation, I plan on completing a pharmacy

residency and eventually pursuing a Masters in Public Health.

I have completed research on a worksite wellness program, which involved conducting health

screenings and calculating health risk assessments for Butler University employees. This initial

research sparked my interest in the field of health promotion and disease prevention, and I am

looking forward to learning much, much more in this field.

In my free time, I enjoy running, playing sports, reading, and traveling. Most recently, I ran the

Indianapolis Mini-Marathon this May.

Michael McCollum

University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-School of Osteopathic Medicine

I have spent most of my life in Southern New Jersey, as a “beach kid” from the time I was born

until I went to graduate school. For college, I remained in the area, working in a local pharmacy

and attending the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and received two degrees, a BS in

Biology and another in Biochemistry/Molecular Biology. I moved to Philadelphia, Pa in 2000

for my master’s degree program at Drexel University, though I did the research portion in

Molecular Pharmacology at the University of Pennsylvania. Returning home, I worked in both

high schools teaching Biology and Chemistry and at the college level teaching Biology courses

such as Microbiology, Anatomy & Physiology and General Biology. I had always desired to be

a physician, and returned to that goal in 2005 as an osteopathic student at the New York College

of Osteopathic Medicine. For year 3, I transferred back towards home at UMDNJ-SOM.

I enjoy many of the area sports, specifically baseball and hockey (Phillies and Flyers), I also

enjoy teaching online college level classes and also MCAT classes for the Princeton Review. In

my remaining time I enjoy reading, exercising, and of course visiting the beach and boardwalk.

Stephanie McKinney

Wayne State University Physician Assistant Program

I was born and raised in Michigan and completed my undergraduate education at Alma College.

I had the opportunity to study abroad at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland before

completing my bachelors of science at Alma and pursuing my interests in medicine as a

physician assistant student at Wayne State University. I am now in my second year of PA school

wrapping up my first rotation in family medicine.

I have always had an interest in education and preventative medicine. I double majored in

biology and education while getting my B.S. and found that my propensity towards being an

educator was a good fit for the PA field. I have also volunteered at a medical clinic in Costa Rica

which helped develop my desire to increase my involvement with the underserved in Detroit’s

community. Currently I have been volunteering at the Cass Community Clinic which helps

provide medical care for the low income and homeless population of Detroit. I would like to see

WSU get more involved with the community, and I am interested in setting up an educational

relationship that aligns Wayne State’s PA Program with the Children’s Center of Detroit. It is a

fantastic program which works with children under the age of 18 that have been placed under the

care of the state of Michigan.

Although school leaves time for very little outside of studying, I also enjoy traveling, art history,

dancing, reading, jogging and spending time with my family and friends.

Anneliese Ruth Millones

Emory University School of Medicine

I grew up in the beautiful (and rainy) city of Tacoma, Washington. I attended and completed my

bachelor’s degree in the University of Washington majoring in Biology and obtaining a minor in

Medical Ethics. During my senior year, I had the opportunity to complete a health internship in

Lima, Peru, which solidified my interest in medicine and working with underserved populations.

After graduating, I spent one year doing research, moved to Atlanta and spent another year

working in a non-profit women’s health center as the Latina Outreach Coordinator. In this

position, I was able to work alongside different groups and individuals working to improve the

health of the Latino population in Georgia. I also became involved with advocacy and lobbied to

improve access to care for immigrant populations.

During my first year at Emory, I continued to work in health advocacy and policy by taking on

leadership roles with the student led organization HealthSTAT (Students Taking Action

Together). Currently, I am on the Board of Directors and coordinating the Health Disparities and

Access to Care issue area. I also am working with fellow medical students to implement a new

Medical Spanish curriculum at Emory starting in the fall. This summer, I am doing research in

the OB/GYN department at Grady Hospital.

In my spare time, I enjoy running in the parks of sunny Atlanta and have recently become a fan

of marathon running (only half so far). I also love to try new foods, listen to live music, play

volleyball and go out dancing.

Tolu Odufuye

My name is Adetolu Odufuye. I go by Tolu. I was born here in the US, but I grew up in Nigeria.

