James Chua is rising third-year medical student at Touro Nevada and APAMSA's 2025-2026 National President. In this episode, James shares his vision and highlights serving APAMSA, insight into his premedical/medical journey, and overall life experiences that led him to his current goals, values, and passion for psychiatry.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction

(02:42) How James got involved in APAMSA

(08:47) James’s vision for APAMSA

(12:47) James’s mother’s story

(21:08) Why psychiatry

(25:40) James’s identity

(31:06) APAMSA highlights and challenges

(34:42) Get to know James!

(40:20) Keroppi obsession?

(45:55) Rapid-fire: this or that

(53:49) Closing

Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/apamsa-podcast

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa

This episode was produced by Xueying (Ying) Zheng and Grace Kim, hosted by Xueying (Ying) Zheng, and graphic by Callista Wu.

KAN-WIN is a culturally specific nonprofit organization based in the Chicago area that serves Asian immigrant and Asian American survivors of gender-based violence. In this Women in Medicine Series episode, Abbey Zhu from KAN-WIN discusses the services KAN-WIN provides, challenges that AANHPI survivors of violence face, and how health care providers can learn and provide trauma-informed care for their patients.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction to Women in Medicine Conversations: Abbey Zhu from KAN-WIN

(00:55) Introduction to Abbey Zhu and KAN-WIN

(02:21) Unique Challenges for AANHPI Survivors of Violence When Seeking Support

(06:11) How to Start Conversations with the Community

(11:32) Creating a Safe Space for Patients

(15:18) Recommended Trainings to Learn Trauma-Informed Care

(17:55) Misconceptions About Trauma and Its Impact On Patients’ Health

(21:19) Policies to Improve Trauma-Informed Care

(24:42) How to Connect with KAN-WIN

(25:47) Wrap Up

Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/women-in-medicine-conversations-kan-win

FOLLOW APAMSA

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa

This episode was produced by Anne Nguyen, Eujung Park, and Ashley Tam, hosted by Anne Nguyen, and graphic by Callista Wu and Claire Sun.

In this episode, Dr. Grace Kajita, Dr. Indu Partha, and Dr. Sreekala Raghavan share their expertise on crafting a compelling personal statement and navigating the ERAS application process. They discuss key strategies for standing out in a competitive residency cycle, common mistakes to avoid, and what program directors are really looking for. Tune in to hear their practical tips, real-world insights, and thoughtful advice on helping your story shine – whether you're applying yourself or mentoring the next generation of physicians.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction to White Coats & Rice: An APAMSA Podcast

(01:16) Introduction to Drs. Grace Kajita, Indu Partha, and Sreekala Raghavan

(03:15) Mastering Letters of Recommendation with Dr. Indu Partha

(10:50) Telling Your Story Through ERAS Experiences with Dr. Sreekala Raghavan

(23:26) Crafting a Personal Statement with Dr. Kajita

(30:46) How Should I Approach the “Hometown” Section

(33:09) How to Use Program and Geographic Signalling

(35:53) Virtual Open House Etiquette and Post-Event Follow-up

(39:58) Potential Red Flags in Applications

(44:18) Letters of Recommendation - What to Consider and How Many to Get

(48:54) How to Find Virtual Open Houses for Internal Medicine Residency Programs

(51:04) Should I Mention Subspecialty Interests in My Personal Statement?

(54:33) Event Outro

(55:14) Closing

Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/personal-statement-and-eras-workshop

FOLLOW APAMSA

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa

This episode was produced by Annie Nguyen and Ashley Tam, hosted by Tanvi Chitre and Mason Zhu, and graphic by Callista Wu and Claire Sun.

Dr. Avani Patel is a concierge and sports psychiatrist at her own private practice, Mississippi Psychiatry & Wellness, as well as a behavioral health medical director. In this Women in Medicine Series episode, Dr. Patel discusses the impact of growing up in rural Mississippi as an Asian Indian American, holding multiple national leadership positions throughout her medical journey, and advice for building resiliency and self-advocacy.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction to Women in Medicine Conversations: Dr. Avani Patel

(00:28) Introduction to Dr. Avani Patel

(03:28) Why Medicine?

