October 29, 2024
By Stephen Chien, MD ’26 and Celter Odango, MD ‘27

The Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) Region III Conference, held on October 5, 2024, at Drexel University College of Medicine’s Health Sciences Building, brought together pre-health students, medical students, physicians and health professionals from schools across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, D.C., West Virginia and Maryland. Centered around the theme "Peril, Power, Progress: Navigating AANHPI Identity and Advocacy in the Public Space," the event explored the intersection of medicine, political activism, and Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) identity.

Keynote speaker Dr. Walter Tsou, former president of the American Public Health Association and health commissioner of Philadelphia, delivered a powerful address on health care inequalities and the crucial role of social determinants of health in medical practice. His thought-provoking message not only highlighted these disparities but also inspired students to critically reflect on their future contributions toward addressing these issues, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

The conference offered diverse networking opportunities, featuring 26 residents from various specialties and a pre-health panel representing five different health professions. “I loved the incredible networking and opportunities for connection with attendings, fellows, residents and other medical students! There was a perfect selection and range of lecture speakers, breakout sessions, and hands-on practical sessions,” said Jaclyn Lo, MD ’27.

Various breakout sessions were also available for students, including lumbar puncture, suturing and intubation workshops. Other sessions focused on advocacy, using art as a tool for mental health, and community health experiences shared by a family medicine physician working in a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC). Notably, the proposed relocation of the Philadelphia 76ers Arena to Center City was a prominent local issue discussed by medical professionals from NoArena PhillyMed. They highlighted the potential negative impacts, including displacing the Chinatown community that needs culturally competent health care and causing delays in emergency transport, jeopardizing the lives of patients requiring time-sensitive treatment.

The conference concluded with a presentation on hepatitis by Dr. Catherine Freeland of the HepB Foundation, emphasizing the importance of education and testing in Philadelphia.

This year’s conference broke records, with over 175 attendees and 25 poster presentations. Attendees included students and residents from Drexel, Penn State, the University of Pennsylvania, Jefferson, Cooper, Rowan-Virtua, Johns Hopkins, George Washington, Ursinus, Haverford, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, and many more. Drexel’s APAMSA was honored to host this event that united the local AANHPI medical community.

 
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