CHSu-COM
Student organizations
COM Student Government Association (COM SGA)
The CHSU-COM SGA and its committees shall be the official communicative and mediating voice for the students with the faculty and administration and all outside agencies. It is established to uphold CHSU-COM and its mission in all aspects. While it is committed, accessible, and responsible to the student body, it is not meant to usurp communication between administration and individual classes on intra-class matters, or between clubs and their national bodies.
Students in the CHSU Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) program are welcome to participate as members of a student organization marked with an asterisk (*). MSBS students will not be able to join DO specific student organizations.
2023-2024 OFFICERS
- President: Donia Javidi (Class of 2026)
- Vice President: Ikroop Miglani (Class of 2026)
- Secretary/Historian: DoKyum Kim (Class of 2026)
- Treasurer: Julius Vo (Class of 2026)
- OMS-IV Class President: Varsha Swamy (Class of 2024)
- OMS-IV Class Vice President: Saumya Shah (Class of 2024)
- OMS-III Class President: Omar Popal (Class of 2025)
- OMS-III Class Vice President: Cade Fountain (Class of 2025)
- OMS-II Class President: Brian Tran (Class of 2026)
- OMS-II Class Vice President: Kelly Huynh (Class of 2026)
- OMS-I Class President: TBA (Class of 2027)
- OMS-I Class Vice President: TBA (Class of 2027)
CHSU-COM Student Organizations
Advanced Human Anatomy Club (AHAC)*
The mission of the Advanced Human Anatomy Club is to provide opportunities and experiences allowing passionate medical students to further their knowledge of the human body. Our vision is to fortify our anatomical knowledge while simultaneously working alongside the future and current medical professionals of the Central Valley.
President: Natalie Yousef (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Daniel Mortensen (Class of 2026)
American Colleges of Osteopathic Surgeons-Medical Student Session (ACOS-MSS)*
The purpose of this organization is to represent and educate future osteopathic surgeons through local chapters of ACOS-MSS. This includes:
- Increasing the understanding of osteopathic principles in relationship to disease in the practice of surgery.
- Helping to promote education and interest in the field of surgery, including gowning and gloving, scrubbing, sterile technique, suturing and tying techniques, operating room behavior, instrumentation, universal precautions, osteopathic manipulative management of the surgical patient, pre and post-operative management of surgical patients, and surgical documentation; and
- Providing a forum for discussion amongst students and surgeons.
President: Mary Kocharyan (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Lilian Reddivalam (Class of 2026)
American Medical Association (AMA-MSS)*
The AMA is a nationwide membership organization that empowers medical students, residents and physicians in patient care, advocacy, innovation and education. The AMA-MSS supports medical students at accredited MD and DO schools across the nation. Its goal is to connect students to resources, education and networking opportunities all along the cutting edge of medicine. Programming will be geared towards bringing in compelling speakers to address relevant topics in health care, organizing educational workshops, and generating networking opportunities with other students and physicians. Another aim of this group is to allow members to interact with fellow medical students for social and career networking. Policy-writing will also be incorporated; our goal will be to develop and write resolutions and review resolutions with other schools from around the country. Additionally, our goal will be to present at AMA conferences, which will allow students to interact with other AMA members by presenting research at national meetings.
Chair: Matinder Dhillon (Class of 2026)
Vice Chair: Cortland Jell (Class of 2026)
American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA)*
American Medical Women’s Association (AMWA) membership is comprised of physicians, residents, medical students, pre-medical students, health care professionals, and supporters. AMWA is the oldest multispecialty organization dedicated to advancing women in medicine and improving women’s health. Its vision is a healthier world where women physicians achieve equity in the medical profession and realize their full potential. The mission is to advance women in medicine, advocate for equity, and ensure excellence in health care.
President: Andrea Martinez (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Ginny Mehrok (Class of 2026)
American Society of Anesthesiologists – CHSU Student Chapter*
The purpose of this club shall be to organize, educate, and lead the students of our school to whatever personal goals they have pertaining to the field of anesthesiology. We students of the American Society of Anesthesiologists at CHSU pledge to come together and foster a cooperative, friendly, and professionally valuable environment through which students can pursue their interests and dreams within anesthesiology.
