About Us
Founded in 2014, the Pre-Physician Assistant Club at UCLA aims to promote the Physician Assistant/Associate (PA) profession to undergraduate students by raising awareness of this emerging field, facilitating professional development, and offering preparation for graduate school.
The club provides a variety of opportunities such as networking events, a mentorship program, suturing workshops, community service opportunities, campus tours, and an array of guest speakers (practicing PAs, PA students, and PA school admission representatives).
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Please join us during our general meetings held bi-weekly on odd weeks from 6-7PM @ Young Hall CS76. Come out and meet other aspiring physician assistants and learn more about this exciting profession!
Meet the Board
Co-President
My Raquel Gonzales
Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Human Biology and Society, Labor Studies Minor​
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Professional/academic background & experiences: I am a care parter at UCLA Health on the float team and a research assistant in the UCLA School of Nursing. Some of my volunteer work includes being a member of the Companion Care Program at UCLA Health.
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Main healthcare interests/future goals and advice to other pre-PA students: Take advantage of the mentors in your life and always pay it forward!
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Fun facts & hobbies: I love going to concerts, doing karaoke, and trying out new cafes!
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Co-President
Lena Jabourian
Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Psychobiology, 4th year
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Professional/academic background & experiences: I recently earned my phlebotomy certification (working towards licensure!) and work part-time as an Optometric Vision Therapy Assistant. I've been a COPE Health Scholar for over 2 years shifting in various departments (my favorites being Emergency and Labor & Delivery), and volunteer with the organization ACEing Autism helping children with ASD grow through tennis!
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Main healthcare interests/future goals and advice to other pre-PA students: Advice I would give to other pre-PAs is to enjoy the journey. The path towards PA can seem like a long one so appreciate the process!
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Fun facts & hobbies: I enjoy pottery painting, visiting botanical gardens, & spending time with my family!
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Co-Outreach Coordinator
Fernanda Aguilar
Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Psychobiology/4th yr
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Professional/academic background & experiences: Student Stroke Team; Physical Therapy Aide
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Main healthcare interests/future goals and advice to other pre-PA students:
Neuro or Pediatric PA-C
Advice: wherever you are at in your journey everything will be ok. give yourself some grace and don’t be afraid to take a step back when needed. find your why and hold on to it when you are feeling overwhelmed. don’t be afraid to stand up and make your voice heard, take advantage of the opportunities out there even if they scare you.
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Fun facts & hobbies:
Fun fact: i am a proud picky eater
Hobbies: dancing, going on tj maxx/marshalls/ross runs (i love these stores), visiting the beach, cooking, binge watching shows
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Co-Outreach Coordinator
Amanda Wong
Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Human Biology and Society, 4th year
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Professional/academic background & experiences: I worked as a PT aide over the summer after my second year (2024), was a research assistant from 2024-2025 in data collection for adolescent brain cognitive development from the summer after 2nd year until end of 3rd year, currently a chem 14a PLF, volunteered for hospice patients, the Venice family clinic, and and currently at the multiple sclerosis achievement center at ucla. I also volunteer with underserved asian populations in the LA area to increase access to healthcare.
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Main healthcare interests/future goals and advice to other pre-PA students: I’m super interested in practicing more empathetic and culturally competent care, especially being in such a diverse state as California I think it’s really important to meet patients where they are and get them the healthcare they need. Some advice I would give to other pre-PA students is don’t be afraid to ask anyone for advice, everyone was in your shoes at one point!!
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Fun facts & hobbies: I love doing my own nails and getting creative with the designs, trying new food places around LA, and getting boba.
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Co-Volunteer Coordinator
Amanda Lyons
Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: 2nd Year MCDB major
Professional/academic background & experiences: In high school, I was an intern at a hospital working on their Orthopedic, Med/Surg/Tele, ICU, and IMC floors. I also was my high school's Red Cross Club president and organized blood drives for the school. Most recently, after getting my CNA license, I worked full time on a hospital's Medical Oncology floor this past summer.
Main healthcare interests/future goals and advice to other pre-PA students: In the future, I would love to become a PA or physician and learn even more about the different specialties. I would encourage other pre-PA students to get involved in their communities and not be afraid to ask questions.
Fun facts & hobbies: I enjoy dancing in my free time - especially trying new styles!
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Co-Volunteer Coordinator
Maryam Qureshi
Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Psychology, 4th Year
Professional/academic background & experiences: I’ve been actively involved in community service from setting up free health fairs, to tutoring students in underserved neighborhoods, and teaching children about health education. Clinically, I’ve worked as a medical assistant, shadowed a variety of healthcare professionals, and will soon begin volunteering at my local hospital!
Main healthcare interests/future goals and advice to other pre-PA students: I’m especially interested in emergency medicine, but since there are still many specialties I haven’t explored, I’m excited to keep an open mind. My advice for other pre-PA students is to remember that you are never behind; every step you take, no matter how small, is progress in the right direction.
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Fun facts & hobbies: I love spending time with my cat, exploring new coffee shops, and if it’s a race weekend, you’ll definitely find me awake at odd hours tuned into Formula 1.
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Co-Member Relations
Kaylee Smith
Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Biology
Professional/academic background & experiences: I volunteer at Ronald Reagan and work as a physical therapy aide.