I returned to the U.S. after completing high school in Nigeria. . I graduated with a BS in

Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. I'm finishing my first year of

medical school at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine. I spend my free time site-seeing, shopping,

dancing, playing board games, listening to music, watching TV/movies, going to church and

hanging out with my friends and family. I enjoy meeting and talking to new people and

expanding my knowledge. I didn't include many of my accomplishments because I'm the kind of

person who prefers that my accomplishments speak for themselves. Please ask me about my

accomplishments if you're interested in knowing.

Kirsten Opalach

Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA

Hahnemann Physician Assistant Program

“What are you going to do next?” People who know me have recognized I like to have my hands

in a little of everything and am not afraid to take on new tasks. Currently, I am in my second

year at Drexel University in their Physician Assistant (PA) Program. Health policy was one of

my favorite classes. This is a second career for me. I spent twelve years working as an

Ultrasonographer specializing in General, OB/GYN, Vascular and Cardiac Sonography before

deciding to return to school. After spending twelve years scanning ultrasound patients and

giving anatomy and physiology lessons which patients could understand, I realized I wanted to

be more involved in patient care. I am interested in working in a primary care setting and would

like to focus on preventative and occupational medicine upon graduation.

In the event that I might find free time from studying, I like to just hang out with my husband

and two children, read (other than medical texts), go for long walks, travel, and sing. I plan to

stay in the Delaware area upon graduation.

Tina Ptacek

Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health

Hello all! I am a native to sunny and hot Phoenix, Arizona. I grew up loving the Arizona State

SunDevils, and graduated from ASU in May of 2005 with my bachelors in Biology. Two

months after graduating from ASU, I started dental school at Arizona School of Dentistry and

Oral Health.

I have just begun my third year of dental school, and just started seeing patients this past May! I

look forward to each day, as I continue to learn more than I ever thought possible. I am pursuing

a Certificate in Public Health, and have interest in tobacco cessation counseling training for

health care professionals. This summer I will be spending a month doing research with The

Biodesign Institute at Arizona State University, focusing on using microfluidics as a diagnostic

tool in dentistry.

In my free time I enjoy spending time hiking, running, and playing soccer with our school team.

In the fall, you can always catch me on a Saturday at SunDevil Stadium cheering away.

GO DEVILS!!!

Cara Sivils Riley

Though I’ve spent well less than half my life there, I would describe myself as a native of

Florida. While growing up, my mother decided to pursue her dream of being a doctor and

consequently, we moved about every four years as she attended undergraduate, medical school

and then residency. However, we started in Florida and ended there and that is where my family

still lives, so I have a lot of sunshine in my blood. Seeing my mother work long hours and study

late into the night might have convinced me to avoid med school, but instead, I found myself

learning with her loved it. I knew since the tender age of 12 years that I wanted to be a doctor

and have not changed my mind since.

I went to undergraduate at College of the Holy Cross, in Worcester, Massachusetts. There I

remained steadfast to my ambition to be a doctor and completed the Premedical program, but I

also took the opportunity to explore other areas and ended up double majoring in Religious

Studies. It was in college that I further refined my interest in medicine and found that my

passions lie in Women’s Health. Really, I was crazy about all issues concerning women:

women’s health, women’s rights, feminist theology, female empowerment, etc, etc.

Currently, I am at the end of my third year in medical school, at Virginia College of Osteopathic

Medicine. While I no longer would describe myself as an angry feminist (getting married surely

had something to do with it), I am still passionate about Women’s Health and am applying to

Obstetrics and Gynecology residencies.

Though we don’t have much time out of medical school, my husband (who is also a medical

student) and I spend our free time traveling, camping, and day dreaming about the day when we

will be able to afford cable and a dishwasher.

Rebecca Sadun

Keck-USC School of Medicine

I am reaching the end of my fifth year of the MD/PhD program at the Keck School of Medicine

(USC, Los Angeles). Having just completed the PhD (tumor immunology), I find myself

consumed with the excitement and the terror of returning to the wards (remind me where I´m

supposed to place the stethoscope?). I am writing this "biography" from Guatemala, where I am

making a last-ditch effort to learn Spanish before I start seeing patients.

I went to Brown for undergrad and loved it. To my great surprise, I loved the first two years of

medical school as well (though I can´t quite say the same for the PhD years :).

