Alumni
Your chapter with us may be over, but your story continues. You will always have a home and family here. Thank you.
Where Are They Now?
Micah Bondoc c/o 2018
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Name: Micah Bondoc
Major: Bio Sci
Class Graduated: 2018
What are they doing now:
4th year medical student at St. George’s University - School of Medicine. Micah is pursuing Emergency Medicine
Favorite Memory in GMT:
Pumpkin Patch with GMT and Thanksgiving arts and crafts with the kids.
Sarah Abao c/o 2021
Name: Sarah Abao
Major: Public Health Policy
Class Graduated: 2021
What are you doing now:
Currently I've been working as a Medical Assistant at a Primary Care/Internal Medicine private clinic. I took 1 gap year and will be attending DePaul University's Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice in Chicago this fall 2022. I took the non-traditional route, so I was a dual student taking my prerequisite courses at a community college while obtaining my degree.
Advice to current GMT members:
Don't give up and trust the process! Through resilience, failures, and grit, you will get there. Don't be so hard on yourself, remember life is a marathon, not a race! One last thing is to take advantage of asking for help.
Helen Pham c/o 2014
Name: Helen Pham
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now:
Orthopedic Physician Assistant
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT offers unique opportunities to give back to your communities on a local and global scale. Through efforts in outreach programs, you're able to help those who are less fortunate with various socioeconomic barriers. If you lived in a bubble before, like I have, GMT definitely pushes you to get out of your comfort zone but you have fun doing so. I'm glad I joined because GMT exposed me to eye-opening experiences and inspirational people that I wouldn't have been exposed to otherwise.
Advice to current GMT members:
Don't be afraid to ask for help, worst thing that can happen is they say no. And be honest with yourself on your genuine interests/priorities, it makes the hard work a lot more enjoyable.
Samuel Refuerzo c/o 2020
Name: Samuel Refuerzo
Major: Biological Sciences & Education
Class Graduated: 2020
What are you doing now:
Currently, I am working as an EMT at a covid testing site part time. My main goal right now is to work and gain experience for PA school
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has given me a lot of exposure to different fields of healthcare through their weekly workshops. GMT has also given me many opportunities to give back to the community with a fun group of supportive peers. GMT to me is a place where you can interact with people who share similar interests. If you aren't sure what you want to do in the healthcare field, there are a lot of people who would love to talk about what field they have chosen and why.
Advice to current GMT members:
I would say one piece of advice I would have for current GMT members is to listen more to what others have to say. Listening to other's successes and failures will give you different perspectives on your own life. From there, you can start to prioritize goals so that you can live your best life.
Ram Hari c/o 2018
Name: Ram Hari
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now:
I am a first year medical student at Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has given me some of my most memorable and formative experiences during college. My first medical mission to Nicaragua is an experience I hold close to my heart because it cleared my doubts of pursuing a career in medicine. Being a part of GMT reaffirmed my goals and kept me motivated. It continues to motivate me to serve my community and seek sustainable ways to improve healthcare. GMT has also given me life-long friends and role models that I am glad to have met!
Advice to current GMT members:
If you have a dream career goal, hold onto that dream. Pursue it relentlessly and take every challenge/obstacle as a learning experience. Also, this is your time to grow as an individual. If you are unsure of your goals, don't limit yourself! College is such a great time to discover your passions and interests, so don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and taking initiative!
Alex Lebroski c/o 2014
Name: Alex Lebroski
Major: Public Health Sciences
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now:
I'm currently studying Global Health at Harvard University along with a long grocery list of hobbies which include pre-med mentorship, high school outreach, providing music therapy, surfing, photography, piano performance and composition, content creation, breakdancing, and book writing. My career goal is still uncertain, but leading a foundation or resuming my medical studies is possible. However, my life goal is to help others see the invisible so they can do the impossible.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has shed light that there are people who do care about improving the quality of life beyond our borders.
Advice to current GMT members:
[1] Don't waste your time pondering so much on your grades and kick yourself down. Think of the bigger picture. Practice more on being a better human. Life is more worthwhile when you're actually living it. [2] Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s very difficult to do everything by yourself. There are always people willing to give you a helping hand and lift you up.
Cynthia Wong c/o 2019
Name: Cynthia Wong
Major/Minor: Public Health Policy / Medical Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I am currently a second year occupational therapy (OT) master's student at San Jose State University. Before starting the program, I was set on working in a pediatric acute care setting, but now I am more open to other possibilities. I started to find interest in community-based OT and working with transitional age youth involved in the criminal justice system and have mental illness.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was a community, and not just a group that I would go on a trip once with. I actually had my first volunteering experience in occupational therapy through the recommendation from another GMT member. I also had an amazing experience at the Dominican Republic trip in summer 2018. Although I didn't join GMT until third year, I am grateful for this organization.
Advice to current GMT members:
Please do your best to attend as many GMT meetings, volunteer events, and socials as you can. Another advice is to keep an open mind. There are many rewarding professions within and outside the healthcare field. Medical school is not the only option! Lastly, it is important to have a good work-life balance.
Anthony Beshai c/o 2019
Name: Anthony Beshai
Major: Human Biology
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
Currently, I am second year medical student at UCI-SOM.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me the chance to travel the world with an amazing group of people. Additionally, I had the privilege to serve and learn from unique communities. It really broadened my perspective on healthcare and the world in general. GMT helped me grow my passion for global medicine which I still have today.
Advice to current GMT members:
Although "checking boxes" can be important don't be afraid to pursue different passions and invest your time in things that aren't the "classic" UCI extracurriculars/hobbies. Whatever your passion is just try to take it as far as you can. If it's global medicine, go to as many places as you can and read about Dr. Paul Farmer (great example of global medicine done right, and responsibly)! If you don't know what you're passionate about try new things, read about things online, and learn from the peers around you.
Brandon Trang c/o 2020
Name: Brandon Trang
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2020
What are you doing now:
I am currently working as an EMT for an IFT company as I take my second gap year preparing for PA school, and I will be attending PA school at DeSales University starting Fall 2022!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I joined GMT for the medical mission trips and stayed active because of the amazing people I met. GMT solidified my decision to become a PA after attending a medical mission trip to Panama. GMT has provided me with a supporting community that helped me through the rigors of college.
Advice to current GMT members:
Academics and professional goals are important, but try your best to prioritize your own health. You will always have time for something that is important to you. Take 5 minutes from your busy schedule to meditate and practice gratitude each morning. Try jiu jitsu and see if its for you. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Be humble or get humbled. If you are uncomfortable and constantly challenging yourself, you will grow exponentially as a person.
Tara Andrade c/o 2019
Name: Tara Andrade
Major: Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I am enjoying a few gap years while I wait to start osteopathic medical school in Fall 2022.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me a supportive group of friends that helped me achieve my goals. Many pre-healthcare students have very rigorous schedules. GMT gave me some of my best friends to go through the ups and downs with. Also, the weekly meetings often taught me about different career paths that are available which really helped me to narrow down what my own interests were.
Advice to current GMT members:
Go on a GMT trip! I was lucky enough to be able to go twice. These trips gave me a taste of what it would be like to be a healthcare provider one day. I always returned from these trips motivated to work harder than ever before.
Leilani Diego c/o 2019
Name: Leilani Diego
Major/Minor: Psychology / Medical Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
At the moment I am working in a cardiology clinic. I am also working on applying to post bac programs in SoCal to start working on pre-reqs for med school. My career goal is to become an emergency physician. I am also interested in starting a free clinic in underserved communities.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I was a transfer student from a community college who never joined any groups before. Though I joined GMT in my last year at UCI, the club makes me feel included. One of my favorite (and most lifechanging) experiences was the opportunity to go on 2 medical trips. This really solidified my love for medicine and showed me how basic care and support in underprivileged communities can have such a great impact on their lives.
Advice to current GMT members:
It is never too late, whether it be joining clubs, changing career paths, anything. Don't ever be embarrassed or scared to try something new, especially if you are not passionate about what you are currently doing - In Drake's famous words, YOLO
Clare Chen c/o 2021
Name: Clare Chen
Major: Bio Sci
Class Graduated: 2021
What are you doing now:
I am taking a second gap year and continue working as a medical assistant and possibly become an EMT on 911 calls or as an ER Tech.
Favorite Memory in GMT:
My favorite memory was going on the Dominican Republic. I went on this trip alone with strangers and coming back with people that are now my closest friends and family.
Neda Izadyar c/o 2021
Name: Neda Izadyar
Major: Human Biology
Class Graduated: 2021
What are you doing now:
I am currently working as a medical assistant during my gap year and will be attending medical school at UC Irvine this upcoming August!
Favorite Memory in GMT:
My favorite memory was being apart of the medical mission trips to Dominican Republic and Peru. Being able to visit Machu Picchu with all my GMT friends was an experience I will never forget.
Mimi Lyang c/o 2016
Name: Mimi Lyang
Major: Neurobiology
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
I am a first year medical student at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, California.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT and becoming a board member at the end of my second year was hands down one of the best decisions I made in my college career. At first, I was hesitant to apply to be on board as a second year during Winter Quarter (the infamous Bio 98 + Chem 51B ...it’s doable!), but my mentor Sophia encouraged me to do so anyways. And ever since then, my life has changed. :’)
Now, as a first year medical student, I have noticed that the skills I gained from GMT trips have helped my transition into my journey towards becoming a physician. Whether I am feeling confident while taking a patient’s blood pressure or feeling comfortable communicating with patients in Spanish, I know that I would not be in the same mindset as I am now as a first year medical student if it weren’t for GMT.
Aside from clinical and leadership skills, GMT has also provided me with meaningful lifelong friendships. The individuals I have met through GMT are some of the most passionate, selfless, and fun-loving people I know -- I am so thankful for GMT for bringing us together.
Advice to current GMT members:
Get involved and say “yes” (to reasonable things)! Put yourself out there, out of your comfort zone, and be intentional with your actions. Make the most out of your college career, because the time will FLY by. What you invest into your experience is what you will get out of it. The efforts you put into your studies, relationships with people, clubs you are passionate about, etc. will play a big role in determining how your four years at UCI will be. Lastly, build connections and utilize your resources. With that being said, feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Cheers :)
Ranita Tse c/o 2018
Name: Ranita Tse
Major: B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now:
I am currently a PY1 at the University of Washington’s School of Pharmacy in Seattle, Washington.
What has GMT done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT gave me a consistent go-to family during my four years at UCI. I was drawn to GMT my first year because of the people I met during AIF. They would consistently get me to come out to all sorts of events and it really forced me to get out of my comfort zone in terms of opening up and meeting new people, challenging myself to do new things, and becoming more intentional with how I wanted to spend my undergrad career to get to where I wanted to be in the future.
Through this club, I was able to serve as fundraising co-chair my third year (s/o to Omar!!) and as president in my fourth year. Both roles helped me develop my professional skills and communication skills, traits that are vital when you’re planning on going into healthcare. The people I met through GMT also challenged me to become more hypercritical of the issues that are surrounding global health today, and that continue to influence me to become the kind of healthcare provider that can make the biggest impact on the lives of others.
Lastly though, the friendships that I’ve gained through this club are something that will stay with me forever. I’m thankful that even though it’s rare to see everyone together, we can still pick up right where we left off and celebrate each other’s new journeys and successes. This is truly a great testament to the kind of club GMT is: that people in a school club can become lifelong friends who can continue to encourage each other’s healthcare journeys from all across the country.
Advice to current GMT members:
It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to ask for help. Transitioning into college is hard, but you never have to do it alone when you’re in GMT. There’s always going to be somebody you can talk to and relate to if you ever have any problems. We have mentors, board members, and even general members who want to see everyone succeed, and who are so willing to be open and honest about their experiences. Don’t ever be afraid to reach out and form those connections!
Paul Nguyen c/o 2017
Name: Paul Nguyen
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2017
What are you doing now:
I am currently a first year medical student at Touro University California in the College of Osteopathic Medicine.
What GMT has done for you/what GMT means to you:
Looking back on my undergrad years, GMT has been one of the biggest influences on my life by helping me understand what I want to do with my life as well as providing me a place to grow and develop into who’ve become today. I can remember back in my freshman year, I was one of those members who would come maybe once a month and felt slightly out of place. One thing led to another and I found that every single person was super welcoming and I fell in love with everything that the club had to offer.
During the first year, I got to explore the many fields of healthcare and appreciate how different yet interrelated they are. Trips abroad helped me explore my budding interest in medicine which grew deeper and deeper over the years, but it was being surrounded by people who were also passionate about their own fields that impacted me the most. I’ve learned to be comfortable with talking to strangers, develop a yearning to help those less fortunate than me, and to remember to always be honest to who I am.
GMT will always mean family to me. The bonds that I was able to form here were inimitable and hold strong even after years apart. I owe it to GMT for bringing people from so many different backgrounds together under a common goal of trying to help others. The people that I met in school, in Nicaragua, and in Peru are the most beautiful, kind-hearted, and inspiring human beings that I have the pleasure to call my friends.
Advice to current/interested GMT members:
People say that you only experience college once so make the most of it, and it’s only something you realize once it’s done. Four years will go by in the blink of an eye, so push yourself out of your comfort zone, learn what you’re capable of and work on what you’re not. Study hard but don’t forget that you are so much more than your grades. Stay up those extra late nights talking to people you enjoy spending time with, and make the most of it!
Cheers!
Brandon Talmood c/o 2016
Name: Brandon Talmood
Major: Biology
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
I am a third year Dental Student at Loma Linda University in California, applying for residency in oral surgery.
What has GMT done for you and what does GMT meant to you:
GMT has been one of the single greatest decisions I ever made. It gave me life-long friends, it gave me incredible memories, and a platform to truly be surrounded by motivating, driven and incredibly fun individuals. My position was workshop coordinator; before me the position mainly consisted of scheduling speakers to come in and give talks, but I was the first to take it upon myself to start hosting workshops myself and coming up with and presenting my own medical workshops. It really empowered my public speaking to go beyond anything I could have imagined, and those same lessons gave made me a far stronger dental student and future care provider.
Again, I can’t stress enough how amazing my friends from GMT have been. Nothing short of the most caring and warm hearted individuals.
Advice to current GMT members:
My advice to current GMT members is to put themselves in situations they would normally say NO to. Go on a limb and get lunch with a new member, go out with the board members and get to know them, you’ll never know who may become a life-long friend and a best friend. For the exceptionally driven students I would recommend using the platform and audience that GMT has to provide to exercise whatever skill or talent you want to improve in. You’re in a unique environment surrounded by a group of individuals that in a few years will become doctors, pharmacists, dentists and more, seize that opportunity. Lastly and most importantly, I’d recommend that everyone be present, in the moment, and enjoy the time they have with one another. UCI isn’t forever and before you know it everyone is off to professional school and you’ll wonder how it all ended so quickly.
Anh Le c/o 2015
Name: Anh Le
Major: Biological Sciences
Graduated: 2015
What are you doing right now:
Graduate of Western University of Health Sciences. I am certified as a Physician Assistant with goals of working in the E.R .
What has GMT done for you and what does GMT mean to you:
I joined GMT as a third year and I was pretty lost career wise. I felt like doing everything I needed on autopilot to get my degree as a Biological Sciences major. To be quite honest, I was starting to burn out because I was aimlessly wandering. Ultimately I thought that joining GMT was just going to be another random extracurricular I could add to my resume. Looking back, it was the best decision I made during my undergrad years.
In my two years joining GMT, I got to meet and befriend some of the kindest and most passionate individuals. It was so refreshing to be surrounded by those that were dedicated to giving back to the community and motivated to be in the healthcare field. Going on a medical mission to Nicaragua showed me that this was what I wanted to do in the future and to give me passion for my future career. It was in a GMT meeting that I first heard a Physician Assistant speak about the profession.
I still keep in touch with so many from GMT to this day and it’s amazing to see how far we’ve all come. And no matter how long it has been, whenever we meet up it is always like catching up with family. Thank you truly, GMT, for getting me to where I am today.
Advice to current members:
It is okay if you are unsure where you want to end up! This is the best time to find out what gives you passion. What better way than to immerse yourself around those who have similar drive.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to reach out. I was always so nervous to ask for help or to admit I was unsure of what I was doing but there are so many people that would love to help.
And lastly, get involved. The true way to get everything out of this club is to take advantage of all the opportunities that is offered!
Shubham Dixit c/o 2016
Name: Shubham Dixit
Major: Biological Sciences
Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
I am a 3rd year medical student at Touro University California doing my 3rdyear rotation at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, New York
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT in a way gave me a purpose. I wanted to be a doctor since sophomore year of undergrad at UCI but I never really had a bigger goal in mind. Someone once told me what I wanted to do in life and I told them I wanted to be a doctor, but what they asked next was something I wasn’t ready for. She asked me “what are you going to do after you become a doctor?” At first I considered this dumb question but then I thought about every medical student applying to medical school (maybe you haha) or medicine in general. Joining GMT gave me this purpose! Being able to serve people in impoverished areas around the world and in turn making a big impact in their lives was not only inspirational, but also very rewarding. Joining GMT not only gave me a new perspective but did wonders for my personal statement for medical school and the interview itself ;)
Advice to current members:
Personal advice from someone who got medical school interviews and interviewed other applicants later on, passion is a big aspect of an aspiring physician. I believe you need to be seriously passionate about medicine to want to be able to wake up at 2:30 AM and work till 6:30 PM at night for a 2 month surgery rotation and not become jaded afterwards (my life T_T). I owe a big part of this thinking to my time spent in GMT.
Advice to current GMT members: Get comfortable with the uncomfortable! You’ll never grow if you don’t do this and trust me when I say, GMT staff has many wonderful ways to make you uncomfortable, so take advantage of those opportunities. Have ideas? Share them! Time will fly by when you’re having so much fun; savor it!
Ruby Yoakim c/o 2016
Name: Ruby Yoakim
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
After GMT and graduating in 2016, I took a year off to work as a research coordinator for clinical trials at UCIMC in the Neuromuscular department. After that, I started a postbac program at UCI SOM. After thaaaaat, I matriculated into UCI SOM and into PRIME-LC, which stands for the Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community. My career goals as of right now are to 1) get my MBA 2) Match—currently thinking Family Medicine, or other primary care specialty, or Neurology (woo brains!!) 3) Become a Chief Medical Officer/Run a clinic system. My ultimate goal is to be in a leadership position where I can address the barriers many marginalized communities face when trying to access the quality care they deserve.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me some of the most supportive and outstanding friends I could ever have imagined. These were people who inspired me during some rough times but also celebrated with me during the great times. Joining GMT in undergrad felt like joining a community where I knew I instantly belonged. It helped me find my passion and develop some important life skills. Becoming a board member of a huge organization like GMT helped develop a lot of the leadership qualities I think are important for any health professional school. Some of these were collaborating in small groups, communicating within a team, developing a consistent work ethic, public speaking and interview skills, and executing projects. GMT really is an opportunity to develop skills that you won’t get elsewhere.
That is all folks. If you have questions or want to talk, feel free to send me a DM. I’ll do my best to reply asap :)
Kavita Krishnan c/o 2018
Name: Kavita Krishnan
Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Medical Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now?
I am a first-year medical student at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, IL.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I had started my time at UC Irvine as a biomedical engineering student. I was planning on going into industry. However, after my first year, I realized that though I enjoyed the courses, I wanted more of a human component in my career. Medicine was something I had previously considered but after trying something else out I realized it was what I wanted to do. In my sophomore year, switching into being a premed, I was looking for a community of students I could talk to so that I could navigate through my time at UCI. GMT truly provided that opportunity. I was involved in RAMP and went on my first medical service trip in 2016 to Nicaragua. That was truly a transformative experience! I not only made lifelong friendships through the experience, I was motivated to learn more about health care disparities, advocacy in my local community, and wanted to be a more active participant.
I applied for board the following year, and through that experience, I helped expand RAMP and as a team grow GMT into becoming more active in working with the homeless community and providing pre-clinical opportunities for students. I improved my clinical and leadership skills in the process. The sense of community I’ve gotten through this club, helped me through a lot of hard times in undergrad, both as a student and in my personal life. As corny as it sounds, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without it!
Advice to current GMT members:
Talk to people, use resources like the mentor-mentee program, and push yourself to be involved! The more effort you put in the more you will get out of GMT! The best thing about this club is its inclusivity and the mentality of creating a family atmosphere within it. Even if you may be on the shy side like I am, go out to activities like RAMP, socials, or the Food Pantry start talking to even a couple other members. You willbe surprised what comes out of it!!! 😊 If you guys ever have questions regarding being pre-health or about UCI, don’t ever hesitate to reach out. My email is kavitakrishnan20@gmail.com.
