Early Career Sections

Anu Shukla, MD
Chair
Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Federal Way
Dr. Shukla is passionate about incorporating mindfulness in clinical medicine. She believes that learning from human interactions is the core art of practicing the evidence-based medicine. She is a strong advocate for her patients and their safety. Her academic interests include healthcare improvement, reducing medical errors, patient safety, and improving clinical decision-making. Her clinical interests have no limits, she particularly focuses on continually educating herself on management of substance use disorders, and well-being of sexual and gender minorities. Dr. Shukla is board-certified in Internal Medicine. She received her medical education at Bassett Medical Center/Columbia University in Cooperstown, New York with residency in Internal Medicine. She holds Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery MBBS degree from Mandya Institute of Medical Sciences, India. She has published clinical research articles in multiple medical journals. She currently works as a primary care physician at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health. Her office is located in Federal Way, WA. She enjoys hiking, dancing, and practicing yoga.

Anisha Gill, MD
Vice Chair

Kat Jong, MD, PLLC
Delegate

Zoe (Sansted) Taylor, MD, MBA
Alternate delegate
Dr. Zoe Taylor is originally from New York and graduated from Columbia University with an MD/MBA. She attended residency at the University of Washington Family Medicine Residency in Seattle, where she was also Chief Resident. She is currently a primary care physician and the Director of Operations and Informatics at the Lummi Tribal Health Center north of Bellingham. Her special interests are using Epic to improve primary care delivery and provider experience, addiction medicine including medications for opioid use disorder, and reproductive medicine including miscarriage and abortion care. She lives in Fairhaven with her husband and baby. In her free time, she enjoys seeing comedy and musical theater.

Amish J. Dave, MD, MPH
At Large (and AMA Alternate Delegate)
Rheumatologist, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Seattle
Dr. Dave completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in Russian and Eastern European history, biological sciences, and neuroscience. He completed his medical degree at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine and his internal medicine residency training at Stanford. Dr. Dave did his rheumatology fellowship at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston and completed his master's in public health at Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Dave is a rheumatologist at Virginia Mason Medical Center practicing in Seattle and on Bainbridge Island. He is a board member of the King County Medical Society Board of Trustees focused on preventing childhood lead exposure and gun violence in Washington state. He is a 2006 Humanity in Action Senior Fellow, a 2007 Sue Mercy Fellow, a member of the Senior Fellows Leadership Council, and a board member of the Humanity in Action Foundation. Dr. Dave is on a member of the Washington Rheumatology Alliance, the American College of Rheumatology, the American College of Physicians, and the Washington State Medical Association.

Elizabeth (Libby) Parker, MD
At large
Anatomic Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle
Dr. Parker is from Alaska, studied biology at Dartmouth College, graduated from the University of Washington School of Medicine, and is currently an Acting Assistant Professor with UW Medicine Laboratory Medicine & Pathology.

Jennifer Maxwell MD, MPH, FAAP
At Large
Family Medicine, Yakima Valley Farmworkers Medical-Dental Clinic, Yakima
Jennifer Maxwell MD, MPH, FAAP, is a family physician, national health service corps scholar and mother of three. She completed her MD/MPH at the University of Toledo. She then attended residency at the University of Washington where she also completed a fellowship through the Teaching Scholars program in medical education. She currently works at the Yakima Valley Farmworker’s clinic in Yakima where she serves as the clinical medical director and teaches in the Sollus Northwest Nurse Practioner Residency program. She is passionate about health equity and providing healthcare to those most in need. She is excited to be able to support new physicians entering into practice. In her spare time, she enjoys playing board games, hiking, and inventing new games with her kids.

Jose Carlos Flores Rodarte, MD
At Large
Family medicine, Health Point at SeaTac, Seattle
Dr. Flores-Rodarte was born in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and grew up in the Central Coast of California. He studied Philosophy & Biological Sciences at the University of California, Irvine before earning his M.D. and M.P.H with a focus in Global Health at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. He is currently Chief Resident at the University of Washington’s Family Medicine Residency and has interests in serving Spanish-speaking underserved populations, as well as health policy and healthcare administration.