The good thing about the PhD process is that it affords the flexibility of schedule to explore other

interests. Over the past three years I´ve had the opportunity to become increasingly involved in

medical education – at my school, with the LCME (medical school accrediting body), and with

AMSA (American Medical Student Association). Much of the work I´ve done has surrounded

the issue of “patient education,” more broadly – health literacy, health education, primarily in the

arena of preventive medicine.

I first became passionate about the topic after a few memorable patient encounters at our county

hospital (e.g., a poorly-controlled diabetic who proudly told me of his breakfast of pancakes and

maple syrup, which he had instituted five years earlier when told he should stop eating sugar

cereal). These experiences awakened me to the importance of health education. Though a

difficult skill to master, patient education is taught in very few medical schools. But with any

luck, we can change that.

Looking forward to meeting you all!

Kelly Sanderson

The health profession is new to me. I earned my first degree, in astronomy and physics, from

Whitman College. I interned at NASA, and spent a few years developing educational materials

with space-related themes. (While you're in town, check out the scale model of the solar system

in front of the Smithsonian museums...I helped make that!). But I found that I really missed

interacting with people directly, and decided to become a family nurse practitioner.

I got my second bachelor's degree—this time in nursing—from Georgetown University in 2004.

I will graduate from my master's program at Georgetown at the end of this year. In the

meantime, I work nights in an emergency department. When not at school or in the hospital, I'm

usually found herding my 18 month-old daughter away from the dogs' dishes, and trying not to

forget to water my garden.

A singular experience in a children's hospital's ER motivated me to improve my Spanish-

speaking skills; this, in turn, has introduced me to the challenges facing recent immigrants in my

community. I'd like to address some of these barriers during my professional career. In the

meantime, I work on my Spanish as often as I can through classes, travel, and volunteer

experiences; I'm particularly looking forward to a clinical rotation in Mexico this August.

Melissa Sanko

Wayne State University Physician Assistant Program

After growing up in Iowa City, I attended the University of Michigan where I majored in

Biopsychology and Cognitive Neuroscience. Throughout high school and college I participated

in neuropsychological research, focusing mainly on emotional and social perception. During my

junior year, though, I realized that I wanted to more directly impact the healing of others, so I

decided to pursue a career in medicine. Prior to beginning my master’s program, my experiences

were quite varied, including several retail jobs, I served as the Assistant Program Director for

Girls on the Run, a healthy living and running program for preteen girls, and I also worked at

Alexander Mercy Living Center, a nursing home, where I served as a patient advocate.

Currently I am a second year student in Wayne State University’s Physician Assistant Program

in Detroit. I recently began my clinical rotations and hope to concentrate my work in Women’s

Health. Outside of my classroom commitments, I love volunteering and actively volunteer at the

Cass Community Clinic, which focuses on providing medical care to a medically indigent

population living in the medical center area. I also have been involved in St. John’s Specialty

Clinic, which provides uninsured patients with HIV and AIDS treatment at various clinics

throughout Detroit. I have also participated in several Habitat for Humanity builds in Detroit and

across the country, and have worked closely with the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Northeast

Detroit, as well as the Earth Works Garden, an urban gardening project in the city.

Although school leaves little time outside of studying, I enjoy running (especially while listening

to Ira Glass on This American Life), mountain biking, reading, jazz and folk music, cooking,

gardening, watching indie films, and traveling, especially to Iowa and Chicago to visit family

and friends.

Matt Sapko

University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

I am a third year pharmacy student at the University of Pittsburgh. I attended both undergrad

and pharmacy school at Pitt. In pharmacy school, I am very involved in many of our patient care

initiatives as well as serving in student government and many other organizations. I am

originally from a small town in Northwestern Pennsylvania, Bradford, which is only about 5

minutes from the New York State border. Bradford is famous for Zippo lighters and claims to be

the coldest town in the continental United States– an honor that has never been verified. Much

of my interest in health care and my other hobbies and interests are interwoven with being from

this unique part of the country. Upon completing pharmacy school in two years, I hope to begin

a residency either specializing in clinical pharmacy (particularly Emergency Medicine/Critical

Care or ambulatory medicine) or some type of health care management.

My professional interests include patient’s access to health care, disease prevention, and forming

relationships within health care disciplines for maximum patient health care outcomes. I am also

interested in developing programs aimed at community public health and cardiovascular disease

prevention. In addition, I have begun to work in local free clinics to the underserved in order to

pursue my professional interests and conduct research into providing positive solutions to many

of the current problems facing the health care system and individual’s access to health care.

