As a future physician, it is my sincere hope that I can form strong relationships with patients built on mutual trust. Yet, often this process is hindered by a lack of understanding for a patient’s background, beliefs, and culture. The ability to bridge this gap of understanding does not come naturally, but remains a skill that a physician must possess to best fulfill his or her role. Having spent the majority of my life abroad, I have had the opportunity to interact with people from various backgrounds, ingraining in me an appreciation for other beliefs and values.
Born and raised in Hong Kong, I attended schools that used Chinese, English and German as primary languages of instruction. The opportunity to learn under such settings opened my eyes to a range of worldly perspectives. Most transformative of my experiences, however, was my four years at St. Paul’s School. Transitioning into an environment dominated by tradition proved challenging; yet, it encouraged me to embrace my international roots. As I discussed global issues with my friends, I found myself bridging multiple perspectives, formulating views that take into account different elements of the
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While educating and informing patients in Ecuador and as part of Team HBV, I have had to constantly improve and adjust my initiatives to fit the needs of the population I serve. The lessons I learn from patients are what drive the improvements I make. The opportunity to interact with patients early in my time at Geisel, through the unique "On Doctoring" course, will allow me to build lasting relationships with patient communities and physician-mentors from whom I can learn from. I will be able to develop clinical skills while exploring firsthand what constitutes an effective doctor-patient relationship, providing me with an understanding of how to self-learn as I embark on a career in