Kristopher M. Day, MD
At large
Plastic Surgery, Athenix Body Sculpting, Seattle
From his small-town roots to Ivy League surgical training, specialization in plastic and facial surgery, and academic practice, Dr. Day’s professional journey has brought him to Athenix Body Sculpting Institute to provide exceptional care to patients in and around the Bellevue/Seattle region. He has held leadership positions within multiple professional organizations and surgical journals, has produced dozens of research conference presentations and peer-reviewed publications, and has participated in multiple service, leadership, and teaching endeavors. He looks forward to drawing on this wealth of knowledge to deliver each patient’s best outcome through a thoughtful and evidence-based approach designed to give each patient a safe and effective result. Focusing on aesthetic surgery of the body, breasts, and face, Dr. Day is dedicated to delivering the highest quality surgical care for all patients. Dr. Day loves the opportunity to address each patient’s unique concerns with a creative and personalized approach that delivers their best outcome and life enhancement. He feels there is no greater fulfillment than a happy patient feeling they’ve reached their specific goals. Dr. Day recognizing that each individual patient requires a customized plan to be their best with long-lasting natural results, and this is what he works accomplish for every patient.

Kenneth M. Foerster, MD MBA
At Large
Family Medicine, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health, Federal Way
Dr. Foerster is a board-certified family medicine physician focusing in urgent care. He earned a BS in biomedical engineering before going on to complete medical school, both at University of Washington. He completed a University of Washington affiliated family medicine residency program where he was chief resident. In practice he has worked in clinical and leadership roles focusing in urgent care for two of the largest not-for-profit medical groups in the state. He earned his MBA from Oregon Health and Sciences University and is currently the senior medical director overseeing urgent care, prompt care, and occupational medicine clinics for Virginia Mason Franciscan Health throughout the Puget sound region. Dr. Foerster is passionate about physician leadership, equity, access, and quality in healthcare. He enjoys kayaking in the sound, hiking in the cascades, playing board games with friends, and spending time with his family.

Nicolai Wohns, MD
At Large

Olabode (Bode) Akinsanya, MD
At large
Family medicine, Overlake Medical Clinics, Issaquah
Dr. Akinsanya is a board-certified family medicine physician who treats patients of all ages. He takes a patient-centered approach to delivering cost-effective, compassionate health care with an emphasis on preventive health care and a passion for treating the whole person. He believes the best care stems from a strong relationship between a patient and their doctor, with both working toward the patient's specific health goals and overall well-being.

Peter Barkett, MD
At Large (and YPS Board Trustee)
Internal Medicine, WPMG, Silverdale
Dr. Barkett earned a combined BS/MS in Molecular Biochemistry and Biophysics from Yale University. Afterwards he returned to his home state of Michigan to attend medical school at the University of Michigan. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine with the Henry Ford Health System and began work as a hospitalist at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, a tertiary care center. He relocated to Washington state with his wife and family to enjoy its natural beauty. After moving, he transitioned to clinic-based medicine with Kaiser Permanente where he sees patients and participates in leadership. Areas of focus include patient safety, quality improvement, medical policy, pharmacy and therapeutics. He currently serves as chief of outpatient Internal Medicine and strives to build effective teams and systems of care. He lives in Bremerton, WA where he raises awareness of health topics with a column in the local pater. When not working he enjoys rowing on the Puget Sound, hiking in Washington’s mountains, biking through our forests and spending time with family.

Ramana Gorrepati, MD
At Large
Ramana Gorrepati, MD is a board-certified neurosurgeon practicing at Fourth Corner Neurosurgical Associates in Bellingham, WA. He was raised in Iowa and attended Washington University in St. Louis for college and graduated with a degree in neurobiology after which he went on to medical school at the Joan & Sanford I. Weill Medical College of Cornell University. He completed his neurosurgery residency at Yale University including an enfolded spine fellowship at Yale-New Haven Hospital for additional subspecialty training in complex, minimally invasive, and robotic spine surgery. He is an active member of the North American Spine Society, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, and the Congress of Neurological Surgeons. He cares for a variety of patient populations and pathologies and always strives to bring use of the latest technologies to practice here in the Northwest. He enjoys teaching the next generation of physicians and scientists and in particular has an avid interest in the socioeconomics of neurosurgical care. Outside of medicine, he is an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves spending time in nature and seeking out the next adventure in life.

