SURGERY INTEREST GROUP
AT CALIFORNIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND MEDICINE
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 2020-2021
President
JOHNSON LAY
Having lived on the west coast my whole life (both So-Cal and Seattle, WA are my homes), I am driven by the creed of "what others see as a challenge, I see an opportunity." As a medical student here at CUSM-SOM and a second lieutenant in the US Army, I committed my life to medicine and this country; I am ready to commit the same for SIG in the 2020-2021 year. After earning my B.S. in biochemistry at UCLA, I worked as a lab manager and then as an EMT in LA County during my gap years. In my allocated free time, I enjoy running marathons, hiking in the great outdoors, and practicing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu on the mats.
Vice President
JESSICA CHEUNG
I am a native of the San Gabriel Valley in LA County and a UC Irvine alumna. In my previous lives prior to medical school, I worked as a clinical research assistant, a medical assistant in Dermatology, and a lab manager of a lab in UC Irvine. I have long been interested in the field of surgery: from its grisly historical journey through some of the most incredible medical advancements to the involvement of its artistic, technical intricacies. It truly is an inspiring discipline. As vice president of SIG, I will do my best to make the organization an effective space for developing an interest and a skillset for a career in surgery.
Secretary
NATALIE LIU
Originally from the Silicon Valley, Northern California. Throughout my career, I have been involved in the musical arts, as well as sports. All these experiences have led me towards my interest the surgical field, in one way or another. My passion for surgery stems from a desire to be a creative perfectionist, as well as someone who can help save lives in a hands-on way. As the SIGEX Secretary for the 2020-2021 year, I am excited to learn and practice alongside fellow SIG members--old and new.
Treasurer
DANIELLE NGUYEN
I was born and raised in Southern California and completed my undergraduate degree at the University of California, Irvine. A handful of my previous experiences include scribing for various surgical specialties including orthopedics, cardiothoracic, vascular, and colorectal surgery, as well as performing research for the UCI Department of Surgery. Additionally, I also participated in a robotic surgery preceptorship program. I am excited to continue to explore my interest in surgery and greatly look forward to facilitating the development of current and future SIG members' interest in surgery as well.
FORMER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
CHRISTINA CHOPRA
President (2018-2020)
I’m originally from New York. I started my career in medicine as a Project Manager for a hospital in Brooklyn, where I gained a lot of experience working with a diverse group of primary and specialty care physicians. Prior to that, I was a paleoanthropologist and studied craniofacial evolution of the Homo erectus hominin species. I’ve always been interested in the sciences, but having more recently shifted to a focused goal of using my interests to help others. While still uncertain of what specialty I’d like to pursue, I look forward to a career characterized by hard working, dedicated, curious, and innovative individuals.
MICHAEL BALSZ
Vice President (2018-2019)
Born and raised throughout Southern California, I studied Geography at UCLA. Following graduation, I commissioned as an officer in the US Air Force and served as a missileer in North Dakota. I left the Air Force and lived in Virginia for awhile before moving to Florida to study all things science at the University of Central Florida. Besides surgery, I’m interested in horticulture, space exploration, and neuroscience.
CYNTHIS WONG
Secretary (2018-2020)
Hailing from Washington, I developed an interest in medicine at a young age and continued with that during my undergraduate career. I studied microbiology at the University of Washington and took a gap year to work in a microbiology research laboratory before entering medical school. As I shadowed surgical specialties during my undergraduate career, I realized I was drawn to the hands on and delicate nature of the surgeries I observed. Outside of surgery, I like to rock climb, try new restaurants, and travel.
MATT HANDMACHER
Treasurer (2018-2019); Vice-President (2019-2020)
I’m just your average med student trying to turn my nerdy love of science into a profession. I grew up nearby in San Diego, and I think I always knew the medical field was for me. I just liked the idea using knowledge to help people. I went to Georgetown University for undergrad, and while I was there, I slowly realized how much I was drawn to the surgical specialties. There’s something about the hands-on, practical learning that appeals to me. I look forward to pursuing surgical knowledge and learning all I can with SIG!