2025 Match Day and Ramon Scholarship Awardees
This March 2025, we celebrated the remarkable achievements of our Filipinx American medical community, spotlighting those who have successfully matched into residency programs and the distinguished recipients of the CYFAM Mr. Ramon Niango Ramos Conference Scholarship. This scholarship, named in honor of Mr. Ramon Niango Ramos—a visionary whose perseverance and dedication continue to inspire future generations—supports medical trainees in their leadership and educational journeys.
From first-generation pre-medical students to dual-degree changemakers, this year’s Match Day and Scholarship recipients embody the brilliance, resilience, and diversity of our CYFAM community. Whether pursuing careers in primary care, surgery, pediatrics, or emergency medicine, they carry forward our shared legacy and pave the way for future generations.
2025 Match Day Celebrants
Left to Right: Top Row 1-7, Bottom Row 8-14.
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Phonetic Pronunciation: Keh-n-jee Cah-bah-hug*
I did neuroscience as my undergraduate degree and went straight to medical school at the Medical College of Georgia. A lot of my leadership roles and passion projects were in rheumatology, LGBTQ+ and HIV/PrEP advocacy. Still keeping an open mind, but interested in PICU or PEM.
Current Institution: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Matched Into: Pediatrics at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C.
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Phonetic Pronunciation: Stephanie Lee-Bon Cuh-Call*
I graduated with my undergrad and master’s in public health. I worked various jobs in the medical field including ED scribe, MA, and medical transcriptionist, and did a lot of volunteering, which I believe really helped me get into med school even with a poor MCAT score. Medical school was HARD as someone who was out of school for over a year and had a non-science educational background—I failed some exams, but I passed every block and board exam. In the future, I plan to be someone’s primary care provider here in Hawai’i and continue to serve my community in and outside the clinic.
Current Institution: A.T. Still University - Arizona
Matched Into: Family Medicine at University of Hawai’i
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Phonetic Pronunciation: Kris-Chen Bry-en Cuh-dai Cuh-dah-lee*
I left the paradise of Honolulu to pursue a B.S. in Biology at the University of San Francisco. My journey then took me to Los Angeles, where I worked in medically-adjacent roles at RadNet and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, fueling my passion for healthcare. After years of dedication, I was excited to be accepted into Western University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. Medical school tested me academically and personally, balancing studies with leadership roles including Vice President of the Hawaiian Islands Cultural Club and Dermatology Interest Group, and now Co-Chair of the CYFAM Publicity Committee. I envision practicing in Southern California, raising a family, and giving back to the programs that supported me.
Current Institution: Western University of Health Sciences
Matched Into: Internal Medicine at University of California, Riverside
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Phonetic Pronunciation: Mel kuh Lee kuh*
Med school has been a long, emotional journey but one filled with purpose—learning to care for patients and advocate for underrepresented communities. Originally from Southern California, I studied sociology at Northwestern, worked at Disneyland during my gap years, and pursued my medical education at Tufts. I look forward to providing family care in California, with future plans to train in addiction medicine.
Current Institution: Tufts University
Matched Into: Family Medicine at University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
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Phonetic Pronunciation: jawn crooz*
I immigrated from the Philippines at a young age and grew up in Bakersfield, CA. My early experiences in disaster response with the Red Cross and my local Fire Academy instilled a passion for resilience-building in underserved populations. At UCSF, I continued this work through leadership in student government and free clinics, and by mentoring youth to strengthen disaster preparedness programs. I’m committed to a career in Disaster Medicine and humanitarian work—serving both local and international communities with compassion and intention.
Current Institution: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Matched Into: Emergency Medicine at Harvard
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Phonetic Pronunciation: Cow-Dee Cuh-loom-brez*
I was born and raised in the Philippines and immigrated to the U.S. at age 16. I graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, then worked as a research associate at Caltech and Harbor-UCLA before entering medical school at William Carey University in Mississippi. I took a research year at the National Cancer Institute at the NIH, where I discovered my passion for oncology, and completed clinical rotations in Queens, NY, focused on equitable cancer care. I aspire to become an academic radiation oncologist advancing precision therapies, reducing disparities, and mentoring future leaders in global oncology.