Matthew Grierson, MD
Physical medicine and rehabilitation, Seattle Spine & Sports Medicine, Seattle
WSMA Speaker of the House and AMA Delegate
Dr. Grierson is a board-certified physiatrist with subspecialty board certification in sports medicine. Dr. Grierson earned his medical degree from Boston University and completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Washington, where he also served as chief resident. Having experienced his fair share of dance-related injuries, Dr. Grierson appreciates the importance of finding a physician who understands the functional impact of an injury. He is medical director of the Clinic for Performing Artists (CoPA) at Seattle Spine and Sports Medicine and is committed to helping all patients across the spectrum of age, ability, and function. Outside of work, Dr. Grierson assists in shaping health care policy through his work with the WSMA and the American Medical Association. He co-founded a local non-profit (SeaPAM) that provides treatment to local performing artists who otherwise would not have access to care. When he has time, he loves spending time hiking or skiing in the mountains or baking decadent desserts in the kitchen.

Alex Hamling, MD
Pediatrics, Pacific Medical Center Canyon Park, Bothell
Liaison from WSMA Board of Trustees
Dr. Hamling is a board-certified pediatrician working at Pacific Medical Centers at their Bothell campus. He obtained his medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine and his MBA in Healthcare Management from the Fox School of Business at Temple University. He completed his general pediatric residency at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medicine Center. Dr. Hamling serves as PacMed's Culture of Disclosure Physician Champion for process resolution for unexpected medical outcomes during care. He is also active in quality improvement projects focused on pediatric care, including vaccination safety and screening for pediatric obesity and its related diseases. He served two years as the vice chair of the WSMA Young Physicians Section Governing Council, prior to being elected chair in 2017. He also serves on the WSMA CME Program Committee and Bylaws Committee. During his off time, he enjoys geocaching, gardening, walking with his daughter to local coffee shops and dancing (salsa, swing, tango, etc.)

Nariman Heshmati, MD
Obstetrics/gynecology, The Everett Clinic, Everett
Liaison from WSMA Executive Committee and AMA Alternate Delegate
Dr. Heshmati is a board-certified OB-GYN in Everett. He completed his residency at Vanderbilt University and now practices at The Everett Clinic, where he has served on numerous committees and retains one of the highest-volume clinical practices with a focus on high-risk obstetrics and minimally invasive surgery. He also serves as the medical director for Providence Regional Medical Center's obstetrics unit, which manages 5,000 deliveries per year. He strongly believes that physicians must stay active in advocacy and serves on WSMA's board and as chair of the Washington Medical Political Action Committee. In addition, he serves as vice chair of the Washington Section of the American College of OB-GYNs (ACOG) and is a graduate of ACOG's Cefalo Leadership Institute at UNC. Through these positions he advocates for many pieces of health care legislation.

Tony Quang, MD, JD
Radiology oncology, VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle
Liaison from WSMA Board of Trustees
Dr. Quang is a board-certified radiation oncologist who has been practicing medicine for 15 years. He treats cancer patients, teaches medical students and residents, conducts research, and reviews clinical protocols as chairman of the VA IRB. He takes care of patients at the VA Puget Sound Health Care System. He provides consulting services for risk management, medical malpractice, hospital quality improvement/peer review, entrepreneurial IT, and biotechnology start-ups working with clients to address regulatory issues in the health care community to position companies in compliance with national standards and emerging trends. As an attorney, his areas of interest include medical malpractice, contracts, clinical trials protocols, FDA regulation, and intellectual property law.