Ben Hong c/o 2014
Name: Ben Hong
Major: Biology
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now?
After graduating, I took some time off and worked for a year and a half as a surgical tech at a high-volume LASIK eye surgery clinic, while also road tripping around the country with my friends and family. I then went on to attend and graduate from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Following med school, I was fortunate enough to match into my #1 ranked program, staying on for an Emergency Medicine residency at Mount Sinai, where I am currently working as an intern. And although I’m only 4 months in, I will honestly tell you that I love, love, love what I do. It is an incredible, challenging (both physically and mentally), and humbling privilege to be able to take care of patients and have them entrust you with their care. Career Goals: I plan to finish my 4 years of residency at Sinai and hopefully stay in NYC earning that good-good attending salary for at least the next few years after that. I am absolutely in love with the city—the energy, the people, the relentless pace. I highly recommend everyone live here at least once in their lives! I’d also like to get more involved in medical education, wilderness and global medicine, and help serve as an advocate for wellness within the healthcare community and beyond.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT is a big, if not the biggest, reason why I am where I am today. I hated my first couple years as a UCI pre-med. I felt I was just going through the motions. I was so miserable, in fact, that I applied to transfer to Berkeley as an engineering major sophomore year. That’s when I came across GMT, this tiny unassuming 10-15 person org back then. But for some reason I was hooked. Maybe it was the sense of family, or the passion and pride with which they all talked about their club and trips together, or maybe I just really didn’t want to change colleges and majors halfway through undergrad. Regardless, I decided to stay, went on the next trip to Nicaragua, and I haven’t looked back since. That first trip had a profound impact on the trajectory of my life going forward, as did the second tip, and the third. I knew I had to be a doctor. Studying became easier. Volunteering and research began to have more meaning. I started becoming more involved in the club, becoming the VP and then the President. It gave me a family of friends that I continue to stay in close contact with 5 years out. It taught me how to be a mentor, innovator, and leader. A lot of who I am today is because of my time at GMT, for which I am eternally grateful.
Advice to current GMT members:
Follow what you’re passionate in, whether that is healthcare or something else. If you hate what you’re doing now, ask yourself what it is you’re truly interested in and excited about and actively chase that, no matter how ridiculous or farfetched it might sound. Do what makes you happy, don’t settle for less. And above all else, don’t forget that in the end, it’s still just a job—not a lifestyle. There is so much life left to live outside of work. Travel. Explore. Experiment. Spend time with those you love. Make conversation with people you don’t know. Eat and drink delicious things. The world is too large and life too short for you to waste your time doing something you hate.
Tiffany Truong c/o 2016
Name: Tiffany Truong
Major: Public Health Sciences
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now?
I recently graduated from the Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital NYC Physician Assistant program in August 2019 and currently I am waiting to start my job in Orthopedic Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT helped me solidify that I wanted to be in health care and I actually decided that I wanted to pursue a career as a physician assistant due to a guest speaker we had at a GMT meeting. Besides sending me on my career journey, GMT means a lot to me for many more important reasons. A good friend of mine actually joined the year before I did and for some reason I was scared of going out of my comfort zone so I held off, but I decided to go on a winter Big Bear Trip with GMT the next year and the rest is history. The people I met and the lifelong friends I made through GMT were all kind, hardworking, fun loving individuals that made me feel truly welcome since day one. I ended up applying for a board position and served as Fundraising Co-Chair so that I could be more involved in the club and contribute to passing along that feeling that I experienced to new and existing members. I wholeheartedly believe that being surrounded by people that wanted to foster a positive environment for anyone interested in joining GMT has made me a better friend and provider and I’ll never forget all the memories I made going on trips to Nicaragua, cooking KBBQ for fundraising, going to the Pub after meetings or attending wonderfully curated workshops and socials with my GMT family!
Advice to current GMT members:
I know this has been said but don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. My college experience would have been entirely different if I decided to listen to my fears so go do all the things that you want to do and talk to as many people as you can. You can learn so much from each other and one thing I’ve experienced, especially job-hunting post PA school is that more often than not, your peers are your biggest fans and best resources. I actually got my current job from a classmate that notified me about the opening so look out for each other and hold one another other up! Lastly, enjoy yourselves and spend as much time as you can with each other. Although I am so proud of all my GMT peers and look for any opportunity to catch up and see them when possible, it gets much harder to do so after graduation so make the most of it now and make the effort to keep those relationships when you do graduate! (Honestly the separation anxiety is real seeing them in these posts – LOVE AND MISS YOU GUYS SO MUCH)
Katelyn Mariko Kim c/o 2011
Name: Katelyn Mariko (Updyke) Kim
Major: Chemistry, Biological Sciences
Graduated: 2011
What are you doing now:
I am a PGY-2 resident physician at Henry Ford Hospital Department of Dermatology in Detroit, MI.
What has GMT done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me a lot of inspiration and sense of purpose during my undergraduate years, which then gave me the momentum to continue giving back and finding other outreach opportunities throughout medical school and residency. GMT gave me the initial exposure I needed to build the cultural competency required to take care of and empathize with different patient populations.
Advice to current GMT members:
Open your heart to learning from everyone you meet in life. Stay naive when it comes to making a difference in the world. Never forget the things that inspire and make you feel passionate as you make it further in your education and career. Most of all, feel confident in yourself and try not to get caught up in competition or comparing yourself to others. We can all accomplish our dreams supporting one another—and medicine is a team effort from finding new cures to changing a patient’s life!
Autumn Poon c/o 2014
Name: Autumn Poon
Major: Public Health Sciences
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now:
I currently work as a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBS) Trainee at Myriad Women’s Health, a genetic screening and testing company .
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
It took me a few years to find a club I was truly interested in being a part of but after I found GMT, I always knew I had a place to go to where I could be surrounded by friends. One of the things I loved most about GMT is that we worked hard and partied hard. GMT gave me the opportunity to work and learn from so many talented and driven individuals. But also people to go ham with at get togethers. Some of my fondest memories were grabbing food, studying/struggling for exams, and just hanging out in general.
Advice to current GMT members:
Be down to do anything (within reason of course.) I wouldn’t have been so humbled if I didn’t say yes to a part-time catering job. I would have never joined GMT if I didn’t take up my co-worker’s suggestion to attend a meeting. I wouldn’t have grown into the scientist/project manager I am today if I didn’t say yes to being a GMT board member.
As important as it was to learn what I wanted to do, it was just as valuable to learn what I didn’t want to do. For my career, I knew I wanted to something that improved the livelihood of others but I didn’t want to attend a medical professional school. Post-GMT I chose to work in biotech and at my current job I sequence patient DNA to give them results that will help them make critical health decisions. Although I don’t see the patients face to face I am happy knowing I have made a difference in their lives.
As a lasting comment, seriously take care of yourself. I know we’re all out here trying to accomplish our dreams, but you can’t put out your best work, if you’re not at your best.
Steven Ma c/o 2015
Name: Steven Ma
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences/Medical Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2015
What are you doing now:
I am currently a soon-to-graduate MS4 at Penn State College of Medicine. I will be starting my internal medicine residency program at UC San Diego this upcoming June! After that, I plan to pursue a fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT and becoming a board member were hands down the best decisions I made throughout my entire four years at UCI. It became a safe place that helped me figure out who I was as a person. It provided me with opportunities to help underserved communities both locally and internationally. It let me grow into a leader and sparked my continued interests in global health. Most importantly, it gave me a second home and family that believed in me and called me “Dr. Ma” long before I felt I deserved that title (and honestly, it still hasn’t hit).
It’s been almost five years since I graduated from UCI, but I still reminisce about my trips to Panama and Nicaragua, the tiring mornings setting up KBBQ fundraisers, the social events and retreats where we became even closer, and the ups-and-downs I experienced with my wonderful board members. I’m still not sure how I’ll continue global health after residency/fellowship, but it will undoubtedly continue in some way or form.
Advice to current GMT members:
Get involved and put yourself out there! You don’t have to be a board member to become part of the GMT family. However, if you just have a tiny smidge of interest, apply and see where it takes you! You may be surprised at everything that’ll follow by saying yes to something that makes you uncomfortable.
It’s 100% okay to know when you need a break and when to ask for help. Regardless of which healthcare field you enter, it will be tough. Literally everyone that goes through medical school (myself included) would be lying if we didn’t consider dropping out at least once throughout the entire process. Find your people, find things to do that make you happy, take that mental health break, and know that there are countless hands ready to help as long as you reach out first. With that, feel free to contact me for any reason! :)
Thalia Fabian c/o 2015
Name: Thalia Fabian
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2015
What are you doing now:
After graduating, I did an informal post-bacc and got a job as a scribe. Then I took the MCAT twice and did a special master’s program before applying to med school. Now, I am a first-year medical student at WesternU. I hope to pursue a combined residency program in Family medicine and Psychiatry.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I joined GMT during the winter quarter of my freshman year. I remember attending my first meeting, being scared and intimidated. But that meeting opened my eyes to a whole new world that I had no idea existed. I found a club that would allow me to travel abroad and help me prepare for med school.
GMT gave me the role models that I didn’t have. As a first-gen college student and the first one in my family to pursue medicine, everything was foreign. It is through my GMT friends that I learned about the MCAT, doing research, and getting involved in volunteering. My GMT friends are a big reason why I am here today. When I think of GMT, I think family because these individuals are caring, supportive, and understanding. Half-way through my term as President, I decided to step down. It was one of the hardest decisions I had to make, but I knew that I would have the support of my GMT family.
Advice to current GMT members:
My advice for current GMT members is to be part of things that you are genuinely passionate about. If you don’t find a club that you like, then start your own. Take the initiative and make a change. Those activities will carry you on when things get difficult. You will look back at them and remind yourself of why you decided to pursue medicine. As a board member, I was able to start the mentorship program and project RAMP. And until this day, I look back at those projects and feel proud that they are still going.
More advice: Take care of yourself. Set your priorities. Don't let ANYONE tell you that you can't get into medical school.
Vishal Patel c/o 2013
Name: Vishal Patel
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences/History
Class Graduated: 2013
What are you doing now:
Technical Trainer, Commercial Manufacturing at Kite Pharma, A Gilead Company. Just finished my MBA from UCI. Looking to continue my career in Biotechnology.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT had provided a very insightful look at the medical/dental/pharmaceutical industry while providing aid to underserved communities in developing nations.
Advice to current GMT members:
There is plenty out there if medical/dental/pharm school does not work out. There are plenty of ways to help patients. Enjoy the process.
Vickie Nguyen c/o 2017
Name: Vickie Nguyen
Major/Minor: Public Health Policy
Class Graduated: 2017
What are you doing now:
I am currently a 1st year pharmacy student at USC School of Pharmacy in Los Angeles.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT and going to Nicaragua was probably the most memorable experiences of my undergrad and it has played such a significant role in getting me to where I am today. Being in GMT pushed me out of my comfort zone, gave me my first exposure in working with patients, and allowed me to meet the most amazing and supportive group of friends. The summer of our medical mission, I was working at a pharmacy that made me question whether this was the career I wanted to pursue. It was our trip to Nicaragua that reminded me of why I wanted to go into pharmacy in the first place. I gained a new perspective of healthcare and was surrounded by the most driven and passionate group of students that I am so proud of have worked alongside with. GMT inspired me to continue working towards making a difference and for that I will be forever grateful for its impact and the people it brought into my life.
Advice to current GMT members:
Make the most of your time at UCI and take those shots you don't normally take because you never know what it may lead to! Be brave and step out of your comfort zone because you get whatever you put into your experience. It may seem scary sometimes, but within GMT, you'll have such a great support system. Four years will go by in a blink of an eye, so stay motivated, but also take the time to have fun, be present, and just enjoy all of what college has to offer :)
Meggan Wong c/o 2014
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Name: Meggan Wong
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences/Psychology and Social Behavior
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now:
My initial plan after graduating from UCI was to work for 2 years before applying to grad school. I wanted to take this time to adventure and explore the world since I was unable to do it growing up because my family struggled financially. It has now been a whopping but incredible 6 years since I have graduated. I spent five and a half of those years working as an ophthalmic technician and during that time, I found a great passion for the outdoors.
Today, I am happy to say that as a third time applicant to PA programs, I will be matriculating into Duke University's Physician Assistant Program in August of 2020. Once I become a PA, I hope to surround myself with an amazing group of people and work as a generalist with a focus on disaster relief and global health.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
To be honest, GMT was not what I expected. Time and time again I heard people say that medical mission trips are life changing. All I felt was an overwhelming sense of helplessness after attending a trip myself. I questioned the impact I made, wondering what became of the children who went back to drinking the same dirty water they were before, the family of eight who gathered rocks for a living, and the patients whose beds crammed the hallways of the hospital in Managua. However, this feeling of helplessness that once troubled me slowly transformed into a positive source of motivation, unearthing my passion for medicine. It pushed me to dream big and yearn for the skills to make a difference.
Ultimately, the most rewarding experience of being a part of GMT was meeting all the amazing people in it. I look back fondly at all the memories we made from spending 24/7 with each other during trips to goofing off during lectures to hosting scrub parties. I am so incredibly proud of where you all are today. <3
Advice to current GMT members:
I’d like to relay advice from a poster on my wall:
Find a passion and pursue it. Fall in love. Dream big. Drink beer, eat great food, and spend quality time with good friends. Laugh everyday. Tell stories. Reminisce about the good old days but look with optimism to the future. Travel often. Learn more. Be creative. Spend time with people you admire. Seize opportunities when they reveal themselves. Love with all your heart. Never give up. Do what you love. Be true to who you are. Make time to enjoy the simple things in life. Spend time with family. Forgive even when it’s hard. Smile often. Be grateful. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Follow your dreams. Try new things. Work hard. Don’t count the minutes, count the laughs. Embrace change. Trust in yourself. Be thankful. Be nice to everyone. Be happy. Live for today.
And, above all else, make every moment count.
Calvin Lam c/o 2017
Name: Calvin Lam
Major/Minor: Biology/Philosophy
Class Graduated: 2017
What are you doing now:
I am an M1 at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Clinically, I want a career in internal medicine with some fellowship. I also wish to be involved in health technologies or health policy.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was one of the first "pre-med" organizations I joined at UCI. I found myself around highly motivated future healthcare providers that provided nothing short of inspiration for my own goals. The summer trip to Nicaragua, on top of being tons of fun, exposed that a treatment-focused definition of healthcare was too blunt an instrument to address health. It helped me truly understand that social determinants of health were often much more important than biological determinants. GMT and the trip gave me the inspiration and push to change how I thought about health, ultimately informing my decision to pursue medicine.
Advice to current GMT members:
Set aside time for things you love or activities you enjoy, especially if they seem unrelated to your future career.
Lots of us tend to identify as pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental, whatever it may be. Unfortunately, these look more and more like full-time jobs with overtime, demanding we sacrifice the little time we have left for activities that make us "competitive". We might leave other things we are deeply passionate about for "later".
The idea of delayed gratification - working hard now with a huge payoff later - is pervasive, especially in pre-health students. This is a mistake. This is not to say that learning medicine is not gratifying in itself (it often is), but it is to say that our other interests are equally as valid.
I encourage you all to hold onto what you love outside of your career goals as dearly as you hold onto those career goals. These other activities enrich us and remind us that we are more than our aspirations. (And when programs talk about diversity missions in admission statements, this is part of what they mean!)
Kristen Kobayashi c/o 2015
Name: Kristen Kobayashi
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2015
What are you doing now:
I'm a 3rd year medical student at Touro University of California, College of Osteopathic Medicine. I'm an aspiring Emergency Medicine physician!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Honestly, I wasn't the most active GMT member because I was also very involved with AED. However, I did go on the Panama Medical Mission trip and the experience was invaluable. I not only had my first real exposure taking medical histories, but also learned a lot about cultural differences and made lasting friendships. It also looked amazing on my med school application and in my personal statement ;)
Advice to current GMT members:
Definitely take advantage of these medical missions that are already set up for you! You will add depth to your character and it will look great on your grad school application. Almost every school has some kind of Global Health program!
Also, enjoy college. Everyone says those are the best years of your life. You really have so much free time to just enjoy yourself and make lifelong friendships. Obviously think about the future, but don't overwhelm yourself with worries. It took me 2 application cycles to finally get into medical school. It'll happen eventually! Volunteering and clubs are a good way to both have fun and figure out what you want to go into.
Feel free to reach out to me or other alumni in your field of interest. We've already been in your shoes so we can help you. I'm pretty far out from graduation already so things might be different (ex: Step 1 is changing to P/F in 2021).
Claire Zeng c/o 2019
Name: Claire Zeng
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I thought that I would have my career path all figured out by graduation, but it's almost been a year since I've graduated and I have no idea what career path I want to pursue! But I do know that I want a career in healthcare, so that's a start!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has done quite a bit for me, and one of the reasons is because I was in the club for the whole four years that I was at UCI, so the club has seen me grow up from a shy, wide-eyed freshman into a determined, mature senior. Not only did it see me grow up, it also played a huge role in shaping who I am today: participating in events, going on clinic trips, and being on board have all taught me about who I am, my boundaries, my likes and dislikes, my potential, and my courage. These were valuable lessons/qualities that I know I can't just learn from reading a textbook, and I am so grateful to have obtained them with the help of GMT.
GMT means a lot to me not only because it helped with developing my identity, but also because of the amazing experiences and memories I've had with the wonderful people I've met in the club. I initially joined the club because I was curious about the healthcare field and the bi-annual clinic trips, but I stayed because of the warm, nurturing, and fun environment that I felt when I was in the club. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, and as a freshman, I felt like I was cared for by everyone else in the club. Members were either going through the same thing that I was, or have gone through them themselves before, and I felt like I was not alone or that I have someone to turn to for advice when I needed it. Because of how fondly I felt about my freshman year, I tried to return to favor to the younger members of the club as I grew older.
Typing this now--it's very bittersweet thinking back to the time I've spent with GMT. If we've ever encountered paths, I just wanted to say hi and that I miss you all!
Advice to current GMT members:
My advice would be advice that I gave/would give/was given to a college Claire:
Use your time in college to explore the different career paths if your career path is unsure. Find an effective way to study. Learn to manage and prioritize time. Find a study/work/life/fun balance. Do not be afraid of rejection, especially when you haven't tried to achieve it yet. Be brave. Don't drink milk tea and take a nap instead (haha, but it actually did affect my sleep during the night and my wakefulness during the day)
Brian Nguyen c/o 2012
Name: Brian Nguyen
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2012
What are you doing now:
I am currently a resident physician!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was my gateway into medicine. It has allowed me to see that medicine is practiced in different countries. I plan to continue medical missions in my future.
Advice to current GMT members:
Find what makes your life enjoyable. Then find a way to make it into a career.
Brittany Pham c/o 2018
Name: Brittany Pham
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now:
I am a laboratory assistant in the Hughes Lab at UCI (where I did my undergrad research!) and I'll be applying to PhD programs this fall. I hope to matriculate to a biomedical science program and work on developing human disease models. In the long term, I would like to bridge my interest in clinical diseases with my bench research skills through an industry position in translational science. If we're talking about straight up dream career goals, I would love to be one of the founders of a biotech company!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
For a very long time, I thought I was dead set on becoming a physician; although my career goals have shifted, my experience volunteering in the Dominican Republic and Peru with GMT at the very minimum solidified my interest in learning more about the human body to improve the quality of life of others. Now, I've just realized that I would like to be on the research and development side of things! In a broader sense, after joining GMT as a junior, I finally felt like I had found a place at UCI where I belonged. Although at first I was intimidated by everyone, I was able to come out of my shell over time and make some amazing friends. It's certainly weird not being able to see them every Thursday anymore but there's a comfort in knowing that we can always pick up where we left off. GMT will always hold a special place as I reflect on my undergrad years.
Advice to current GMT members:
Put yourself out there, keep an open mind, and remember that everything happens for a reason. Regardless of whatever you want to do in the future, always remember your reasoning behind it and let it guide you, especially in the more difficult times. And here's a lesson I've learned in my gap years: unless you absolutely have to, don't work 2 part time jobs because...that ain't it chief.
Rayan Yahia c/o 2018
Name: Rayan Yahia
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now:
I am a first year medical student at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT provided me with an opportunity to see real patients and helped me determine if I was even passionate about medicine. It is difficult for undergrads to get an opportunity to actually see a patient and do a full interview/physical exam, and it was something that always worried me. I was not sure if I was going to actually enjoy the process of seeing patients. Going on the medical missions helped me confirmed that I truly enjoyed being part of the patient care process and the experiences I had continue to help me today in medical school. GMT was also my family at UCI. I know everyone probably says that, but my closest friends continue to be people I met at GMT meetings or on the medical missions. Even during our busy post-grad lives, we find ways to keep in contact and support each other through our individual goals. If it were not for my GMT fam, I would definitely not be where I am today! Although I was really only in GMT for a year, it continues to hold my fondest memories at UCI.
