2025 CHAMPIONS Medical Student Internship

August 4, 2025

We are proud to announce the first CHAMPIONS research 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 across California. 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, and has already served over 800 individuals. CHAMPIONS has a research arm dedicated to improving education and access to vascular care. This inaugural intern team will focus on two research projects: (1) strengthening medical student 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 two years of experience as student director of CHAMPIONS efforts in the East Bay. Now as a senior research 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. Andre has a background in public health and clinical care, with a focus on disparities. 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 next generation of research-scientists, CHAMPIONS is laying the groundwork for a more inclusive and effective evidence-based 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.

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To learn more about Vascular Cures’ Patients as Partners Program, please visit: https://vascularcures.org/patients-as-partners/