Bridget Bush, MD
Anesthesiologist, Island Hospital and Providence Regional Medical Center, Anacortes
At large
Dr. Bush is a board-certified anesthesiologist. She was born and raised in Reno, NV, completing her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry at the University of Nevada Reno. She worked for the government through the Department of Energy with the Yucca Mountain Project during college and in their High-Level Nuclear Waste Engineering at the Savannah River Site, SC before entering medical school at Tulane School of Medicine, New Orleans. She graduated in 2006 in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and started her Internship with the US Navy at the Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, Va. After internship, she attended Flight School with the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola, Fla. She then worked as a Flight Surgeon with the Electronic Attack squadrons VAQ-138/133/132 out of Naval Air Station Whidbey Island, Wash., where she completed deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. Upon resigning her active duty commission, she finally got to find a home in the Evergreen State, completing her anesthesiology residency at the Virginia Mason Medical Center. She is passionate about patient safety and appropriate reporting of unusual occurrences. When not working she enjoys reading, playing the piano, pole dancing, skiing and hiking with her husband and Greater Swiss Mountain dogs.

Valerie Fredrickson, DO
Chair
My name is Valerie Fredrickson and I am a third year family medicine resident at Trios Health. I was a military child and moved around a lot as a child. I was accepted to Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences College of Osteopathic Medicine in Yakima, WA in 2017 for my medical school training. I have a wonderful husband and 5 children who have traversed this journey with me. My family quickly fell in love with the state of Washington. I matched into family medicine at Trios Health in Kennewick, Wa in 2021, and am currently a third year family medicine resident there. I am passionate about providing quality medical care to all my patients. I believe that physicians are called to be leaders in their communities and that we have a responsibility to advocate for quality healthcare practices and support the future of medicine in our state. I feel honored to be a part of this community and will happily move forward upholding these values.

Adlai Grayson, MD
Vice Chair

Jacob Leary, MD
Delegate
Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
Dr. Leary is a native of Greencastle, Pennsylvania. He studied Psychology and Political Science at the University of Pittsburgh, followed by an Intramural Research Training Award fellowship at the National Institutes of Health. He then completed his post-baccalaureate studies at Bryn Mawr College, and earned his medical degree from the University of Colorado School of Medicine in Aurora, CO. As a current Internal Medicine resident at the University of Washington, his academic interests include drug development and clinical trials in oncology as well as gun violence prevention. Outside of medicine, he enjoys hiking, backpacking, camping, skiing, and finding any excuse to travel to a new country.

Anshuk Kakria, MD
Alternate delegate

Michelle Liang, MD
At large
Internal Medicine, Washington State University, Everett
Dr. Liang grew up in Santa Rosa, California. She completed her undergraduate degree at UCLA. Seeking a broader global perspective on healthcare delivery, she obtained her medical degree from the joint University of Queensland-Ochsner program, spanning Brisbane, Australia, and New Orleans, Louisiana. This unique educational experience equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of delivering high-quality medical care to diverse patient populations. As a current internal medicine resident at Washington State University, her interests include justice, access to universal healthcare, championing women in medicine, and AAPI advocacy. Her interests outside of medicine include exploring mountains and lakes in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, playing tennis, traveling, and trying new foods.

David Van-Thai, MD, JD
At large
I grew up in Houston, Texas, and am a 1st generation Asian American son of blue-collar parents who taught me hard work, integrity, and perseverance. Upon finishing high school, I worked in a bank before starting community college. Then I transferred to the University of St. Thomas and worked several jobs before graduating with a political science degree. After studying law at New York Law School in New York City, New York, I moved to San Francisco, California for a few years before returning to Houston to practice law and care for my aging parents. In 2008 I started my medical journey and began post-baccalaureate courses at the Houston Community College System while volunteering in the emergency room. I matriculated into UTHealth Houston McGovern Medical School in 2018. Currently, I am a first-year intern at Trios Health Family Medicine Residency Program in Kennewick, WA where I will train with learned faculty, distinguished preceptors, and amicable colleagues on how to be a capable and competent family medicine physician. My goals are to treat all my patients with the empathy, compassion, and respect that they expect and deserve. Away from medicine, I read up on current events, exercise religiously, and enjoy ocean fishing and spending time with family and friends.

