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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

  • They diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication in all 50 states

  • Focus is based on “team-based” care - work in conjunction with doctors and other healthcare providers

  Our OfficerS (2024-2025) 

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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!

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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!

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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!

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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!

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Volunteer coordinator

jayla smith

Classification: Senior

Major: Psychology

Minor: Biology

Experiences: Behavioral therapist 

Fun Fact: I am currently training for my first half marathon!

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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!

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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!

UH PPASA

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cONTACT us

uhppasa@gmail.com

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