Get to Know Your Student Representatives
The Student Body Association (SBA) brings students together from across academic programs and campuses through events, sponsorships, and social activities. SBA acts as the voice of students, fostering communication between students and the administration. Students can express their concerns, questions, and ideas through SBA.
Meet the newly elected 2018–19 SBA representatives: President-Elect Shane Mass, PA-2019; Vice President-Elect Andrew Hu, CSPM-2021; Director of Administration-Elect Randy Luu, ELMSN-CM-2019; Director of Finance-Elect Ramez Sakkab, CSPM-2020; and Director of Communication and Media Engagement-Elect Anuveer Joea, CSPM-2021.
President-Elect Shane Mass
Academic Program: Physician Assistant
Campus: Oakland
1). Why did you want to become a physician assistant?
Having a solid background in Emergency Medical Services as a paramedic and service to our country as a Fleet Marine Force medic in the United States Navy provided me with the opportunity to function closely with physician assistants (PA). That was where I learned all about the PA profession and how it will give me the chance to advance in a career focused on patient care, which I value and enjoy.
2). What did you want to become when you were a kid?
I wanted to be a Paramedic/Firefighter. I started my healthcare career in EMS in 1999 and had functioned in many different roles in healthcare from patient care provider as a paramedic to the hospital operations service arena as a mid-level manager.
3). What’s the ONE thing you would change about the healthcare world if you had a magic wish?
I would change healthcare disparity as it relates to access to care. Differences exist in many dimensions, and it matters because it typically has a negative impact on the groups facing the disparity and is generally out of their control. Disparity is a multi-factor issue in which there is no quick fix. I do believe a right place to start could be an increase in and better access to preventative care measures such as immunizations against disease, smoking cessation, disease screenings and substance abuse programs.
4). What’s a self-care practice you have that keeps you grounded during stressful times of the semester?
I go to the gym and workout on a regular basis, usually four times a week. I think this is a great way to reduce stress, stay in shape and keep a clear mind. On occasion and time permitting, I enjoy small road trips and outings/discovery trips to new places. In the winter, nothing beats a day on the slopes!
Vice President-Elect Andrew Hu
Academic program: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Campus: Oakland
1). Why did you want to become a podiatrist?
Podiatric Medicine and Surgery is a unique specialty in medicine. As podiatric physicians, we are afforded the opportunity to provide patient care ranging from non-surgical conservative treatment, like prescribing medicine and giving injections, to more complex reconstructive surgical treatment, such as repairing a torn Achilles tendon or performing a total ankle replacement. Moreover, a podiatric physician is directly involved with helping to change a diabetic patient’s life, as they will work with the patient in order to not only save their patient’s limbs, but ultimately, save their life.
2). What did you want to become when you were a kid?
When I was a kid, I wanted to become a professional dancer. I was in a professional dance team when I lived in Taiwan. During my undergraduate career at UC Santa Barbara, I co-lead a dance choreography team and won first place in dance competition.
3). What’s the ONE thing you would change about the healthcare world if you had a magic wish?
During my time shadowing different physicians and surgeons, many of them mentioned that the healthcare system has changed a lot during their career. Currently, physicians spend more time clicking boxes than delivering patient care. With that said, my magic wish would be to simplify the healthcare system and allow physicians to have more time taking care of their patients.
4). What’s a self-care practice you have that keeps you grounded during stressful times of the semester?
Medical school is difficult, and I am still learning and getting used to the heavy course load. However, I’ve found that spending at least one day of the week not studying and taking time off for myself, whether that be hanging out with friends, going hiking, or exploring the Bay Area, has helped me balance the stressful times of the semester. Oh, and taking a nap whenever I have a chance!
Director of Administration-Elect Randy Luu
Academic program: ELMSN - Case Management
Campus: Sacramento
1). Why did you want to become a case manager?