(05:44) Growing Up Asian Indian American in Mississippi

(08:35) Work-Life Harmony

(12:03) Health Equity Leadership & Cultural Competence in Mississippi

(20:07) Sitting in Discomfort & Determining Your Boundaries

(28:30) What Good Mentorship Looks Like

(32:35) Reflections & Career Advice for Your Past Self

Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/women-in-medicine-conversations-dr-avani-patel

FOLLOW APAMSA

Website: https://www.apamsa.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalapamsa

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa

This episode was produced by Anne Nguyen and Ashley Tam, hosted by Anne Nguyen, and graphic by Callista Wu and Claire Sun.

In this episode, Dr. Marcus Iwane shares his path to becoming a physician in Hawaii and his deep commitment to Native Hawaiian health. He discusses health disparities in the Pacific Islander community, the impact of cultural identity on medical care, and the importance of environmental sustainability in healthcare. Tune in to hear his insights on building trust with patients, community-based initiatives, and balancing medicine with personal well-being.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction to White Coats & Rice: An APAMSA Podcast

(00:58) Introduction to Dr. Marcus Iwane 1:48 Professional Background and Native Hawaiian Health

(04:17) The Role of Cultural Identity in Career Choice

(10:50) Health Disparities in the Native Hawaiian & Pacific Islander Community

(18:01) Addressing Generational Trauma and Healthcare Mistrust

(23:21) Building Trust & Cultural Humility in Medicine

(29:58) Community-Based Healthcare Initiatives in Hawaii

(32:29) Climate Change35:20 Healthcare Sustainability

(35:20) Work-Life Balance & Personal Life

(46:53) Closing Remarks

(48:00) AMA Outro

Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/ask-me-anything-with-dr-marcus-iwane

FOLLOW APAMSA

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Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa

This episode was produced by Annie Nguyen and Ashley Tam, hosted by Amber Chan, and graphic by Callista Wu and Claire Sun.

Paul Tominez is a fourth-year medical student and one of APAMSA’s current Membership Vice Presidents. In this episode, Paul shares his passions for plant parenting and traveling, experiences with moving from Guam, and his military match success.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction to White Coats & Rice: An APAMSA Podcast

(00:23) Introduction to Paul Tominez

(02:06) Plant Parenting

(06:28) Pharmaceutical Chemistry Major

(10:10) Solo Traveling to 5 Countries in 1 Year

(13:31) Military Match

(16:46) Specialty Exploration and Why General Surgery

(25:30) Challenges With Moving and Adjusting to New Places

(29:43) Prioritizing Your Joy

(31:48) Hopes For Future Career

(34:26) This Or That? Questions

(37:42) Advice for Pre-Health and Medical Students

Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/a-conversation-with-paul-tominez

FOLLOW APAMSA

Website: https://www.apamsa.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalapamsa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalapamsa

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationalapamsa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa

This episode was produced by James Chua and Ashley Tam, hosted by James Chua, and graphic by Callista Wu and Claire Sun.

Dr. Grace Kajita, Dr. Indu Partha, Dr. Nolan Kagetsu, and Dr. Caroline Park share insights on navigating the transition to residency in this Preparing for PGY-1 event, hosted by APAMSA’s Leadership Committee. From choosing the right program to managing the challenges of intern year, our panelists offer valuable advice for incoming residents.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction to White Coats & Rice: An APAMSA Podcast

(00:57) Speaker and Event Introduction

(02:40) Dr. Grace Kajita: Support, Simplicity, and Presence

(08:39) Dr. Indu Partha: Attitude, Business, and People

(14:25) Dr. Nolan Kagetsu: Policies, Time Off, and Work-Life Balance

(18:42) Dr. Caroline Park: Balance, Teamwork, and Growth

(25:56) Q&A From Audience

(27:00) Navigating Conflict in Residency: Strategies for Professional Growth

(32:33) Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them

(36:38) Endurance in Medicine: Sustaining Passion and Well-Being

(41:00) Finding Our Voice: Asian Identity in Medicine

(50:48) Closing

Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/preparing-for-pgy-1/

FOLLOW APAMSA

Website: https://www.apamsa.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalapamsa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalapamsa

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationalapamsa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa

This episode was produced by Annie Nguyen, Reanna Dona-Termine, and Ashley Tam, hosted by Annie Nguyen, and graphic by Callista Wu and Claire Sun.