Advice to current GMT members:
The best advice I can offer is do not be afraid to make time for your hobbies even if you feel behind in your pre-med goals. As a pre-med community, we are so fixated on filling a checklist of having volunteer experiences, publishing research, holding a board position, etc. While these are all good to have on your CV, it does not help you stand out as an individual come interviews. One thing I realized during my interviews was that on paper I was just like everyone else. Everyone had research and volunteer experiences and they were all extremely qualified in academics, but many of them did not stand out as a person because they had nothing to talk about besides being pre-med. I truly believe that my successes during interviews were mostly because I was able to talk about my hobbies rather than retelling my primary application (Fun fact: my most talked about topic during interviews was how my leg gave out during a powerlifting competition... not even related to medicine!!). My main point is: while academics and a strong resumé are crucial, so is making time for your hobbies, being an individual, and not becoming another laundry list pre-med applicant! :)
Annie Phung c/o 2015
Name: Annie Phung
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences / Cognitive Science
Class Graduated: 2015
What are you doing now:
Annie is currently in her second year family medicine residency at Northwestern Family Medicine Residency at Delnor.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was the first and only health organization I joined when I decided to pursue medicine during my second year at UCI. After hearing about the organization from a friend who served on the board, I was drawn in by the family atmosphere. They were passionate, enthusiastic, and supportive in so many ways. I went on my first trip in the summer of 2014 to Nicaragua. There, I realized how amazing medicine is. Not only were you helping out those who need care, but you're playing detective. Alongside with your team, you're putting together the clues to form a diagnosis and thinking of a plan to help treat the patient in your best capacity. I thought this was a really fun process and it led me to solidify medicine as a future career. Throughout my time in GMT, I served on the executive board, my second family, and we shared with others our passion for medicine and serving the community. To this day, I am extremely grateful for the people I met. GMT helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my life. As a third year medical student, I often reflect on how I have been so darn lucky. I owe a lot to GMT and the family for getting me interested in medicine, giving me an outlet to pursue my interest, and supporting me throughout the entire journey.
Advice to current GMT members:
It's okay to not know what you want to do after you graduate. It's okay to take some time off for yourself, to work, to volunteer, to pursue another degree. It's okay to not be on the same timeline as everyone else. Beat to the sound of your own drum. Find your support group and mentor(s) to help you through the process. You'll be okay and you'll get there.
Brian Kazempoor c/o 2016
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Name: Brian Kazempoor
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
I’m beginning my third year at UCI School of Medicine :)
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I think the most important thing GMT provided me was a strong sense of belonging among peers whom were also pursuing careers in healthcare. This sharing of such a huge goal is almost undervalued. I really believe you’re able to relate to these peers in ways that can’t be mirrored with just anyone. Those involved with GMT understand why they are pursuing careers in healthcare, the tireless work it takes to get there, and the purpose behind this noble field. We recognize we are dedicating ourselves to a life of service, and that’s a beautiful thing. I was involved with GMT only during my last year, but I know the bonds I formed will last a lifetime. I met some remarkably determined, kindhearted, and reliable people, and I’ll always remember GMT as one of the highlights of my undergrad years.
Advice to current GMT members:
Enjoy college. I can’t emphasize enough how much I miss UCI. I miss the people, the laughs, the gatherings, and everything in between. I’ll always be the first to say your studies are paramount, but these years can’t be replicated. Go meet new people, try new things, step outside your boundaries, and hold no regrets. I like to think playing hard makes working hard much easier. Shoot me an email if you have questions about med or anything in general! I know there’s 10 billion things floating in your head about what to do, when to do it, how to do it, etc., and it’s all part of the process. My email is kazempoor.brian@gmail.com :)
Yvonne Tran c/o 2019
Name: Yvonne Tran
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I'm working at a cancer immunotherapy biotech company where we treat patient cells with CAR-T cell therapy. Our goal is to treat patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma and help improve the quality of people's lives through our treatments. I'm going to be completely honest and say that I'm not sure of what I want my career goal to be yet, but that's ok! What I do know is that throughout my career, I want to develop as a leader, create meaningful relationships, make a positive difference and help people along the way through healthcare.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was the best thing I did in college! It gave me a home away from home. It gave me a community of people who are lifetime friends to me now. It's truly a little family that is there for one another. These meetings/volunteer opportunities/social outings gave me a break from school and was a nice reminder that studying isn't everything. GMT also gave me the opportunity to go on a Dominican Republic medical mission trip (one of the biggest highlights of my college experience) and I made some international friends that I still keep in touch with today!
Advice to current GMT members:
Don't feel pressured to pursue something you are truly not passionate about. If you want to do something, you'll get there as long as you keep trying and put in the effort. I took an unconventional path after college to pursue a career in the biotech industry while my friends are becoming doctors, pharmacists, dentists, etc. Don't compare your success with your peers. Celebrate their successes and your successes! Keep your close friends in your corner (you've probably met some really wonderful people in GMT). Your relationships and your health is really all you have so take care of yourself and the people you love.
Elizabeth Nguyen c/o 2019
Name: Elizabeth Nguyen
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I’m currently a quarter of the way through grad school at New York Medical College! However, because of the current situation in the world, I haven’t moved to New York quite yet. Since I’m still here in Orange County, I’m also working part-time as a patient care assistant at Orange Coast Memorial, and volunteering part-time as the lead student researcher/community outreach coordinator of the PERC Outreach Program under UCI’s Department of Pediatrics. My eventual career goal is to one day become a pediatrician.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I can honestly say that being a part of GMT was the highlight of my undergraduate career. I made the decision to join GMT’s internship during winter quarter of my junior year, and I eventually made it onto the executive board as project coordinator for my last year at UCI. I LOVED my position, which entailed mentoring and tutoring young students at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana through Project RAMP, and coordinating volunteering events at the UCI Mobile Food Pantry. I also had the chance to go on two of GMT’s summer medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Peru, both of which allowed me to see healthcare from a newfound perspective. As a first year pre-med, I really didn’t know what I was doing with my life, but joining GMT helped me to solidify my motivation to pursue a career in medicine. My goal as a physician one day is to advocate for underserved communities that lack healthcare, to help patients overcome the socioeconomic barriers preventing them from their basic rights to medical treatment. In carrying out GMT’s humanitarian goals and aims to serve communities locally and abroad, I was able to see the empathetic nature of humanity, of the people we work with, and I will forever be grateful to have been a part of this community. Through this club, I was introduced to some of the most caring, kind, and compassionate individuals I have ever met, many of whom are still some of my closest friends to this day. As cheesy as it sounds, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without GMT. This club brought me a second family who have been with me through my highs and lows, and for that, I will always be thankful.
Advice to current GMT members:
Make the most out of your experience with GMT, whether that be through attending GMT meetings, socials, joining internship/executive board, or joining the mentor/mentee program. The only regret I had about GMT was not joining sooner; I wish that I had found out about GMT during my first year, rather than halfway through college. Another piece of advice I have is to stop comparing yourself to other people. I think I did this quite a bit when I was in undergrad because I was so afraid that I wasn’t good enough as everyone else getting into medical school. Growing up, there was this mindset instilled in me that I was never going to be good enough. I was also scared that I was behind because I didn’t want to go into medical school right after graduating. However, over time as I began working and volunteering more with causes that I was extremely passionate about, I finally began to realize that it didn’t matter what other people were doing. The only person you should be comparing yourself to is who you were yesterday. Lastly, don’t forget to have some fun during your college years. Although it is important to focus on your goals, don’t forget to take a few breaks now and then. Make new friends and make new memories. Something I’ve been trying to live by is this: if the world were to end tomorrow, would you be happy with how you’ve lived your life? And if your answer is no, then what are you going to do to change that?
Adrian Vallejo c/o 2020
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Name: Adrian Vallejo
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2020
What are you doing now:
Right now, I am in my gap year applying to medical school. Luckily, I have had some acceptance to schools in California including Touro, USC, CUSM SOM, UCI, and UCSF so far. There is a high chance that I will be an anteater for life, but I will have to make that decision shortly. Since graduating in June 2020, I have been working at my EMT job in Anaheim and at UCI as a junior specialist in the department of neurology. Also, I am currently running a food bank program for clients at UCI Outreach Clinic. In my free time, I would be doing Jiu Jitsu, but right now I have been playing with Legos, doing weightlifting exercises, and trying to get better at speaking Spanish. For a career goal, I am interested in primary care since I can envision myself addressing a broad scope of needs from a community health perspective. However, other fields like emergency, critical care, and neurology interest me.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT is life. GMT was one of the highlights of my time as an undergrad. After visiting several pre-health clubs as a freshman, I joined GMT because everyone was very friendly and had natural conversations that went beyond classes and career goals. The mentor - mentee program led me to meet Omar, my GMT mentor. I remember him encouraging me to apply for a board and I took his advice to do so. This was one of the best decisions I made as GMT would become something that would not only solidify my interests in medicine, but also help me become a well-rounded individual. In short, GMT was an outlet for me to learn about the importance of service, teamwork, humility, and innovation. Not only does GMT provide opportunities for community service, mentoring, clinical experience, research, social support, and professional development, but also a family that you can always count on even after graduating. GMT has it all!
Advice to current GMT members:
Keep an open mind, try new things, challenge yourself, and don't be afraid to fail. You either succeed or learn.
Ashley Lara c/o 2020
Name: Ashley Lara
Major/Minor: Psychology
Class Graduated: 2020
What are you doing now:
I'm currently working as an EMT at Care in LA County to gain more experience and patient care hours! This job has really given me an insight into more than just patient care. Being a first responder during Covid has definitely been difficult but almost rewarding at the same time. Working here has taught me how to handle emotion and pressure in a high stress environment. I love what I do for right now, however, my goal is to go to medical school, but I still have some classes to take before I even think about applying!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has been the most influential part of my entire college career. Freshman year my RA, Mimi, told our hall about her club and it sounded interesting so I went to the first meeting and I was instantly sold. GMT gave me something to look forward to every week, especially once I was on board. Watching everyone's hard work come together every meeting was such a rewarding experience. Being surrounded by driven and like minded individuals gave me confidence in myself to be able to achieve what I want. This club gave me my people when I didn't have any. The most important people I have in my life now I owe to GMT and I cannot express how grateful I am for that.
Advice to current GMT members:
I know Covid makes things different right now, but go out to any GMT event that you can! You might feel shy or find it hard to talk to people, but I promise that other people are feeling the exact same way! The only regret I have is not going out to things sooner because I could have met my best friends a lot sooner than I did. College feels like it'll never end, but the next thing you know you're ordering your graduation stole, so embrace everything that you can!
Caylah Ong c/o 2019
Name: Caylah Ong
Major/Minor: Neurobiology/ Philosophy
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I received my BCAT certification as a behavioral therapist providing applied behavioral analysis treatment for children on the autism spectrum. I also work for nonprofits, mainly for one providing awareness and funding for a rare neurological condition called Visual Snow (if you've never heard of it, I definitely recommend reading about it, as it is still not as widely recognized in the medical community!). For this nonprofit, I help with fundraising campaigns as well as social media management and content creation primarily based in raising awareness, and I love what I do. As far as career goals go, I am currently completing my pre-req courses at California State University, Northridge to apply for graduate studies in Speech Language Pathology.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT was BY FAR one of the best decisions I made in college! It gave me a forever family and I've been blessed to now have some of the best people in my life because of it. I was able to go on two trips with GMT, Panama and Peru. Both trips gave me the opportunity to learn more about medicine while also creating friendships and strengthening older ones along the way. I didn't end up going the conventional medical school route, but every little thing I learned from this club has carried over to my job and post-undergrad life, and I wouldn't have changed my decision to join GMT for the world.
Advice to current GMT members:
If the thought of doing it has even only briefly crossed your mind, do it! By that, I mean that now is your opportunity to get involved, be active, and explore all the amazing opportunities GMT has to offer you. I wished I had tried pursuing being on board, but all the time I spent volunteering at food pantries, mentoring at the YMCA, going on trips, and fundraising with the crew have been some of the best memories I made. I don't regret any decision I made while being in GMT, if anything, it has shaped who I am today because of it. So if you're in GMT and you ever think "Maybe I should try doing this...", my advice to you would be: Yes. Do it.
James Alexander V c/o 2019
Name: James Alexander V
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I am currently working for a manufacturing and distribution company that is involved in several industries such as biopharmaceuticals, healthcare, education. My role involves going to various customer sites and ensuring that the inventory is maintained so that sites run smoothly.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me the opportunity to serve my community through volunteering whether it was helping with local food drives or working with kids at the Boys and Girls club. GMT is something that I value not only for the experiences I had during college but also for the people I met and the friends I made. I am grateful for the friends I made in GMT as I have some of my most memorable experiences with them whether it be from fundraising on Ring Road, working in clinics on the mission trips, or spontaneous day trips to LA.
Advice to current GMT members:
It is alright to not know exactly what you want to do as a career at this point in your life as you have time to grow and develop into the person you want to be. Also it’s ok if things don’t work out entirely how you plan them to as things happen but it is important to ask for help or reach out to friends and family when you need help. Something I wished I had done earlier in college was being more adventurous like go to the beach, concerts, or try new things. I realized it was important to have passions or something you enjoy outside of school or a career that you could do to relax.
Micah Bondoc c/o 2018
Name: Micah Bondoc
Major: Bio Sci
Class Graduated: 2018
What are they doing now:
4th year medical student at St. George’s University - School of Medicine. Micah is pursuing Emergency Medicine
Favorite Memory in GMT:
Pumpkin Patch with GMT and Thanksgiving arts and crafts with the kids.
Sarah Abao c/o 2021
Name: Sarah Abao
Major: Public Health Policy
Class Graduated: 2021
What are you doing now:
Currently I've been working as a Medical Assistant at a Primary Care/Internal Medicine private clinic. I took 1 gap year and will be attending DePaul University's Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice in Chicago this fall 2022. I took the non-traditional route, so I was a dual student taking my prerequisite courses at a community college while obtaining my degree.
Advice to current GMT members:
Don't give up and trust the process! Through resilience, failures, and grit, you will get there. Don't be so hard on yourself, remember life is a marathon, not a race! One last thing is to take advantage of asking for help.
Helen Pham c/o 2014
Name: Helen Pham
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now:
Orthopedic Physician Assistant
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT offers unique opportunities to give back to your communities on a local and global scale. Through efforts in outreach programs, you're able to help those who are less fortunate with various socioeconomic barriers. If you lived in a bubble before, like I have, GMT definitely pushes you to get out of your comfort zone but you have fun doing so. I'm glad I joined because GMT exposed me to eye-opening experiences and inspirational people that I wouldn't have been exposed to otherwise.
Advice to current GMT members:
Don't be afraid to ask for help, worst thing that can happen is they say no. And be honest with yourself on your genuine interests/priorities, it makes the hard work a lot more enjoyable.
Samuel Refuerzo c/o 2020
Name: Samuel Refuerzo
Major: Biological Sciences & Education
Class Graduated: 2020
What are you doing now:
Currently, I am working as an EMT at a covid testing site part time. My main goal right now is to work and gain experience for PA school
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has given me a lot of exposure to different fields of healthcare through their weekly workshops. GMT has also given me many opportunities to give back to the community with a fun group of supportive peers. GMT to me is a place where you can interact with people who share similar interests. If you aren't sure what you want to do in the healthcare field, there are a lot of people who would love to talk about what field they have chosen and why.
Advice to current GMT members:
I would say one piece of advice I would have for current GMT members is to listen more to what others have to say. Listening to other's successes and failures will give you different perspectives on your own life. From there, you can start to prioritize goals so that you can live your best life.
Ram Hari c/o 2018
Name: Ram Hari
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now:
I am a first year medical student at Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has given me some of my most memorable and formative experiences during college. My first medical mission to Nicaragua is an experience I hold close to my heart because it cleared my doubts of pursuing a career in medicine. Being a part of GMT reaffirmed my goals and kept me motivated. It continues to motivate me to serve my community and seek sustainable ways to improve healthcare. GMT has also given me life-long friends and role models that I am glad to have met!
Advice to current GMT members:
If you have a dream career goal, hold onto that dream. Pursue it relentlessly and take every challenge/obstacle as a learning experience. Also, this is your time to grow as an individual. If you are unsure of your goals, don't limit yourself! College is such a great time to discover your passions and interests, so don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and taking initiative!
Alex Lebroski c/o 2014
Name: Alex Lebroski
Major: Public Health Sciences
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now:
I'm currently studying Global Health at Harvard University along with a long grocery list of hobbies which include pre-med mentorship, high school outreach, providing music therapy, surfing, photography, piano performance and composition, content creation, breakdancing, and book writing. My career goal is still uncertain, but leading a foundation or resuming my medical studies is possible. However, my life goal is to help others see the invisible so they can do the impossible.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has shed light that there are people who do care about improving the quality of life beyond our borders.
Advice to current GMT members:
[1] Don't waste your time pondering so much on your grades and kick yourself down. Think of the bigger picture. Practice more on being a better human. Life is more worthwhile when you're actually living it. [2] Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s very difficult to do everything by yourself. There are always people willing to give you a helping hand and lift you up.
Cynthia Wong c/o 2019
Name: Cynthia Wong
Major/Minor: Public Health Policy / Medical Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I am currently a second year occupational therapy (OT) master's student at San Jose State University. Before starting the program, I was set on working in a pediatric acute care setting, but now I am more open to other possibilities. I started to find interest in community-based OT and working with transitional age youth involved in the criminal justice system and have mental illness.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was a community, and not just a group that I would go on a trip once with. I actually had my first volunteering experience in occupational therapy through the recommendation from another GMT member. I also had an amazing experience at the Dominican Republic trip in summer 2018. Although I didn't join GMT until third year, I am grateful for this organization.
Advice to current GMT members:
Please do your best to attend as many GMT meetings, volunteer events, and socials as you can. Another advice is to keep an open mind. There are many rewarding professions within and outside the healthcare field. Medical school is not the only option! Lastly, it is important to have a good work-life balance.
Anthony Beshai c/o 2019
Name: Anthony Beshai
Major: Human Biology
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
Currently, I am second year medical student at UCI-SOM.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me the chance to travel the world with an amazing group of people. Additionally, I had the privilege to serve and learn from unique communities. It really broadened my perspective on healthcare and the world in general. GMT helped me grow my passion for global medicine which I still have today.
Advice to current GMT members:
Although "checking boxes" can be important don't be afraid to pursue different passions and invest your time in things that aren't the "classic" UCI extracurriculars/hobbies. Whatever your passion is just try to take it as far as you can. If it's global medicine, go to as many places as you can and read about Dr. Paul Farmer (great example of global medicine done right, and responsibly)! If you don't know what you're passionate about try new things, read about things online, and learn from the peers around you.
Brandon Trang c/o 2020
Name: Brandon Trang
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2020
What are you doing now:
I am currently working as an EMT for an IFT company as I take my second gap year preparing for PA school, and I will be attending PA school at DeSales University starting Fall 2022!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I joined GMT for the medical mission trips and stayed active because of the amazing people I met. GMT solidified my decision to become a PA after attending a medical mission trip to Panama. GMT has provided me with a supporting community that helped me through the rigors of college.
Advice to current GMT members:
Academics and professional goals are important, but try your best to prioritize your own health. You will always have time for something that is important to you. Take 5 minutes from your busy schedule to meditate and practice gratitude each morning. Try jiu jitsu and see if its for you. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Be humble or get humbled. If you are uncomfortable and constantly challenging yourself, you will grow exponentially as a person.
Tara Andrade c/o 2019
Name: Tara Andrade
Major: Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I am enjoying a few gap years while I wait to start osteopathic medical school in Fall 2022.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me a supportive group of friends that helped me achieve my goals. Many pre-healthcare students have very rigorous schedules. GMT gave me some of my best friends to go through the ups and downs with. Also, the weekly meetings often taught me about different career paths that are available which really helped me to narrow down what my own interests were.
Advice to current GMT members:
Go on a GMT trip! I was lucky enough to be able to go twice. These trips gave me a taste of what it would be like to be a healthcare provider one day. I always returned from these trips motivated to work harder than ever before.
