Student Healthcare In Practice
Jasmin Nguyen
External President
Hello, my name is Jasmin and I am a 4th year biology major! Since joining my freshman year, SHIP has been the most memorable experience in all of my undergraduate career. SHIP has not only allowed me to meet such incredibly kind souls who share the same passion as me, but it most importantly enabled me to start living my lifelong goal, which is to provide accessible healthcare to those who need it the most. Being able to come into clinic, help improve the lives of our patients and make “healthcare is a right, not a privilege” a reality is an honor to me. These valuable experiences and heartfelt moments spent with patients are what I hold dear to me and will never forget. I look forward to training and empowering future SHIP leaders and members to uphold our mission statement and continue to improve the lives of our patients. I can’t wait to see all the incredible things our student-run organization is able to accomplish this term for our community and those unfairly left out by the healthcare system.
Megan Chow
Internal President
Hello! My name is Megan and I am a 4th year Biological Sciences major. During my childhood, I was obsessed with Kim Possible and fantasized about joining the FBI, but my spy obsession eventually translated into healthcare as I wanted to “protect and save” our underserved patients. I always knew I had a passion for healthcare and serving others, but the big question was always for who and why? From all my memories of clinic experiences and member interactions in SHIP, I have immense pride in how my fellow SHIPmates and I can bring comfort and touch the hearts of our patients – speaking their native language, hosting food drives, and creating educational pamphlets. These are the patients who are and will always be the answer to my question (and hopefully for prospective members!) It is an honor to be Internal President of a generation of future healthcare leaders who will not only uphold, but continually make "healthcare as right" closer to a reality for the better future of our patients. I look forward to seeing my self-taught Spanish skills grow (˵^▽^˵)づ~♡ and how we can help fill in the critical caps of the healthcare system within our new LFC partnership.
Isaac Mora
Vice President
Hi everyone my name is Isaac and I’m a 4th year biology major. If I were to be a food I’d say tacos not only because they’re my favorite food, but because they’re simple and no one complains if there's tacos (right!?). SHIP has impacted me in so many ways, I went from being so timid and not knowing anyone in the club to leading general meetings and going out of my way to meet all our amazing and dedicated members. SHIP has taught me the real difference passionate people can make when they come together for a single cause. My favorite memory in SHIP always has to be the grateful patients at the clinic who express their gratitude for what we do as it makes all my effort worthwhile. This coming academic year I look forward to helping foster the future members who will eventually take on the responsibility of the club and most importantly realizing our mission statement to help as many individuals of the underserved population as we can, hopefully much beyond my own time in SHIP.
Eva Esquivel
Vice President
Hi my name is Eva and I’m a fourth year biological sciences major. If you would have told my ten-year-old self she would major in biology, she would have been shocked. For most of my life, I wanted to be a teacher or work in a creative field like writing. As I got older, though, and took biomedical sciences classes in high school, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. SHIP has definitely affirmed that passion and taught me so much about the impact healthcare workers have on patients, especially those from underserved communities. I have learned so much from volunteering at clinic and look forward to interacting with patients each Saturday. This coming academic year I am excited to meet new future SHIPmates, get closer to current ones, and see all the amazing ways this organization can serve underserved patients.
Cesar Espinosa
Medical Clinic Coordinator
Hello! My name is Cesar Espinosa, I am a 4th year Bio Sci major. When I first got accepted into UCI, I was lucky enough to be introduced to SHIP by a dear friend (thank you Nydia!) and simply cannot overstate how much of an impact this org has made on my life and career goals. My fondest memories from SHIP come from translating for our patients and working alongside our amazing volunteers and clinic staff. I remember once making small talk with a patient when the provider left the room and getting to know more about her and her family and how she made online videos to help people cook authentic Mexican dishes and my heart just melted. As I got to meet and interact with more and more patients, my resolve to make sure they received the best care possible was only strengthened. This is one of the reasons why I’m looking forward to getting to train more new recruits this upcoming year and share this invaluable experience to make sure that our patients are well-cared for by the future of SHIP!
Sara Phung
Dental Clinic Coordinator
Hi everyone!! My name is Sara and I’m a 4th year Biological Sciences major. When I was ten years old, I received orthodontic treatment for the first time. My orthodontist’s genuine care and artistry inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry and my passion for this field has only grown since then. As I got involved in SHIP, I became surrounded by like-minded individuals, who also wanted to positively contribute to our communities and bridge the healthcare disparities gap. Each patient and volunteer that I have interacted with has influenced me to continuously grow and advocate for the accessibility of healthcare of all populations. This coming academic year, I am excited to continue to help the patients receive the care they deserve alongside my SHIPmates and the staff at clinic.
