YPI Leaders
2019-2020
YPI Directors
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YPI College director Julia Xia Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2020 Julia Xia is originally from Edison, New Jersey. After completing a Bachelor's degree in Cell Biology and Neuroscience at Rutgers University, she moved to Indonesia to teach English in a public high school before coming to Emory for medical school. She had a blast working with high school students and planning fun activities in the classroom, and she hopes to combine this with her experiences in medical school to show students in the YPI program what medicine is like! |
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YPI High School director Cricket Gullickson Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2020 My name is Cricket Gullickson, and I came to Emory for medical school after graduating from Princeton with degrees in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Global Health and Health Policy. While I was growing up in a low-income, rural community in Wisconsin, I was very lucky to have great mentors and advisors that pushed me to broaden my horizons. I think programs like YPI can be vitally important to students, and I am excited to be part of the program! |
YPI High School
Clarkston High School
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Camille Lin Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2022 I grew up in New York City and graduated from Princeton University in 2015. I was a first-generation college student and am the first in my family to attend medical school. I have benefitted greatly from the generosity of mentors and advisors and would love to pay that mentorship forward. I joined YPI to empower students to capitalize on their curiosity and to fearlessly explore their interest in medicine. I am also excited to help Clarkston High School students navigate both college and medical school admissions. |
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Kingsley Leung
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 My name is Kingsley Leung, and I lived in Hong Kong before my family moved to San Rafael, California in 2000. I graduated from Northwestern University in 2015, spent a year with the Fulbright program in Korea teaching English to elementary student, and then returned to graduate school at Harvard T.H Chan School of Public Health before coming to Emory. Mentorship and education have been the most valuable parts of every experience, and I believe YPI will be similarly impactful both for myself and for my mentees. I am really looking forward to helping Clarkston High School students find the strength in their own stories on their journeys to medical school. |
Academe of Oaks
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Elizabeth Soffer Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2022 I am originally from St. Louis, Missouri and came to Emory after attending the University of North Carolina and working in Washington, DC. YPI provides high school students the opportunity to receive guidance, support, and mentorship for navigating the worlds of college and medical schools. I want to encourage and serve as a resource for these students as they explore their educational goals and interest in medicine. |
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Emily Wright
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 After graduating from the University of Washington with a degree in Molecular Biology, I worked on a critical care ambulance before coming to Emory for medical school. As the first in my family to pursue a career in medicine, I relied heavily on the guidance and advice of mentors throughout high school and college to pursue my dream of being a physician. I am excited to help students explore the health care field, make medical school more widely accessible and demystify the journey to become a physician. |
North Druid Hill High School
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Ramon Caleon Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2022 My name is Ramon Caleon and I grew up in the Philippines, before migrating to Orange County, California in 2006. I completed a Bachelor’s in Biology at Pomona College in 2015 and spent two years working in malaria research. In college I worked with high school students in Los Angeles’s Chinatown and after graduating, I spent a year teaching English to high school students in Indonesia. I became involved with YPI not only because I wanted to continue my passion of working with high school students, but also because this program allows me to integrate education with my experiences in medical school. As a Medical Student Leader, I am excited to make medicine and medical school less daunting and more accessible to high school students interested in the field. |
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Richard Wu
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 I originally grew up for Michigan attended college at the University of Michigan, where I studied biochemistry and anthropology. I stayed there to work as a study coordinator and during my time in Ann Arbor, I really enjoyed the opportunities I had to tutor and work with nearby high school and college students. I have a deep appreciation for all of the people who mentored me and helped me in my journey and hope to encourage and serve the students of YPI in the same way! |
Drew Charter School
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Michelle Egeolu Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2022 After completing my bachelor’s degree in Microbiology in Dartmouth College, I joined AmeriCorps and became a biology teacher in New Jersey. The journey to college and medical school is extremely hard and somewhat mysterious, especially when there are a lack of resources and/or exposure to different professions. Hence why, I am eager to be a part of YPI and help provide the missing links (resources and mentorship) that will make students’ journeys easier and clearer. |
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Segun Adeagbo
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 My name is Segun Adeagbo and I am a current M1 student at the Emory SOM. I am originally from South Amboy, NJ but moved down to Georgia in 2015 and have been here ever since. I graduated from Emory University in 2017 with a Bachelor’s in Biology and Philosophy and have had the pleasure of teaching several Georgia high school students during my time here. I hope to become a resource and a mentor to these students while providing them with an enjoyable and informative learning space. I am eager to be a part of the YPI program and meet the next generation of healthcare professionals. |
YPI College
Georgia State University
