Why medicine?

Unlike others, I never had an “a-ha” moment, where I suddenly thought this was the way to go for me. The reasons why I chose medicine continue to stack up as I move along this journey. There is no “one specific” reason for me. But, if I had to try and explain why medicine, it’s this – medicine is the closest thing to magic. Coming home from work everyday, knowing that I was on the front line of helping save someone’s kid, someone’s husband, brother, friend, or father, using my knowledge about the intricate design of the human body, being able to be a confidant and a protector to my patients – that is the only thing I can think of that will fulfill me to my very core every day for the rest of my life. That is why I chose medicine, or maybe, it choose me.

Why did you double-major?

I entered college as a Biology major, not because it was the “go-to” choice for many pre-meds, but because I truly had a passion for the study of life. As someone who is passionate about medicine and everything it holds, I kind of grilled a lot of the doctors that I shadowed. So, out of curiosity, I would ask them their least favorite part about the job, and most of them would say something along the lines of the business/legal side of medicine. I want to be a doctor, and I want to be excellent at it, which is why I chose to add Healthcare Management as another major. I don’t want the “burden of the business side of medicine” to cloud the true purpose of this career – to better people’s quality of life. I wanted to make this career’s short end a strength for myself, but I did not want to completely let go of Biology either, so why not do both?

What’s it like being a double-major?

Honestly, I am used to working hard, and I enjoy challenging myself, so I really like being a double-major. I get to experience the two biggest schools in my university – Natural Science & Mathematics and Jindal School of Management. It’s a lot of extra work, mostly because instead of taking 6 years in total to graduate, I’m going to graduate within the normal four years of college. I love studying two very different fields, so the extra work never feels extra to me.

How are you able to graduate with two degrees in only four years?

I came in with only 9 AP credit hours, so I really had to take the initiative to take 18-hour semesters. I also took and am still taking summer courses.

Is it true that you’re about to be a senior at 19 years old? If so, how did you pull that off?

Yes, it’s true! I was accelerated up a grade in my earlier years, so that already put me ahead one year. And then, since I am double-majoring and taking so many hours, I reached the amount of hours to be considered at a senior standing at my university, although I am only about to enter my third year of college.

Do you have time to do anything fun?

Of course! This year, I took up painting as a hobby. I’m also an officer for my university’s chapter of this hip-hop organization, called Dancing For a Cause. It’s my mental and physical outlet. Without DFC, I’d probably go crazy in my room by studying all day. I also love Netflix and eating with my friends.

How is Dallas?

Dallas has really grown on me. The community I surround myself with is so warm and welcoming. I also love it here because there’s so many good Asian restaurants to eat at, and I am in a really safe part of Dallas.

Why do you specifically want to become a cardiothoracic anesthesiologist?

I LOVE THE HEART. I also love being in the OR. I like anesthesiology because it’s kind of the field that a lot of people tend to overlook or underestimate – “all they do is put people to sleep” – if you have been in an OR during a full procedure, you would know that half of the room is taken up by anesthesia. More importantly, I like anesthesiology because it is the field in which directly protects the patient from harm. During a surgery, the most dangerous person in the room is the surgeon, and the anesthesiologist’s job is to protect the patient by paying close attention to the patient’s vitals and administer medicine as needed to keep the patient stable.