President: Saumya Shah (Class of 2024)
Vice President: Duo Lee (Class of 2026)
Armenian Student Association at CHSU*
This student organization is established to connect CHSU-COM students with the Armenian community of medical professionals as well as the general Armenian population in Fresno. In addition, its purpose is also to engage the entire university community in open cultural events, and fundraisers for Armenian Charities. We will also work to teach the students of CHSU-COM about the Armenian culture through participation in the cultural day, providing information about the Armenian Genocide, and any other opportunities we have to share our culture.
President: Volodia Muradyan (Class of 2024)
Vice President: Karina Basmajian (Class of 2024)
Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA)
The Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association (APAMSA) at CHSU-COM aims to address matters pertaining to Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities. This includes a strong focus on promoting health and welfare within AANHPI communities in addition to bringing cultural awareness of such communities to CHSU-COM.
President: TBA
Vice President: TBA
Association of Women Surgeons*
The CHSU COM chapter of the Association of Women Surgeons exists to inspire, encourage, and enable aspiring women surgeons to realize their professional and personal goals through support, networking, and mentorships in order to achieve equity, effectiveness, and professional development for women entering surgical specialties.
President: Emily Yan (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Elena Metchikoff (Class of 2026)
Cardiovascular Interest Group*
The goal of the Cardiovascular Interest Group (CVIG) is to expose future physicians at CHSU to the exciting, diverse field of cardiology at an early stage of their training. In order to achieve this, we aim to host guest speakers to discuss different cardiovascular specialties, a variety of workshops (i.e., EKG and ultrasound workshops), help facilitate shadowing opportunities, and host mixers for students, faculty, and cardiovascular physicians. We hope this group will spark an interest in pursuing a career path in one of the cardiology specialties to balance the growing need for cardiologists both in the clinical and research realms.
President: Megason Hill (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Nina Aghakhani (Class of 2026)
Christian Medical Dental Association*
CMDA provides an avenue for medical students to engage with God and the Christian faith in the midst of medical school, including fostering a strong community among medical students and network with local Central Valley healthcare professionals. We hope that students will be able to see how faith intersects with and informs their practice of medicine. Throughout the years past, CMDA offers students opportunities to grow spiritually and professionally through guest speaker events, bible studies, and healthcare/missions conferences. Everyone is invited and welcome to join!
President: Daniel Mortensen (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Alexa Truong (Class of 2026)
Dermatology Interest Group*
Dermatology Interest Group at CHSU-COM is open to all students interested in pursuing or simply learning more about Dermatology. We aim to provide resources and experiences to help others explore the field of Dermatology and provide a competitive edge in residency applications. Members will have exclusive access to physician interviews, research opportunities, skills workshops, and more. DIG also aim to connect with the local community to raise awareness about the importance of skin care and regular skin cancer screenings.
President: Justin Flores (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Sara Zalekian (Class of 2026)
DO Care Club
DOCARE is an international medical outreach organization committed to empowering under-resourced communities around the world with sustainable health care and education. As a club, we strive to learn about the unique aspects of global outreach, cultural and social determinants of health, and ways to contribute as medical students and future physicians. We offer opportunities to participate in short-term service trips as well as global rotation sites.
President: Courtney Hua (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Benjamin Falkenstein (Class of 2026)
Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG)*
CHSU Emergency Medicine Interest Group (EMIG) is an organization dedicated to exposing medical students to the exciting field of Emergency Medicine by having students engage with the field through clinical, research, and simulation settings. Our ultimate goal is to cultivate interest in this specialty by hosting various events (including hands-on activities), networking members with EM physicians, and to provide experiences that will ultimately fortify confidence in our student members.
President: Nina Aghakhani (Class of 2026)
Vice President: DoKyum (Will) Kim (Class of 2026)
Internal Medicine Interest Group*
Our mission is to promote the dissemination of information relative to how to pursue Internal Medicine career and to provide opportunities for CHSU medical students who are interested in Internal Medicine field to give back to their community (i.e., through service). Our goal is also to represent CHSU medical students who are interested in Internal Medicine field as a group within the health care community and to be a resource for information on matters related to Internal Medicine and its residency. Our aim is also to help in developing CHSU medical students’ skills and knowledge to be ready for Internal Medicine rotation and/or residency.