My other interests include reading, traveling, downhill skiing, and watching Court TV.

Although I live in Pittsburgh and I’m a Steelers fan, I must admit that I like Buffalo Sabres

hockey best – my hometown is actually much closer to Buffalo than Pittsburgh. Two things I

would like to try and improve at before I finish pharmacy school include cooking and ballroom

dancing and I’d like to someday take flying lessons.

Karen Shemanski

Ashley, Pennsylvania

Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

I am originally from Ashley, Pennsylvania, a small town situated between the mountains

of Northeastern Pennsylvania, and located about twenty miles south of Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Prior to attending the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, I received undergraduate

degrees in Biology and Political Science and a minor in Philosophy from Villanova University.

While attending Villanova University, I completed the requirements for and served as a certified

emergency medical technician with the university’s twenty-four hour volunteer emergency

medical service.

Recently, I completed my first year of medical school at the Philadelphia College of

Osteopathic Medicine. During my first year, I aided homeless women with mental disabilities at

a local shelter. In addition, I embraced the opportunity to work with children from single-parent

households, entertaining them and assisting them with the development of their reading skills.

Without a doubt, the times spent volunteering at the shelter and with the children were greatly

rewarding experiences.

When not preparing for class and studying, I enjoy lacing up my sneakers and actively

embracing my past as a cross-country runner by going for runs. I also enjoy playing basketball

and an occasional artistic sketch. On those occasions when I return back to my home in

Northeastern Pennsylvania, I involve myself with the Huber Coal Breaker Preservation Society,

a heritage group dedicated to preserving the region’s anthracite mining past. During the spring

and summer, I cheer on the Philadelphia Phillies because for many years, the Phillies triple-A

affiliate played only minutes from my house in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Additionally, during

the winter months I support the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins, the AHL affiliate of the

Pittsburgh Penguins.

Molly Strong

Indiana University School of Medicine

I am originally from Cicero, a small town in central Indiana. After graduating from high school I

attended Butler University, where I received a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and

chemistry. While working at the Butler Volunteer Center, I developed a passion for helping the

medically underserved. I decided to join the Americorps program and spent the next year living

in Washington, DC and volunteering as an outreach director at a women’s health clinic in

College Park, Maryland. To this day, I still think about all of the wonderful people I met and all

of the defining experiences I had during my Americorp year.

In June, I will be starting my third year of medical school. I currently have interests in women’s

health, adolescent patient advocacy, and developing health systems to better serve the uninsured.

I am also involved at school as a spring formal co-chair. This is the perfect project for me

because I love dancing. I also like to experiment with cooking and take my dog, Bearnardo (or

Bear for short), on walks.

Twelve years ago I was captivated by lights and sirens. Raised in Queens, New York, I became

accustomed to the constant wailing of ambulances near my house. What was first believed to be

an innocent fascination soon became a lifelong career. Prior to starting medical school at the

New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, I was known as the "buff" of my town. After

serving in a couple of ambulance corps and a fire department, I was offered the opportunity to be

Ann Teng

New York College of Osteopathic Medicine

Chief of the Stony Brook Volunteer Ambulance Corps. My experience as chief was the impetus

to further develop my leadership skills today. I was proud to have led the agency to becoming

the New York State Agency of the Year in 2002.

A Bachelors degree in Sociology and Women Studies still left me uncertain of my future. To

buy some time I pursued a Masters degree in Liberal Studies from Stony Brook University. My

Masters thesis entitled "From Quackery to Philosophy, the trend of Osteopathic Medicine in

United States" perpetuated my interest in Osteopathic Medicine. Needless to say, I continue to

receive odd looks from program directors for the use of the word "Quackery." After realizing

Osteopathy was my life's calling, I felt I needed to redeem myself, and currently take pride in

researching and recommending curricula for formal osteopathic education during clerkship

years.

Outside of my life in medicine, I enjoy testing the limits of my body. Currently with a sesamoid

fracture, I continue to participate in kickboxing, tae kwon do, and whitewater rafting. In

addition, my obsession with the Nintendo Wii has culminated into many nights of insomnia.

