White Coats and Rice: An APAMSA Podcast

This episode of White Coats and Rice features Akshaj Variath, Krishna Gandham, and Keshav Ghanekar, three South Asian medical students at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. In celebration of South Asian Heritage Month, the panel reflects on what being South Asian means to them. They also share their journeys into medicine and other paths they considered before committing to UMKC’s accelerated six-year program. The guests dive into how their communities shaped their upbringing and how they serve as role models in medicine for the younger generation back home. The episode highlights how important their culture is in their lives as they navigate medical school. Full transcript of this episode: https://www.apamsa.org/apamsa-podcastFOLLOW APAMSAWebsite: https://www.apamsa.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalapamsaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalapamsaTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationalapamsaYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsaThis episode was produced by Herbie Villaflores, hosted by Herbie Villaflores, and graphic by Romi Sheng.

Welcome to Season 3! This episode of White Coats and Rice features Dr. Rachel Lee, a board-certified allergist, immunologist, and internal medicine physician who is a professor in the Department of Medicine at UC San Diego School of Medicine and a professor of medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. As a retired U.S. Navy medical officer, Dr. Lee reflects on her 20+ years in military medicine through the HPSP pathway, her transition into allergy and immunology, and her experiences balancing clinical practice with military leadership. She also shares insights on mentorship, resilience, and navigating identity as an Asian woman in academic and military medicine, emphasizing advocacy and support for trainees. The episode highlights her perspective on building a meaningful, adaptable career across service, academia, and specialty practice.For listeners who would like to continue the conversation or reach out, Dr. Lee can be contacted at [email protected] APAMSAWebsite: https://www.apamsa.orgInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nationalapamsaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/nationalapamsaTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nationalapamsaYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@nationalapamsaThis episode was produced by Grace Kim, hosted by Madeline Pan, and graphic by Romi Sheng.