President: David Ghaly (Class of 2025)
Vice President: Brandon De Guzman (Class of 2025)
Latino Medical Student Association (LMSA)*
The Latino Medical Student Association exists to unite and empower current and future physicians through service, mentorship, and education to advocate for the improved health of the Hispanic & Latina/o/x community in the United States.
President: Jonathan Lemus (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Kimberly Ochoa (Class of 2026)
Lavender Alliance (LA)*
The Lavender Alliance (LA) is a social and educational organization dedicated to raising familiarity of the unique health issues that LGBTQ+ individuals face and how we as physicians may deal with them supportively and helpfully. The LA also serves as a safe, accepting, and inclusive social environment for CHSU medical students and staff who are LGBTQ+ or otherwise interested in queer health issues.
President: Brian Tran (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Jennifer Tasarz (Class of 2026)
Muslim Student Association*
The Muslim Student Association aims to strengthen the Muslim community through service and activism by educating the community about the religion of Islam and facilitating open dialogues with our peers.
President: Omar Popal (Class of 2025)
Vice President: Hamza Rana (Class of 2026)
OB/GYN Interest Group*
The OB/GYN Interest Group provides education and resources for those interested in learning more about women’s health. We strive to expand each person’s knowledge of women’s health regardless of their future residency program through simulation days, workshops, and presentations from OB/GYNs and other birth workers. Additionally, we provide unique opportunities for those looking to pursue a career in OB/GYN as we function under the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.
President: Tara Andrade (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Rosemarie Majdalani (Class of 2026)
Oncology Interest Group*
OSIG at CHSU will provide students at CHSU-COM with the opportunity to experience the field of oncology. This organization hopes to not only introduce students to oncology but provide them with firsthand experience in the field through shadowing opportunities. OSIG hopes to explore clinical, surgical, and radiation oncology.
President: Wendy Shang (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Ahsan Lakhani (Class of 2026)
Orthopedics/Sports Medicine Interest Group*
The Orthopedics/Sports Medicine Interest Group will host informational sessions in which physicians from these fields will share their academic journey, current roles and responsibilities, and the physician-athlete/patient relationship. The interest group will also host athlete/patient guest speakers who are willing to share their sports-related injuries, journey to recovery, and the relationship they have with their medical staff. The organization is also working on creating off-campus activities to help its members gain valuable experience in the workplace to better prepare them for rotation and residency.
President: Emily Yan (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Cameron DeLaere (Class of 2026)
Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons of California – CHSU Chapter
Osteopathic Physicians & Surgeons of California (OPSC) focuses on advancing and supporting osteopathic physicians in California by engaging, educating, and advocating for the osteopathic profession. Students have a voice in the future of the osteopathic profession through representation on the OPSC Board of Directors. OPSC provides students with opportunities to connect with physicians across California through Continuing Medical Education (CME) seminars, clinical preceptorships, and guidance from physician mentors. OPSC is a chartered divisional society of the American Osteopathic Association (AOA).
President: Aneet Grewal (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Gabriella Heitmann (Class of 2026)
Pediatric Interest Group*
The Pediatrics Interest Group strives to introduce students to the world of pediatrics, as well as provide opportunities within the community for service, learning, and clinical experiences. Through collaboration with other student organizations and community health organizations, we plan to make this group an outlet for those who are interested in learning more about pediatric medicine while making a beneficial impact in our community.
President: Aneet Grewal (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Ayesha Dhar (Class of 2026)
Psychiatric Interest Group*
The Psychiatry Interest Group at CHSU-COM aims to help students discover the field of psychiatry, explore their interests within the field, and create connections with psychiatrists and residency programs. We further aim to introduce the community of Fresno County to the field of psychiatry by creating opportunities for outreach within the community.