Dr. Neel Singhal is a physician scientist at UCSF specializing in neuro critical care. In this Ask Me Anything episode, Dr. Singhal discusses his research journey, traveling with kids, and the evolution of neurocritical care.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction to White Coats & Rice: An APAMSA Podcast

(00:52) Introduction to Dr. Neel Singhal

(01:24) Day in the Life of a Neurocritical Care Physician Scientist

(03:57) Why Neurocritical Care?

(05:16) Evolution of the Practice of Neurocritical Care

(06:48) Neurocritical Care at UCSF 

(07:51) The Various Roles of a Modern Physician

(09:44) -Omics Research in Medicine

(12:11) Recommended Experiences to Pursue Neurocritical Care

(13:22) How to Find Mentors

(14:33) How to Stay Grounded

(16:09) Having a Partner in Medicine

(18:03) Maintaining Relationships and Friendships While in Medicine

(19:37) The Role of Research in Work-Life Balance

(20:45)  How to Be Present for Your Family

(23:39) Taking Care of Yourself

(25:44) Intramural Sports and Friends Outside of Medicine

(26:43) Taking Vacation Time and Traveling

(29:20) What Would You Have Done Differently?

(31:02) Taking Advantage of Free Time Before Residency

(32:45) Closing: What is One Thing that Brought You Joy Today?

Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/episode-4-ask-me-anything-with-dr-neel-singhal/

FOLLOW APAMSA

Website: https://www.apamsa.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalapamsa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalapamsa

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationalapamsa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa

This episode was produced by Annie Nguyen, Reanna Dona-Termine, and Ashley Tam, hosted by Annie Nguyen, and graphic by Callista Wu and Claire Sun.

Donna Tran was APAMSA’s 2021-2023 National President and is currently a PGY-1 psychiatry resident. In this episode, Donna discusses meeting David Tennant, becoming a City Commissioner, and leaving a legacy in APAMSA.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction to White Coats & Rice: An APAMSA Podcast

(00:24) Introduction to Donna Tran

(02:40) Doctor Who and Drag Queens

(07:57) Getting Involved in Health Policy

(13:11) The Inspiration for Medicine and Advocacy Work

(16:35) Why Psychiatry?

(20:39) Learning About and Joining APAMSA

(25:04) Donna’s APAMSA Legacy

(30:32) Debunking Misconceptions of the Medical Field and School

(37:07) This Or That? Questions

(41:20) Advice for Pre-Health and Medical Students

Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/a-conversation-with-donna-tran/

FOLLOW APAMSA

Website: https://www.apamsa.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalapamsa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalapamsa

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationalapamsa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa

This episode was produced by James Chua and Ashley Tam, hosted by James Chua, and graphic by Callista Wu and Claire Sun.

Ashley Tam is APAMSA’s 2024-2025 Communications Vice President and a fourth-year medical student. In this episode, Ashley shares about her love of pathology, planning the 2023 APAMSA National Conference, and playing Genshin Impact.

TIMESTAMPS

(00:00) Introduction to White Coats & Rice: An APAMSA Podcast

(00:26) Introduction to Ashley Tam

(03:28) Baking Cantonese Pastries and Buns

(07:41) Playing Genshin Impact

(11:26) The Journey to Medicine

(14:31) Choosing Pathology as a Specialty 

(22:24) Clinical Skills in Pathology?

(24:50) Why Did You Join APAMSA?

(31:05) APAMSA Core Memory

(33:21) 2023 National Conference Theme

(35:07) Wishes for APAMSA’s Future

(37:18) Community Impact Week 2025

(39:16) What Are You Looking Forward to in Your Medical Career?

(41:46) This or That? Questions

(45:14) Advice for Pre-Health and Medical Students

Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/episode-2-ask-me-anything-with-ashley-tam/

FOLLOW APAMSA

Website: https://www.apamsa.org

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalapamsa

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalapamsa

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationalapamsa

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa

This episode was produced by James Chua and Ashley Tam, hosted by James Chua, and graphic by Callista Wu and Claire Sun.