Ella Macatugal-Aquino, a 2020 University of Guam (UOG) alumna, has begun her journey toward becoming a physician at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her story reflects the value of embracing opportunities beyond the traditional route to medicine, as her experiences in research, teaching, community education, and mentorship have shaped her understanding of healthcare and the role physicians can play in their communities. 

A Foundation in Science and Service 

Ella’s path into science and medicine began at UOG, where close relationships with faculty mentors and a supportive campus community encouraged her academic growth. During her senior year, she served as president of the Premedical Chapter of the American Medical Student Association (AMSA), collaborating with fellow officers to connect aspiring healthcare professionals with clinical and research opportunities, organize volunteer initiatives, and promote mentorship and professional development.

Furthermore, her interest in medicine deepened through Anatomy and Physiology coursework and an internship at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, which introduced her to the complexity of the human body and the role of medical science in understanding disease. Later, her research with the Pacific Island Partnership for Cancer Health Equity (PIPCHE) exposed her to health concerns affecting Guam and underserved Pacific Island communities, showing her how scientific research can help address local health disparities.

Together, these experiences strengthened Ella’s desire to pursue a career that combines scientific inquiry, community education, and service. The supportive environment at UOG also inspired her to continue her studies, eventually earning a Master of Science in Biology at the university.

From Curiosity to Discovery 

Ella’s research experience began with the study of diatoms, microscopic algae that introduced her to scientific investigation through microscopy, species identification, and data interpretation. One particularly meaningful achievement was contributing to the identification of a diatom named in honor of her mother. Her work also contributed to first- and second-author publications, introducing her to scientific writing and the process of sharing new findings with the research community.

In 2019, Ella traveled to Pennsylvania to pursue a research opportunity at Juniata College, where collaborating with researchers outside Guam broadened her perspective and strengthened her independence as a scientist.

Then, she later pursued a Master of Science in Biology at UOG, where her research interests increasingly focused on health concerns affecting Pacific Island communities. As a Graduate Research Associate with PIPCHE, she investigated potential environmental contributors to liver disease risk for her master’s thesis, Liver Disease Risk: Cyanotoxins in Food and Water Sources on Guam. This work allowed her to examine a health concern relevant to Guam while developing skills in research design, data analysis, scientific writing, and communicating findings to scientific and community audiences.

Graduate school also gave Ella opportunities to present her research at scientific meetings, including the American Association for Cancer Research. Engaging with researchers who are studying cancer and health disparities helped her recognize how research rooted in local concerns can contribute to broader scientific understanding and support efforts to improve community health.

Beyond the Classroom and Laboratory

Following her undergraduate graduation, Ella spent approximately one year as an adjunct professor for UOG’s Anatomy and Physiology Laboratory. Teaching allowed her to strengthen her own understanding while helping students navigate challenging material. Learning to explain concepts in different ways also sharpened her communication skills and reinforced the importance of creating a supportive environment where students felt comfortable asking questions.

Afterwards, while pursuing her Master of Science in Biology at UOG, Ella worked as a Graduate Research Associate through PIPCHE. Her research examined potential liver disease risks associated with cyanotoxin exposure through food and water sources on Guam. Through literature reviews, data collection and analysis, and grant writing, she developed research skills while investigating an environmental health concern relevant to the island. Her work with PIPCHE also introduced her to cancer prevention outreach, where she saw the importance of making scientific information accessible and culturally relevant to local communities.

Ella further explored community health education through UOG’s College of Natural and Applied Sciences (CNAS) Cooperative Extension, supporting nutrition education through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) initiative. By helping deliver educational sessions on healthy habits, food safety, and nutrition to adults and children, she saw how accessible health information could support disease prevention and help individuals make informed decisions. The experience deepened her understanding of how culture, food access, and daily circumstances influence health.

Beyond teaching and research, Ella continued supporting aspiring physicians as Co-Director of the Chålan Åmte UOG Infrastructure Team. Working with UOG faculty, she helped develop a centralized resource hub for premedical students and provided one-on-one mentorship to those navigating the medical school application process. Having faced similar uncertainties herself, she understood the importance of accessible guidance for students pursuing medicine on Guam, where exposure to the application process can be limited. Seeing her mentees progress toward their goals reinforced her commitment to helping the next generation of healthcare professionals.

Taking the Next Step Into Medicine 

Now at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ella hopes to combine her scientific background with clinical training to better understand and address the health challenges facing medically underserved communities. She chose osteopathic medicine for its emphasis on treating the whole person and considering how social determinants of health shape well-being. In medical school, she plans to remain involved in research and community service, building on her experiences in cancer research and nutrition education while exploring additional clinical skills, including osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT).

Her experiences have deepened her understanding of the barriers Guam and other underserved communities face, particularly limited access to specialists, preventive care, and accessible health education. Through research and community outreach, Ella has come to recognize the importance of connecting scientific evidence with practical information that empowers people to make informed decisions about their health. She hopes to continue advocating for communities whose health concerns are often underrepresented while remotely mentoring premedical students as they pursue their own goals.

Ultimately, Ella hopes to bring the knowledge and experience she gained in medical school back to Guam, becoming a physician who combines patient care, research, and advocacy to help bridge gaps in healthcare access and education.

Advice for Future Physicians

To aspiring physicians, Ella encourages you to remain open to the opportunities that come your way, even when they lead you somewhere you did not initially expect. Her journey from UOG to medical school taught her that growth often comes from stepping outside your comfort zone, seeking guidance from mentors, and allowing your interests to evolve through new experiences. Whether through research, community service, leadership, or simply connecting with someone whose experiences differ from your own, every opportunity can teach you something valuable about the kind of physician you hope to become.

She also hopes students remember that there is no single path to medicine and that the experiences they gain along the way are just as important as reaching the destination. Building relationships, asking questions, and remaining curious can open doors you may not have known existed. Most importantly, Ella encourages future physicians to remember the people and communities that inspired them to pursue medicine in the first place. The journey can be challenging, but staying connected to your purpose can help guide you through moments of uncertainty. You do not need to have everything figured out to take the next step; sometimes, you simply have to be willing to begin.

Written by: Kayla Paguio | October 22, 2026