Most Searched
Originally published October 30, 2024
Last updated October 30, 2024
Reading Time: 5 minutes
Search more articles
News & Magazine
Topics
See All Topics expand_more
See Fewer Topics expand_less
“When I was younger, I wanted to be an engineer. I was fascinated by how things worked and loved problem solving. But as I got older, I realized I wanted to apply that same curiosity and problem solving to helping people directly, which led me to medicine. Being a physician combined my interest in science with my passion for making a real difference in the lives of others. I’ve never looked back.”
“When I’m not working, I’m usually spending time with my family. I love being with my kids and getting involved in their activities, whether it’s coaching their soccer teams or just spending time outdoors.
“I also enjoy staying active and finding moments to read or dive into discussions about history, art or philosophy — topics that have always intrigued me.”
“One of my favorite travel destinations is Japan. The mix of rich history, culture and natural beauty, along with the amazing food and vibrant cities, made it an unforgettable and fascinating experience.”
“Three items on my bucket list include starting my own business, traveling through Europe to explore its rich history and attending culinary school.”
“If I could trade careers with anyone, it would be with the CEO of a successful, innovative company. I’ve always been fascinated by leadership, strategy and the ability to drive change on a larger scale. Running a company allows you to shape its vision, build a strong team and make decisions that can have a significant impact on the world.
“The challenge of steering a business, especially in a field that merges technology and health care, would be an incredible opportunity to blend my passion for science and innovation with entrepreneurship.”
“My biggest role model growing up was my father. He showed me the value of hard work, perseverance and compassion. Watching how he balanced his responsibilities while always being present for our family left a lasting impression on me. He taught me that success isn’t just about what you achieve professionally but also about how you treat others and maintain integrity in everything you do.”
“The best piece of advice I’ve ever received is to stay humble and always keep learning. No matter how much you know or achieve, there’s always room to grow. It’s a reminder to stay curious, open-minded and to never lose sight of the importance of listening to others, whether they are colleagues, patients or loved ones.”
“People might be surprised to learn that I had lymphoma earlier in life. Going through that experience not only gave me a deep personal connection to the field of hematology but also shaped how I approach my patients. It gave me a firsthand understanding of what it’s like to be on the other side of care. That perspective drives me to be even more compassionate and attentive in my practice. Going through something like that made me appreciate the role of a good doctor, and I knew I wanted to give others the same level of care and support I received.”
“My favorite book is ‘When Breath Becomes Air’ by Paul Kalanithi, a neurosurgeon who passed away from lung cancer. His reflections on life, death and finding meaning as both a doctor and patient deeply resonated with me given my own experiences with illness.”
“What I find most rewarding about my job is the chance to make a real difference for my patients, often during the toughest times in their lives. Whether it’s through offering new treatments in bone marrow transplants, supporting them through difficult moments or just being there for their families, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that what I do can have a lasting impact.
“I’ll never forget a time when the son of a patient who had passed away reached out to thank me several years after his father’s treatment. It was a powerful reminder that the work we do goes far beyond just the medical aspect. It touches lives in ways that stay with people long after.”
“What inspires me to be the best physician I can be is knowing the immense trust patients and their families place in me. When someone is facing a life-threatening illness like cancer or preparing for something as serious as a bone marrow transplant, they’re not just counting on me for my medical expertise; they’re putting their hopes, fears and life in my hands. That responsibility is humbling, and it drives me to give my absolute best.
“I’m also inspired by my patients’ resilience. I see people fighting every day through some of the hardest battles of their lives with courage and grace, and it’s impossible not to be motivated by that. Their strength keeps me grounded and reminds me why I chose this field in the first place.
“And finally, I think about my own family. I want to be the kind of doctor I’d want caring for the people I love — someone who’s not just skilled but also compassionate, present and willing to go the extra mile. That’s what keeps me pushing forward, even on the toughest days.”
“No matter how tough the situation, I try to approach each patient with a steady presence. My bedside manner is compassionate, calm and grounded in equanimity. That’s something I’ve always admired in the philosophy of Sir William Osler, the early 1900s physician known for helping to develop a science-based approach to medicine.”
“Be ready for a challenging but rewarding journey. Stay curious, compassionate and take care of yourself.”
“The most impactful advancement in my field so far has been CAR T-cell therapy. It revolutionized blood cancer treatment because it offered personalized care and new hope for patients.”
“The medical breakthrough I hope to see in my lifetime is a cure for hematologic cancers through advanced gene editing or immune-based therapies.”
“I chose to work in academic medicine because of the opportunity to balance patient care, teaching and research. Here at Keck Medicine of USC, I love the collaborative environment, cutting-edge research and the chance to mentor future doctors. The team’s passion for patient care and innovation makes it an inspiring place to work.”
