2025 CHAMPIONS Medical Student Internship
We are proud to announce the first CHAMPIONS medical student internship. Three UCSF medical students, Guistinna Tun, Francine Rios-Fetchko, and Andrea Sandoval, will be contributing to efforts to improve the CHAMPIONS community health initiative. These rising physicians bring a deep commitment to health equity, community engagement, and innovation in patient care.
CHAMPIONS is an initiative of the Foundation to Advance Vascular Cures and founded by UCSF Fresno vascular surgeon Dr. Leigh Ann O’Banion. It provides free, accessible cardiovascular screenings, education, awareness, and connection to continued care, already serving over 800 individuals. CHAMPIONS has a research arm which is dedicated to improving education and access to vascular care. This inaugural intern team will focus on two research projects: (1) strengthening volunteer training through curriculum development focused on clinical accuracy, communication, and cultural competency; and (2) enhancing the participant experience at screenings by improving the clarity and usefulness of health education materials.
Guistinna Tun, now in her third year at UCSF and part of the PRIME-US program, brings experience from leading CHAMPIONS efforts in the East Bay and researching community screening impact. As senior intern, she will lead efforts to validate new tools for both training volunteers and increasing educational goals for participants of CHAMPIONS.
Joining her are first-year medical students Francine Rios-Fetchko and Andrea Sandoval, who are both passionate about community-driven health solutions. Francine brings experience in community-academic partnerships and pathway programs for underrepresented students. Andrea, with a background in public health and clinical care, is deeply involved in research on cardiovascular disparities and mentoring future health leaders. Together, they will strengthen volunteer training by refining existing tools and actively improve participant education by identifying gaps in understanding and enhancing educational material, ensuring participants are equipped to take informed, proactive steps in their care.
By investing in this new generation of health equity advocates, we are able to expand the reach of CHAMPIONS and continuously improve impact through evidence-based improvements that are responsive to the needs of all participants. As the interns assess and improve volunteer training and participant experience, they are laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and effective model of preventive care, one that listens to communities, adapts to their needs, and empowers individuals to take control of their health. We look forward to supporting these interns in continuing CHAMPIONS’ impact in communities across California and beyond.
