How Identity Has Influenced a Senior Clinical Trial Coordinator at UCLA Health
Initially conforming to the "model minority" stereotype, the senior clinical trial coordinator initially felt the need to "be a TaskRabbit to stand out," but later realized the importance of asserting their own opinions and expertise, even if it meant causing discomfort. This shift involved acknowledging their identity as a woman of color, challenging expectations, and ultimately finding the courage to advocate for what was best for the team and patients, even if it meant "throw[ing] a wrench in everyone's plan."
Overcoming Challenges, Workplace Challenges, Confidence, Achieving Goals, Motivational Stories
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Cindy Tong
Sr. Clinical Trial Coordinator
UCLA Health, Hematology/Oncology
UCLA, 2017
UCLA FEMBA 2026
Biology & Related Sciences
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Research and Development (R&D)
Took Out Loans
Video Highlights
1. As a woman of color in a predominantly female field, Cindy initially conformed to stereotypes, aiming to be a 'TaskRabbit' to stand out. She later realized this wasn't necessary and that she could voice her opinions.
2. Cindy's experience highlights the 'model minority' myth, particularly for Asian American women. She discusses the internalized pressure to conform, and the courage it took to break free from those expectations.
3. She encourages others to honor their heritage while asserting their individuality at work. Cindy found her voice and confidence to advocate for her patients and team, even when it meant risking social discomfort or challenging the status quo. This shows the importance of self-advocacy and speaking up for what is right within the workplace
Transcript
As someone who identifies as a woman of color, how has that impacted how you've navigated your career?
Healthcare is fortunately one of those fields with a good proportion of women. I myself work in a female-dominated office. However, the percentage of physician leaders, clinical research leaders, and pharmaceutical company presidents or VPs might not be as minimized just yet.
When I first graduated, I almost played into the stereotype that was expected of me. I was 18 and didn't really know better. As someone of Asian American descent, the model minority myth is still very prevalent. It wasn't necessarily a negative thing, but perhaps it was just the way I was raised.
I felt like I always had to be a "TaskRabbit" to stand out. This meant conforming, not speaking up, and going along with the flow. This is just how I felt, and not necessarily how every Asian American woman feels.
I didn't realize this until my first year of graduate school or my first post-grad year. I realized that in this industry, that's not necessarily 100% expected of you. Yes, do your tasks and your work, but realize you don't need to fit into one mold. You don't need to fit expectations based on how you look, your ethnicity, or your background.
This took a lot of courage and introspection for me to break free of those expectations. It changed how I navigated my career as a clinical trial coordinator. I am not just a TaskRabbit; I have my own mind and opinions. I am okay with potentially decreasing social desirability or throwing a wrench in plans if I believe a patient shouldn't be on a trial or if an idea is bad and could harm our image.
It is uncomfortable to do that, and I do get looks. But I'm not doing it to be different or break out of a mold. I'm doing it because I'm not afraid to say what I know is good for my team and our overall goals.
I'm not saying I'm overly aggressive or want to talk over everyone. But I think acknowledging my own identity, the expectations that came with it, and knowing I can honor where I come from while also honoring who I am now is important. It's okay to break out of the mold, and people may get uncomfortable. But as long as smart, well-rounded adults understand you're doing it for the good of your job, it's something that leads to less fear and fewer mental reservations about being cautious.