Leilani Diego c/o 2019
Name: Leilani Diego
Major/Minor: Psychology / Medical Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
At the moment I am working in a cardiology clinic. I am also working on applying to post bac programs in SoCal to start working on pre-reqs for med school. My career goal is to become an emergency physician. I am also interested in starting a free clinic in underserved communities.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I was a transfer student from a community college who never joined any groups before. Though I joined GMT in my last year at UCI, the club makes me feel included. One of my favorite (and most lifechanging) experiences was the opportunity to go on 2 medical trips. This really solidified my love for medicine and showed me how basic care and support in underprivileged communities can have such a great impact on their lives.
Advice to current GMT members:
It is never too late, whether it be joining clubs, changing career paths, anything. Don't ever be embarrassed or scared to try something new, especially if you are not passionate about what you are currently doing - In Drake's famous words, YOLO
Clare Chen c/o 2021
Name: Clare Chen
Major: Bio Sci
Class Graduated: 2021
What are you doing now:
I am taking a second gap year and continue working as a medical assistant and possibly become an EMT on 911 calls or as an ER Tech.
Favorite Memory in GMT:
My favorite memory was going on the Dominican Republic. I went on this trip alone with strangers and coming back with people that are now my closest friends and family.
Neda Izadyar c/o 2021
Name: Neda Izadyar
Major: Human Biology
Class Graduated: 2021
What are you doing now:
I am currently working as a medical assistant during my gap year and will be attending medical school at UC Irvine this upcoming August!
Favorite Memory in GMT:
My favorite memory was being apart of the medical mission trips to Dominican Republic and Peru. Being able to visit Machu Picchu with all my GMT friends was an experience I will never forget.
Mimi Lyang c/o 2016
Name: Mimi Lyang
Major: Neurobiology
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
I am a first year medical student at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, California.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT and becoming a board member at the end of my second year was hands down one of the best decisions I made in my college career. At first, I was hesitant to apply to be on board as a second year during Winter Quarter (the infamous Bio 98 + Chem 51B ...it’s doable!), but my mentor Sophia encouraged me to do so anyways. And ever since then, my life has changed. :’)
Now, as a first year medical student, I have noticed that the skills I gained from GMT trips have helped my transition into my journey towards becoming a physician. Whether I am feeling confident while taking a patient’s blood pressure or feeling comfortable communicating with patients in Spanish, I know that I would not be in the same mindset as I am now as a first year medical student if it weren’t for GMT.
Aside from clinical and leadership skills, GMT has also provided me with meaningful lifelong friendships. The individuals I have met through GMT are some of the most passionate, selfless, and fun-loving people I know -- I am so thankful for GMT for bringing us together.
Advice to current GMT members:
Get involved and say “yes” (to reasonable things)! Put yourself out there, out of your comfort zone, and be intentional with your actions. Make the most out of your college career, because the time will FLY by. What you invest into your experience is what you will get out of it. The efforts you put into your studies, relationships with people, clubs you are passionate about, etc. will play a big role in determining how your four years at UCI will be. Lastly, build connections and utilize your resources. With that being said, feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Cheers :)
Ranita Tse c/o 2018
Name: Ranita Tse
Major: B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now:
I am currently a PY1 at the University of Washington’s School of Pharmacy in Seattle, Washington.
What has GMT done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT gave me a consistent go-to family during my four years at UCI. I was drawn to GMT my first year because of the people I met during AIF. They would consistently get me to come out to all sorts of events and it really forced me to get out of my comfort zone in terms of opening up and meeting new people, challenging myself to do new things, and becoming more intentional with how I wanted to spend my undergrad career to get to where I wanted to be in the future.
Through this club, I was able to serve as fundraising co-chair my third year (s/o to Omar!!) and as president in my fourth year. Both roles helped me develop my professional skills and communication skills, traits that are vital when you’re planning on going into healthcare. The people I met through GMT also challenged me to become more hypercritical of the issues that are surrounding global health today, and that continue to influence me to become the kind of healthcare provider that can make the biggest impact on the lives of others.
Lastly though, the friendships that I’ve gained through this club are something that will stay with me forever. I’m thankful that even though it’s rare to see everyone together, we can still pick up right where we left off and celebrate each other’s new journeys and successes. This is truly a great testament to the kind of club GMT is: that people in a school club can become lifelong friends who can continue to encourage each other’s healthcare journeys from all across the country.
Advice to current GMT members:
It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to ask for help. Transitioning into college is hard, but you never have to do it alone when you’re in GMT. There’s always going to be somebody you can talk to and relate to if you ever have any problems. We have mentors, board members, and even general members who want to see everyone succeed, and who are so willing to be open and honest about their experiences. Don’t ever be afraid to reach out and form those connections!
Paul Nguyen c/o 2017
Name: Paul Nguyen
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2017
What are you doing now:
I am currently a first year medical student at Touro University California in the College of Osteopathic Medicine.
What GMT has done for you/what GMT means to you:
Looking back on my undergrad years, GMT has been one of the biggest influences on my life by helping me understand what I want to do with my life as well as providing me a place to grow and develop into who’ve become today. I can remember back in my freshman year, I was one of those members who would come maybe once a month and felt slightly out of place. One thing led to another and I found that every single person was super welcoming and I fell in love with everything that the club had to offer.
During the first year, I got to explore the many fields of healthcare and appreciate how different yet interrelated they are. Trips abroad helped me explore my budding interest in medicine which grew deeper and deeper over the years, but it was being surrounded by people who were also passionate about their own fields that impacted me the most. I’ve learned to be comfortable with talking to strangers, develop a yearning to help those less fortunate than me, and to remember to always be honest to who I am.
GMT will always mean family to me. The bonds that I was able to form here were inimitable and hold strong even after years apart. I owe it to GMT for bringing people from so many different backgrounds together under a common goal of trying to help others. The people that I met in school, in Nicaragua, and in Peru are the most beautiful, kind-hearted, and inspiring human beings that I have the pleasure to call my friends.
Advice to current/interested GMT members:
People say that you only experience college once so make the most of it, and it’s only something you realize once it’s done. Four years will go by in the blink of an eye, so push yourself out of your comfort zone, learn what you’re capable of and work on what you’re not. Study hard but don’t forget that you are so much more than your grades. Stay up those extra late nights talking to people you enjoy spending time with, and make the most of it!
Cheers!
Brandon Talmood c/o 2016
Name: Brandon Talmood
Major: Biology
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
I am a third year Dental Student at Loma Linda University in California, applying for residency in oral surgery.
What has GMT done for you and what does GMT meant to you:
GMT has been one of the single greatest decisions I ever made. It gave me life-long friends, it gave me incredible memories, and a platform to truly be surrounded by motivating, driven and incredibly fun individuals. My position was workshop coordinator; before me the position mainly consisted of scheduling speakers to come in and give talks, but I was the first to take it upon myself to start hosting workshops myself and coming up with and presenting my own medical workshops. It really empowered my public speaking to go beyond anything I could have imagined, and those same lessons gave made me a far stronger dental student and future care provider.
Again, I can’t stress enough how amazing my friends from GMT have been. Nothing short of the most caring and warm hearted individuals.
Advice to current GMT members:
My advice to current GMT members is to put themselves in situations they would normally say NO to. Go on a limb and get lunch with a new member, go out with the board members and get to know them, you’ll never know who may become a life-long friend and a best friend. For the exceptionally driven students I would recommend using the platform and audience that GMT has to provide to exercise whatever skill or talent you want to improve in. You’re in a unique environment surrounded by a group of individuals that in a few years will become doctors, pharmacists, dentists and more, seize that opportunity. Lastly and most importantly, I’d recommend that everyone be present, in the moment, and enjoy the time they have with one another. UCI isn’t forever and before you know it everyone is off to professional school and you’ll wonder how it all ended so quickly.
Anh Le c/o 2015
Name: Anh Le
Major: Biological Sciences
Graduated: 2015
What are you doing right now:
Graduate of Western University of Health Sciences. I am certified as a Physician Assistant with goals of working in the E.R .
What has GMT done for you and what does GMT mean to you:
I joined GMT as a third year and I was pretty lost career wise. I felt like doing everything I needed on autopilot to get my degree as a Biological Sciences major. To be quite honest, I was starting to burn out because I was aimlessly wandering. Ultimately I thought that joining GMT was just going to be another random extracurricular I could add to my resume. Looking back, it was the best decision I made during my undergrad years.
In my two years joining GMT, I got to meet and befriend some of the kindest and most passionate individuals. It was so refreshing to be surrounded by those that were dedicated to giving back to the community and motivated to be in the healthcare field. Going on a medical mission to Nicaragua showed me that this was what I wanted to do in the future and to give me passion for my future career. It was in a GMT meeting that I first heard a Physician Assistant speak about the profession.
I still keep in touch with so many from GMT to this day and it’s amazing to see how far we’ve all come. And no matter how long it has been, whenever we meet up it is always like catching up with family. Thank you truly, GMT, for getting me to where I am today.
Advice to current members:
It is okay if you are unsure where you want to end up! This is the best time to find out what gives you passion. What better way than to immerse yourself around those who have similar drive.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to reach out. I was always so nervous to ask for help or to admit I was unsure of what I was doing but there are so many people that would love to help.
And lastly, get involved. The true way to get everything out of this club is to take advantage of all the opportunities that is offered!
Shubham Dixit c/o 2016
Name: Shubham Dixit
Major: Biological Sciences
Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
I am a 3rd year medical student at Touro University California doing my 3rdyear rotation at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, New York
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT in a way gave me a purpose. I wanted to be a doctor since sophomore year of undergrad at UCI but I never really had a bigger goal in mind. Someone once told me what I wanted to do in life and I told them I wanted to be a doctor, but what they asked next was something I wasn’t ready for. She asked me “what are you going to do after you become a doctor?” At first I considered this dumb question but then I thought about every medical student applying to medical school (maybe you haha) or medicine in general. Joining GMT gave me this purpose! Being able to serve people in impoverished areas around the world and in turn making a big impact in their lives was not only inspirational, but also very rewarding. Joining GMT not only gave me a new perspective but did wonders for my personal statement for medical school and the interview itself ;)
Advice to current members:
Personal advice from someone who got medical school interviews and interviewed other applicants later on, passion is a big aspect of an aspiring physician. I believe you need to be seriously passionate about medicine to want to be able to wake up at 2:30 AM and work till 6:30 PM at night for a 2 month surgery rotation and not become jaded afterwards (my life T_T). I owe a big part of this thinking to my time spent in GMT.
Advice to current GMT members: Get comfortable with the uncomfortable! You’ll never grow if you don’t do this and trust me when I say, GMT staff has many wonderful ways to make you uncomfortable, so take advantage of those opportunities. Have ideas? Share them! Time will fly by when you’re having so much fun; savor it!
Ruby Yoakim c/o 2016
Name: Ruby Yoakim
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
After GMT and graduating in 2016, I took a year off to work as a research coordinator for clinical trials at UCIMC in the Neuromuscular department. After that, I started a postbac program at UCI SOM. After thaaaaat, I matriculated into UCI SOM and into PRIME-LC, which stands for the Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community. My career goals as of right now are to 1) get my MBA 2) Match—currently thinking Family Medicine, or other primary care specialty, or Neurology (woo brains!!) 3) Become a Chief Medical Officer/Run a clinic system. My ultimate goal is to be in a leadership position where I can address the barriers many marginalized communities face when trying to access the quality care they deserve.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me some of the most supportive and outstanding friends I could ever have imagined. These were people who inspired me during some rough times but also celebrated with me during the great times. Joining GMT in undergrad felt like joining a community where I knew I instantly belonged. It helped me find my passion and develop some important life skills. Becoming a board member of a huge organization like GMT helped develop a lot of the leadership qualities I think are important for any health professional school. Some of these were collaborating in small groups, communicating within a team, developing a consistent work ethic, public speaking and interview skills, and executing projects. GMT really is an opportunity to develop skills that you won’t get elsewhere.
That is all folks. If you have questions or want to talk, feel free to send me a DM. I’ll do my best to reply asap :)
Kavita Krishnan c/o 2018
Name: Kavita Krishnan
Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Medical Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now?
I am a first-year medical student at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, IL.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I had started my time at UC Irvine as a biomedical engineering student. I was planning on going into industry. However, after my first year, I realized that though I enjoyed the courses, I wanted more of a human component in my career. Medicine was something I had previously considered but after trying something else out I realized it was what I wanted to do. In my sophomore year, switching into being a premed, I was looking for a community of students I could talk to so that I could navigate through my time at UCI. GMT truly provided that opportunity. I was involved in RAMP and went on my first medical service trip in 2016 to Nicaragua. That was truly a transformative experience! I not only made lifelong friendships through the experience, I was motivated to learn more about health care disparities, advocacy in my local community, and wanted to be a more active participant.
I applied for board the following year, and through that experience, I helped expand RAMP and as a team grow GMT into becoming more active in working with the homeless community and providing pre-clinical opportunities for students. I improved my clinical and leadership skills in the process. The sense of community I’ve gotten through this club, helped me through a lot of hard times in undergrad, both as a student and in my personal life. As corny as it sounds, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without it!
Advice to current GMT members:
Talk to people, use resources like the mentor-mentee program, and push yourself to be involved! The more effort you put in the more you will get out of GMT! The best thing about this club is its inclusivity and the mentality of creating a family atmosphere within it. Even if you may be on the shy side like I am, go out to activities like RAMP, socials, or the Food Pantry start talking to even a couple other members. You willbe surprised what comes out of it!!! 😊 If you guys ever have questions regarding being pre-health or about UCI, don’t ever hesitate to reach out. My email is kavitakrishnan20@gmail.com.
Ben Hong c/o 2014
Name: Ben Hong
Major: Biology
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now?
After graduating, I took some time off and worked for a year and a half as a surgical tech at a high-volume LASIK eye surgery clinic, while also road tripping around the country with my friends and family. I then went on to attend and graduate from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Following med school, I was fortunate enough to match into my #1 ranked program, staying on for an Emergency Medicine residency at Mount Sinai, where I am currently working as an intern. And although I’m only 4 months in, I will honestly tell you that I love, love, love what I do. It is an incredible, challenging (both physically and mentally), and humbling privilege to be able to take care of patients and have them entrust you with their care. Career Goals: I plan to finish my 4 years of residency at Sinai and hopefully stay in NYC earning that good-good attending salary for at least the next few years after that. I am absolutely in love with the city—the energy, the people, the relentless pace. I highly recommend everyone live here at least once in their lives! I’d also like to get more involved in medical education, wilderness and global medicine, and help serve as an advocate for wellness within the healthcare community and beyond.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT is a big, if not the biggest, reason why I am where I am today. I hated my first couple years as a UCI pre-med. I felt I was just going through the motions. I was so miserable, in fact, that I applied to transfer to Berkeley as an engineering major sophomore year. That’s when I came across GMT, this tiny unassuming 10-15 person org back then. But for some reason I was hooked. Maybe it was the sense of family, or the passion and pride with which they all talked about their club and trips together, or maybe I just really didn’t want to change colleges and majors halfway through undergrad. Regardless, I decided to stay, went on the next trip to Nicaragua, and I haven’t looked back since. That first trip had a profound impact on the trajectory of my life going forward, as did the second tip, and the third. I knew I had to be a doctor. Studying became easier. Volunteering and research began to have more meaning. I started becoming more involved in the club, becoming the VP and then the President. It gave me a family of friends that I continue to stay in close contact with 5 years out. It taught me how to be a mentor, innovator, and leader. A lot of who I am today is because of my time at GMT, for which I am eternally grateful.
Advice to current GMT members:
Follow what you’re passionate in, whether that is healthcare or something else. If you hate what you’re doing now, ask yourself what it is you’re truly interested in and excited about and actively chase that, no matter how ridiculous or farfetched it might sound. Do what makes you happy, don’t settle for less. And above all else, don’t forget that in the end, it’s still just a job—not a lifestyle. There is so much life left to live outside of work. Travel. Explore. Experiment. Spend time with those you love. Make conversation with people you don’t know. Eat and drink delicious things. The world is too large and life too short for you to waste your time doing something you hate.
Tiffany Truong c/o 2016
Name: Tiffany Truong
Major: Public Health Sciences
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now?
I recently graduated from the Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital NYC Physician Assistant program in August 2019 and currently I am waiting to start my job in Orthopedic Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT helped me solidify that I wanted to be in health care and I actually decided that I wanted to pursue a career as a physician assistant due to a guest speaker we had at a GMT meeting. Besides sending me on my career journey, GMT means a lot to me for many more important reasons. A good friend of mine actually joined the year before I did and for some reason I was scared of going out of my comfort zone so I held off, but I decided to go on a winter Big Bear Trip with GMT the next year and the rest is history. The people I met and the lifelong friends I made through GMT were all kind, hardworking, fun loving individuals that made me feel truly welcome since day one. I ended up applying for a board position and served as Fundraising Co-Chair so that I could be more involved in the club and contribute to passing along that feeling that I experienced to new and existing members. I wholeheartedly believe that being surrounded by people that wanted to foster a positive environment for anyone interested in joining GMT has made me a better friend and provider and I’ll never forget all the memories I made going on trips to Nicaragua, cooking KBBQ for fundraising, going to the Pub after meetings or attending wonderfully curated workshops and socials with my GMT family!
Advice to current GMT members:
I know this has been said but don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. My college experience would have been entirely different if I decided to listen to my fears so go do all the things that you want to do and talk to as many people as you can. You can learn so much from each other and one thing I’ve experienced, especially job-hunting post PA school is that more often than not, your peers are your biggest fans and best resources. I actually got my current job from a classmate that notified me about the opening so look out for each other and hold one another other up! Lastly, enjoy yourselves and spend as much time as you can with each other. Although I am so proud of all my GMT peers and look for any opportunity to catch up and see them when possible, it gets much harder to do so after graduation so make the most of it now and make the effort to keep those relationships when you do graduate! (Honestly the separation anxiety is real seeing them in these posts – LOVE AND MISS YOU GUYS SO MUCH)
Katelyn Mariko Kim c/o 2011
Name: Katelyn Mariko (Updyke) Kim
Major: Chemistry, Biological Sciences
Graduated: 2011
What are you doing now:
I am a PGY-2 resident physician at Henry Ford Hospital Department of Dermatology in Detroit, MI.
What has GMT done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me a lot of inspiration and sense of purpose during my undergraduate years, which then gave me the momentum to continue giving back and finding other outreach opportunities throughout medical school and residency. GMT gave me the initial exposure I needed to build the cultural competency required to take care of and empathize with different patient populations.
Advice to current GMT members:
Open your heart to learning from everyone you meet in life. Stay naive when it comes to making a difference in the world. Never forget the things that inspire and make you feel passionate as you make it further in your education and career. Most of all, feel confident in yourself and try not to get caught up in competition or comparing yourself to others. We can all accomplish our dreams supporting one another—and medicine is a team effort from finding new cures to changing a patient’s life!
Autumn Poon c/o 2014
Name: Autumn Poon
Major: Public Health Sciences
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now:
I currently work as a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBS) Trainee at Myriad Women’s Health, a genetic screening and testing company .
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
It took me a few years to find a club I was truly interested in being a part of but after I found GMT, I always knew I had a place to go to where I could be surrounded by friends. One of the things I loved most about GMT is that we worked hard and partied hard. GMT gave me the opportunity to work and learn from so many talented and driven individuals. But also people to go ham with at get togethers. Some of my fondest memories were grabbing food, studying/struggling for exams, and just hanging out in general.
Advice to current GMT members:
Be down to do anything (within reason of course.) I wouldn’t have been so humbled if I didn’t say yes to a part-time catering job. I would have never joined GMT if I didn’t take up my co-worker’s suggestion to attend a meeting. I wouldn’t have grown into the scientist/project manager I am today if I didn’t say yes to being a GMT board member.
As important as it was to learn what I wanted to do, it was just as valuable to learn what I didn’t want to do. For my career, I knew I wanted to something that improved the livelihood of others but I didn’t want to attend a medical professional school. Post-GMT I chose to work in biotech and at my current job I sequence patient DNA to give them results that will help them make critical health decisions. Although I don’t see the patients face to face I am happy knowing I have made a difference in their lives.
As a lasting comment, seriously take care of yourself. I know we’re all out here trying to accomplish our dreams, but you can’t put out your best work, if you’re not at your best.
Steven Ma c/o 2015
Name: Steven Ma
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences/Medical Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2015
What are you doing now:
I am currently a soon-to-graduate MS4 at Penn State College of Medicine. I will be starting my internal medicine residency program at UC San Diego this upcoming June! After that, I plan to pursue a fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT and becoming a board member were hands down the best decisions I made throughout my entire four years at UCI. It became a safe place that helped me figure out who I was as a person. It provided me with opportunities to help underserved communities both locally and internationally. It let me grow into a leader and sparked my continued interests in global health. Most importantly, it gave me a second home and family that believed in me and called me “Dr. Ma” long before I felt I deserved that title (and honestly, it still hasn’t hit).