Jessica Pinto, MD
At large
Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle

Kelsie Smith, MD
At large
Family Medicine, Spokane Teaching Health Clinic, Spokane

Rama Sharma, MD
At large

Rasheed Durowoju, MD
At large and Liaison from WSMA Board of Trustees
Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
Dr. Durowoju grew up in Toronto, Canada. He earned his medical degree at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, prior to joining the internal medicine residency program at University of Washington. Before medical school, he obtained a master’s in global medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. He has strong interests in global health, health policy, and ensuring appropriate baseline healthcare needs of communities are met by the systems that serve them. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Ricardo Pulido, MD
At large
Otolaryngology, University of Washington, Seattle
I was born in Neptune, New Jersey and I am the first member of my immediate family to go to college. I went to Rutgers University - New Brunswick where I majored in biological sciences. I then went to New York University School of Medicine for medical school where I earned my M.D. I am currently an Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery resident at the University of Washington where I am currently devoting 1 year research time in machine learning in sinus and skull base surgery. I enjoy playing soccer and traveling in my free time. I plan on pursuing an academic career and promoting the underserved community.

Matthew Grierson, MD
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Seattle Spine & Sports Medicine, Seattle
WSMA Speaker of the House and AMA Delegate
Dr. Grierson is a board-certified physiatrist with subspecialty board certification in sports medicine. Dr. Grierson earned his medical degree from Boston University and completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Washington, where he also served as chief resident. Having experienced his fair share of dance-related injuries, Dr. Grierson appreciates the importance of finding a physician who understands the functional impact of an injury. He is medical director of the Clinic for Performing Artists (CoPA) at Seattle Spine and Sports Medicine and is committed to helping all patients across the spectrum of age, ability, and function. Outside of work, Dr. Grierson assists in shaping health care policy through his work with the WSMA and the American Medical Association. He co-founded a local non-profit (SeaPAM) that provides treatment to local performing artists who otherwise would not have access to care. When he has time, he loves spending time hiking or skiing in the mountains or baking decadent desserts in the kitchen.

Rasheed Durowoju, MD
At large and Liaison from WSMA Board of Trustees
Internal Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle
Dr. Durowoju grew up in Toronto, Canada. He earned his medical degree at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, prior to joining the internal medicine residency program at University of Washington. Before medical school, he obtained a master’s in global medicine at the University of Southern California’s Keck School of Medicine. He has strong interests in global health, health policy, and ensuring appropriate baseline healthcare needs of communities are met by the systems that serve them. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends exploring the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Natalie Fuller
Chair

Evan Thomas
Vice Chair
Evan is a proud husband and father. Prior to medical school, he worked in EMS both internationally and domestically, and then enjoyed a six-year career as a critical care nurse, mainly working in the state of Washington. Evan decided to pursue medicine, in part, to use his past experience in various healthcare settings to advocate, via policymaking, for positive changes for patients, allied-health professionals, and physicians. He believes that while there are many challenges to overcome, it's important to remember that there are amazing people working in healthcare and there are many positive aspects to our health system.

JulieAnn Uh
At large/Secretary

Emily Simmons
At large
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima
Emily grew up in rural Nebraska and attended college at the Universities of Wyoming, Alabama, and Nebraska-Lincoln. She received her bachelor’s degree in Spanish with minors in Economics and Psychology. Leading up to medical school, she worked as the lead anesthesia technician at Children’s Hospital and Medical Center Omaha, as a volunteer Spanish medical interpreter at Healing Gift Free Clinic, and as a critical care patient care technician at Nebraska Medicine. Through these roles, she gained an appreciation for interprofessional collaboration, clinical education and mentorship, and the unique challenges present when caring for underserved communities. Her past volunteer roles include serving as an ESL citizenship course tutor, in-patient children’s rehab aide, elementary student mentor, therapeutic riding aide, and adapted athlete CrossFit coach. As a physician, she hopes to make a positive and meaningful impact in the lives of others. She is passionate about physical rehabilitation, language access, preventive care, patient education, and mentorship. As a first-year medical student at Pacific Northwest University, she is excited to advocate for fellow medical students across Washington and learn more about healthcare policy through her role with the WSMA’s Medical Student Council. Prior to medical school, she enjoyed working at a winery and as an interior design assistant. Now living in Yakima, WA, and in the midst of medical school, she enjoys biking, hiking, trying new restaurants, and traveling.