A few years ago I decided to change careers and enter healthcare after years of working in the insurance industry. My catalyst for change was my grandmother. Her health was failing and I left my job to care for her while going back to school. I saw an opportunity to do something good for my family, the people I'll encounter in my life and career, and, most importantly myself. I haven't looked back or had a single regret since.
2). What did you want to become when you were a kid?
I wanted to be a chef and actually gave some serious thought about culinary school when I was in my early 20’s. Cooking was how I bonded with my mom when I was young, and it has stuck with me ever since. My mother is an AMAZING cook and taught me to really appreciate all food because we came from humble beginnings. The feeling you get when you see delight/happiness in someone’s eyes/expression when you feed them is gratifying.
3). What’s the ONE thing you would change about the healthcare world if you had a magic wish?
I would make it easily accessible and affordable to all populations. People should not have to worry about getting quality treatment when needed without immediately thinking, “Can I afford this?” Disease doesn’t discriminate against anyone and affects all populations. People should not have to weigh their own health or that of their child against the amount of decimal places on a medical bill.
4). What’s a self-care practice you have that keeps you grounded during stressful times of the semester?
Work/life balance is extremely important. I live by the slogan, “Work hard, play harder,” because everyone needs to take some time out to enjoy life. I schedule time (even if it’s just 1-2 times a semester or year) to enjoy myself thoroughly with activities that I really love like snowboarding, mountain biking, cooking, and travelling. Aside from that, I try to stay in the gym regularly because it provides a great stress relief outlet, gives me time to collect my thoughts (great after a long day of classes or exams), helps boost my energy levels, and promotes my overall well-being!
Director of Finance-Elect Ramez Sakkab
Academic program: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Campus: Oakland
1). Why did you want to become a podiatrist?
During undergrad I had some sports injuries, including a sprained ankle. That led to me discover podiatry as its own specialty. After shadowing a lot of different doctors, I really liked how at the podiatry office the majority of patients actually left feeling better than when they came in; I did not see such an immediate impact elsewhere.
2). What did you want to become when you were a kid?
Ever since I was a kid I wanted to go into healthcare. Although I never really watched any shows about medicine, I thought about being in an operating room. Medicine is nothing like I thought it was like as a little kid!
3). What’s the ONE thing you would change about the healthcare world if you had a magic wish?
My wish would be to improve the flow of information between the scientific and popular culture communities. I think we need to strengthen dialogue between the two, because far too much gets lost in translation. Science, and therefore medicine, should be understood by people other than those in the field.
4). What’s a self-care practice you have that keeps you grounded during stressful times of the semester?
For me, it's going to the gym. I always make sure to fit some time to work out into my schedule. It definitely helps me destress.
Director of Communication and Media Engagement-Elect Anuveer Joea
Academic program: Doctor of Podiatric Medicine
Campus: Oakland
1). Why did you want to become a podiatrist?
I wanted to be a podiatric surgeon because podiatry is such a diverse and well-balanced career option, providing opportunities in private practice and in surgery. I wanted to have a career in healthcare but after shadowing a podiatric surgeon I knew this career choice was ideal for me.
2). What did you want to become when you were a kid?
When I was a child my dream was to become a surgeon. My goal was to travel around the world and provide free medical care to impoverished populations with little to no access to modern medicine. Making strides towards my goal, I hope to one day fulfill this childhood dream of mine.
3). What’s the ONE thing you would change about the healthcare world if you had a magic wish?
If I could change anything about the healthcare world it would be the integration of plant based medical treatments. I believe the pharmaceutical industry has turned patient care into a business, through pushing expensive and often adverse drugs on critically ill individuals. Through the incorporation of natural, holistic treatments, patients could be healed sooner, with minimal side effects.
4). What’s a self-care practice you have that keeps you grounded during stressful times of the semester?
During stressful times, I find exercising is an excellent relief practice. I enjoy taking walks or playing basketball in order to refresh myself and step away from my work.