Current Institution: William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine
Matched Into: Transitional Year at Alta Bates Summit (Oakland, CA) and Radiation Oncology at Emory University
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Phonetic Pronunciation: loo-ee-gee por-shoon-koo-lah gon-za-les
My journey to medical school was driven by my experience battling cancer. During my junior year of high school, I underwent chemotherapy for 7 months. After that, no challenge—whether it was OChem or the MCAT—felt insurmountable. Medical school brought new hurdles, but once I discovered my specialty, I focused my energy on what truly brought me joy. I aspire to become a cancer rehab physician who helps patients reclaim their lives, just as my own doctors and therapy team did for me.
Current Institution: University of California, Irvine, School of Medicine
Matched Into: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at University of Washington
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Phonetic Pronunciation: Mary-con Knee-Cole Ver-Lind chin Gee-ro
I worked at Kaiser for a year before entering medical school—and even after getting accepted, I doubted whether to go. I’m so glad I chose to believe in myself. Medical school was a rollercoaster that pushed me to see myself beyond a profession. I faced challenges, discovered inner strength, and found deep joy—including meeting my fiancé. I hope to live a healthy, happy, and fulfilled life in and outside of medicine.
Current Institution: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Matched Into: Internal Medicine at UCLA Health
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Phonetic Pronunciation: As spelled
I initially considered becoming a physical therapist but wanted more autonomy in my patients’ health journeys. I came to realize that my biggest barrier to medical school was myself. I spent most of my training in Scranton (yes—The Electric City!) and found joy in caring for my future patient population, especially through adaptive rock climbing. I plan to open a rehabilitation facility and incorporate procedural care into my practice.
Current Institution: A.T. Still University - Arizona
Matched Into: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UCLA Health
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Phonetic Pronunciation: Ashlee JOE-n Ah-GAH-han Ma-ka-LEE-no
Before medical school, I earned a B.S. in Biology from UCLA and was involved in Samahang Pilipino, community mentorship, and neuroscience research. I worked as a child development assistant delivering multimodal therapies and was honored with multiple fellowships for my work studying neural learning in Noonan syndrome. In medical school, I served as CYFAM Northeast Regional Chair, Publicity Co-Chair, and Education Co-Chair, and conducted research on the hidden curriculum in neurology education. I aspire to become a clinician-educator in child neurology, combining inpatient care, curriculum development, and culturally centered education.
Current Institution: University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry
Matched Into: Child Neurology at Stanford Medicine
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Phonetic Pronunciation: keh-vin Ray-es
My journey to medical school has been one filled with embracing the unknown. I’m incredibly grateful for those who supported me and for the opportunity to follow my passion for medicine. Medical school has been a time of curiosity, compassion, exploration, grief, and growth—all of which shaped how I will care for others as a resident. I aspire to become a hematologist/oncologist focused on clinical/translational research and mentorship, especially for those underrepresented in medicine.
Current Institution: University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
Matched Into: Internal Medicine at UCSF
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Phonetic Pronunciation: Mat Rahd-REE-gehz
Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, I studied Clarinet Performance and Microbiology at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. At Sidney Kimmel Medical College, I devoted myself to JeffHOPE, a clinic for unhoused individuals in Philadelphia, and served on the Anti-Racism in Health Curriculum Committee. With CYFAM, I’ve cherished the opportunity to co-lead education efforts for the Filipinx community. I look forward to a career in academic family medicine, where I can teach, mentor, and promote health equity for marginalized communities.
Current Institution: Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson University
Matched Into: Family Medicine at UCSF
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Phonetic Pronunciation: Jazz-min Sahn-toes
I chose to attend medical school in the Philippines to reconnect with my roots and better understand the country’s healthcare system—an experience deeply shaped by my participation in medical and surgical missions during undergrad. Though fluent in Tagalog, I still had to re-learn how to live in Manila, and I’m thankful for the resilience and friendships that emerged. I plan to reapply to OB/GYN programs next cycle and pursue global women’s health as both a physician and researcher.
Current Institution: University of the Philippines, Manila, College of Medicine
Matched Into: Preliminary Surgery at Kaweah Health
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Phonetic Pronunciation: KAY-lub so-LIV-ee-oh
Since eighth grade, I’ve known I wanted to be a doctor. I earned my degree from UCLA in physiological sciences and integrative biology, and during my gap year in pediatrics, I came to appreciate the power of long-term patient care. Though I first leaned toward interventional radiology, I discovered vascular surgery combined procedural excellence with the continuity I valued. I hope to return to California to serve the communities that raised me and mentor future vascular surgeons.