It’s been almost five years since I graduated from UCI, but I still reminisce about my trips to Panama and Nicaragua, the tiring mornings setting up KBBQ fundraisers, the social events and retreats where we became even closer, and the ups-and-downs I experienced with my wonderful board members. I’m still not sure how I’ll continue global health after residency/fellowship, but it will undoubtedly continue in some way or form.
Advice to current GMT members:
Get involved and put yourself out there! You don’t have to be a board member to become part of the GMT family. However, if you just have a tiny smidge of interest, apply and see where it takes you! You may be surprised at everything that’ll follow by saying yes to something that makes you uncomfortable.
It’s 100% okay to know when you need a break and when to ask for help. Regardless of which healthcare field you enter, it will be tough. Literally everyone that goes through medical school (myself included) would be lying if we didn’t consider dropping out at least once throughout the entire process. Find your people, find things to do that make you happy, take that mental health break, and know that there are countless hands ready to help as long as you reach out first. With that, feel free to contact me for any reason! :)
Thalia Fabian c/o 2015
Name: Thalia Fabian
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2015
What are you doing now:
After graduating, I did an informal post-bacc and got a job as a scribe. Then I took the MCAT twice and did a special master’s program before applying to med school. Now, I am a first-year medical student at WesternU. I hope to pursue a combined residency program in Family medicine and Psychiatry.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I joined GMT during the winter quarter of my freshman year. I remember attending my first meeting, being scared and intimidated. But that meeting opened my eyes to a whole new world that I had no idea existed. I found a club that would allow me to travel abroad and help me prepare for med school.
GMT gave me the role models that I didn’t have. As a first-gen college student and the first one in my family to pursue medicine, everything was foreign. It is through my GMT friends that I learned about the MCAT, doing research, and getting involved in volunteering. My GMT friends are a big reason why I am here today. When I think of GMT, I think family because these individuals are caring, supportive, and understanding. Half-way through my term as President, I decided to step down. It was one of the hardest decisions I had to make, but I knew that I would have the support of my GMT family.
Advice to current GMT members:
My advice for current GMT members is to be part of things that you are genuinely passionate about. If you don’t find a club that you like, then start your own. Take the initiative and make a change. Those activities will carry you on when things get difficult. You will look back at them and remind yourself of why you decided to pursue medicine. As a board member, I was able to start the mentorship program and project RAMP. And until this day, I look back at those projects and feel proud that they are still going.
More advice: Take care of yourself. Set your priorities. Don't let ANYONE tell you that you can't get into medical school.
Vishal Patel c/o 2013
Name: Vishal Patel
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences/History
Class Graduated: 2013
What are you doing now:
Technical Trainer, Commercial Manufacturing at Kite Pharma, A Gilead Company. Just finished my MBA from UCI. Looking to continue my career in Biotechnology.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT had provided a very insightful look at the medical/dental/pharmaceutical industry while providing aid to underserved communities in developing nations.
Advice to current GMT members:
There is plenty out there if medical/dental/pharm school does not work out. There are plenty of ways to help patients. Enjoy the process.
Vickie Nguyen c/o 2017
Name: Vickie Nguyen
Major/Minor: Public Health Policy
Class Graduated: 2017
What are you doing now:
I am currently a 1st year pharmacy student at USC School of Pharmacy in Los Angeles.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT and going to Nicaragua was probably the most memorable experiences of my undergrad and it has played such a significant role in getting me to where I am today. Being in GMT pushed me out of my comfort zone, gave me my first exposure in working with patients, and allowed me to meet the most amazing and supportive group of friends. The summer of our medical mission, I was working at a pharmacy that made me question whether this was the career I wanted to pursue. It was our trip to Nicaragua that reminded me of why I wanted to go into pharmacy in the first place. I gained a new perspective of healthcare and was surrounded by the most driven and passionate group of students that I am so proud of have worked alongside with. GMT inspired me to continue working towards making a difference and for that I will be forever grateful for its impact and the people it brought into my life.
Advice to current GMT members:
Make the most of your time at UCI and take those shots you don't normally take because you never know what it may lead to! Be brave and step out of your comfort zone because you get whatever you put into your experience. It may seem scary sometimes, but within GMT, you'll have such a great support system. Four years will go by in a blink of an eye, so stay motivated, but also take the time to have fun, be present, and just enjoy all of what college has to offer :)
Meggan Wong c/o 2014
Name: Meggan Wong
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences/Psychology and Social Behavior
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now:
My initial plan after graduating from UCI was to work for 2 years before applying to grad school. I wanted to take this time to adventure and explore the world since I was unable to do it growing up because my family struggled financially. It has now been a whopping but incredible 6 years since I have graduated. I spent five and a half of those years working as an ophthalmic technician and during that time, I found a great passion for the outdoors.
Today, I am happy to say that as a third time applicant to PA programs, I will be matriculating into Duke University's Physician Assistant Program in August of 2020. Once I become a PA, I hope to surround myself with an amazing group of people and work as a generalist with a focus on disaster relief and global health.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
To be honest, GMT was not what I expected. Time and time again I heard people say that medical mission trips are life changing. All I felt was an overwhelming sense of helplessness after attending a trip myself. I questioned the impact I made, wondering what became of the children who went back to drinking the same dirty water they were before, the family of eight who gathered rocks for a living, and the patients whose beds crammed the hallways of the hospital in Managua. However, this feeling of helplessness that once troubled me slowly transformed into a positive source of motivation, unearthing my passion for medicine. It pushed me to dream big and yearn for the skills to make a difference.
Ultimately, the most rewarding experience of being a part of GMT was meeting all the amazing people in it. I look back fondly at all the memories we made from spending 24/7 with each other during trips to goofing off during lectures to hosting scrub parties. I am so incredibly proud of where you all are today. <3
Advice to current GMT members:
I’d like to relay advice from a poster on my wall:
Find a passion and pursue it. Fall in love. Dream big. Drink beer, eat great food, and spend quality time with good friends. Laugh everyday. Tell stories. Reminisce about the good old days but look with optimism to the future. Travel often. Learn more. Be creative. Spend time with people you admire. Seize opportunities when they reveal themselves. Love with all your heart. Never give up. Do what you love. Be true to who you are. Make time to enjoy the simple things in life. Spend time with family. Forgive even when it’s hard. Smile often. Be grateful. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Follow your dreams. Try new things. Work hard. Don’t count the minutes, count the laughs. Embrace change. Trust in yourself. Be thankful. Be nice to everyone. Be happy. Live for today.
And, above all else, make every moment count.
Calvin Lam c/o 2017
Name: Calvin Lam
Major/Minor: Biology/Philosophy
Class Graduated: 2017
What are you doing now:
I am an M1 at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Clinically, I want a career in internal medicine with some fellowship. I also wish to be involved in health technologies or health policy.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was one of the first "pre-med" organizations I joined at UCI. I found myself around highly motivated future healthcare providers that provided nothing short of inspiration for my own goals. The summer trip to Nicaragua, on top of being tons of fun, exposed that a treatment-focused definition of healthcare was too blunt an instrument to address health. It helped me truly understand that social determinants of health were often much more important than biological determinants. GMT and the trip gave me the inspiration and push to change how I thought about health, ultimately informing my decision to pursue medicine.
Advice to current GMT members:
Set aside time for things you love or activities you enjoy, especially if they seem unrelated to your future career.
Lots of us tend to identify as pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental, whatever it may be. Unfortunately, these look more and more like full-time jobs with overtime, demanding we sacrifice the little time we have left for activities that make us "competitive". We might leave other things we are deeply passionate about for "later".
The idea of delayed gratification - working hard now with a huge payoff later - is pervasive, especially in pre-health students. This is a mistake. This is not to say that learning medicine is not gratifying in itself (it often is), but it is to say that our other interests are equally as valid.
I encourage you all to hold onto what you love outside of your career goals as dearly as you hold onto those career goals. These other activities enrich us and remind us that we are more than our aspirations. (And when programs talk about diversity missions in admission statements, this is part of what they mean!)
Kristen Kobayashi c/o 2015
Name: Kristen Kobayashi
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2015
What are you doing now:
I'm a 3rd year medical student at Touro University of California, College of Osteopathic Medicine. I'm an aspiring Emergency Medicine physician!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Honestly, I wasn't the most active GMT member because I was also very involved with AED. However, I did go on the Panama Medical Mission trip and the experience was invaluable. I not only had my first real exposure taking medical histories, but also learned a lot about cultural differences and made lasting friendships. It also looked amazing on my med school application and in my personal statement ;)
Advice to current GMT members:
Definitely take advantage of these medical missions that are already set up for you! You will add depth to your character and it will look great on your grad school application. Almost every school has some kind of Global Health program!
Also, enjoy college. Everyone says those are the best years of your life. You really have so much free time to just enjoy yourself and make lifelong friendships. Obviously think about the future, but don't overwhelm yourself with worries. It took me 2 application cycles to finally get into medical school. It'll happen eventually! Volunteering and clubs are a good way to both have fun and figure out what you want to go into.
Feel free to reach out to me or other alumni in your field of interest. We've already been in your shoes so we can help you. I'm pretty far out from graduation already so things might be different (ex: Step 1 is changing to P/F in 2021).
Claire Zeng c/o 2019
Name: Claire Zeng
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I thought that I would have my career path all figured out by graduation, but it's almost been a year since I've graduated and I have no idea what career path I want to pursue! But I do know that I want a career in healthcare, so that's a start!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has done quite a bit for me, and one of the reasons is because I was in the club for the whole four years that I was at UCI, so the club has seen me grow up from a shy, wide-eyed freshman into a determined, mature senior. Not only did it see me grow up, it also played a huge role in shaping who I am today: participating in events, going on clinic trips, and being on board have all taught me about who I am, my boundaries, my likes and dislikes, my potential, and my courage. These were valuable lessons/qualities that I know I can't just learn from reading a textbook, and I am so grateful to have obtained them with the help of GMT.
GMT means a lot to me not only because it helped with developing my identity, but also because of the amazing experiences and memories I've had with the wonderful people I've met in the club. I initially joined the club because I was curious about the healthcare field and the bi-annual clinic trips, but I stayed because of the warm, nurturing, and fun environment that I felt when I was in the club. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, and as a freshman, I felt like I was cared for by everyone else in the club. Members were either going through the same thing that I was, or have gone through them themselves before, and I felt like I was not alone or that I have someone to turn to for advice when I needed it. Because of how fondly I felt about my freshman year, I tried to return to favor to the younger members of the club as I grew older.
Typing this now--it's very bittersweet thinking back to the time I've spent with GMT. If we've ever encountered paths, I just wanted to say hi and that I miss you all!
Advice to current GMT members:
My advice would be advice that I gave/would give/was given to a college Claire:
Use your time in college to explore the different career paths if your career path is unsure. Find an effective way to study. Learn to manage and prioritize time. Find a study/work/life/fun balance. Do not be afraid of rejection, especially when you haven't tried to achieve it yet. Be brave. Don't drink milk tea and take a nap instead (haha, but it actually did affect my sleep during the night and my wakefulness during the day)
Brian Nguyen c/o 2012
Name: Brian Nguyen
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2012
What are you doing now:
I am currently a resident physician!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was my gateway into medicine. It has allowed me to see that medicine is practiced in different countries. I plan to continue medical missions in my future.
Advice to current GMT members:
Find what makes your life enjoyable. Then find a way to make it into a career.
Brittany Pham c/o 2018
Name: Brittany Pham
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now:
I am a laboratory assistant in the Hughes Lab at UCI (where I did my undergrad research!) and I'll be applying to PhD programs this fall. I hope to matriculate to a biomedical science program and work on developing human disease models. In the long term, I would like to bridge my interest in clinical diseases with my bench research skills through an industry position in translational science. If we're talking about straight up dream career goals, I would love to be one of the founders of a biotech company!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
For a very long time, I thought I was dead set on becoming a physician; although my career goals have shifted, my experience volunteering in the Dominican Republic and Peru with GMT at the very minimum solidified my interest in learning more about the human body to improve the quality of life of others. Now, I've just realized that I would like to be on the research and development side of things! In a broader sense, after joining GMT as a junior, I finally felt like I had found a place at UCI where I belonged. Although at first I was intimidated by everyone, I was able to come out of my shell over time and make some amazing friends. It's certainly weird not being able to see them every Thursday anymore but there's a comfort in knowing that we can always pick up where we left off. GMT will always hold a special place as I reflect on my undergrad years.
Advice to current GMT members:
Put yourself out there, keep an open mind, and remember that everything happens for a reason. Regardless of whatever you want to do in the future, always remember your reasoning behind it and let it guide you, especially in the more difficult times. And here's a lesson I've learned in my gap years: unless you absolutely have to, don't work 2 part time jobs because...that ain't it chief.
Rayan Yahia c/o 2018
Name: Rayan Yahia
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now:
I am a first year medical student at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT provided me with an opportunity to see real patients and helped me determine if I was even passionate about medicine. It is difficult for undergrads to get an opportunity to actually see a patient and do a full interview/physical exam, and it was something that always worried me. I was not sure if I was going to actually enjoy the process of seeing patients. Going on the medical missions helped me confirmed that I truly enjoyed being part of the patient care process and the experiences I had continue to help me today in medical school. GMT was also my family at UCI. I know everyone probably says that, but my closest friends continue to be people I met at GMT meetings or on the medical missions. Even during our busy post-grad lives, we find ways to keep in contact and support each other through our individual goals. If it were not for my GMT fam, I would definitely not be where I am today! Although I was really only in GMT for a year, it continues to hold my fondest memories at UCI.
Advice to current GMT members:
The best advice I can offer is do not be afraid to make time for your hobbies even if you feel behind in your pre-med goals. As a pre-med community, we are so fixated on filling a checklist of having volunteer experiences, publishing research, holding a board position, etc. While these are all good to have on your CV, it does not help you stand out as an individual come interviews. One thing I realized during my interviews was that on paper I was just like everyone else. Everyone had research and volunteer experiences and they were all extremely qualified in academics, but many of them did not stand out as a person because they had nothing to talk about besides being pre-med. I truly believe that my successes during interviews were mostly because I was able to talk about my hobbies rather than retelling my primary application (Fun fact: my most talked about topic during interviews was how my leg gave out during a powerlifting competition... not even related to medicine!!). My main point is: while academics and a strong resumé are crucial, so is making time for your hobbies, being an individual, and not becoming another laundry list pre-med applicant! :)
Annie Phung c/o 2015
Name: Annie Phung
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences / Cognitive Science
Class Graduated: 2015
What are you doing now:
Annie is currently in her second year family medicine residency at Northwestern Family Medicine Residency at Delnor.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was the first and only health organization I joined when I decided to pursue medicine during my second year at UCI. After hearing about the organization from a friend who served on the board, I was drawn in by the family atmosphere. They were passionate, enthusiastic, and supportive in so many ways. I went on my first trip in the summer of 2014 to Nicaragua. There, I realized how amazing medicine is. Not only were you helping out those who need care, but you're playing detective. Alongside with your team, you're putting together the clues to form a diagnosis and thinking of a plan to help treat the patient in your best capacity. I thought this was a really fun process and it led me to solidify medicine as a future career. Throughout my time in GMT, I served on the executive board, my second family, and we shared with others our passion for medicine and serving the community. To this day, I am extremely grateful for the people I met. GMT helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my life. As a third year medical student, I often reflect on how I have been so darn lucky. I owe a lot to GMT and the family for getting me interested in medicine, giving me an outlet to pursue my interest, and supporting me throughout the entire journey.
Advice to current GMT members:
It's okay to not know what you want to do after you graduate. It's okay to take some time off for yourself, to work, to volunteer, to pursue another degree. It's okay to not be on the same timeline as everyone else. Beat to the sound of your own drum. Find your support group and mentor(s) to help you through the process. You'll be okay and you'll get there.
Brian Kazempoor c/o 2016
Name: Brian Kazempoor
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
I’m beginning my third year at UCI School of Medicine :)
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I think the most important thing GMT provided me was a strong sense of belonging among peers whom were also pursuing careers in healthcare. This sharing of such a huge goal is almost undervalued. I really believe you’re able to relate to these peers in ways that can’t be mirrored with just anyone. Those involved with GMT understand why they are pursuing careers in healthcare, the tireless work it takes to get there, and the purpose behind this noble field. We recognize we are dedicating ourselves to a life of service, and that’s a beautiful thing. I was involved with GMT only during my last year, but I know the bonds I formed will last a lifetime. I met some remarkably determined, kindhearted, and reliable people, and I’ll always remember GMT as one of the highlights of my undergrad years.
Advice to current GMT members:
Enjoy college. I can’t emphasize enough how much I miss UCI. I miss the people, the laughs, the gatherings, and everything in between. I’ll always be the first to say your studies are paramount, but these years can’t be replicated. Go meet new people, try new things, step outside your boundaries, and hold no regrets. I like to think playing hard makes working hard much easier. Shoot me an email if you have questions about med or anything in general! I know there’s 10 billion things floating in your head about what to do, when to do it, how to do it, etc., and it’s all part of the process. My email is kazempoor.brian@gmail.com :)
Yvonne Tran c/o 2019
Name: Yvonne Tran
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I'm working at a cancer immunotherapy biotech company where we treat patient cells with CAR-T cell therapy. Our goal is to treat patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma and help improve the quality of people's lives through our treatments. I'm going to be completely honest and say that I'm not sure of what I want my career goal to be yet, but that's ok! What I do know is that throughout my career, I want to develop as a leader, create meaningful relationships, make a positive difference and help people along the way through healthcare.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was the best thing I did in college! It gave me a home away from home. It gave me a community of people who are lifetime friends to me now. It's truly a little family that is there for one another. These meetings/volunteer opportunities/social outings gave me a break from school and was a nice reminder that studying isn't everything. GMT also gave me the opportunity to go on a Dominican Republic medical mission trip (one of the biggest highlights of my college experience) and I made some international friends that I still keep in touch with today!
Advice to current GMT members:
Don't feel pressured to pursue something you are truly not passionate about. If you want to do something, you'll get there as long as you keep trying and put in the effort. I took an unconventional path after college to pursue a career in the biotech industry while my friends are becoming doctors, pharmacists, dentists, etc. Don't compare your success with your peers. Celebrate their successes and your successes! Keep your close friends in your corner (you've probably met some really wonderful people in GMT). Your relationships and your health is really all you have so take care of yourself and the people you love.
Elizabeth Nguyen c/o 2019
Name: Elizabeth Nguyen
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I’m currently a quarter of the way through grad school at New York Medical College! However, because of the current situation in the world, I haven’t moved to New York quite yet. Since I’m still here in Orange County, I’m also working part-time as a patient care assistant at Orange Coast Memorial, and volunteering part-time as the lead student researcher/community outreach coordinator of the PERC Outreach Program under UCI’s Department of Pediatrics. My eventual career goal is to one day become a pediatrician.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I can honestly say that being a part of GMT was the highlight of my undergraduate career. I made the decision to join GMT’s internship during winter quarter of my junior year, and I eventually made it onto the executive board as project coordinator for my last year at UCI. I LOVED my position, which entailed mentoring and tutoring young students at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana through Project RAMP, and coordinating volunteering events at the UCI Mobile Food Pantry. I also had the chance to go on two of GMT’s summer medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Peru, both of which allowed me to see healthcare from a newfound perspective. As a first year pre-med, I really didn’t know what I was doing with my life, but joining GMT helped me to solidify my motivation to pursue a career in medicine. My goal as a physician one day is to advocate for underserved communities that lack healthcare, to help patients overcome the socioeconomic barriers preventing them from their basic rights to medical treatment. In carrying out GMT’s humanitarian goals and aims to serve communities locally and abroad, I was able to see the empathetic nature of humanity, of the people we work with, and I will forever be grateful to have been a part of this community. Through this club, I was introduced to some of the most caring, kind, and compassionate individuals I have ever met, many of whom are still some of my closest friends to this day. As cheesy as it sounds, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without GMT. This club brought me a second family who have been with me through my highs and lows, and for that, I will always be thankful.
