White Coats and Rice: An APAMSA Podcast

Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association
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The Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) is a national organization that aims to promote the health and well-being of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, help healthcare workers understand how to care for AANHPI patients in a culturally sensitive manner, and provide a forum for AANHPI medical and premed students develop personally and professionally. Our podcast will explore our community through roundtable discussions, conversations with leaders in healthcare, and chats with current leaders and alumni of our organization.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode 4 - Who Gets Left Out of Research? Lester Uy on Health Equity

    Episode 4 - Who Gets Left Out of Research? Lester Uy on Health Equity This episode of White Coats and Rice features Lester Andrew Uy, a pre-medical and pre-law student who also serves as a program administrator and researcher at the Stanford Center for Asian Health Research and Education. In celebration of Advocacy Month, Lester shares how more inclusive research and stronger community partnerships can help make health disparities visible and create opportunities for more equitable policy reform. He also reflects on how his background in business and accounting shaped his path toward medicine, law, and health advocacy. Throughout the conversation, Lester discusses the influence of his Filipino family and cultural experiences on his values, goals, and commitment to serving underrepresented communities. The episode highlights how research, advocacy, and community engagement can work together to advance health equity. FOLLOW APAMSAWebsite: https://www.apamsa.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalapamsaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalapamsaTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationalapamsaYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa This episode was produced by Aaron Zhang, hosted by Aaron Zhang, edited by Aaron Zhang, and graphic by Romi Sheng.

    Episode 4 - Who Gets Left Out of Research? Lester Uy on Health Equity

  2. Sep 28

    Episode 3 - Sean Tiwanak on Medicine, Music, and Bringing Aloha to Patient Care

    This episode of White Coats and Rice features Sean Tiwanak, a former respiratory therapist, heart transplant survivor, and musician from Honolulu, Hawaii. In celebration of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Sean reflects on his journey from caring for patients to experiencing severe heart failure and transplantation himself. He shares how his background in respiratory therapy and cardiopulmonary medicine helped him recognize the seriousness of his condition and navigate life as a patient. Sean also discusses healthcare barriers facing Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, the importance of listening to patients, and the role of empathy and human connection in medicine. The episode highlights how compassion, resilience, and “bringing aloha” can shape the way future healthcare professionals care for others. Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/apamsa-podcast 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 Herbie Villaflores, hosted by Herbie Villaflores, and graphic by Romi Sheng.

  3. Sep 1

    Episode 2 - South Asians in Medicine: Navigating Culture, Community, and the Six-Year Pathway

    This episode of White Coats and Rice features Akshaj Variath, Krishna Gandham, and Keshav Ghanekar, three South Asian medical students at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. In celebration of South Asian Heritage Month, the panel reflects on what being South Asian means to them. They also share their journeys into medicine and other paths they considered before committing to UMKC’s accelerated six-year program. The guests dive into how their communities shaped their upbringing and how they serve as role models in medicine for the younger generation back home. The episode highlights how important their culture is in their lives as they navigate medical school. Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/apamsa-podcast FOLLOW APAMSAWebsite: https://www.apamsa.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalapamsaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalapamsaTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationalapamsaYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsa This episode was produced by Herbie Villaflores, hosted by Herbie Villaflores, and graphic by Romi Sheng.

    Episode 2 - South Asians in Medicine: Navigating Culture, Community, and the Six-Year Pathway

  4. Jul 31

    Episode 1 - Dr. Rachel Lee on Service and Military Medicine

    Welcome to Season 3! This episode of White Coats and Rice features Dr. Rachel Lee, a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and internal medicine physician who is a professor in the Department of Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and a professor of medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. As a retired U.S. Navy medical officer, Dr. Lee reflects on her 20+ years in military medicine through the HPSP pathway, her transition into allergy and immunology, and her experiences balancing clinical practice with military leadership. She also shares insights on mentorship, resilience, and navigating identity as an Asian woman in academic and military medicine, emphasizing advocacy and support for trainees. The episode highlights her perspective on building a meaningful, adaptable career across service, academia, and specialty practice. For listeners who would like to continue the conversation or reach out, Dr. Lee can be contacted at ral026@ucsd.edu 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 Grace Kim, hosted by Madeline Pan, and graphic by Romi Sheng.

    Episode 1 - Dr. Rachel Lee on Service and Military Medicine

  5. Feb 2

    Episode 8 - A Conversation with Dr. Vivienne Hau

    In this episode of White Coats and Rice, APAMSA Podcast Committee member and host Kevin Gaw sits down with Dr. Vivienne Hau, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Kaiser Permanente Bernard J. Tyson School of Medicine and a surgical vitreoretinal specialist, for a reflective conversation on leadership, identity, and legacy in medicine. Dr. Hau shares her journey through APAMSA—founding her medical school’s chapter at the University of Arizona, serving as Region VII Director, and later leading the organization as National President in 2001—while reflecting on how student advocacy continues to shape her work as a physician and mentor. The conversation also explores Dr. Hau’s experiences as a transgender woman in medicine, her path into ophthalmology and vitreoretinal surgery, and her perspective on building a more inclusive and sustainable future for both patients and providers. For listeners who would like to continue the conversation or reach out, Dr. Hau can be contacted at vivienne.s.hau@kp.org TIMESTAMPS (00:06) Introduction (03:08) Medicine, Career, & Growth (20:30) History in APAMSA (24:36) Leadership in APAMSA (34:33) Intersectionality: Transgender, Asian American, Physician (48:12) Advocacy, Leadership, & Reflection (59:59) Closing Remarks Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/white-coats-rice-season-2-episode-8 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 Kevin Gaw, hosted by Kevin Gaw, and graphic by Callista Wu.