President: Akshay Sharma (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Navleen Brar (Class of 2026)
Radiology Student Club*
The Radiology Interest Club is a student-run organization at CHSU-COM. Our mission is to provide medical students with an opportunity to explore the exciting field of radiology and gain hands-on experience in various imaging modalities. The club hosts a variety of events and activities throughout the year, including guest lectures by radiologists, tours of radiology departments, and workshops on image interpretation. Radiology is a rapidly evolving field with exciting developments in areas such as artificial intelligence and personalized medicine. Joining the Radiology Interest Club is a great way to stay informed and prepare for a career in this dynamic and important specialty.
Our club welcomes students of all levels and backgrounds, and we encourage anyone with an interest in radiology to join us. Membership is open to all students enrolled in the CHSU-COM community and it offers a great opportunity to network with peers and learn more about the specialty.
President: Pooya Ganjali (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Michael Jones (Class of 2025)
Sigma Sigma Phi Chapter at CHSU
Sigma Sigma Phi (SSP) is an honor society for osteopathic medical students at CHSU-COM. The society was founded in 1921 in Kirksville, MO, to recognize and promote academic excellence and leadership among students and foster community among its members. SSP is dedicated to promoting the principles and ideals of the osteopathic medical profession. The focus of SSP is on service to the community and the osteopathic profession at large. All members have a service requirement or risk expulsion from the honor society. Society members regularly participate in volunteer activities such as health screenings, tutoring, mentoring programs, and service projects that benefit the community at large.
SSP provides its members with professional development and networking opportunities. The society hosts guest speakers and panel discussions on various topics related to the osteopathic medical profession, as well as workshops and other events to help members develop the skills, they will need to be successful in their future careers. When inducted into SSP, students gain a sense of belonging in the community of leadership and academic excellence within their profession, honing their skills and developing valuable professional connections that will last a lifetime.
President: Emmanuel Ho (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Ryan Bae (Class of 2026)
Simulation Club
The SIM club hopes to promote accessibility to simulated medical training for our student body and our community as a whole. This organization will provide students with the training on how to design and run simulations as well as obtain additional opportunities to practice simulation scenarios and clinical skills.
President: Valerie Pena (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Elena Metchikoff (Class of 2026)
Student American Academy of Osteopathy (SAAO)
The SAAO is a national organization dedicated to improving student understanding of osteopathic principles, theories, and practice. Become a founding member of the CHSU chapter and join our growing community of students interested in practicing and learning more about osteopathic manipulative medicine.
Members will have priority access to club hosted community engagement/networking events and OMT workshops, as well as access to discounted osteopathic and biomedical education resources (Boards and Beyond, Kaplan, Picmonic, etc.). Students with exceptional interest and/or proficiency in osteopathic medicine will have leadership and teaching opportunities as officers, event coordinators, and mock practical proctors.
President: Patrick Baguyam (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Arielle Radparvar (Class of 2026)
Student Art Club (Art-ery)*
Artery’s mission is to provide CHSU medical students a creative outlet and safe environment to express themselves and explore the visual arts with the greater aim of fostering a welcoming community and creative, empathetic physicians. Students will have the opportunity to create artistic works during art sessions and club events, allowing them the ability to develop their artistic skills, integrate creativity with their medical studies, and support their mental well-being.
President: Naqiyah Qadir (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Andrea Martinez (Class of 2026)
Student Association of American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (SAACOFP)
The Student Association of American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians (SAACOFP) is a family medicine interest group that strives to promote excellence among CHSU-COM students, educate students on the family medicine specialty, support students who are interested in pursuing the specialty, and promoting preventive medicine in the Central Valley. The club is free to join and open to all students! Come be a part of the SAACOFP family!
President: Krishan Joshi (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Ranvir Johal (Class of 2026)
Student Chapter of the Military Association of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (SAMOPS)
The CHSU-COM SAMOPS student organization will provide members with information on military medicine in general, HPSP (and other military/government scholarships), and how one can get involved without being military. Members can participate in and facilitate fundraisers for veteran support societies as well as military-oriented events on campus! Physicians from various military branches are brought in as guest speakers for members to learn more about military medicine.
