KHAMPHO THAMMAVONGXAY OHNO, MPH, PA-C
Background: Physician assistant, family medicine. Physician assistant/MCHS and MPH/global health from University of Washington in Seattle; Bachelor of Medicine from Guangxi Medical University, China. Previously, I have worked for the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance training program (UXO Lao) as a medical coordinator, an AusAID project as primary health care officer in Houaphan Province (Laos), WHO/EPI program in Laos as a technical assistant.
Why HLI: I joined HLI because, for one, I always want to be a part of the development in Laos. I also believe in education as a means to enable native people to take care of their own matters. And last, but not least, HLI has a team of volunteers who are truly passionate and go above and beyond to support the organization
Interesting Fact: I graduated from high school in Vientiane. My mother, all five siblings and their families live in Laos. I have two elementary school children. I enjoy gardening and outdoor activities with family and friends.
R CAM MC INTYRE, MD
Background: I am a family physician who has had a career in health system management and have practiced family medicine and reproductive health care during most of these years. My international experience includes serving as the territorial epidemiologist for the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands while working for the CDC, being a short term consultant for WHO in Indonesia, and working or visiting in many low resource countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia.
Why HLI: My interest in helping start HLI stems from a strong interest in providing service to Laotians and we felt and continue to feel that this is best accomplished by teaching others. The courses I have taught over the last eight years are reproductive health, use of the portable ultrasound, and leadership and management.
Interesting Fact: When not working as a physician, I can be found traveling to SE Asia, sailing, doing many methods of exercises or working about my home.
STEVEN DUNNING, MD, MPH
Background: BA Southeast Asian studies Yale University, MD Stanford, MPH in Health Services and Epidemiology U of W. Professional career as primary care internist, primary care internal medicine residency site coordinator for University of Washington. Included time as chief of adult medicine. All at Pacific Medical Center in Seattle, Washington. Throughout career traveled frequently to Southeast Asia for research (studied hypertension in women in Northern Thailand), clinical practice (worked with Medicine Sans Frontiers, McCormick hospital,Chiangmai Thailand, Nan hospital, Nan Thailand, Aloha Medical Mission in Laos and Burma after cyclone Nargis.)
Why HLI: First went to Southeast Asia to teach English and attend Chiangmai University in Thailand. Extensive Southeast Asian patient panel in Seattle. Established a business importing beads and adornments from Burma, Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, Nepal and India. Provided beads for costumes for Dances with Wolves and Pirates of the Caribbean. Impressed with HLI due to the energy and enthusiasm of the founders (Cam and Reba) and the other team members. Really like aspects of HLI including the emphasis on teaching and on sustainability
Interesting Fact: 2 children, 3 grandchildren all nearby. Hobbies include reading history, studying languages and foreign travel.
KHAMPH SOUTHISOMBATH, MD
Background: California State Fresno for BS Cellular Molecular Biology, UC San Diego Medical School, Residency Training at White Memorial Medical Center in Los Angeles, CA and completed Global Health Fellowship in Seattle. Currently an attending Physician at Neighborcare and Community Attending Physician at UW Family Medicine.
Why HLI: The HLI model is sustainable and builds the intrinsic capacity of Lao. The people who are involved are committed.
Interesting Fact: HLI volunteer since 2015.
SOUCHINDA VIRADET KHAMPRADITH,LICSW
Background: I have worked in various non-profits providing direct service to clients, supervised mental health staff, and created curriculum for youth programs. I have a Master degree in Social Work from Columbia University. I have worked over 18 years as a Clinical Social Worker. I am currently working in private practice, providing psychotherapy to children, women and families, as well as providing cultural consultations to professionals working with the Asian communities.
Why HLI: As a Lao American professional who fled Laos 39 years ago, I want to return to my homeland and help provide mental health trainings to health professionals in Laos.
Interesting Fact: Arrived in the U.S. 39 years ago with the first wave of refugees from Southeast Asia. I enjoy time with my big extended family, either hosting or attending family gatherings. I am also involved with the Lao community in King County and help manage the Kinnaly Lao Traditional Music and Dance Program.
ALICIA QUELLA, PhD, PA-C
Background: Alicia Quella PhD PA-C has a doctorate in epidemiology and is a physician assistant in emergency medicine. She is an Associate Professor and Program Director of the
Physician Assistant Program at Augsburg University and an Assistant Affiliate Professor at the University of Washington Department of Family Medicine. Alicia served for 2 years in the U.S. Peace Corps as a public health volunteer in the Central African Republic. She also has global health experience with medical missions in the Dominican Republic/Haiti and Ecuador. She teaches emergency medicine, epidemiology and global health topics. Her passion is developing medical curriculum that incorporates hands-on learning and encourages active learning.
Why HLI: Since 2014, I have worked with Health Leadership International medical
training team to provide skill-based emergency medicine training for PA students in the Lao PDR.
Interesting Fact: When not working in academia, I love traveling, hiking and fishing with my family.
KHANTHALA SOMVILAY, MBA, CPA
Background: I work with various non-profits providing financial support. I have a Masters Degree from the University of Washington in Tax. I have been working in the industry for over 20 years. I am currently a Tax Director for a medical research company.
Why HLI: I believe in HLI’s mission and humbled by the work the founders and volunteers have done in Laos for the past 8 years. I heard about the HLI through a friend and wanted to get involved. My family fled Laos in the 1980s as most Lao people at the time. My older sister and her children still live in Laos. HLI has trained in the province where my family is from. HLI has helped provide medical sustainability to my birth country.
Interesting Fact: I am the second youngest of 8 siblings with a very large extended family. I enjoy bringing family and friends together for large meals and gatherings. Aside from maintaining family unity, my dream is to help build a Lao Community Center where elders can receive assistance and youth can have a place to feel safe, socialize with other Lao Americans and learn about the Lao culture. My hope is to be able to help preserve the Lao culture for the generations to come.