Meet Our Team

Our Alumni

Michael Wong
Executive Director, 2024-25

Michael joined THINQ in 2021 and graduated UCLA in 2024 with a Bachelors in Science, majoring in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, and minoring in Global Health. Michael joined THINQ for its unique focus on health systems science and quality improvement (QI), drawn to the chance to work alongside physicians and hospital administrators to bring real healthcare innovations to life. Over the years, he has had the privilege of growing within the organization—from creating research projects and refining the curriculum to now serving as Executive Director, where he oversees and curates THINQ’s Executive Board, Research Projects, and Annual Curriculum.

What has made this experience so meaningful, though, is the community. Some of Michael’s most rewarding moments have been fostering members’ confidence—whether it’s guiding them through their first research projects, supporting them as they navigate their career paths, or just being a support system outside of academia. THINQ has not only shaped his leadership but has also completely reshaped his post-grad journey, exposing him to the intersection of QI research, healthcare administration, and clinical medicine. Seeing how systemic initiatives within UCLA Department of Medicine Quality can improve efficiency, address disparities, and directly impact patient care has been eye-opening for him as he’s taken steps, alongside his team, to initiate 5+ research projects. As he moves into medical school at UC San Diego, he knows that QI will remain a core part of how he approaches medicine.

Beyond THINQ, Michael stays involved in respiratory virus research, quality improvement research, EMT work, and camp counseling. 

Caitlin Chen
Executive Director, 2023-24

Caitlin Chen joined THINQ in 2020 and graduated from UCLA in 2023 with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and Society and a minor in Film, Television, and Digital Media. Caitlin was initially drawn to THINQ for its interdisciplinary approach to healthcare and its focus on improving healthcare systems at the structural level. She saw THINQ as a rare opportunity for students to engage in quality improvement (QI) early in their careers, working alongside care providers and administrators to better the patient experience and health outcomes.

Over the years, Caitlin has had the privilege of growing within the organization—from serving as Marketing Director and Associate Director to ultimately leading as Executive Director. In this role, she expanded THINQ’s impact by creating more opportunities for students to engage in QI and implementing new initiatives and research projects with the Department of Medicine Quality. Caitlin led recruitment efforts, fostered partnerships with other pre-health organizations, and developed THINQ’s pre-health guidebook to support students navigating healthcare careers.

What has made this experience so meaningful, though, is seeing ideas transform into tangible solutions. Caitlin’s favorite moment was launching THINQ’s case competition, where students collaborated to solve real healthcare challenges. One team’s scribing tool aimed at reducing physician burnout ultimately inspired long-term research projects with UCLA’s Department of Medicine, making a lasting impact on clinical quality improvement and patient care.

THINQ has profoundly shaped Caitlin’s leadership and her career trajectory. It strengthened her commitment to integrating quality improvement into patient care and inspired her to explore health policy to understand the broader framework of clinical care better. As she begins medical school at UC San Francisco, Caitlin knows that QI will remain central to her approach to medicine—driving innovation while ensuring that care is patient-centered, efficient, and accessible. 

Beyond THINQ, Caitlin earned a Master's in Global Health Policy from the University of Edinburgh and has continued her involvement in health policy and QI research.

Testimonials

Alex Rayo (he/him)

Alex is a 4th year at UCLA majoring in Physiological Sciences with a Global Health minor. Alex enjoys exploring different food spots around LA and is also part of UCLA’s Mobile Clinic project. Alex describes his internship as a period of growth as he has “learned so much about how the hospital environment functions through the lens of quality improvement, while also being exposed to many new types of research methodologies.” He also “loved the opportunities to practice my quality improvement skills through THINQ tanks, journal clubs, and quality improvement workshops from the Department of Medicine faculty.” He is “looking forward to working on a project in the hospital this upcoming year!”

Yena Cho (she/her)

Yena is a 3rd year at UCLA majoring in Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology with a minor in Professional Writing. When asked about her favorite part of THINQ, she described the community and referred to THINQ as “a big family” As an intern, Yena enjoyed “researching different methodologies for QI initiatives and going on a sunset swim with the team. I have learned valuable skills from the board members in conducting a literature review, devising new quality improvement initiatives, and analyzing their effects comprehensively. I'm always so encouraged by the holistic and unique perspective THINQ has given me. I can't wait to get involved with the various projects.” 

Charlotte Su (she/her)   

Charlotte is a current junior at UCLA majoring in Molecular Cell and Developmental Biology with a minor in English. When asked about her favorite part of THINQ, she responded “The people! Everyone has been so kind and willing to help, and it has been nice getting to meet, and work with such genuine people!” As a summer intern, Charlotte learned more about topics such as social justice within healthcare, as well as the impact of physician-nurse relationships during bedside rounding.”