Atlanta Campus
Atlanta Campus
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Larry Nguyen Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2022 My name is Larry Nguyen and I graduated from the University of Florida with a major in Chemistry. As a M1 student at Emory University SOM, I wanted to be involved with YPI to inspire and motivate students into pursuing a career in medicine and to pay it forward to my community. |
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Reem Dawoud
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2020 My name is Reem Dawoud and I was on a long and winding path towards medical school at Emory. As Palestinian refugees fleeing the Gulf War in Kuwait, my family moved all over the world before settling in America for college. Working full-time for three years while putting together my application, I would not have made it to medical school if it wasn’t for my mentors. I am passionate about YPI because I want to help illuminate the path to medicine for those students like me not too long ago. |
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Robert Roundy
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 My name is Robert Roundy and I grew up in Burlington, Iowa. I then moved to Atlanta to go to Emory for college and graduated in 2019. In undergrad, I spent time being a mentor for Organic Chemistry, working in the Pre-Health Advising office on campus, conducting research in the Department of Human Genetics, and competing in Mock Trial. I'm super excited to be a part of YPI because there are many twists and turns on the path to becoming a physician, but I realize that my mentors made a truly profound difference and helped guide me along the way. It is that same impact that I hope to have on the young physicians of tomorrow. |
Georgia State University
Clarkston Campus
Clarkston Campus
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Douglas Miller
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2021 As a high school student in Atlanta, I was fortunate to have amazing college counselors to help me navigate the college application process. Though, I wish I could have received more specific advice about college majors or career paths in medicine from students who were going through the process. Mentoring students at the Boys and Girls Club of Oakland and other organizations while studying at UC-Berkeley and working as a collegiate swim coach at Emory, I saw the impact that can be had through mentorship. I am lucky to have the opportunity to continue mentoring and teaching through YPI at North Druid Hills High School. |
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Mariana Rodriguez Duran
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 I am originally from Colombia, but I grew up in Miami before moving to Georgia where I completed my Bachelor’s at the University of Georgia and am currently working on my medical degree at Emory University. Living in areas with vastly diverse socioeconomic statuses and cultures opened my eyes to the social inequalities that exist and how education can be used to overcome these inequalities. I hope to be a resource and a mentor to encourage others to pursue professional careers, specifically in medicine, and help others overcome the social inequalities. |
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John Chancellor
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 My name is John Chancellor and I grew up in a small town in southern Alabama. After graduating with a degree in Neuroscience from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), I served as a secondary school teacher in Mozambique for two years with the U.S. Peace Corps. Some of my most rewarding experiences in that role were encouraging and empowering several of my students to pursue higher education and helping connect them to resources for them to carve out their own path to success. I plan to bring that same energy to my students in YPI to excite and inspire them to pursue careers in medicine. |
Georgia Institute of Technology
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Mathew Mosgrove Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2020 My name is Matthew Mosgrove, and I am an M2 at Emory University School of Medicine. I am excited to be a part of YPI, and I think that it is vitally important to equip and empower young students to strive for their goals. This program is a fun opportunity to serve students and provide resources for intelligent, hard-working individuals. |
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Lena Chu
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 My name is Lena Chu, and I graduated from Georgia Tech in 2018 before coming to Emory. As an M1 student, I have decided to join YPI because I want to inspire and encourage students to pursue their interest in medicine. I hope that I may serve as a resource for students with a passion for medicine, and I look forward to serving my community. |
Clark Atlanta University
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Neal Shukla Medical Student Morehouse school of Medicine Class of 2022 I decided to join YPI, because I wanted to encourage students to continue pursuing their passion for medicine and remind them of what they are working towards amid the arduous journey of college and applying to medical school. |
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Alexandra Caldwell Medical Student Morehouse School of Medicine Class of 2022 As a former high school science teacher, I developed a passion for educating, mentoring, and building meaningful relationships with my students by continuously uplifting and inspiring them. Serving as a YPI leader will allow me to integrate my passions for medicine, educating, and mentoring to inspire tomorrow's future doctors. |
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Leslie Gabrielle Carter
Medical Student Morehouse School of Medicine Class of 2023 My name is Leslie Carter and I completed a Bachelor's in Art (painting) at Mercer University in 2018. I have spent several years teaching art for a non-profit organization, Peach Place in Macon, Ga. My path to medical school was different from my peers, in fact I believe that it is different for every student. As a non-traditional medical student, I hope that I can be someone who will encourage other students to find their unique quality that they will bring to the field of medicine. Most importantly, I want to serve as a mentor who can help students navigate their path to medical school. |
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Shriya Tanti