Main healthcare interests/future goals and advice to other pre-PA students: I would like to become a PA in potentially in pediatrics of emergency medicine but open to wherever life takes me. My advice to other pre-PA students would be although the process can be so overwhelming, just try to stay calm and with time you will start to get closer to your dream. Never let it get you down whatever is meant to be will happen and talk to lots of medical personnel, PAs and peers for advice and resources.
Fun facts & hobbies: I love to spend time outside hiking, camping, and swimming in lakes. Fun fact about me is a couple summers ago I went skydiving.
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Co-Member Relations
Christian Avila
Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: 2nd year Psychobiology
Professional/academic background & experiences: I am currently a CCMA preparing to begin working this year; Volunteer in Tijuana providing free health screenings to underserved communities; Resident Assistant; Looking to start research this year in something related to neuroscience
Main healthcare interests/future goals and advice to other pre-PA students:
I am passionate about working with underserved communities, especially Spanish-speaking and hispanic populations, and I wish to pursue a career as a PA in fields like neurology, emergency medicine, or general surgery. My future goal is provide accessible care, bridging both cultural and language disparities in healthcare.
My advice is to remember that it’s okay to feel lost, confused, and not have every step of the way figured out. Every journey in healthcare is different, some are shorter, others are more complex, what matters is that YOU keep moving forward, trust your own process, and échale ganas!
Fun facts & hobbies: I am Mexican/Guatemalan, I love cooking, plants, legos, and traveling!
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Treasurer
Maria Mayet
Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: 2nd year transfer student majoring in Public Health w/ minor in Food Studies ; Year: 2026
Professional/academic background & experiences: So far my interests are emergency medicine and family medicine, but I'm open to exploring other specialties. I am also interested in getting an MPH and developing my education further in public health. My advice to other pre-PA students is to remember why you're doing this. It is a long journey and when you're tired, discouraged, or doubting yourself, go back to the moment you knew you wanted to be a PA or become a healthcare professional.
Main healthcare interests/future goals and advice to other pre-PA students: I love to read! I'm particularly interested in rom-coms or mysteries and thrillers and I would love any recs. Otherwise, in my free time, I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends and exploring new Halal places to eat!
Fun facts & hobbies: mmayet02@g.ucla.edu
Secretary
Kimberly Barrientos
Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Human Biology & Society, BS; Global Health Minor; 4th year
Professional/academic background & experiences: Aside from pre-PA, I am a PLF for Chem 14A through the AAP Peer Learning Program! I also have experience working as a Physical Therapist Aide, and I hope to continue my hours post-graduation. I have also volunteered through other on-campus organizations including CaHPSA and the Mobile Clinic Project!
Main healthcare interests/future goals and advice to other pre-PA students:
Healthcare interests: In the next few years, I hope to gain PCE hours as a medical assistant working in either primary care or women's health before applying to PA school! I also hope to travel more and have more fun experiences abroad.
Advice: Remember that everyone is one their own timeline, and you are right where you are supposed to be! <3
Fun facts & hobbies:
Hobbies: I love cooking + making matcha, watching movies/shows, and going to concerts!!
Fun fact: I ate kangaroo while studying abroad in Australia :0
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Publicity Director
Grace Ou
Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Human Biology and Society
Professional/academic background & experiences: English & math tutor, volunteer patient advocate at ZSFGH (Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital), volunteer medical assistant/scribe at Epstein & Tuffanelli Dermatology
Main healthcare interests/future goals and advice to other pre-PA students: Becoming a physician assistant, interests in fields of women's health and dermatology.
Fun facts & hobbies: I love solo-traveling, hiking, doing Chinese traditional dance, and watching crime shows.
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Webmaster
Alani Morales
Major(s) / Minor(s) & Year: Public Health & 4th year
Professional/academic background & experiences: I’m currently a 4th year Public Health major not only involved in this club but also in UCLA’s Puente club serving as its Social Media Coordinator. I work on campus as a research assistant within the Fielding School of Public Health in the Department of Epidemiology. In the lab we focus on looking at environmental factors that impact someone’s likelihood of developing Parkinson’s.
Main healthcare interests/future goals and advice to other pre-PA students: As a current Public Health major, I hope to combine my interests for healthcare and public health to be a better healthcare provider. I hope to work within the scope of Family Medicine. I would tell other pre-PA students that it’s never too late to start your journey and it’s important to ask for help when you need it.
Fun facts & hobbies: In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, hiking, running, journaling, and reading.
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Board Alumni
Co-Presidents:
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Julia Bui - juliale@g.ucla.edu
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​Pauline Vuong - ​paulinevuong11@gmail.com
Outreach Coordinator:
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​Emily Boghozian - emilyboghozian@g.ucla.edu​
Volunteer Coordinators:
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​Gustavo Valenzuela - ​gustavoval@g.ucla.edu
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​Veronica Espinoza - espinoza.i.veronica@gmail.com
PR/Fellowship Coordinator:
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​Madison Allan - mkallan44@gmail.com
​Treasurer:
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​Giselle Cortina - gisellecortina@g.ucla.edu​
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Kaia Evulich - kaiaevulich@ucla.edu
Secretary:
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Lynne Zhao ​ - lynnezhao25@g.ucla.edu