About us
The University of Houston's Pre-Physician Assistant Student Association is a student-led organization that serves to promote the Physician Assistant (PA) profession, help students explore whether the PA profession is a viable career choice, and to ensure that every member has a thorough understanding of the admission process. This year we hope to expand our club's community involvement and to provide the necessary resources, through collaboration with UH alumni, faculty, and university resources, for our members to obtain contact with local PAs and PA program, to shadow PA's, and to serve in a healthcare setting while developing integral communication and professional skills needed to become an exemplary Physician Assistant.
What is a PA?
A physician assistant (PA) is a graduate of an accredited PA education program who is nationally certified and state-licensed to practice medicine with the supervision of a physician.
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PAs practice medicine on healthcare teams with physicians and other providers
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They diagnose, treat, and prescribe medication in all 50 states
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Focus is based on “team-based” care - work in conjunction with doctors and other healthcare providers
Our OfficerS (2025-2026)

President
ZAIDA GONZALEZ
Classification: Senior
Major: Health Promotion
Minor: Biology
Experience: Oncologist, PA, Dentist, ER internship, Medical Outreach in Argentina, Dental Assistant Certification
Fun Fact: I have played golf for over ten years and love being outdoors!
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Vice President
LISA ABUbakr
Classification: Junior
Major: Health Promotion
Minor: Biology
Experiences: Medical Assistant, Healthcare Volunteering
Fun Fact: I love playing pickleball!


Treasurer
Linh Le
Classification: Senior
Major: Biology
Minor: Political Science
Experiences: Medical Scribing, Medical Assistant, Hospital Volunteering
Fun Fact: I love making new friends, feel free to come up and spark a conversation!

Secretary
pauline dang
Classification: Senior
Major: Biology
Minor: Health
Experiences: Medical Assistant at Rheumatology Clinic
Fun Fact: I like to crochet my own outfits for concerts and festivals!


Workshop coordinator
Valentina inza
outreach coordinator
ALEXA TABBS
Classification: Junior
Major: Biology
Minor: Medicine and Society
Experiences: MA at Opthamology Clinic and shadowing at MD Anderson
Fun Fact: I'm Argentinian and the first one in my family to pursue medicine!
Classification: Sophmore
Major: Health Promotion
Minor: Biology
Experiences: MA and desk receptionist for OBGYN offices
Fun Fact: I want to go into women's health after PA school!

Volunteer coordinator
SABA HAMDANI
Classification: Sophmore
Major: Public Health
Minor: Biology
Experiences: Pharmacy Technician
Fun Fact: I like to embroider and spend time with my friends!

SOCIAL coordinator
DEON MATHAI
Classification: Junior
Major: Public Health
Minor: Psychology
Experiences: SHPEP Intern, Medical Assistant
Fun Fact: I have lived in 3 different countries and have gone skydiving!


Media coordinator
Shivani Arya
Media coordinator
ZAHRA KANCH
Classification: Sophomore
Major: Public Health
Minor: Biology
Experience: Volunteer research and PA shadowing at Texas Children's Hospital
Fun Fact: I love miffy and collecting blind boxes!
Classification: Sophmore
Major: Nutritional Sciences
Experiences: MA for ophthamologist and volunteering at Memorial Hermann
Fun Fact: I love to paint and cook!
