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How long have you been a member of AAIM?

I became a member of the AAIM four years ago when I became the Chair, but our department of medicine has been a member for many years.

What is your favorite part of your job?

I love the teaching part of my job. I really enjoy working with students and residents on the wards and off the wards on research projects, mentorship, and in conferences. We used to travel in groups to attend conferences where we enjoyed having lunch together and attending each other’s presentations together. My most favorite part is the graduation ceremony for our senior residents. I am confident that in the near future we will be able resume our life again after we control the COVID-19 pandemic.

How has the AAIM membership been of value to you and your career? 

The AAIM has been of value to my department and me. We always have our program director, coordinator, and administrator attend the annual meeting. They give us report on their learning experience upon return. I enjoy the educational support and the forum where the leadership exchanges ideas online. The membership of the AAIM kept us abreast of changes and has even helped us identify and recruit good second year residents for our vacancies.

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in the medical field? 

I made up my mind to be a doctor in the senior year of the high school. I enjoy poetry and literature but figured that the only way to effectively help a broad range of people is to practice medicine.

What or Who inspires you and why?

What inspires me is commitment to the task! I love committed people and they inspire me tremendously. I get inspired when I run into a resident physician at night in the hospital. These young professionals who deserted bed for work are the mark of excellence! Naturally, this applies to faculty and other professionals like nurses, pharmacists, aids, clerks, techs, janitors, hospital operators, etc.

What advice would you give to those who wish to pursue a career in this industry? 

Medicine is not for the faint of heart! It takes real commitment. All other requirements will fall in place whenever you are committed. You will feel the real pleasure whenever you help others feel better. It is definitely worth it!

What is your favorite book or movie?

The House of God by Samuel Shem is a satirical novel that most of our generation remember. It is the only book that made me laugh and cry simultaneously. It may not be pertinent nowadays, but it has left an indelible mark on medicine by exposing pitfalls in the system and indirectly fostering many improvements in residency training, perhaps amongst them limiting the endless work hours for the house staff.