About us
The University of Houston's Pre-Physician Assistant Student Association is a student-led organization that serves to promote the Physician Assistant (PA) profession, help students explore whether the PA profession is a viable career choice, and to ensure that every member has a thorough understanding of the admission process. This year we hope to expand our club's community involvement and to provide the necessary resources, through collaboration with UH alumni, faculty, and university resources, for our members to obtain contact with local PAs and PA program, to shadow PA's, and to serve in a healthcare setting while developing integral communication and professional skills needed to become an exemplary Physician Assistant.
What is a PA?
A physician assistant (PA) is a graduate of an accredited PA education program who is nationally certified and state-licensed to practice medicine with the supervision of a physician.
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PAs practice medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers
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They diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication in all 50 states
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Focus is based on “team-based” care - work in conjunction with doctors and other healthcare providers
Our OfficerS (2024-2025)
President
Daphne Canales
Classification: Senior
Major: Public Health
Minor: Biology
Experience: EMT & Pharmacy Tech
Fun Fact: I have a dual citizenship!
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Vice President
kendyl donald
Classification: Senior
Major: Health Promotion
Minor: Biology
Experiences: EMT and ER Technician
Fun Fact: I am from Chicago, IL!
Treasurer
soraya soto
Classification: Junior
Major: Health
Minor: Biology & Leadership Studies
Experiences: Medical Assistant at Primary Care & Pulmonology Clinic
Fun Fact: I love roller skating!
Secretary
mandy nguyen
Classification: Senior
Major: Health Promotion
Minor: Biology
Experiences: Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Tech
Fun Fact: I used to have a pet squirrel!
event coordinator
riya patel
outreach coordinator
nirupama balaji
Classification: Senior
Major: Psychology
Minor: Biology
Experiences: Shadowing experience, UTMB Volunteer, Medical Assistant, & CPR/AED Certified
Fun Fact: I've never broken a bone!
Classification: Junior
Major: Psychology
Minor: Biology & Medicine and Society
Experiences: Medical Assistant at Chiropractor, Endocrinologist Office, & Neurosurgery Patient Care, Volunteer at Houston Methodist
Fun Fact: I have 8 piercings and I want more!
Volunteer coordinator
jayla smith
Classification: Senior
Major: Psychology
Minor: Biology
Experiences: Behavioral therapist
Fun Fact: I am currently training for my first half marathon!
media coordinator
zaida gonzalez
Classification: Junior
Major: Health Promotion
Minor: Biology
Experiences: BLS Certified, Student Internship at Emergency Room, Oncologist/ Hematologist Office, Dental Office & Certified Dental Assistant
Fun Fact: My favorite sport to play is golf!
Media coordinator
lisa abubakr
Workshop coordinator
lizzy berry
Classification: Sophomore
Major: Biology
Minor: Public Health
Fun Fact: I want to specialize in pediatrics!
Classification: Junior
Major: Psychology
Minor: Biology
Experiences: Medical Assistant at Pediatric Oncology/ Rheumatology/ Hematology, Dermatology, & Chiropractic & Sport Medicine
Fun Fact: I am an Air Force Veteran and a huge advocate to our United States military!