NEWSLETTER SPRING 2026
#AUAPROUD
The American University of Antigua Alumni Organization would like to thank all of our alumni for helping make our family stronger.
We are proud to foster a lasting connection with our community of more than 4,000 alumni and deeply appreciate your continued support of our programs and events.
As our network continues to grow, we encourage you to stay connected, share your achievements, and remain engaged with fellow graduates around the world.
Email: alumni@auamed.org
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Current Role
Dr. Catherine (Cate)
Whitlach
Current Position:
Family Medicine
Physician
Location: Lincoln City Oregon
Dr. Whitlach is a near full-spectrum Family Medicine Physician based in Lincoln City, Oregon. She provides outpatient care, newborn nursery coverage, home visits for assisted living and memory care patients, and serves as Associate Medical Director within her clinic.
WHY AUA?
After serving in the Peace Corps and completing a post-baccalaureate program, Dr. Whitlach was drawn to AUA’s holistic approach to admissions.
“AUA gave me the opportunity to pursue my dream of becoming a physician when others may have focused only on numbers and statistics.”
Advice for Future Physicians
Learn beyond the test.
Knowledge empowers both physicians and patients. The more you learn from your patients, the better you can adapt your skills and provide meaningful care.
Favorite AUA Memory
One lesson that has stayed with her throughout her career came from her clinical skills training at AUA:
“Tell me more.”
This simple phrase continues to guide her interactions with patients today and serves as a reminder that listening is one of the most important skills a physician can have.
Looking Back
Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Whitlach credits AUA for providing both opportunity and academic rigor.
“My time with AUA is nothing I would change. AUA opened the door to my goal of becoming a physician and challenged me to become the best version of myself.”
EVENTS
The AUA Alumni Organization (AUAAO) has been active this season with several exciting events. We have celebrated orientations on campus, hosted receptions, and brought the community together through cultural celebrations. We invite you to stay engaged, share your experiences, and help inspire the next generation of AUA physicians.
Student Lounge
Research Day May 2026
Ultrasound
Match day 2026
st.peter’s health fair
whitecoat ceremony
ALUMNI REFERRAL BENEFITS
Refer Future Physicians to AUA
Help Shape the Next Generation of AUA Physicians
Know someone who dreams of becoming a doctor? Your recommendation could help them take the next step toward their medical career.
Through the AUA Alumni Referral Award, eligible incoming students who are referred by an AUA or Manipal MBBS alumnus/alumna can receive a $3,000 award toward their medical education.
award value
$3,000
Alumni Referral Award
Referral Guidelines
· Referred students must apply and enroll at AUA.
· Alumni may refer up to two prospective students per academic period.
· Students must be referred by an eligible alumnus/alumna to qualify.
Ready to Refer a Future Physician?
Complete the Alumni Referral Award application and help a future medical student begin their journey.
MINI SPOTLIGHT
Linnet Leon Chaviano
Internal Medicine Residency
Broward Health North, Florida (2024)
Dr. Raj Murthy
Interventional Pain Medicine
Physician / Interventional Pain Medicine Specialist
Management, Regenerative, and Rehabilitation Medicine,
Nikita Srivalsan
Internal Medicine Residency
Bassett Medical Center, New York (2024)
Dr. Carlos M. Diaz
Multispecialty Psychiatrist; Founder Founder of Life Psychiatry.
Dr. Shawn Poole
Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon
Northside Vascular Surgery in the Atlanta area.
Emergency Medicine
North Shore University Hospital, Long Island, New York
Kandria Ledesma
Student Clubs Driving Engagement at AUA
Student organizations continue to play a vital role in shaping the AUA experience, providing opportunities for leadership, mentorship, professional development, community service, and cultural connection. This spring, 29 active clubs and interest groups are helping students build meaningful relationships, explore medical specialties, and make a positive impact both on and off campus.
As alumni, your experiences and expertise can help strengthen these communities. Whether through mentorship, guest speaking, networking opportunities, career guidance, sponsorship, or collaboration on club initiatives, your involvement can make a lasting difference for current students.
We invite you to reconnect with the AUA community by supporting one or more of these active student organizations:
• American Medical Student Association
• American Student Association (ASA)
• AUA Beach Volleyball Club
• AUA FC
• Black Medical Doctors (BMD)
• Canadian American Student Association (CASA)
• Cardiology Interest Association (CIA)
• Catholic Medical Students Association
• Coptic Student Association (OCSA)
• Emergency Medicine Interest Group
• Emergency Response Team (ERT)
• Gardening Club
• Gastroenterology Interest Group (GIG)
• Hindu Student Association (HSA)
• Internal Medicine Interest Group (IMIG)
• Minorities in Medicine
• Muslim Student Association
• Neurology Student Research and Interest Group
• OBGYN Interest Group (OBIG)
• Oncology Student Interest Group
• Pathology Interest Collective
• Pediatrics Student Interest Group
• Phi Delta Epsilon
• Psychiatry Interest Association (PIA)
• Radiology Interest Group
• Shepherd's House International
• Student Doctors Without Borders
• Student National Medical Association (SNMA)
• Surgery Interest Group (SIG)
Interested in getting involved? We would love to hear from you and explore ways you can support the next generation of AUA physicians.
STAY CONNECTED
Stay Connected with Your AUA Alumni Family
We love celebrating the accomplishments of our alumni around the world.
Share your professional milestones, residency matches, promotions, awards, publications, and personal achievements with us.
Thank you for being an important part of the AUA family.
