Mission Statement
Our mission is to build a bridge between undergraduate studies and PA school for aspiring PAs to help fill their gap year(s) with opportunities to enhance their CASPA applications while forming an inclusive and diverse pre-PA community. We aim to provide resources at an affordable cost to reduce financial barriers, as we believe that every pre-PA should be given an equal opportunity to better prepare themselves for PA school and the application process. Our ultimate goal is to give our pre-PA members the best possible chance of getting into PA school.
OUR STORY
Graduate Affiliation of Pre-Physician Associates, GAPPA, was founded by pre-PAs who sought to create an affordable support group for pre-physician associates in Southern California. As recent graduates ourselves, we noticed a lack of community outside of our undergraduate institutions and therefore elected to develop a shared space for discussion, resources, and CASPA worthy opportunities. Many students lose their pre-PA community upon leaving the bounds of their university and thus, the time between graduating college and applying to PA school can feel lonely and daunting. The creation of GAPPA was intended to alleviate this problem and fill the gap.
GAPPAs purpose is to provide a centralized community where members have access to an encompassing space full of resources to help pave their paths to becoming physician associates. Current opportunities include: community service events, campus tours, preparation workshops, mentorship programs, and more. Anyone ranging from current students to graduates can join to learn about the profession. We currently reside in Southern California but hope to expand outward as our organization grows.
Let's fill the GAP together!
Alison Stotts
Co-founder
As a non-traditional applicant with a degree in aerospace engineering from UC San Diego, Alison brings a unique perspective to healthcare. Working as a pediatric medical assistant, she is passionate about expanding access to quality care, especially for underserved communities. She enjoys reading, hiking, exploring new places, and supporting nonprofit organizations, particularly those focused on animal welfare. With a strong background in leadership, innovation, and compassion, Alison strives to make a lasting impact in everything she does.
Meet the Founders!
TERT SORIANO
Co-founder
Tert graduated from University of California San Diego with a degree in General Biology while gathering experience as a CNA. As a quick-witted and outside-the-box thinker, he never failed to make the group atmosphere brighter while maintaining a respectful undertone. Tert's passion lies in one day pushing forward his healthcare knowledge to the younger generation, becoming a PA school educator and mentor.
Mark Guiriba
Co-founder
Mark graduated from the University of California San Diego in 2022 with a bachelor's degree in Public Health, during which he gained valuable leadership and teamwork skills. Experienced with a breadth of knowledge in both healthcare and life, Mark is well-rounded and dependable in all aspects of the words. He is currently a CNA working towards discovering further inspiration regarding a specific field of medicine.
Amanda Yee
Co-founder
Currently a student at University of California San Diego, Amanda will have completed her undergraduate degree in Human Biology in just three years! Amanda hosts an infinitely kind attitude and is involved in other non-healthcare related organizations and community service opportunities. While interested in surgery, she currently has her eyes on becoming a Primary Care PA.
Tyler Nguyen
Co-founder
Graduating from the University of California San Diego with a degree in General Biology, Tyler found his passion for the PA career when he involved himself in student orgs. Tyler's gregarious and reliable nature always drove him to make meaningful connections while ensuring lasting relationships are formed. He aspires to one day become an emergency medicine PA with his interest in human physiology.