Advice to current GMT members:
Make the most out of your experience with GMT, whether that be through attending GMT meetings, socials, joining internship/executive board, or joining the mentor/mentee program. The only regret I had about GMT was not joining sooner; I wish that I had found out about GMT during my first year, rather than halfway through college. Another piece of advice I have is to stop comparing yourself to other people. I think I did this quite a bit when I was in undergrad because I was so afraid that I wasn’t good enough as everyone else getting into medical school. Growing up, there was this mindset instilled in me that I was never going to be good enough. I was also scared that I was behind because I didn’t want to go into medical school right after graduating. However, over time as I began working and volunteering more with causes that I was extremely passionate about, I finally began to realize that it didn’t matter what other people were doing. The only person you should be comparing yourself to is who you were yesterday. Lastly, don’t forget to have some fun during your college years. Although it is important to focus on your goals, don’t forget to take a few breaks now and then. Make new friends and make new memories. Something I’ve been trying to live by is this: if the world were to end tomorrow, would you be happy with how you’ve lived your life? And if your answer is no, then what are you going to do to change that?
Adrian Vallejo c/o 2020
Name: Adrian Vallejo
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2020
What are you doing now:
Right now, I am in my gap year applying to medical school. Luckily, I have had some acceptance to schools in California including Touro, USC, CUSM SOM, UCI, and UCSF so far. There is a high chance that I will be an anteater for life, but I will have to make that decision shortly. Since graduating in June 2020, I have been working at my EMT job in Anaheim and at UCI as a junior specialist in the department of neurology. Also, I am currently running a food bank program for clients at UCI Outreach Clinic. In my free time, I would be doing Jiu Jitsu, but right now I have been playing with Legos, doing weightlifting exercises, and trying to get better at speaking Spanish. For a career goal, I am interested in primary care since I can envision myself addressing a broad scope of needs from a community health perspective. However, other fields like emergency, critical care, and neurology interest me.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT is life. GMT was one of the highlights of my time as an undergrad. After visiting several pre-health clubs as a freshman, I joined GMT because everyone was very friendly and had natural conversations that went beyond classes and career goals. The mentor - mentee program led me to meet Omar, my GMT mentor. I remember him encouraging me to apply for a board and I took his advice to do so. This was one of the best decisions I made as GMT would become something that would not only solidify my interests in medicine, but also help me become a well-rounded individual. In short, GMT was an outlet for me to learn about the importance of service, teamwork, humility, and innovation. Not only does GMT provide opportunities for community service, mentoring, clinical experience, research, social support, and professional development, but also a family that you can always count on even after graduating. GMT has it all!
Advice to current GMT members:
Keep an open mind, try new things, challenge yourself, and don't be afraid to fail. You either succeed or learn.
Ashley Lara c/o 2020
Name: Ashley Lara
Major/Minor: Psychology
Class Graduated: 2020
What are you doing now:
I'm currently working as an EMT at Care in LA County to gain more experience and patient care hours! This job has really given me an insight into more than just patient care. Being a first responder during Covid has definitely been difficult but almost rewarding at the same time. Working here has taught me how to handle emotion and pressure in a high stress environment. I love what I do for right now, however, my goal is to go to medical school, but I still have some classes to take before I even think about applying!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has been the most influential part of my entire college career. Freshman year my RA, Mimi, told our hall about her club and it sounded interesting so I went to the first meeting and I was instantly sold. GMT gave me something to look forward to every week, especially once I was on board. Watching everyone's hard work come together every meeting was such a rewarding experience. Being surrounded by driven and like minded individuals gave me confidence in myself to be able to achieve what I want. This club gave me my people when I didn't have any. The most important people I have in my life now I owe to GMT and I cannot express how grateful I am for that.
Advice to current GMT members:
I know Covid makes things different right now, but go out to any GMT event that you can! You might feel shy or find it hard to talk to people, but I promise that other people are feeling the exact same way! The only regret I have is not going out to things sooner because I could have met my best friends a lot sooner than I did. College feels like it'll never end, but the next thing you know you're ordering your graduation stole, so embrace everything that you can!
Caylah Ong c/o 2019
Name: Caylah Ong
Major/Minor: Neurobiology/ Philosophy
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I received my BCAT certification as a behavioral therapist providing applied behavioral analysis treatment for children on the autism spectrum. I also work for nonprofits, mainly for one providing awareness and funding for a rare neurological condition called Visual Snow (if you've never heard of it, I definitely recommend reading about it, as it is still not as widely recognized in the medical community!). For this nonprofit, I help with fundraising campaigns as well as social media management and content creation primarily based in raising awareness, and I love what I do. As far as career goals go, I am currently completing my pre-req courses at California State University, Northridge to apply for graduate studies in Speech Language Pathology.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT was BY FAR one of the best decisions I made in college! It gave me a forever family and I've been blessed to now have some of the best people in my life because of it. I was able to go on two trips with GMT, Panama and Peru. Both trips gave me the opportunity to learn more about medicine while also creating friendships and strengthening older ones along the way. I didn't end up going the conventional medical school route, but every little thing I learned from this club has carried over to my job and post-undergrad life, and I wouldn't have changed my decision to join GMT for the world.
Advice to current GMT members:
If the thought of doing it has even only briefly crossed your mind, do it! By that, I mean that now is your opportunity to get involved, be active, and explore all the amazing opportunities GMT has to offer you. I wished I had tried pursuing being on board, but all the time I spent volunteering at food pantries, mentoring at the YMCA, going on trips, and fundraising with the crew have been some of the best memories I made. I don't regret any decision I made while being in GMT, if anything, it has shaped who I am today because of it. So if you're in GMT and you ever think "Maybe I should try doing this...", my advice to you would be: Yes. Do it.
James Alexander V c/o 2019
Name: James Alexander V
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I am currently working for a manufacturing and distribution company that is involved in several industries such as biopharmaceuticals, healthcare, education. My role involves going to various customer sites and ensuring that the inventory is maintained so that sites run smoothly.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me the opportunity to serve my community through volunteering whether it was helping with local food drives or working with kids at the Boys and Girls club. GMT is something that I value not only for the experiences I had during college but also for the people I met and the friends I made. I am grateful for the friends I made in GMT as I have some of my most memorable experiences with them whether it be from fundraising on Ring Road, working in clinics on the mission trips, or spontaneous day trips to LA.
Advice to current GMT members:
It is alright to not know exactly what you want to do as a career at this point in your life as you have time to grow and develop into the person you want to be. Also it’s ok if things don’t work out entirely how you plan them to as things happen but it is important to ask for help or reach out to friends and family when you need help. Something I wished I had done earlier in college was being more adventurous like go to the beach, concerts, or try new things. I realized it was important to have passions or something you enjoy outside of school or a career that you could do to relax.
Micah Bondoc c/o 2018
Name: Micah Bondoc
Major: Bio Sci
Class Graduated: 2018
What are they doing now:
4th year medical student at St. George’s University - School of Medicine. Micah is pursuing Emergency Medicine
Favorite Memory in GMT:
Pumpkin Patch with GMT and Thanksgiving arts and crafts with the kids.
Sarah Abao c/o 2021
Name: Sarah Abao
Major: Public Health Policy
Class Graduated: 2021
What are you doing now:
Currently I've been working as a Medical Assistant at a Primary Care/Internal Medicine private clinic. I took 1 gap year and will be attending DePaul University's Master’s Entry to Nursing Practice in Chicago this fall 2022. I took the non-traditional route, so I was a dual student taking my prerequisite courses at a community college while obtaining my degree.
Advice to current GMT members:
Don't give up and trust the process! Through resilience, failures, and grit, you will get there. Don't be so hard on yourself, remember life is a marathon, not a race! One last thing is to take advantage of asking for help.
Helen Pham c/o 2014
Name: Helen Pham
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now:
Orthopedic Physician Assistant
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT offers unique opportunities to give back to your communities on a local and global scale. Through efforts in outreach programs, you're able to help those who are less fortunate with various socioeconomic barriers. If you lived in a bubble before, like I have, GMT definitely pushes you to get out of your comfort zone but you have fun doing so. I'm glad I joined because GMT exposed me to eye-opening experiences and inspirational people that I wouldn't have been exposed to otherwise.
Advice to current GMT members:
Don't be afraid to ask for help, worst thing that can happen is they say no. And be honest with yourself on your genuine interests/priorities, it makes the hard work a lot more enjoyable.
Samuel Refuerzo c/o 2020
Name: Samuel Refuerzo
Major: Biological Sciences & Education
Class Graduated: 2020
What are you doing now:
Currently, I am working as an EMT at a covid testing site part time. My main goal right now is to work and gain experience for PA school
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has given me a lot of exposure to different fields of healthcare through their weekly workshops. GMT has also given me many opportunities to give back to the community with a fun group of supportive peers. GMT to me is a place where you can interact with people who share similar interests. If you aren't sure what you want to do in the healthcare field, there are a lot of people who would love to talk about what field they have chosen and why.
Advice to current GMT members:
I would say one piece of advice I would have for current GMT members is to listen more to what others have to say. Listening to other's successes and failures will give you different perspectives on your own life. From there, you can start to prioritize goals so that you can live your best life.
Ram Hari c/o 2018
Name: Ram Hari
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now:
I am a first year medical student at Touro University Nevada College of Osteopathic Medicine
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has given me some of my most memorable and formative experiences during college. My first medical mission to Nicaragua is an experience I hold close to my heart because it cleared my doubts of pursuing a career in medicine. Being a part of GMT reaffirmed my goals and kept me motivated. It continues to motivate me to serve my community and seek sustainable ways to improve healthcare. GMT has also given me life-long friends and role models that I am glad to have met!
Advice to current GMT members:
If you have a dream career goal, hold onto that dream. Pursue it relentlessly and take every challenge/obstacle as a learning experience. Also, this is your time to grow as an individual. If you are unsure of your goals, don't limit yourself! College is such a great time to discover your passions and interests, so don't be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and taking initiative!
Alex Lebroski c/o 2014
Name: Alex Lebroski
Major: Public Health Sciences
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now:
I'm currently studying Global Health at Harvard University along with a long grocery list of hobbies which include pre-med mentorship, high school outreach, providing music therapy, surfing, photography, piano performance and composition, content creation, breakdancing, and book writing. My career goal is still uncertain, but leading a foundation or resuming my medical studies is possible. However, my life goal is to help others see the invisible so they can do the impossible.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has shed light that there are people who do care about improving the quality of life beyond our borders.
Advice to current GMT members:
[1] Don't waste your time pondering so much on your grades and kick yourself down. Think of the bigger picture. Practice more on being a better human. Life is more worthwhile when you're actually living it. [2] Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s very difficult to do everything by yourself. There are always people willing to give you a helping hand and lift you up.
Cynthia Wong c/o 2019
Name: Cynthia Wong
Major/Minor: Public Health Policy / Medical Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I am currently a second year occupational therapy (OT) master's student at San Jose State University. Before starting the program, I was set on working in a pediatric acute care setting, but now I am more open to other possibilities. I started to find interest in community-based OT and working with transitional age youth involved in the criminal justice system and have mental illness.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was a community, and not just a group that I would go on a trip once with. I actually had my first volunteering experience in occupational therapy through the recommendation from another GMT member. I also had an amazing experience at the Dominican Republic trip in summer 2018. Although I didn't join GMT until third year, I am grateful for this organization.
Advice to current GMT members:
Please do your best to attend as many GMT meetings, volunteer events, and socials as you can. Another advice is to keep an open mind. There are many rewarding professions within and outside the healthcare field. Medical school is not the only option! Lastly, it is important to have a good work-life balance.
Anthony Beshai c/o 2019
Name: Anthony Beshai
Major: Human Biology
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
Currently, I am second year medical student at UCI-SOM.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me the chance to travel the world with an amazing group of people. Additionally, I had the privilege to serve and learn from unique communities. It really broadened my perspective on healthcare and the world in general. GMT helped me grow my passion for global medicine which I still have today.
Advice to current GMT members:
Although "checking boxes" can be important don't be afraid to pursue different passions and invest your time in things that aren't the "classic" UCI extracurriculars/hobbies. Whatever your passion is just try to take it as far as you can. If it's global medicine, go to as many places as you can and read about Dr. Paul Farmer (great example of global medicine done right, and responsibly)! If you don't know what you're passionate about try new things, read about things online, and learn from the peers around you.
Brandon Trang c/o 2020
Name: Brandon Trang
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2020
What are you doing now:
I am currently working as an EMT for an IFT company as I take my second gap year preparing for PA school, and I will be attending PA school at DeSales University starting Fall 2022!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I joined GMT for the medical mission trips and stayed active because of the amazing people I met. GMT solidified my decision to become a PA after attending a medical mission trip to Panama. GMT has provided me with a supporting community that helped me through the rigors of college.
Advice to current GMT members:
Academics and professional goals are important, but try your best to prioritize your own health. You will always have time for something that is important to you. Take 5 minutes from your busy schedule to meditate and practice gratitude each morning. Try jiu jitsu and see if its for you. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. Be humble or get humbled. If you are uncomfortable and constantly challenging yourself, you will grow exponentially as a person.
Tara Andrade c/o 2019
Name: Tara Andrade
Major: Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I am enjoying a few gap years while I wait to start osteopathic medical school in Fall 2022.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me a supportive group of friends that helped me achieve my goals. Many pre-healthcare students have very rigorous schedules. GMT gave me some of my best friends to go through the ups and downs with. Also, the weekly meetings often taught me about different career paths that are available which really helped me to narrow down what my own interests were.
Advice to current GMT members:
Go on a GMT trip! I was lucky enough to be able to go twice. These trips gave me a taste of what it would be like to be a healthcare provider one day. I always returned from these trips motivated to work harder than ever before.
Leilani Diego c/o 2019
Name: Leilani Diego
Major/Minor: Psychology / Medical Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
At the moment I am working in a cardiology clinic. I am also working on applying to post bac programs in SoCal to start working on pre-reqs for med school. My career goal is to become an emergency physician. I am also interested in starting a free clinic in underserved communities.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I was a transfer student from a community college who never joined any groups before. Though I joined GMT in my last year at UCI, the club makes me feel included. One of my favorite (and most lifechanging) experiences was the opportunity to go on 2 medical trips. This really solidified my love for medicine and showed me how basic care and support in underprivileged communities can have such a great impact on their lives.
Advice to current GMT members:
It is never too late, whether it be joining clubs, changing career paths, anything. Don't ever be embarrassed or scared to try something new, especially if you are not passionate about what you are currently doing - In Drake's famous words, YOLO
Clare Chen c/o 2021
Name: Clare Chen
Major: Bio Sci
Class Graduated: 2021
What are you doing now:
I am taking a second gap year and continue working as a medical assistant and possibly become an EMT on 911 calls or as an ER Tech.
Favorite Memory in GMT:
My favorite memory was going on the Dominican Republic. I went on this trip alone with strangers and coming back with people that are now my closest friends and family.
Neda Izadyar c/o 2021
Name: Neda Izadyar
Major: Human Biology
Class Graduated: 2021
What are you doing now:
I am currently working as a medical assistant during my gap year and will be attending medical school at UC Irvine this upcoming August!
Favorite Memory in GMT:
My favorite memory was being apart of the medical mission trips to Dominican Republic and Peru. Being able to visit Machu Picchu with all my GMT friends was an experience I will never forget.
Mimi Lyang c/o 2016
Name: Mimi Lyang
Major: Neurobiology
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
I am a first year medical student at Touro University College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, California.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT and becoming a board member at the end of my second year was hands down one of the best decisions I made in my college career. At first, I was hesitant to apply to be on board as a second year during Winter Quarter (the infamous Bio 98 + Chem 51B ...it’s doable!), but my mentor Sophia encouraged me to do so anyways. And ever since then, my life has changed. :’)
Now, as a first year medical student, I have noticed that the skills I gained from GMT trips have helped my transition into my journey towards becoming a physician. Whether I am feeling confident while taking a patient’s blood pressure or feeling comfortable communicating with patients in Spanish, I know that I would not be in the same mindset as I am now as a first year medical student if it weren’t for GMT.
Aside from clinical and leadership skills, GMT has also provided me with meaningful lifelong friendships. The individuals I have met through GMT are some of the most passionate, selfless, and fun-loving people I know -- I am so thankful for GMT for bringing us together.
Advice to current GMT members:
Get involved and say “yes” (to reasonable things)! Put yourself out there, out of your comfort zone, and be intentional with your actions. Make the most out of your college career, because the time will FLY by. What you invest into your experience is what you will get out of it. The efforts you put into your studies, relationships with people, clubs you are passionate about, etc. will play a big role in determining how your four years at UCI will be. Lastly, build connections and utilize your resources. With that being said, feel free to reach out if you have any questions! Cheers :)
Ranita Tse c/o 2018
Name: Ranita Tse
Major: B.S. Pharmaceutical Sciences
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now:
I am currently a PY1 at the University of Washington’s School of Pharmacy in Seattle, Washington.
What has GMT done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT gave me a consistent go-to family during my four years at UCI. I was drawn to GMT my first year because of the people I met during AIF. They would consistently get me to come out to all sorts of events and it really forced me to get out of my comfort zone in terms of opening up and meeting new people, challenging myself to do new things, and becoming more intentional with how I wanted to spend my undergrad career to get to where I wanted to be in the future.
Through this club, I was able to serve as fundraising co-chair my third year (s/o to Omar!!) and as president in my fourth year. Both roles helped me develop my professional skills and communication skills, traits that are vital when you’re planning on going into healthcare. The people I met through GMT also challenged me to become more hypercritical of the issues that are surrounding global health today, and that continue to influence me to become the kind of healthcare provider that can make the biggest impact on the lives of others.
Lastly though, the friendships that I’ve gained through this club are something that will stay with me forever. I’m thankful that even though it’s rare to see everyone together, we can still pick up right where we left off and celebrate each other’s new journeys and successes. This is truly a great testament to the kind of club GMT is: that people in a school club can become lifelong friends who can continue to encourage each other’s healthcare journeys from all across the country.
Advice to current GMT members:
It’s okay to not be okay. It’s okay to ask for help. Transitioning into college is hard, but you never have to do it alone when you’re in GMT. There’s always going to be somebody you can talk to and relate to if you ever have any problems. We have mentors, board members, and even general members who want to see everyone succeed, and who are so willing to be open and honest about their experiences. Don’t ever be afraid to reach out and form those connections!
Paul Nguyen c/o 2017
Name: Paul Nguyen
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2017
What are you doing now:
I am currently a first year medical student at Touro University California in the College of Osteopathic Medicine.
What GMT has done for you/what GMT means to you:
Looking back on my undergrad years, GMT has been one of the biggest influences on my life by helping me understand what I want to do with my life as well as providing me a place to grow and develop into who’ve become today. I can remember back in my freshman year, I was one of those members who would come maybe once a month and felt slightly out of place. One thing led to another and I found that every single person was super welcoming and I fell in love with everything that the club had to offer.
During the first year, I got to explore the many fields of healthcare and appreciate how different yet interrelated they are. Trips abroad helped me explore my budding interest in medicine which grew deeper and deeper over the years, but it was being surrounded by people who were also passionate about their own fields that impacted me the most. I’ve learned to be comfortable with talking to strangers, develop a yearning to help those less fortunate than me, and to remember to always be honest to who I am.
GMT will always mean family to me. The bonds that I was able to form here were inimitable and hold strong even after years apart. I owe it to GMT for bringing people from so many different backgrounds together under a common goal of trying to help others. The people that I met in school, in Nicaragua, and in Peru are the most beautiful, kind-hearted, and inspiring human beings that I have the pleasure to call my friends.
Advice to current/interested GMT members:
People say that you only experience college once so make the most of it, and it’s only something you realize once it’s done. Four years will go by in the blink of an eye, so push yourself out of your comfort zone, learn what you’re capable of and work on what you’re not. Study hard but don’t forget that you are so much more than your grades. Stay up those extra late nights talking to people you enjoy spending time with, and make the most of it!
Cheers!
Brandon Talmood c/o 2016
Name: Brandon Talmood
Major: Biology
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
I am a third year Dental Student at Loma Linda University in California, applying for residency in oral surgery.
What has GMT done for you and what does GMT meant to you:
GMT has been one of the single greatest decisions I ever made. It gave me life-long friends, it gave me incredible memories, and a platform to truly be surrounded by motivating, driven and incredibly fun individuals. My position was workshop coordinator; before me the position mainly consisted of scheduling speakers to come in and give talks, but I was the first to take it upon myself to start hosting workshops myself and coming up with and presenting my own medical workshops. It really empowered my public speaking to go beyond anything I could have imagined, and those same lessons gave made me a far stronger dental student and future care provider.
Again, I can’t stress enough how amazing my friends from GMT have been. Nothing short of the most caring and warm hearted individuals.