Gass Hersi
At large

Johan Velo
At large

Tianfu "Andy" Shang
At large
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima
Andy’s journey to medicine started as a child watching his grandparents care for their community in China. After relocating and graduating from high school in medically underserved Idaho, he spent a year in Germany as a junior ambassador which sparked his interest in political advocacy. After graduating from the University of Washington, he took a career detour at Amazon before being pulled back to medicine through Search and Rescue. Before matriculating to medical school, Andy worked in the emergency department at Swedish Ballard and saw first-hand the necessity to have community-based healthcare and the challenges faced by those from socially disadvantaged and minority backgrounds. He currently serves as Executive President of Student Government Association, mentors and tutored first year students, and coaches for Special Olympics in his free time. He is dedicated to advocating for the needs of medical students and pre-medical students at the local, state, and national level.

Brian Cedeño
At large
Brian went to UW for undergrad, where he majored in Public Health.. After graduating, he worked at Sea Mar CHC for four years before starting medical school as a health educator, where he had the opportunity to implement community programs and provide direct patient centered education the Latino community. He started at the UWSOM as a Community- Focused Urban Scholar Program (CUSP) student. In medical school, he has received the UWSOM Service learning award twice, and was selected as a Husky 100. He was also inducted to the UWSOM Gold Humanism Honor Society for his dedication to underserved communities.

Joely Hannan
At large
I am a fourth-year medical student from the University of Washington, Spokane Foundation Site. I am applying to OBGYN this year. I am from Snoqualmie, WA and went to Oregon State University, but have loved being back in Washington for medical school. I first got into working with health policy prior to medical school when becoming interested in health insurance reform and have remained active and interested in this through various roles in my medical school career. Outside of medicine, I love being active with running, hiking, and horseback riding.

Nicola Gerbino
At large
Nicola grew up in Shoreline and received her undergraduate degree in public health and Spanish studies from Santa Clara University. After college, she worked on an opioid education project for primary care physicians in San Francisco, where she developed an interest in harm reduction and addiction medicine. She then spent her pre-clerkship years with UWSOM in Spokane. She is now completing clerkships throughout various regions of Washington State. Witnessing diversity in access to care, continuing education, and medical resources across the state has fostered a deeper understanding of the intricacies of medical practice and fostered an interest in working to improve health inequities and patient care on a broader scale. Nicola is excited to work with other medical students from Washington and learn more about health care advocacy and policy with the WSMA’s Medical Student Section Governing Council. In her free time, she enjoys reading, spending time outdoors, and cooking with family and friends.

Brian Carlson
At large
WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane
Brian grew up in the Yakima Valley before attending Washington State University for his undergraduate degree in Kinesiology. In Pullman, he was a student Strength & Conditioning Coach for three years and trained college athletes in a number of different sports. After graduating he attended San Diego State University where he obtained two master's degrees the first in exercise physiology and the second in nutritional science. He is currently one of the co-leads for the Orthopedic Special Interest Group, lead for the Anatomy Teaching Assistant Program, and one of two College of Medicine Senators for the Associated Students of Washington State University Health Sciences. He currently volunteers his time as a mentor to first year medical students, WSU Honors College undergraduate students, and gives mock interviews for prospective medical students applying to WSU. He also spend time volunteering around Spokane with elementary and middle school students interested in STEM and a career in medicine. As a member of the Medical Student Section, he is excited to collaborate with fellow medical students across the state and better learn how to be an advocate for fellow medical students and their future patients.

Courtney Batts
At large
Courtney grew up in the small town of Sultan and later a6ended Washington State University in Pullman where she received a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a minor in psychology. She has a diverse work history prior to starting medical school that helped her develop a unique perspective on the intricacies of delivering quality care. She spent two years managing a rural dental clinic where she gained valuable insight into the operational side of medicine while witnessing the impact that compassionate, patient- centered care can have on individuals in underserved communities. That experience established her love for patient advocacy and as she continues her medical education, she hopes to work collaboratively with others to bridge the gap between health disparities and providing care to those who need it most. Currently, she is a second-year medical student at the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine – she is an inaugural member of the Student Learning Center’s advisory board, serves as ESFCOM’s OSR representative for the AAMC, and is a co-lead tutor for the school’s SCOPE program. She is excited to work with like-minded peers across the state and bring a fresh perspective to help address the unique challenges and concerns faced by medical students today. Through her role with the WSMA’s Medical Student Section Governing Council, she wants to learn how she can be a vital advocate for positive change within the healthcare landscape.

