Chair

(1) Thomas was born and raised in Iowa to first-generation Korean immigrants. Thomas graduated from Johns Hopkins University with a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience, a Minor in Bioethics, and special certificate in Dance. Thomas returned to Iowa for the Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Iowa and is in his 6th year. Thomas is excited to serve as the AMSA Chair of Wellness and Student Life. (2) Student well-being is personal to Thomas. At Hopkins, Thomas had difficulty fitting in. He was in the minority who received a Pell Grant due to his economically disadvantaged background. And at Medical school, Thomas struggled with mental health, from imposter syndrome to burnout. When Thomas learned that he was not alone in his struggle, he started advocating for medical student well-being. (3) Thomas served as Vice-President of the Graduate and Professional Student Government at the University of Iowa, where he represented over 7500 students. At Iowa, Thomas helped found and served on the medical student wellness committee, increased staffing for the counseling center, led the appreciation week for students, and advocated for student wellness in the five-year strategic plan for the University of Iowa Health Care. (4) Thomas strongly believes in the power of medical students coming together to advocate. Through medical student organizations, Thomas has written and passed resolutions and reports promoting student wellness. The AMSA WSL chair position will further allow Thomas to bring students together and advocate for medical student well-being.