How Identity Has Influenced a Physician at Advanced Dermatology of Oregon's Career

Being a first-generation immigrant is one of the most challenging roles people face. You don't have family members who can guide you on how to apply to college, medical school, or secure a residency. No one is there to tell you those things.

Therefore, I believe the most important thing is to find other people who have gone through the process and work with them. One of the other significant challenges I encountered was the inability to afford college and medical school. I couldn't afford many things that my classmates already had funding for.

Getting creative about scholarships, work-study, or saving money from summer jobs to self-fund was really challenging. My parents helped as much as they could, but they just couldn't pay for college, a private Ivy League medical school, or anything like that.

When pursuing your path, whether in business, medicine, or engineering, it's crucial to find a synergistic place for yourself. As a first-generation person, finding other first-generation individuals who have navigated these challenges can be helpful. Securing funding resources is also vital to alleviate financial pressure.

Additionally, being an Asian female and an entrepreneurial person trying to start my own practice was incredibly challenging. I had never taken a business course and had no idea how to read a profit and loss sheet or obtain a small business loan. These weren't taught in medical school.

Entering the business world as a woman can be intimidating, especially when starting a new venture. While male domination exists in running companies, especially in other medical specialties, dermatology is seeing more women now. In fact, more than 50% of dermatologists are women, and more are running their practices compared to other specialties.

These are the challenges I identify with. I can tell you as an aspiring physician or small business owner that it's incredibly difficult, but also one of the most gratifying parts of my job. Looking back and realizing I navigated paying for college or med school, or opening my own office and making it financially viable, is amazing.

It's incredibly gratifying to go through that whole journey. I believe anything is possible if you dedicate your mind, heart, and soul to it and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You just have to fight for it, continue to work for it, and take it one step, one day at a time.

Don't get overwhelmed by looking at the entire project at once. Try to focus on each day, do your best, and you will reach your goals. These are the most important roles I identify with.