Advice to current GMT members:
My advice to current GMT members is to put themselves in situations they would normally say NO to. Go on a limb and get lunch with a new member, go out with the board members and get to know them, you’ll never know who may become a life-long friend and a best friend. For the exceptionally driven students I would recommend using the platform and audience that GMT has to provide to exercise whatever skill or talent you want to improve in. You’re in a unique environment surrounded by a group of individuals that in a few years will become doctors, pharmacists, dentists and more, seize that opportunity. Lastly and most importantly, I’d recommend that everyone be present, in the moment, and enjoy the time they have with one another. UCI isn’t forever and before you know it everyone is off to professional school and you’ll wonder how it all ended so quickly.
Anh Le c/o 2015
Name: Anh Le
Major: Biological Sciences
Graduated: 2015
What are you doing right now:
Graduate of Western University of Health Sciences. I am certified as a Physician Assistant with goals of working in the E.R .
What has GMT done for you and what does GMT mean to you:
I joined GMT as a third year and I was pretty lost career wise. I felt like doing everything I needed on autopilot to get my degree as a Biological Sciences major. To be quite honest, I was starting to burn out because I was aimlessly wandering. Ultimately I thought that joining GMT was just going to be another random extracurricular I could add to my resume. Looking back, it was the best decision I made during my undergrad years.
In my two years joining GMT, I got to meet and befriend some of the kindest and most passionate individuals. It was so refreshing to be surrounded by those that were dedicated to giving back to the community and motivated to be in the healthcare field. Going on a medical mission to Nicaragua showed me that this was what I wanted to do in the future and to give me passion for my future career. It was in a GMT meeting that I first heard a Physician Assistant speak about the profession.
I still keep in touch with so many from GMT to this day and it’s amazing to see how far we’ve all come. And no matter how long it has been, whenever we meet up it is always like catching up with family. Thank you truly, GMT, for getting me to where I am today.
Advice to current members:
It is okay if you are unsure where you want to end up! This is the best time to find out what gives you passion. What better way than to immerse yourself around those who have similar drive.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help or to reach out. I was always so nervous to ask for help or to admit I was unsure of what I was doing but there are so many people that would love to help.
And lastly, get involved. The true way to get everything out of this club is to take advantage of all the opportunities that is offered!
Shubham Dixit c/o 2016
Name: Shubham Dixit
Major: Biological Sciences
Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
I am a 3rd year medical student at Touro University California doing my 3rdyear rotation at St. John’s Episcopal Hospital in Far Rockaway, New York
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT in a way gave me a purpose. I wanted to be a doctor since sophomore year of undergrad at UCI but I never really had a bigger goal in mind. Someone once told me what I wanted to do in life and I told them I wanted to be a doctor, but what they asked next was something I wasn’t ready for. She asked me “what are you going to do after you become a doctor?” At first I considered this dumb question but then I thought about every medical student applying to medical school (maybe you haha) or medicine in general. Joining GMT gave me this purpose! Being able to serve people in impoverished areas around the world and in turn making a big impact in their lives was not only inspirational, but also very rewarding. Joining GMT not only gave me a new perspective but did wonders for my personal statement for medical school and the interview itself ;)
Advice to current members:
Personal advice from someone who got medical school interviews and interviewed other applicants later on, passion is a big aspect of an aspiring physician. I believe you need to be seriously passionate about medicine to want to be able to wake up at 2:30 AM and work till 6:30 PM at night for a 2 month surgery rotation and not become jaded afterwards (my life T_T). I owe a big part of this thinking to my time spent in GMT.
Advice to current GMT members: Get comfortable with the uncomfortable! You’ll never grow if you don’t do this and trust me when I say, GMT staff has many wonderful ways to make you uncomfortable, so take advantage of those opportunities. Have ideas? Share them! Time will fly by when you’re having so much fun; savor it!
Ruby Yoakim c/o 2016
Name: Ruby Yoakim
Major: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
After GMT and graduating in 2016, I took a year off to work as a research coordinator for clinical trials at UCIMC in the Neuromuscular department. After that, I started a postbac program at UCI SOM. After thaaaaat, I matriculated into UCI SOM and into PRIME-LC, which stands for the Program in Medical Education for the Latino Community. My career goals as of right now are to 1) get my MBA 2) Match—currently thinking Family Medicine, or other primary care specialty, or Neurology (woo brains!!) 3) Become a Chief Medical Officer/Run a clinic system. My ultimate goal is to be in a leadership position where I can address the barriers many marginalized communities face when trying to access the quality care they deserve.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me some of the most supportive and outstanding friends I could ever have imagined. These were people who inspired me during some rough times but also celebrated with me during the great times. Joining GMT in undergrad felt like joining a community where I knew I instantly belonged. It helped me find my passion and develop some important life skills. Becoming a board member of a huge organization like GMT helped develop a lot of the leadership qualities I think are important for any health professional school. Some of these were collaborating in small groups, communicating within a team, developing a consistent work ethic, public speaking and interview skills, and executing projects. GMT really is an opportunity to develop skills that you won’t get elsewhere.
That is all folks. If you have questions or want to talk, feel free to send me a DM. I’ll do my best to reply asap :)
Kavita Krishnan c/o 2018
Name: Kavita Krishnan
Major: Biological Sciences Minor: Medical Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now?
I am a first-year medical student at Loyola Stritch School of Medicine in Maywood, IL.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I had started my time at UC Irvine as a biomedical engineering student. I was planning on going into industry. However, after my first year, I realized that though I enjoyed the courses, I wanted more of a human component in my career. Medicine was something I had previously considered but after trying something else out I realized it was what I wanted to do. In my sophomore year, switching into being a premed, I was looking for a community of students I could talk to so that I could navigate through my time at UCI. GMT truly provided that opportunity. I was involved in RAMP and went on my first medical service trip in 2016 to Nicaragua. That was truly a transformative experience! I not only made lifelong friendships through the experience, I was motivated to learn more about health care disparities, advocacy in my local community, and wanted to be a more active participant.
I applied for board the following year, and through that experience, I helped expand RAMP and as a team grow GMT into becoming more active in working with the homeless community and providing pre-clinical opportunities for students. I improved my clinical and leadership skills in the process. The sense of community I’ve gotten through this club, helped me through a lot of hard times in undergrad, both as a student and in my personal life. As corny as it sounds, I wouldn’t be the person that I am today without it!
Advice to current GMT members:
Talk to people, use resources like the mentor-mentee program, and push yourself to be involved! The more effort you put in the more you will get out of GMT! The best thing about this club is its inclusivity and the mentality of creating a family atmosphere within it. Even if you may be on the shy side like I am, go out to activities like RAMP, socials, or the Food Pantry start talking to even a couple other members. You willbe surprised what comes out of it!!! 😊 If you guys ever have questions regarding being pre-health or about UCI, don’t ever hesitate to reach out. My email is kavitakrishnan20@gmail.com.
Ben Hong c/o 2014
Name: Ben Hong
Major: Biology
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now?
After graduating, I took some time off and worked for a year and a half as a surgical tech at a high-volume LASIK eye surgery clinic, while also road tripping around the country with my friends and family. I then went on to attend and graduate from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. Following med school, I was fortunate enough to match into my #1 ranked program, staying on for an Emergency Medicine residency at Mount Sinai, where I am currently working as an intern. And although I’m only 4 months in, I will honestly tell you that I love, love, love what I do. It is an incredible, challenging (both physically and mentally), and humbling privilege to be able to take care of patients and have them entrust you with their care. Career Goals: I plan to finish my 4 years of residency at Sinai and hopefully stay in NYC earning that good-good attending salary for at least the next few years after that. I am absolutely in love with the city—the energy, the people, the relentless pace. I highly recommend everyone live here at least once in their lives! I’d also like to get more involved in medical education, wilderness and global medicine, and help serve as an advocate for wellness within the healthcare community and beyond.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT is a big, if not the biggest, reason why I am where I am today. I hated my first couple years as a UCI pre-med. I felt I was just going through the motions. I was so miserable, in fact, that I applied to transfer to Berkeley as an engineering major sophomore year. That’s when I came across GMT, this tiny unassuming 10-15 person org back then. But for some reason I was hooked. Maybe it was the sense of family, or the passion and pride with which they all talked about their club and trips together, or maybe I just really didn’t want to change colleges and majors halfway through undergrad. Regardless, I decided to stay, went on the next trip to Nicaragua, and I haven’t looked back since. That first trip had a profound impact on the trajectory of my life going forward, as did the second tip, and the third. I knew I had to be a doctor. Studying became easier. Volunteering and research began to have more meaning. I started becoming more involved in the club, becoming the VP and then the President. It gave me a family of friends that I continue to stay in close contact with 5 years out. It taught me how to be a mentor, innovator, and leader. A lot of who I am today is because of my time at GMT, for which I am eternally grateful.
Advice to current GMT members:
Follow what you’re passionate in, whether that is healthcare or something else. If you hate what you’re doing now, ask yourself what it is you’re truly interested in and excited about and actively chase that, no matter how ridiculous or farfetched it might sound. Do what makes you happy, don’t settle for less. And above all else, don’t forget that in the end, it’s still just a job—not a lifestyle. There is so much life left to live outside of work. Travel. Explore. Experiment. Spend time with those you love. Make conversation with people you don’t know. Eat and drink delicious things. The world is too large and life too short for you to waste your time doing something you hate.
Tiffany Truong c/o 2016
Name: Tiffany Truong
Major: Public Health Sciences
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now?
I recently graduated from the Pace University-Lenox Hill Hospital NYC Physician Assistant program in August 2019 and currently I am waiting to start my job in Orthopedic Surgery at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT helped me solidify that I wanted to be in health care and I actually decided that I wanted to pursue a career as a physician assistant due to a guest speaker we had at a GMT meeting. Besides sending me on my career journey, GMT means a lot to me for many more important reasons. A good friend of mine actually joined the year before I did and for some reason I was scared of going out of my comfort zone so I held off, but I decided to go on a winter Big Bear Trip with GMT the next year and the rest is history. The people I met and the lifelong friends I made through GMT were all kind, hardworking, fun loving individuals that made me feel truly welcome since day one. I ended up applying for a board position and served as Fundraising Co-Chair so that I could be more involved in the club and contribute to passing along that feeling that I experienced to new and existing members. I wholeheartedly believe that being surrounded by people that wanted to foster a positive environment for anyone interested in joining GMT has made me a better friend and provider and I’ll never forget all the memories I made going on trips to Nicaragua, cooking KBBQ for fundraising, going to the Pub after meetings or attending wonderfully curated workshops and socials with my GMT family!
Advice to current GMT members:
I know this has been said but don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone. My college experience would have been entirely different if I decided to listen to my fears so go do all the things that you want to do and talk to as many people as you can. You can learn so much from each other and one thing I’ve experienced, especially job-hunting post PA school is that more often than not, your peers are your biggest fans and best resources. I actually got my current job from a classmate that notified me about the opening so look out for each other and hold one another other up! Lastly, enjoy yourselves and spend as much time as you can with each other. Although I am so proud of all my GMT peers and look for any opportunity to catch up and see them when possible, it gets much harder to do so after graduation so make the most of it now and make the effort to keep those relationships when you do graduate! (Honestly the separation anxiety is real seeing them in these posts – LOVE AND MISS YOU GUYS SO MUCH)
Katelyn Mariko Kim c/o 2011
Name: Katelyn Mariko (Updyke) Kim
Major: Chemistry, Biological Sciences
Graduated: 2011
What are you doing now:
I am a PGY-2 resident physician at Henry Ford Hospital Department of Dermatology in Detroit, MI.
What has GMT done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me a lot of inspiration and sense of purpose during my undergraduate years, which then gave me the momentum to continue giving back and finding other outreach opportunities throughout medical school and residency. GMT gave me the initial exposure I needed to build the cultural competency required to take care of and empathize with different patient populations.
Advice to current GMT members:
Open your heart to learning from everyone you meet in life. Stay naive when it comes to making a difference in the world. Never forget the things that inspire and make you feel passionate as you make it further in your education and career. Most of all, feel confident in yourself and try not to get caught up in competition or comparing yourself to others. We can all accomplish our dreams supporting one another—and medicine is a team effort from finding new cures to changing a patient’s life!
Autumn Poon c/o 2014
Name: Autumn Poon
Major: Public Health Sciences
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now:
I currently work as a Clinical Genetic Molecular Biologist Scientist (CGMBS) Trainee at Myriad Women’s Health, a genetic screening and testing company .
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
It took me a few years to find a club I was truly interested in being a part of but after I found GMT, I always knew I had a place to go to where I could be surrounded by friends. One of the things I loved most about GMT is that we worked hard and partied hard. GMT gave me the opportunity to work and learn from so many talented and driven individuals. But also people to go ham with at get togethers. Some of my fondest memories were grabbing food, studying/struggling for exams, and just hanging out in general.
Advice to current GMT members:
Be down to do anything (within reason of course.) I wouldn’t have been so humbled if I didn’t say yes to a part-time catering job. I would have never joined GMT if I didn’t take up my co-worker’s suggestion to attend a meeting. I wouldn’t have grown into the scientist/project manager I am today if I didn’t say yes to being a GMT board member.
As important as it was to learn what I wanted to do, it was just as valuable to learn what I didn’t want to do. For my career, I knew I wanted to something that improved the livelihood of others but I didn’t want to attend a medical professional school. Post-GMT I chose to work in biotech and at my current job I sequence patient DNA to give them results that will help them make critical health decisions. Although I don’t see the patients face to face I am happy knowing I have made a difference in their lives.
As a lasting comment, seriously take care of yourself. I know we’re all out here trying to accomplish our dreams, but you can’t put out your best work, if you’re not at your best.
Steven Ma c/o 2015
Name: Steven Ma
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences/Medical Anthropology
Class Graduated: 2015
What are you doing now:
I am currently a soon-to-graduate MS4 at Penn State College of Medicine. I will be starting my internal medicine residency program at UC San Diego this upcoming June! After that, I plan to pursue a fellowship in gastroenterology and hepatology.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT and becoming a board member were hands down the best decisions I made throughout my entire four years at UCI. It became a safe place that helped me figure out who I was as a person. It provided me with opportunities to help underserved communities both locally and internationally. It let me grow into a leader and sparked my continued interests in global health. Most importantly, it gave me a second home and family that believed in me and called me “Dr. Ma” long before I felt I deserved that title (and honestly, it still hasn’t hit).
It’s been almost five years since I graduated from UCI, but I still reminisce about my trips to Panama and Nicaragua, the tiring mornings setting up KBBQ fundraisers, the social events and retreats where we became even closer, and the ups-and-downs I experienced with my wonderful board members. I’m still not sure how I’ll continue global health after residency/fellowship, but it will undoubtedly continue in some way or form.
Advice to current GMT members:
Get involved and put yourself out there! You don’t have to be a board member to become part of the GMT family. However, if you just have a tiny smidge of interest, apply and see where it takes you! You may be surprised at everything that’ll follow by saying yes to something that makes you uncomfortable.
It’s 100% okay to know when you need a break and when to ask for help. Regardless of which healthcare field you enter, it will be tough. Literally everyone that goes through medical school (myself included) would be lying if we didn’t consider dropping out at least once throughout the entire process. Find your people, find things to do that make you happy, take that mental health break, and know that there are countless hands ready to help as long as you reach out first. With that, feel free to contact me for any reason! :)
Thalia Fabian c/o 2015
Name: Thalia Fabian
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2015
What are you doing now:
After graduating, I did an informal post-bacc and got a job as a scribe. Then I took the MCAT twice and did a special master’s program before applying to med school. Now, I am a first-year medical student at WesternU. I hope to pursue a combined residency program in Family medicine and Psychiatry.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I joined GMT during the winter quarter of my freshman year. I remember attending my first meeting, being scared and intimidated. But that meeting opened my eyes to a whole new world that I had no idea existed. I found a club that would allow me to travel abroad and help me prepare for med school.
GMT gave me the role models that I didn’t have. As a first-gen college student and the first one in my family to pursue medicine, everything was foreign. It is through my GMT friends that I learned about the MCAT, doing research, and getting involved in volunteering. My GMT friends are a big reason why I am here today. When I think of GMT, I think family because these individuals are caring, supportive, and understanding. Half-way through my term as President, I decided to step down. It was one of the hardest decisions I had to make, but I knew that I would have the support of my GMT family.
Advice to current GMT members:
My advice for current GMT members is to be part of things that you are genuinely passionate about. If you don’t find a club that you like, then start your own. Take the initiative and make a change. Those activities will carry you on when things get difficult. You will look back at them and remind yourself of why you decided to pursue medicine. As a board member, I was able to start the mentorship program and project RAMP. And until this day, I look back at those projects and feel proud that they are still going.
More advice: Take care of yourself. Set your priorities. Don't let ANYONE tell you that you can't get into medical school.
Vishal Patel c/o 2013
Name: Vishal Patel
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences/History
Class Graduated: 2013
What are you doing now:
Technical Trainer, Commercial Manufacturing at Kite Pharma, A Gilead Company. Just finished my MBA from UCI. Looking to continue my career in Biotechnology.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT had provided a very insightful look at the medical/dental/pharmaceutical industry while providing aid to underserved communities in developing nations.
Advice to current GMT members:
There is plenty out there if medical/dental/pharm school does not work out. There are plenty of ways to help patients. Enjoy the process.
Vickie Nguyen c/o 2017
Name: Vickie Nguyen
Major/Minor: Public Health Policy
Class Graduated: 2017
What are you doing now:
I am currently a 1st year pharmacy student at USC School of Pharmacy in Los Angeles.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT and going to Nicaragua was probably the most memorable experiences of my undergrad and it has played such a significant role in getting me to where I am today. Being in GMT pushed me out of my comfort zone, gave me my first exposure in working with patients, and allowed me to meet the most amazing and supportive group of friends. The summer of our medical mission, I was working at a pharmacy that made me question whether this was the career I wanted to pursue. It was our trip to Nicaragua that reminded me of why I wanted to go into pharmacy in the first place. I gained a new perspective of healthcare and was surrounded by the most driven and passionate group of students that I am so proud of have worked alongside with. GMT inspired me to continue working towards making a difference and for that I will be forever grateful for its impact and the people it brought into my life.
Advice to current GMT members:
Make the most of your time at UCI and take those shots you don't normally take because you never know what it may lead to! Be brave and step out of your comfort zone because you get whatever you put into your experience. It may seem scary sometimes, but within GMT, you'll have such a great support system. Four years will go by in a blink of an eye, so stay motivated, but also take the time to have fun, be present, and just enjoy all of what college has to offer :)
Meggan Wong c/o 2014
Name: Meggan Wong
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences/Psychology and Social Behavior
Class Graduated: 2014
What are you doing now:
My initial plan after graduating from UCI was to work for 2 years before applying to grad school. I wanted to take this time to adventure and explore the world since I was unable to do it growing up because my family struggled financially. It has now been a whopping but incredible 6 years since I have graduated. I spent five and a half of those years working as an ophthalmic technician and during that time, I found a great passion for the outdoors.
Today, I am happy to say that as a third time applicant to PA programs, I will be matriculating into Duke University's Physician Assistant Program in August of 2020. Once I become a PA, I hope to surround myself with an amazing group of people and work as a generalist with a focus on disaster relief and global health.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
To be honest, GMT was not what I expected. Time and time again I heard people say that medical mission trips are life changing. All I felt was an overwhelming sense of helplessness after attending a trip myself. I questioned the impact I made, wondering what became of the children who went back to drinking the same dirty water they were before, the family of eight who gathered rocks for a living, and the patients whose beds crammed the hallways of the hospital in Managua. However, this feeling of helplessness that once troubled me slowly transformed into a positive source of motivation, unearthing my passion for medicine. It pushed me to dream big and yearn for the skills to make a difference.
Ultimately, the most rewarding experience of being a part of GMT was meeting all the amazing people in it. I look back fondly at all the memories we made from spending 24/7 with each other during trips to goofing off during lectures to hosting scrub parties. I am so incredibly proud of where you all are today. <3
Advice to current GMT members:
I’d like to relay advice from a poster on my wall:
Find a passion and pursue it. Fall in love. Dream big. Drink beer, eat great food, and spend quality time with good friends. Laugh everyday. Tell stories. Reminisce about the good old days but look with optimism to the future. Travel often. Learn more. Be creative. Spend time with people you admire. Seize opportunities when they reveal themselves. Love with all your heart. Never give up. Do what you love. Be true to who you are. Make time to enjoy the simple things in life. Spend time with family. Forgive even when it’s hard. Smile often. Be grateful. Be the change you wish to see in the world. Follow your dreams. Try new things. Work hard. Don’t count the minutes, count the laughs. Embrace change. Trust in yourself. Be thankful. Be nice to everyone. Be happy. Live for today.
And, above all else, make every moment count.