Current Institution: California University of Science and Medicine
Matched Into: Vascular Surgery at Cleveland Clinic
Inaugural CYFAM Ramos Scholars
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Medical Student (PRIME-US) – University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
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Katherine Chua embodies the heart of the CYFAM Ramos Scholarship through their sustained leadership, cultural humility, and commitment to health equity. As a 1.5-generation Filipinx American and first in their family to pursue medicine, their path has been shaped by navigating systems with limited guidance and finding strength through community. Their deep involvement in CYFAM—from its early days during the pandemic to coordinating national conferences—demonstrates commitment and growth, evolving from mentee to mentor and advocate. With a clear understanding of Filipinx Americans' barriers, from structural data invisibility to cultural stigmas like bahala na, they bring both lived experience and insight to their work.
Now a medical student passionate about oncology, they aspire to return to Los Angeles to deliver culturally tailored care and co-create community-driven cancer screening and prevention programs. Their responses reflect emotional intelligence, strategic thinking, and a vision grounded in partnership, equity, and cultural resonance.
Katherine is not only prepared to excel as a physician—they are already building the kind of future our community deserves.
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BSc in Human Biology – University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
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Angeline Blancia is a powerful example of resilience transformed into purpose. Growing up in a low-income household facing food insecurity, she not only navigated those challenges but has used them as the foundation for her advocacy in health equity and nutrition education. From early volunteer work to clinical roles in underserved communities, she’s carried those lived experiences forward with intention. As a scribe and head trainer, she not only led with empathy but wove health literacy and cultural humility into training new team members. Her understanding of systemic barriers—particularly how food insecurity and cultural disconnects impact Filipinx patients—comes from a place of deep personal insight and professional clarity.
Her journey reveals maturity and heart, especially in her reflections on mentorship and community empowerment. Angeline’s vision isn’t just about becoming a doctor—it’s about creating spaces of belonging and agency for others like her. Her passion for culturally sensitive care and her commitment to uplifting others through mentorship reflect the values at the core of CYFAM.
Angeline has already laid the groundwork for meaningful change and is poised to deepen her impact as a compassionate and community-rooted physician leader.
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Medical Student – A.T. Still University in Arizona
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Juben Angelo Saez brings a grounded, authentic voice to his pursuit of medicine—one shaped by self-discovery, service, and an unwavering commitment to underserved communities. His journey has been anything but linear, marked by bold exploration—from nearly pursuing professional soccer to seriously considering other careers. Yet through immersive experiences in global health, particularly with Rocky Point Medical Clinics, he found clarity in his purpose. His writing reveals a steady realism; he does not overstate or romanticize his goals, but rather reflects thoughtfully on what he’s seen, what he’s capable of now, and what he’s building toward.
At the heart of his vision is a deep investment in global health equity, especially in the Philippines. His plan to build a sustainable clinic model, informed by both his leadership in the Global Health Honor Society and his work with community health initiatives, is ambitious but deeply personal. Juben is already putting in the work—joining missions, building networks, and learning from mentors like those he connected with at the 2025 CYFAM Conference. What stands out is not just what he wants to do, but how he’s getting there: step by step, skill by skill, and always with community in mind.
Juben is on his way to becoming the kind of physician who leads with humility, cultural awareness, and a genuine desire to serve.
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Staff Research Associate– UCLA Health
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Gabriel Ordonez stands out as a powerful and poetic voice. His writing is not only eloquent, but deeply intentional—each response reads like a call to action, grounded in lived experience, cultural reflection, and scientific vision. Gabriel brings a unique dual lens to medicine: the heart of a community-rooted healer and the mind of an aspiring physician-scientist. Whether reflecting on his father’s A1c levels over dinner or envisioning a nationwide Filipinx research consortium, he draws clear connections between personal memory, community needs, and systems-level change. His journey reflects not only great thoughtfulness, but a rare kind of clarity: he knows exactly why he’s here, and who he’s here for.
His vision for a Filipinx-led research consortium, paired with a commitment to NIH-funded work in cardiovascular and metabolic disease, speaks to his desire to uplift an entire community—both in representation and in health outcomes. He comes with his grounded perspective, his commitment to culturally competent care, and his ability to translate both scientific knowledge and cultural nuance into actionable plans.
Gabriel isn’t just seeking a seat at the table—he’s building new ones, rooted in collaboration, equity, and representation. He is already shaping into the kind of physician-leader our community has long needed: bold, brilliant, and deeply anchored in kapwa.