Medical Student Morehouse School of Medicine Class of 2023 My name is Shriya Tanti and I am currently a medical student at Morehouse School of Medicine. As a first-generation student, I understand how difficult it can be to navigate through the path to medical school when you don’t have access to mentors or networks in the medical field. I joined YPI because of its mission to make medical mentorship a possibility for all and I greatly look forward to motivating and supporting students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. |
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Malik Nelson
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 I am from Detroit, MI and am the very first alumnus of Jackson State University, one of the largest HBCUs in the nation, to attend Emory University School of Medicine. Growing up below the poverty line and without a father in the home, I know the obstacles people from a background like mine face every day. It is my intention to inspire those in my community with backgrounds like mine to pursue medicine and be the change they want to see. |
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Carlton “Garrett” Smith
Medical Student Morehouse School of Medicine Class of 2023 |
Agnes Scott College
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Michaela Henderson
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 I am originally from Marysville, Ohio, and completed my Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry at Washington University in St. Louis before beginning medical school at Emory. Growing up in a rural area, I did not readily gain exposure to medicine, but I was fortunate enough to find several key mentors who helped me realize my passion for patient care and aid me in the process of applying to medical school. I am excited to serve a similar role for other students through YPI and to help them explore their interests and navigate their career goals. |
YPI Middle School (pilot)
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Mary Pelling
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 My name is Mary Pelling, and I am a first-year medical student at Emory. Prior to medical school, I went to Duke University for my undergraduate and majored in biomedical engineering. I then worked for Abbott for six years in cardiac medical technology. I loved my job so much that it inspired me to become a physician! I am the first in my family to pursue medicine and I am excited to share my journey with young students and hopefully inspire them. YPI offers wonderful support, mentorship, and encouragement for young students interested in a future in medicine. I am excited to work with the middle school students and co-YPI leaders! |
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Kester Gibbons
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 My names is Kester Gibbons and I am medical student at Emory University. I graduated from Lehigh University with a Bachelor's Degree in Biology in 2017. I have an interest in Cardiology or Emergency Medicine and would eventually like to work with immigrant populations in whatever field I choose. I speak Spanish but my family is originally from Guyana |
Doctor for a Day conference
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Doctor for a Day Director
Seema Mustafa Medical Student Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine class of 2020 Before I entered medical school I struggled with finding everything out on my own; How to apply, what courses to take, how to get involved in research, you name it! Having had no one around me in medicine, there were many times where I felt alone in the arduous process. Through finding and establishing my own mentors I wished to help others find their mentors in their own respective fields. Young Physicians Initiative is an extraordinary program developed by one of my own former mentors, Dr. Heval Kelli. The minute I had a chance to collaborate with Dr. Kelli and his incredible team of young professionals, I knew I had to be apart of their mission of mentoring the next generation on their path towards medicine. It has been an honor working with and now joining the YPI team. Serving others and giving back to my community has truly been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had the privilege to partake in. |
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Christine Bethencourt
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 My name is Christine Bethencourt, and I attended the University of Florida for my undergraduate studies where I pursued degrees in Biology and Psychology. I am originally from Miami, Florida and as a first-generation Cuban American in my family, I feel extremely honored to be at Emory for my medical education. Throughout my life, I have been blessed with an abundance of support from mentors and family as I pursued my aspirations of becoming a doctor, and I am so excited to work with YPI to encourage and guide students while they attain their goals. |
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Umaymah Mohammad
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 I was born in South Dakota, but have lived in many places since then. I am an M1 in the MD/PhD program in Anthropology, and my research interest is in confronting structural violence as a physician, racialization processes in Western societies, and health equity broadly. Most recently, I came from Indianapolis where I attended undergrad at Indiana-University Purdue-University of Indianapolis and studied Neuroscience and Political Science. I also spent over 5 years as a community organizer there, mobilizing and educating communities around Islamophobia, Palestine, racism, militarism, and other structures of oppression. Along with that work, I founded a grassroots organization that empowered Muslim youth in the local community to resist Islamophobia, and a part of that was beginning a scholarship mentoring program to teach young people how to organize in their communities. Being a part of my community and working to uplift marginalized folk is central to why I entered medicine, and to learn from my community to know what health equity should look like. |
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Simon Akhnoukh
Medical Student Emory University School of Medicine Class of 2023 My name is Simon Akhnoukh. I grew up in Tampa, Florida before attending Washington University in St. Louis where I studied Biochemistry and Economics. My parents are both immigrants from the Middle East, and they always encouraged me and my two younger sisters to pursue the plentiful opportunities for higher education that are available here in the states. I joined YPI because I want to extend the same guidance that I was given by my parents and mentors. I spent a few years working with high school students coming from similar backgrounds as myself, and I hope to continue working with bright, high school students. |