Calvin Lam c/o 2017
Name: Calvin Lam
Major/Minor: Biology/Philosophy
Class Graduated: 2017
What are you doing now:
I am an M1 at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. Clinically, I want a career in internal medicine with some fellowship. I also wish to be involved in health technologies or health policy.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was one of the first "pre-med" organizations I joined at UCI. I found myself around highly motivated future healthcare providers that provided nothing short of inspiration for my own goals. The summer trip to Nicaragua, on top of being tons of fun, exposed that a treatment-focused definition of healthcare was too blunt an instrument to address health. It helped me truly understand that social determinants of health were often much more important than biological determinants. GMT and the trip gave me the inspiration and push to change how I thought about health, ultimately informing my decision to pursue medicine.
Advice to current GMT members:
Set aside time for things you love or activities you enjoy, especially if they seem unrelated to your future career.
Lots of us tend to identify as pre-medicine, pre-pharmacy, pre-dental, whatever it may be. Unfortunately, these look more and more like full-time jobs with overtime, demanding we sacrifice the little time we have left for activities that make us "competitive". We might leave other things we are deeply passionate about for "later".
The idea of delayed gratification - working hard now with a huge payoff later - is pervasive, especially in pre-health students. This is a mistake. This is not to say that learning medicine is not gratifying in itself (it often is), but it is to say that our other interests are equally as valid.
I encourage you all to hold onto what you love outside of your career goals as dearly as you hold onto those career goals. These other activities enrich us and remind us that we are more than our aspirations. (And when programs talk about diversity missions in admission statements, this is part of what they mean!)
Kristen Kobayashi c/o 2015
Name: Kristen Kobayashi
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2015
What are you doing now:
I'm a 3rd year medical student at Touro University of California, College of Osteopathic Medicine. I'm an aspiring Emergency Medicine physician!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Honestly, I wasn't the most active GMT member because I was also very involved with AED. However, I did go on the Panama Medical Mission trip and the experience was invaluable. I not only had my first real exposure taking medical histories, but also learned a lot about cultural differences and made lasting friendships. It also looked amazing on my med school application and in my personal statement ;)
Advice to current GMT members:
Definitely take advantage of these medical missions that are already set up for you! You will add depth to your character and it will look great on your grad school application. Almost every school has some kind of Global Health program!
Also, enjoy college. Everyone says those are the best years of your life. You really have so much free time to just enjoy yourself and make lifelong friendships. Obviously think about the future, but don't overwhelm yourself with worries. It took me 2 application cycles to finally get into medical school. It'll happen eventually! Volunteering and clubs are a good way to both have fun and figure out what you want to go into.
Feel free to reach out to me or other alumni in your field of interest. We've already been in your shoes so we can help you. I'm pretty far out from graduation already so things might be different (ex: Step 1 is changing to P/F in 2021).
Claire Zeng c/o 2019
Name: Claire Zeng
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I thought that I would have my career path all figured out by graduation, but it's almost been a year since I've graduated and I have no idea what career path I want to pursue! But I do know that I want a career in healthcare, so that's a start!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has done quite a bit for me, and one of the reasons is because I was in the club for the whole four years that I was at UCI, so the club has seen me grow up from a shy, wide-eyed freshman into a determined, mature senior. Not only did it see me grow up, it also played a huge role in shaping who I am today: participating in events, going on clinic trips, and being on board have all taught me about who I am, my boundaries, my likes and dislikes, my potential, and my courage. These were valuable lessons/qualities that I know I can't just learn from reading a textbook, and I am so grateful to have obtained them with the help of GMT.
GMT means a lot to me not only because it helped with developing my identity, but also because of the amazing experiences and memories I've had with the wonderful people I've met in the club. I initially joined the club because I was curious about the healthcare field and the bi-annual clinic trips, but I stayed because of the warm, nurturing, and fun environment that I felt when I was in the club. Everyone was so welcoming and friendly, and as a freshman, I felt like I was cared for by everyone else in the club. Members were either going through the same thing that I was, or have gone through them themselves before, and I felt like I was not alone or that I have someone to turn to for advice when I needed it. Because of how fondly I felt about my freshman year, I tried to return to favor to the younger members of the club as I grew older.
Typing this now--it's very bittersweet thinking back to the time I've spent with GMT. If we've ever encountered paths, I just wanted to say hi and that I miss you all!
Advice to current GMT members:
My advice would be advice that I gave/would give/was given to a college Claire:
Use your time in college to explore the different career paths if your career path is unsure. Find an effective way to study. Learn to manage and prioritize time. Find a study/work/life/fun balance. Do not be afraid of rejection, especially when you haven't tried to achieve it yet. Be brave. Don't drink milk tea and take a nap instead (haha, but it actually did affect my sleep during the night and my wakefulness during the day)
Brian Nguyen c/o 2012
Name: Brian Nguyen
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2012
What are you doing now:
I am currently a resident physician!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was my gateway into medicine. It has allowed me to see that medicine is practiced in different countries. I plan to continue medical missions in my future.
Advice to current GMT members:
Find what makes your life enjoyable. Then find a way to make it into a career.
Brittany Pham c/o 2018
Name: Brittany Pham
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now:
I am a laboratory assistant in the Hughes Lab at UCI (where I did my undergrad research!) and I'll be applying to PhD programs this fall. I hope to matriculate to a biomedical science program and work on developing human disease models. In the long term, I would like to bridge my interest in clinical diseases with my bench research skills through an industry position in translational science. If we're talking about straight up dream career goals, I would love to be one of the founders of a biotech company!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
For a very long time, I thought I was dead set on becoming a physician; although my career goals have shifted, my experience volunteering in the Dominican Republic and Peru with GMT at the very minimum solidified my interest in learning more about the human body to improve the quality of life of others. Now, I've just realized that I would like to be on the research and development side of things! In a broader sense, after joining GMT as a junior, I finally felt like I had found a place at UCI where I belonged. Although at first I was intimidated by everyone, I was able to come out of my shell over time and make some amazing friends. It's certainly weird not being able to see them every Thursday anymore but there's a comfort in knowing that we can always pick up where we left off. GMT will always hold a special place as I reflect on my undergrad years.
Advice to current GMT members:
Put yourself out there, keep an open mind, and remember that everything happens for a reason. Regardless of whatever you want to do in the future, always remember your reasoning behind it and let it guide you, especially in the more difficult times. And here's a lesson I've learned in my gap years: unless you absolutely have to, don't work 2 part time jobs because...that ain't it chief.
Rayan Yahia c/o 2018
Name: Rayan Yahia
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2018
What are you doing now:
I am a first year medical student at the University of California, Riverside School of Medicine.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT provided me with an opportunity to see real patients and helped me determine if I was even passionate about medicine. It is difficult for undergrads to get an opportunity to actually see a patient and do a full interview/physical exam, and it was something that always worried me. I was not sure if I was going to actually enjoy the process of seeing patients. Going on the medical missions helped me confirmed that I truly enjoyed being part of the patient care process and the experiences I had continue to help me today in medical school. GMT was also my family at UCI. I know everyone probably says that, but my closest friends continue to be people I met at GMT meetings or on the medical missions. Even during our busy post-grad lives, we find ways to keep in contact and support each other through our individual goals. If it were not for my GMT fam, I would definitely not be where I am today! Although I was really only in GMT for a year, it continues to hold my fondest memories at UCI.
Advice to current GMT members:
The best advice I can offer is do not be afraid to make time for your hobbies even if you feel behind in your pre-med goals. As a pre-med community, we are so fixated on filling a checklist of having volunteer experiences, publishing research, holding a board position, etc. While these are all good to have on your CV, it does not help you stand out as an individual come interviews. One thing I realized during my interviews was that on paper I was just like everyone else. Everyone had research and volunteer experiences and they were all extremely qualified in academics, but many of them did not stand out as a person because they had nothing to talk about besides being pre-med. I truly believe that my successes during interviews were mostly because I was able to talk about my hobbies rather than retelling my primary application (Fun fact: my most talked about topic during interviews was how my leg gave out during a powerlifting competition... not even related to medicine!!). My main point is: while academics and a strong resumé are crucial, so is making time for your hobbies, being an individual, and not becoming another laundry list pre-med applicant! :)
Annie Phung c/o 2015
Name: Annie Phung
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences / Cognitive Science
Class Graduated: 2015
What are you doing now:
Annie is currently in her second year family medicine residency at Northwestern Family Medicine Residency at Delnor.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was the first and only health organization I joined when I decided to pursue medicine during my second year at UCI. After hearing about the organization from a friend who served on the board, I was drawn in by the family atmosphere. They were passionate, enthusiastic, and supportive in so many ways. I went on my first trip in the summer of 2014 to Nicaragua. There, I realized how amazing medicine is. Not only were you helping out those who need care, but you're playing detective. Alongside with your team, you're putting together the clues to form a diagnosis and thinking of a plan to help treat the patient in your best capacity. I thought this was a really fun process and it led me to solidify medicine as a future career. Throughout my time in GMT, I served on the executive board, my second family, and we shared with others our passion for medicine and serving the community. To this day, I am extremely grateful for the people I met. GMT helped me figure out what I wanted to do with my life. As a third year medical student, I often reflect on how I have been so darn lucky. I owe a lot to GMT and the family for getting me interested in medicine, giving me an outlet to pursue my interest, and supporting me throughout the entire journey.
Advice to current GMT members:
It's okay to not know what you want to do after you graduate. It's okay to take some time off for yourself, to work, to volunteer, to pursue another degree. It's okay to not be on the same timeline as everyone else. Beat to the sound of your own drum. Find your support group and mentor(s) to help you through the process. You'll be okay and you'll get there.
Brian Kazempoor c/o 2016
Name: Brian Kazempoor
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2016
What are you doing now:
I’m beginning my third year at UCI School of Medicine :)
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I think the most important thing GMT provided me was a strong sense of belonging among peers whom were also pursuing careers in healthcare. This sharing of such a huge goal is almost undervalued. I really believe you’re able to relate to these peers in ways that can’t be mirrored with just anyone. Those involved with GMT understand why they are pursuing careers in healthcare, the tireless work it takes to get there, and the purpose behind this noble field. We recognize we are dedicating ourselves to a life of service, and that’s a beautiful thing. I was involved with GMT only during my last year, but I know the bonds I formed will last a lifetime. I met some remarkably determined, kindhearted, and reliable people, and I’ll always remember GMT as one of the highlights of my undergrad years.
Advice to current GMT members:
Enjoy college. I can’t emphasize enough how much I miss UCI. I miss the people, the laughs, the gatherings, and everything in between. I’ll always be the first to say your studies are paramount, but these years can’t be replicated. Go meet new people, try new things, step outside your boundaries, and hold no regrets. I like to think playing hard makes working hard much easier. Shoot me an email if you have questions about med or anything in general! I know there’s 10 billion things floating in your head about what to do, when to do it, how to do it, etc., and it’s all part of the process. My email is kazempoor.brian@gmail.com :)
Yvonne Tran c/o 2019
Name: Yvonne Tran
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I'm working at a cancer immunotherapy biotech company where we treat patient cells with CAR-T cell therapy. Our goal is to treat patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma and help improve the quality of people's lives through our treatments. I'm going to be completely honest and say that I'm not sure of what I want my career goal to be yet, but that's ok! What I do know is that throughout my career, I want to develop as a leader, create meaningful relationships, make a positive difference and help people along the way through healthcare.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT was the best thing I did in college! It gave me a home away from home. It gave me a community of people who are lifetime friends to me now. It's truly a little family that is there for one another. These meetings/volunteer opportunities/social outings gave me a break from school and was a nice reminder that studying isn't everything. GMT also gave me the opportunity to go on a Dominican Republic medical mission trip (one of the biggest highlights of my college experience) and I made some international friends that I still keep in touch with today!
Advice to current GMT members:
Don't feel pressured to pursue something you are truly not passionate about. If you want to do something, you'll get there as long as you keep trying and put in the effort. I took an unconventional path after college to pursue a career in the biotech industry while my friends are becoming doctors, pharmacists, dentists, etc. Don't compare your success with your peers. Celebrate their successes and your successes! Keep your close friends in your corner (you've probably met some really wonderful people in GMT). Your relationships and your health is really all you have so take care of yourself and the people you love.
Elizabeth Nguyen c/o 2019
Name: Elizabeth Nguyen
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I’m currently a quarter of the way through grad school at New York Medical College! However, because of the current situation in the world, I haven’t moved to New York quite yet. Since I’m still here in Orange County, I’m also working part-time as a patient care assistant at Orange Coast Memorial, and volunteering part-time as the lead student researcher/community outreach coordinator of the PERC Outreach Program under UCI’s Department of Pediatrics. My eventual career goal is to one day become a pediatrician.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
I can honestly say that being a part of GMT was the highlight of my undergraduate career. I made the decision to join GMT’s internship during winter quarter of my junior year, and I eventually made it onto the executive board as project coordinator for my last year at UCI. I LOVED my position, which entailed mentoring and tutoring young students at the Boys & Girls Club of Santa Ana through Project RAMP, and coordinating volunteering events at the UCI Mobile Food Pantry. I also had the chance to go on two of GMT’s summer medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Peru, both of which allowed me to see healthcare from a newfound perspective. As a first year pre-med, I really didn’t know what I was doing with my life, but joining GMT helped me to solidify my motivation to pursue a career in medicine. My goal as a physician one day is to advocate for underserved communities that lack healthcare, to help patients overcome the socioeconomic barriers preventing them from their basic rights to medical treatment. In carrying out GMT’s humanitarian goals and aims to serve communities locally and abroad, I was able to see the empathetic nature of humanity, of the people we work with, and I will forever be grateful to have been a part of this community. Through this club, I was introduced to some of the most caring, kind, and compassionate individuals I have ever met, many of whom are still some of my closest friends to this day. As cheesy as it sounds, I wouldn’t be the person I am today without GMT. This club brought me a second family who have been with me through my highs and lows, and for that, I will always be thankful.
Advice to current GMT members:
Make the most out of your experience with GMT, whether that be through attending GMT meetings, socials, joining internship/executive board, or joining the mentor/mentee program. The only regret I had about GMT was not joining sooner; I wish that I had found out about GMT during my first year, rather than halfway through college. Another piece of advice I have is to stop comparing yourself to other people. I think I did this quite a bit when I was in undergrad because I was so afraid that I wasn’t good enough as everyone else getting into medical school. Growing up, there was this mindset instilled in me that I was never going to be good enough. I was also scared that I was behind because I didn’t want to go into medical school right after graduating. However, over time as I began working and volunteering more with causes that I was extremely passionate about, I finally began to realize that it didn’t matter what other people were doing. The only person you should be comparing yourself to is who you were yesterday. Lastly, don’t forget to have some fun during your college years. Although it is important to focus on your goals, don’t forget to take a few breaks now and then. Make new friends and make new memories. Something I’ve been trying to live by is this: if the world were to end tomorrow, would you be happy with how you’ve lived your life? And if your answer is no, then what are you going to do to change that?
Adrian Vallejo c/o 2020
Name: Adrian Vallejo
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2020
What are you doing now:
Right now, I am in my gap year applying to medical school. Luckily, I have had some acceptance to schools in California including Touro, USC, CUSM SOM, UCI, and UCSF so far. There is a high chance that I will be an anteater for life, but I will have to make that decision shortly. Since graduating in June 2020, I have been working at my EMT job in Anaheim and at UCI as a junior specialist in the department of neurology. Also, I am currently running a food bank program for clients at UCI Outreach Clinic. In my free time, I would be doing Jiu Jitsu, but right now I have been playing with Legos, doing weightlifting exercises, and trying to get better at speaking Spanish. For a career goal, I am interested in primary care since I can envision myself addressing a broad scope of needs from a community health perspective. However, other fields like emergency, critical care, and neurology interest me.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT is life. GMT was one of the highlights of my time as an undergrad. After visiting several pre-health clubs as a freshman, I joined GMT because everyone was very friendly and had natural conversations that went beyond classes and career goals. The mentor - mentee program led me to meet Omar, my GMT mentor. I remember him encouraging me to apply for a board and I took his advice to do so. This was one of the best decisions I made as GMT would become something that would not only solidify my interests in medicine, but also help me become a well-rounded individual. In short, GMT was an outlet for me to learn about the importance of service, teamwork, humility, and innovation. Not only does GMT provide opportunities for community service, mentoring, clinical experience, research, social support, and professional development, but also a family that you can always count on even after graduating. GMT has it all!
Advice to current GMT members:
Keep an open mind, try new things, challenge yourself, and don't be afraid to fail. You either succeed or learn.
Ashley Lara c/o 2020
Name: Ashley Lara
Major/Minor: Psychology
Class Graduated: 2020
What are you doing now:
I'm currently working as an EMT at Care in LA County to gain more experience and patient care hours! This job has really given me an insight into more than just patient care. Being a first responder during Covid has definitely been difficult but almost rewarding at the same time. Working here has taught me how to handle emotion and pressure in a high stress environment. I love what I do for right now, however, my goal is to go to medical school, but I still have some classes to take before I even think about applying!
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT has been the most influential part of my entire college career. Freshman year my RA, Mimi, told our hall about her club and it sounded interesting so I went to the first meeting and I was instantly sold. GMT gave me something to look forward to every week, especially once I was on board. Watching everyone's hard work come together every meeting was such a rewarding experience. Being surrounded by driven and like minded individuals gave me confidence in myself to be able to achieve what I want. This club gave me my people when I didn't have any. The most important people I have in my life now I owe to GMT and I cannot express how grateful I am for that.
Advice to current GMT members:
I know Covid makes things different right now, but go out to any GMT event that you can! You might feel shy or find it hard to talk to people, but I promise that other people are feeling the exact same way! The only regret I have is not going out to things sooner because I could have met my best friends a lot sooner than I did. College feels like it'll never end, but the next thing you know you're ordering your graduation stole, so embrace everything that you can!
Caylah Ong c/o 2019
Name: Caylah Ong
Major/Minor: Neurobiology/ Philosophy
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I received my BCAT certification as a behavioral therapist providing applied behavioral analysis treatment for children on the autism spectrum. I also work for nonprofits, mainly for one providing awareness and funding for a rare neurological condition called Visual Snow (if you've never heard of it, I definitely recommend reading about it, as it is still not as widely recognized in the medical community!). For this nonprofit, I help with fundraising campaigns as well as social media management and content creation primarily based in raising awareness, and I love what I do. As far as career goals go, I am currently completing my pre-req courses at California State University, Northridge to apply for graduate studies in Speech Language Pathology.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
Joining GMT was BY FAR one of the best decisions I made in college! It gave me a forever family and I've been blessed to now have some of the best people in my life because of it. I was able to go on two trips with GMT, Panama and Peru. Both trips gave me the opportunity to learn more about medicine while also creating friendships and strengthening older ones along the way. I didn't end up going the conventional medical school route, but every little thing I learned from this club has carried over to my job and post-undergrad life, and I wouldn't have changed my decision to join GMT for the world.
Advice to current GMT members:
If the thought of doing it has even only briefly crossed your mind, do it! By that, I mean that now is your opportunity to get involved, be active, and explore all the amazing opportunities GMT has to offer you. I wished I had tried pursuing being on board, but all the time I spent volunteering at food pantries, mentoring at the YMCA, going on trips, and fundraising with the crew have been some of the best memories I made. I don't regret any decision I made while being in GMT, if anything, it has shaped who I am today because of it. So if you're in GMT and you ever think "Maybe I should try doing this...", my advice to you would be: Yes. Do it.
James Alexander V c/o 2019
Name: James Alexander V
Major/Minor: Biological Sciences
Class Graduated: 2019
What are you doing now:
I am currently working for a manufacturing and distribution company that is involved in several industries such as biopharmaceuticals, healthcare, education. My role involves going to various customer sites and ensuring that the inventory is maintained so that sites run smoothly.
What GMT has done for you and what GMT means to you:
GMT gave me the opportunity to serve my community through volunteering whether it was helping with local food drives or working with kids at the Boys and Girls club. GMT is something that I value not only for the experiences I had during college but also for the people I met and the friends I made. I am grateful for the friends I made in GMT as I have some of my most memorable experiences with them whether it be from fundraising on Ring Road, working in clinics on the mission trips, or spontaneous day trips to LA.
Advice to current GMT members:
It is alright to not know exactly what you want to do as a career at this point in your life as you have time to grow and develop into the person you want to be. Also it’s ok if things don’t work out entirely how you plan them to as things happen but it is important to ask for help or reach out to friends and family when you need help. Something I wished I had done earlier in college was being more adventurous like go to the beach, concerts, or try new things. I realized it was important to have passions or something you enjoy outside of school or a career that you could do to relax.