Sara Saleh
Dental Clinic Coordinator Intern
Hi everyone! My name is Sara and I am a 3rd year Biology major. When I was younger, I always wanted to be fashion designer. I would cut out tiny dress patterns from my mom’s curtains!!! Although this got me into a lot of trouble, it inspired me to explore my creative side which is what draws me to dentistry as I get to be creative while pursuing my passion- serving my community. I joined SHIP in the winter of my freshman year at UCI and I can proudly say that it has been one of the best decisions I have ever made in my college career. I remember being very nervous when I volunteered at the dental clinic for the first time. My hands were shaky and I was so afraid of hurting the patients. But luckily everyone was so nice and supportive which made me feel so much better. I even remember the doctor giving me a pep talk and a hug to calm me down. That was my favorite memory at SHIP. I am so grateful to be a part of an organization that aspires to help the underserved community as well as support students like myself reach their goals and potential. This year, I am excited to work alongside my SHIPmates and make more memories while serving our patients.
Drishti Modi
Secretary
Hi there! My name is Drishti, and I’m a 3rd year Nursing Science major. When I was younger, I dreamt of becoming a teacher—however, as I further explored my passions, I realized that I aspire to a career in healthcare. SHIP has deepened my understanding of how socioeconomic disparities within our healthcare system prevent the most deserving patients from accessing treatment, and why it is so crucial for us to advocate for such patient demographics. Whether by volunteering at clinic, running fundraisers, writing educational resources, conducting research, or hosting outreach events—every individual within SHIP has left a positive impact on our local underserved communities; our collective efforts truly inspire me, and serve as a reminder that we all have the potential to make a difference. I am appreciative to be a part of such a meaningful organization, and know that the invaluable lessons I learn from volunteering with SHIP will shape me into a more perceptive healthcare provider. This year, I look forward to working alongside my SHIPmates in serving our patients at clinic, while fostering an inclusive environment for growth and learning.
Minami Homma
Marketing Director
Hi everyone :3 My name is Minami and I’m a 3rd year Public Health Sciences major with a medical anthropology minor! I am honored to serve as the SHIP marketing director for this academic year. I joined SHIP winter of my freshman year, and the experiences I’ve shared throughout my time are indescribable. Ten year old me would be excited to see that I am still pursuing our dream of becoming a nurse and have joined organizations such as SHIP that strive to make a positive change on our community. My favorite memory in SHIP is volunteering at a clinic which has allowed me to strengthen my bond with my fellow SHIPmates. Volunteering with SHIP has opened my eyes to the inequalities in our healthcare system, and is what motivated me to pursue a minor in medical anthropology so that I can become a holistic healthcare worker who can better understand the needs of my patients. I am extremely grateful for the wonderful community I found through SHIP and the amazing individuals who I find inspiration and motivation from everyday. I look forward to working with everyone towards our mission statement and making new friends along the way!
Alison Kim
Finance and Fundraising Committee Leader
Hello everyone! My name is Alison and I’m a 3rd year Biological Sciences major! Back when I was 10 years old, I had no idea what I wanted to be. Whenever I was asked what I wanted to do, I always just wrote down that I wanted to be a doctor or teacher because I wasn’t sure. As I started to think about it again in high school, I became interested in dentistry and had the opportunity to shadow and assist a dentist. I joined SHIP in Fall 2021 and had the chance to meet others that had a similar interest in going into the healthcare field. Through my time in SHIP, I have been able to participate in Ring Road Fundraisers and contribute to the efforts of this wonderful organization that supports the underserved communities. My favorite memory in SHIP is during our last Spam Musubi Fundraiser because I got to interact with other SHIPmates while selling out the Spam Musubi! This next academic year, I’m looking forward to making new friends while making an impact in our community through our clinic and more!
Musab Kazmi
Finance and Fundraising Committee Leader
Hello everyone! My name is Musab and I’m a 2nd year Biological Sciences major. Ten-year-old me lived his life without a care in the world, and would’ve struggled to answer the question “what do you want to be when you grow up?” However, I made a decision in high school that I wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. My resolve to better people’s health has only grown since then and especially towards the people who lack access to adequate care. What I am most grateful for from SHIP are all the SHIPmates I have met who are all inspirations for me because of their approachability, discipline, and devotion to equitable healthcare! My favorite memories from my time in SHIP have been at clinic and fundraisers because those are the times when I feel the most intertwined with our mission statement alongside other SHIPmates. I’m excited to see how we can all collectively contribute to SHIP in the lines of our mission statement across the next year and am looking forward to working with you all while we're at it!
Jennie Nguyen
Community Outreach Committee Leader
Hi everyone, my name is Jennie Nguyen and I am a 3rd year Biology major with a minor in Medical Anthropology. My journey with medicine started quite early on. Younger me did not know much about the world, but I at least knew one thing: the fact that I wanted to help people through medicine. That thought has developed and blossomed with age, and here I am, continuing on the same path as a SHIP member and aspiring pharmacist-to-be. SHIP has impacted me in more ways than I imagined. It opened my eyes to the unfortunate reality and injustices of the healthcare system which has long catered to the wealthy and ignored those who need it the most. I was able to experience it firsthand through my own experience and through interactions with the patients we serve, and understand how structural inequities prevent people from achieving their best selves both in health and in life. I look forward to working together with other passionate, like-minded individuals to improve those conditions for our patients and provide them with the best care possible.
