Sam’s passion for custom building educational programs was sparked through the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami. In response to the natural disaster, the TOMODACHI program was initiated to teach local Japanese youth about community resilience, rural revitalization and leadership. As a coordinator and youth mentor for the program, Sam was able to witness with his own eyes what creating empowering spaces can do for students, and what investing in youth can do for communities long-term. With this discovery, Sam has dedicated more than ten years to learn about how to direct and foster cohesive learning environments for students around the world.

After studying psychology, communications and education at UC Davis, Sam dedicated two years to learn more about the Japanese education system through teaching on Awaji Island with the JET program. Sam return to his hometown in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2018, where he spent five years custom building and facilitating both in-person and online educational programs for Japanese high school and university students.

As a Program Director for VIA, Sam is continuing his love for empowering students to become the best version of themselves, and equipping them with the tools and mindsets to become active members in their community both locally and globally.

In his free time, Sam enjoys cooking, studying mixed martial arts, and bouncing ideas with friends about education over a cup of coffee.

Chao Wang graduated with an MD degree specializing in hepatic surgery from Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, and started her career at Hepatic Surgery Department, Tongji Hospital in 2019. Her research interests span from bench to bedside. Following clinical training in her home department in China, Chao continues to conduct postdoctoral research in Columbus and Chicago, aiming to unravel the mechanisms underlying liver diseases. Her future plan is to go back Wuhan as a surgeon after completing current lab training in Chicago, with strong foundation in both clinical and research abilities. These experiences motivate Chao to rethink health care education, culture difference, and personal growth for medical professionals.

Chao participated in Medical Exchange & Discovery (MED) 2015 and was a fellow in EHC 2021. Chao is continuing to gain power from her experience and network with participants, speakers, staff, and alumni from VIA. Drawing inspiration from the words of Carol Dweck Chao learned from VIA, ‘Love challenges, be intrigued by mistakes, enjoy efforts and keep on learning’, Chao approaches each day with a spirit of curiosity, resilience, and continuous growth. Excited to support this life-changing event once again as a fellow, Chao eagerly anticipates the opportunity to share her experience in medical school and lab research with new friends in EHC 2024.

In her free time, Chao finds joy in cross-culture communication, female leadership, young surgeon training, language learning, one-to-one chatting, traveling, and volunteering. Additionally, Chao admits that she likes spicy food but never enjoys cooking.

Jun was born and raised in Seoul, South Korea. At the age of 18, he came to Japan to challenge himself in the global field and is currently a clinical medical student at Keio University.

His future goal is to work as a pediatric psychiatrist globally, holding an MD with multiple licenses in the US, Japan, and Korea. He passed the USMLE Step 1 two years ago and is presently working towards the ECMFG certificate, recognizing the importance of international medical qualifications. Currently, he is planning to be involved in various clinical clerkships this year, starting with a clinical elective program at Washington University in Saint Louis.

Throughout his university life, Jun has organized the Japan-Korea Medical Student Exchange Program as the representative facilitator, establishing connections between medical students from Keio University and Yonsei University in South Korea. Engaging in community service, Jun volunteers in charity concerts and teaches child patients who are unable to receive public education through the NPO “Your School.” These experiences have deepened his understanding of healthcare and instilled a sense of responsibility. In his free time, he enjoys exploring the field of art, creating portraits, taking photos, and playing the violin.

As an international student, Jun understands the challenges faced by non-native speakers and wants to create a supportive environment for fellow students. As an alum of the VIA EHC summer program, he is grateful for the opportunity to return as a fellow and contribute to the VIA society. He hopes to offer a humble perspective to enrich the collaborative learning environment of the program and add a medical point of view as a senior medical student.