Lisa Tshuma (pronounced Chew-ma)

Salt Lake City, Utah

Growing up in Salt Lake City, at 16 I caught my first glimpse of life outside Utah as a foreign

exchange student in Chimbote, the largest fishing port in Peru. I subsequently taught English in

Brazil for a year and completed my undergraduate degree in International Studies at the School

for International Training in Brattleboro, Vermont. Although I set off to Zimbabwe intending to

do an undergraduate internship with the ORAP (Organization of Rural Associations for Progress)

in development economics, I ended up spending most of my time in rural HIV prevention

education, malaria prevention, sanitation and nutrition projects. I returned to the US with the

healthcare seed firmly planted in my soul and completed a certificate in NGO Management and

Grassroots Development.

The seed was nourished though health policy coursework at the University of Utah where I

completed a Master of Public Administration. My research focused on “America’s Healthcare

Apartheid: Rx PA?” I firmly believe that PAs can help eliminate health disparities in America! I

am currently beginning my second year as a PA student at the University of Utah. As most of my

clinical experience has been with underserved populations, and as a mother of 3 African-

American children, I am particularly interested in contributing to a healthcare paradigm that

eliminates health disparities and is culturally appropriate.

On a personal note, I am a musician, poet, underwater photographer, and linguist. As a Dive

Master I am also keenly interested in hyperbaric medicine.

Ryan Van Ramshorst

Baylor College of Medicine

Liaison, American Medical Student Association

I am happy to be serving this year as the AMSA Liaison to the Paul Ambrose

Scholars Program. Originally from Southern California, I am currently a first year

medical student at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, TX. I must admit

that Texas is quite the contrast from my hometown of Placentia, CA (located just

next door to Anaheim, CA, home of Disneyland, the Anaheim Angels, and the

Mighty Ducks). Although quite unique, Houston is a great place to study medicine, and an

almost equally great place to enjoy life outside of the medical center. Aside from my studies, I

am an active member of AMSA, serving this year as the Community and Public Health

Education Coordinator for one of our many Action Committees. I am also involved with the

National Network of Latin American Medical Students (NNLAMS) and the Medical Student

Section of the Texas Medical Association (TMA).

As far as career goals, I see my self having a dual role; both as a primary care clinician

(hopefully in pediatrics) and a children’s health advocate. After graduating from Baylor, I hope

to enroll in a dual MPH/MBA program to expand my knowledge of the current US health care

system, health care reform, and health policy.

In my free time (which is increasingly rare for all of us), I enjoy swing dancing, salsa dancing,

and playing soccer. My favorite hobby, by far, is cooking. When I find the time, I love making

Italian dishes, ranging from bright pasta marinara to flavorful chicken piccata. I’ve decided that

if medicine doesn’t work out, I will become a chef, and hopefully enter the Food Network’s

competition for their next big star. I look forward to meeting and interacting with y’all (as you

can see, I’m starting to pick up a Texas vocabulary).

JING WANG

University of Pittsburgh School of Nursing

Coming from China, I am currently a first-year doctoral student in University of Pittsburgh

School of Nursing. My research interests focus on health beliefs and adherence in older adults

with various chronic disorders in community settings. Also, due to my background being an

international student in the U.S. from China, I am also interested in qualitative research among

Chinese American seniors to explore cultural influences associated with life style choices and

self management strategies where health disparity issues would also be raised. In addition, I

worked as a Graduate Student Researcher in our school doing data analysis in Center for

Research in Chronic Disorders and worked with my academic advisor on her project developing

innovative technologies for the elderly.

Since my interests on my research are about chronic disorders associated with lifestyle changes, I

love cooking, running and yoga. Basketball is also my favorite, not skilled though.

Kristen Whitaker

Stanford University School of Medicine

I grew up in Queens, NY in a family of 5 that included my mom, my grandmother and my 2

sisters. I graduated from Dartmouth College in 2002 with a major in Psychology and a minor in

Education. Late in my senior year, I decided to pursue medicine. I moved home to NY, enrolled

in evening courses at the City University of New York and took a job with the National Center

on Addiction and Substance Abuse at Columbia University.

Currently, I am completing my first year of medical school out on the west coast. I am interested

in community and public health and primary care. Outside of school, I love to read, run, swim

and spend as much time in the California sunshine as possible. My partner and I adopted a puppy

this past fall and spend lots of time entertaining him. I also love to knit and make jewelry

whenever I get the chance.