President: Steven Frediani (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Robert Palacios (Class of 2026)
Student Interest Group in Neurology*
The Students Interest Group in Neurology provides students with research experiences in the field of neurology. The club aims to expose students to the various subspecialties within neurology, such as neurosurgery, neuropsychology, and neuromuscular disorders, and to provide them with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the field. Additionally, the club will provide students with information and guidance on how to become an ideal candidate for a neurology residency, including academic and research requirements, networking opportunities, and other relevant information. Joining this club will give students a strong foundation in neurology, as well as the knowledge and skills to pursue a career in the field.
President: Likitha Aradhyula (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Shriya Deshpande (Class of 2026)
Student Journal Club*
Our mission is to strengthen academic insight and improve scientific discussion in the CHSU student community.
President: Jeffrey Storm (Class of 2024)
Vice President: Likitha Aradhyula (Class of 2026)
Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA)
The Student Osteopathic Medical Association (SOMA) is the nation’s largest network of osteopathic medical students. We are an American Osteopathic Association (AOA)-affiliated, student-led and student-driven organization with direct representation to the AOA.
SOMA shall:
- Educate and prepare osteopathic leaders and advocates.
- Maintain open and transparent lines of communication to our student members as we continually adapt to the evolving needs of our members and organization.
- Advance collaborative relationships that promote osteopathic medicine in the greater healthcare community.
- Utilize our direct affiliation with the American Osteopathic Association to advance the interests and viewpoints of osteopathic medical students.
President: Sara Zalekian (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Sonia Khatri (Class of 2026)
The Vocal Chords*
The Vocal Chords at CHSU is an a cappella group composed of students and staff. Its goal is to provide the CHSU community with a vocal music outlet to improve mental health, establish a community for developing friendships, portray the school as a well-rounded organization, and promote the school’s reputation throughout the Central Valley.
President: Tara Andrade (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Ariana Vivian (Class of 2026)
Valley Mentors*
Valley Mentors at CHSU aims to conduct educational and health-based outreach to Central Valley K-12 students through two avenues: mentorship and events. Targeted mentorship programs pair local K-12 students with CHSU medical student mentors and focus on areas like personal mentorship, college readiness, STEM career advice, standardized testing tips, and general homework help. We will also organize various events for these students, including health fairs and hands-on science experiment workshops.
President: Mary Kocharyan (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Ranvir Johal (Class of 2026)
Valley Reach Club*
Valley Reach is a student organization that is dedicated to providing two main opportunities for CHSU students including Clinical Volunteer Experiences and Community Outreach Volunteer Experiences. Students involved in Valley Reach will become more knowledgeable about the needs of the Central Valley and build clinical skills as they volunteer in the community. Valley Reach intends to collaborate with local clinical and community-based organizations to provide students with volunteer opportunities throughout their years at CHSU-COM. This club will provide its members opportunities for volunteering, leadership, clinical skills practice, and ultimately, to exemplify the values and vision of CHSU.
President: Isabella Levy (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Duo Lee (Class of 2026)
Wellness and Wilderness Medicine Club*
The Wellness and Wilderness Medicine Club is a stress-free organization that promotes health and wellness. Additionally, this club provides educational opportunities to include wilderness medicine techniques and treatments, and discussion on nutritional snacks and meals. The club plans to have its members participate in local hikes and engage the CHSU-COM and local community members of the cities of Fresno and Clovis by promoting fitness and wellness through neighborhood walks, 5k runs, nutritional snacks and meal recommendations, and other projects along the lines of wellness. We plan to collaborate with other clubs on campus, other community clubs, and students to emphasize unity and togetherness.
President: Richard Panganiban (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Arielle Radparvar (Class of 2026)
White Coats for Black Lives Student Chapter*
WC4BL aims to dismantle racism and accompanying systems of oppression in health, while simultaneously cultivating means for collective liberation that center on the needs, priorities, and self-determination of Black people and other people of color, particularly those most marginalized in our communities. (This mission statement is directly from the national White Coats for Black Lives organization, accessible here.)
President: Kasey Bishop (Class of 2026)
Vice President: Sibongile Makatani (Class of 2026)
How to Get Involved
If current students are interested in learning more about joining an organization, please visit the COM Student Government and Associations link in Brightspace. If you are interested in creating a new student organization, please contact COM Student Affairs at COMStudentAffairs@chsu.edu.