    Episode 8 - A Conversation with Dr. Vivienne Hau

  6. 12/01/2025

    Episode 7 - South Asian Cardiovascular Health with Dr. Nilay Shah

    Welcome back to White Coats and Rice's new series: South Asian Health in Lens (SAHIL) 🧡✨, where we delve into critical topics in South Asian health, ranging from advocacy to cultural competency with distinguished healthcare leaders. In today's episode, we welcome Dr. Nilay Shah, an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Principal Investigator of the Mediators of Atherosclerosis of South Asians Living in America (MASALA) 2G Study. Dr. Shah has dedicated his research focus on strategies to preserve cardiovascular health in communities at high risk, including South Asian Americans. Recognized for his contributions to clinical advancement and cardiovascular disease prevention, Dr. Shah applies his expertise to shed light on cardiovascular health and social determinants of health. TIMESTAMPS (00:00) Introduction (01:25) Dr. Shah's journey into cardiology and South Asian health research (05:06) Introduction to the MASALA study (08:40) Moving beyond "why" in research (17:03) Personal connection to MASALA and community engagement (25:26) Understanding stress and its impact on health behaviors (30:39) Dietary recommendations and nuances (36:19) Common health misconceptions in the South Asian community (44:20) Advice for South Asian medical students (50:02) Closing remarks Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/apamsa-podcast 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 Nikitha (Nikki) Sheth, hosted by Nikitha (Nikki) Sheth, edited by Grace Kim, and graphic by Callista Wu.

    Episode 7 - South Asian Cardiovascular Health with Dr. Nilay Shah

  7. 11/17/2025

    Episode 6 - Pre-Health: Things I Wish I Knew Before Applying to Medical School

    In this Pre-Health Series episode of White Coats and Rice, APAMSA Pre-Health Directors and hosts Angeline Yu and Ryesa Mansoor sit down with Livy Nguyen, a senior at Temple University currently applying to medical school, and Tiffany Trinh, a second-year osteopathic medical student at Rocky Vista University. Together, they share thoughtful and candid reflections and lessons from their pre-med and medical journeys: navigating tough coursework and finding mentorship to handling gap years, choosing the right school, and adapting to medical training. TIMESTAMPS (00:05) Episode Introduction (01:09) Speaker Introductions (03:02) Finding Your Path to Medicine (04:57) Deciding Your College Major (05:48) Handling Difficult Pre-Med Courses (08:10) Extracurriculars (10:28) Reflections About the Med School Application Process (15:02) Finding and Maintaining Mentorship (21:13) Gap Year Experience as a Medical Assistant (25:45) What Surprised You About Medical School (28:21) Choosing a Medical School (33:38) Differences between College and Medical School (36:30) Closing Remarks & Advice for Future Healthcare Students (41:00) Outro Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/things-i-wish-i-knew-before-applying-to-medical-school 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 Angeline Yu, Ryesa Mansoor and Kevin Gaw, hosted by Angeline Yu and Ryesa Mansoor, and graphic by Callista Wu.

    Episode 6 - Pre-Health: Things I Wish I Knew Before Applying to Medical School

  8. 10/27/2025

    Episode 5 - A Conversation with Carol Chen

    This episode features Carol Chen, a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Arizona – Tucson and one of National APAMSA's Region VII Directors! Carol began her journey with the University of Arizona Pre-Health APAMSA chapter as an intern, later serving as Director of Volunteer Outreach, and now leads the chapter as President. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction 01:35 Early Life and Cultural Identity 05:55 Joining APAMSA and Finding Community in Arizona 15:06 Developing Leadership Drive 19:59 Serving on National Board 22:03 Leadership Challenges and Growth 25:06 Career Aspirations and Research 31:19 Mentorship and Role Models 34:24 Imposter Syndrome 37:30 Looking Ahead 41:52 Hobbies and Finding Balance 44:39 Closing Remarks and Outro Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/episode-5-coming-10-27 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 Kevin Gaw and Xueying Zheng, hosted by Kevin Gaw, and graphic by Callista Wu.

    Episode 5 - A Conversation with Carol Chen
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About

The Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) is a national organization that aims to promote the health and well-being of the Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community, help healthcare workers understand how to care for AANHPI patients in a culturally sensitive manner, and provide a forum for AANHPI medical and premed students develop personally and professionally. Our podcast will explore our community through roundtable discussions, conversations with leaders in healthcare, and chats with current leaders and alumni of our organization.

Information

  • Creator
    Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    23
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association
  • Show Website
    White Coats and Rice: An APAMSA Podcast