Douglas Nanu
At large
WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane
My name is Douglas Nanu and I am currently a second-year medical student at Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. I was born in Brazil and lived there for most of my childhood until I immigrated to the United States at nine years old. I then lived in Lacey, Washington until attending and completing my Bachelor of Science Degree in Cell Biology and Genetics from Washington State University in Pullman. I am currently the president of the otolaryngology interest group, mentor for the Stevens county eighth-grade program, and an interviewer for admissions at my medical school. During my free time, I enjoy traveling, playing the violin, and cooking. I am excited and honored to have this opportunity to work alongside other medical students, physicians, and staff in learning about healthcare policy and in learning how to advocate for patients and physicians in the State of Washington and beyond.

Victoria Panwala
At large
WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane
Victoria grew up in Portland, Oregon, and earned her Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, BC. After college, she worked as a research assistant at the British Columbia Centre on Substance Use, where she developed a passion for advocacy to improve care and reduce stigma for people who use drugs. She is now a second-year medical student at Washington State University, and is looking forward to participating in the WSMA’s Medical Student Council to learn how to improve healthcare delivery at a policy level.

Robin Von Davies
At large
WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine, Spokane
Robin is a first year medical student at Washington State University’s Elson S. Floyd College of medicine. She is from Shoreline, Washington, and prior to medical school earned a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Administrative Management from Central Washington University, a Master’s degree in Medical Science from Heritage University, and a Master’s degree in Reproductive Clinical Sciences from Eastern Virginia Medical School. She has a strong interest in Obstetrics and Gynecology as well as in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. When she is not busy studying she enjoys spending time with her grade school aged daughters. Robin believes in a more equitable medical system that better serves the people of Washington State. She believes that it is our duty and responsibility to advocate for the medically underserved and those that are most in need of care. As a member of the Governing Council on the Medical Student Section of WSMA she hopes to aid in mobilizing medical students to advocate for policy that they are passionate about.

Matthew Grierson, MD
Physical medicine and rehabilitation, Seattle Spine & Sports Medicine, Seattle
WSMA Speaker of the House and AMA Delegate
Dr. Grierson is a board-certified physiatrist with subspecialty board certification in sports medicine. Dr. Grierson earned his medical degree from Boston University and completed his residency in physical medicine and rehabilitation at the University of Washington, where he also served as chief resident. Having experienced his fair share of dance-related injuries, Dr. Grierson appreciates the importance of finding a physician who understands the functional impact of an injury. He is medical director of the Clinic for Performing Artists (CoPA) at Seattle Spine and Sports Medicine and is committed to helping all patients across the spectrum of age, ability, and function. Outside of work, Dr. Grierson assists in shaping health care policy through his work with the WSMA and the American Medical Association. He co-founded a local non-profit (SeaPAM) that provides treatment to local performing artists who otherwise would not have access to care. When he has time, he loves spending time hiking or skiing in the mountains or baking decadent desserts in the kitchen.

Tianfu "Andy" Shang
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences, Yakima
Student trustee liaison from the BOT
Andy’s journey to medicine started as a child watching his grandparents care for their community in China. After relocating and graduating from high school in medically underserved Idaho, he spent a year in Germany as a junior ambassador which sparked his interest in political advocacy. After graduating from the University of Washington, he took a career detour at Amazon before being pulled back to medicine through Search and Rescue. Before matriculating to medical school, Andy worked in the emergency department at Swedish Ballard and saw first-hand the necessity to have community-based healthcare and the challenges faced by those from socially disadvantaged and minority backgrounds. He currently serves as Executive President of Student Government Association, mentors and tutored first year students, and coaches for Special Olympics in his free time. He is dedicated to advocating for the needs of medical students and pre-medical students at the local, state, and national level.