Gretta Ozuna
Patient Education and Resource Committee Leader
Hi everyone! My name is Gretta Ozuna and I am a 3rd year Bio Sci major. If I had to describe myself as food, I would be bread because I grew up eating it and it makes most meals better. Similarly, bread is my comfort food and I strive to provide a similar comfort for others. This desire has blossomed through the years and SHIP has played a special role in it. As a Spanish translator I have been able to accompany Spanish speaking patients who tend to be underserved. It has truly been a privilege to be provided with the opportunity to assist patients during such vulnerable moments in their lives. This upcoming year, I am excited to help create and provide resources for our patients and learn from my fellow SHIPmates to provide the best care for not only our patients but every person I encounter.
Aisha Malik
Patient Education and Resource Committee Leader
Hello! My name is Aisha, and I’m a 2nd year Biological Sciences major. When I was younger, my career aspirations ranged from wanting to be a photographer to joining the Hogwarts Quidditch team. Though my affinity for art, fashion, and the Wizarding World lives on, courses in high school and certain experiences ultimately drew me to the field of medicine. My time in SHIP has reaffirmed this passion and has shaped me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. From meeting other SHIPmates to witnessing the direct impact that quality care has on underserved communities, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for aspects of compassion, equity, and patient care. This coming academic year, I look forward to developing patient education resources and working with the team to ensure that all individuals in the clinic feel welcome, respected, and heard.
Alina Yeo
Research and Development Committee Leader
Hello, my name is Alina and I’m a 3rd year Biological Sciences major. My favorite SHIP memory is playing Jeopardy at the social after the first general meeting that I attended. Although I was nervous because I didn’t know anyone else in the club, I can vividly remember how my nervousness subsided when everyone was so welcoming. When I was 10 years old, I wanted to become a vet because I love animals. As I got older, my aspiration to help animals shifted to wanting to help people. Moved by the empathy of the healthcare professionals around me, I became impelled to pursue a career in the healthcare field. In this coming year, I look forward to volunteering at the clinic for the first time and interacting with patients.
Nathan Nguyen
Research and Development Committee Leader
Hello, my name is Nathan Nguyen and I am a 4th year Human Biology major. When I was ten years old, I knew I wanted to pursue healthcare as I loved the idea of being able to help people when they needed it the most. I loved superhero shows and movies and believed that a career in healthcare would allow me to help people like my favorite comic book characters. Today, I am interested in pursuing a career as a physician to give back to my community and make my ten-year-old self proud. Volunteering with SHIP has inspired me to continue exploring the world of healthcare. It has given me invaluable experience working with patients and ignited a passion for serving the underserved. For this upcoming academic year, I am looking forward to continue volunteering at clinic and hopefully develop some new clinical research projects to better understand our patient population and help improve patient care and clinic flow.
Savhanna Pejoro
Mentorship Committee Leader
Hello everyone, my name is Savhanna Pejoro and I am a 3rd year Biological Sciences Major serving as one of your Mentorship Committee Leaders! I joined SHIP Winter Quarter of my first year and ever since then, I’ve learned so many new things and met so many inspiring SHIPmates. Being a part of SHIP is both an honor and a responsibility. SHIP has given me the privilege to work and expand on my passions, which is serving and advocating for the underserved. When I was ten years old, I already knew I wanted to work in the healthcare field. However, as I grew older I found that my calling is much greater than that. As of now, I hope to become a physician that advocates for disadvantaged and underserved children in healthcare by working/volunteering closely with UNICEF. I am so grateful for the experiences that I have faced with SHIP and I’m looking forward to strengthening my relationships with other SHIPmates and learning more at the clinic.
Natalie Thach
Mentorship Committee Leader
Hi, my name is Natalie Thach and I am a 4th year majoring in Human Biology! When I was ten years old, my class had a career fair and I chose pediatrician as my future career choice. I came to class with a stethoscope and gave the class a demonstration on the digestive system using a ziploc bag, saltine crackers, and vinegar. Since then, I still hope to become a physician but instead of a pediatrician, I hope to become an OB/GYN that advocates for the expansion and protection of access to reproductive healthcare rights. SHIP has given me an amazing opportunity to give back to the underserved community that raised me and I could not be more proud of everything we have accomplished together. My favorite memory in SHIP was the day we hosted the UCI Shadowing Day for our lovely high school mentees and I am looking forward to creating exciting and engaging workshops for them in the upcoming academic year!