Bio
Growing up, I spent my weekends immersed in the art studio. From pencil drawings to oil paintings, I experimented with a variety of mediums and let the tool in my hand guide my creative expression. These artistic endeavors led to my artwork being auctioned for $13,000 at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. With the proceeds, I funded educational programs for children – a seminal moment in my life that later influenced my decision to become a surgeon. I was drawn to surgery not only for its tangible impact but also for the profound sense of purpose and reward it offers in transforming patients’ lives.
My growth as a surgeon parallels my growth as an artist. Learning to paint taught me that mastering a craft is a privilege earned, beginning with careful observation and progressing to graduated responsibility. In a similar manner, the privilege to create meaningful impact as a surgeon begins with residency training and continues with my decision to pursue a fellowship. Like art, facial plastic surgery seamlessly integrates creativity, skill, and passion in a deeply rewarding craft.
During my residency, I had the opportunity to assist in many complex nasal septal reconstructions and rhinoplasties. It was a transformative experience to see how even the smallest of adjustments, whether through suture techniques or graft placements, can impact functional and aesthetic outcomes. Each case required a balance of close-up and holistic examination to ensure nasofacial harmony, a process reminiscent of my artistic approach where attention to both fine detail and overall composition is essential. These experiences reinforced my belief that facial plastic and reconstructive surgery is a field where my artistic passion and surgical training can converge to best serve patients. My artistic background helps me envision reconstructive ideas, and my surgical training enables me to bring them to life.
I aim to expand both the breadth and depth of my knowledge in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery through fellowship training. In the short-term, I aspire to develop strong mentorship, refine my surgical techniques, and gain experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. I also seek to gain insight into practice management and marketing to improve patient care and outreach. In the long-term, I envision building a practice that includes both surgical and in-office procedures to help patients of all ages look and feel their best. I hope to foster a collaborative environment where I can build strong professional relationships with colleagues across specialties to develop a robust referral network. Attending academic conferences will also be a priority, as it will allow me to learn from colleagues and stay up to date with the latest innovations. As an Asian American, I have a particular interest in ethnic facial plastic surgery, which I explored in residency by conducting research to characterize the ideal East Asian nose using photogrammetric analysis. I hope to use my fluency in Mandarin to help ethnic patients achieve their aesthetic goals while preserving their ethnic identity.
Pursuing fellowship training is a critical first step towards achieving these goals. After completing the fellowship, I hope to join an established practice to continue learning from experienced mentors while gaining hands-on experience in practice management. I recognize that challenges may arise along the way, but I would use them as opportunities to reflect, seek guidance from mentors, and develop actionable steps to improve.
As I continue to refine my craft as a surgeon, I will carry forward the same passion and commitment to excellence that has defined my journey as an artist. I look forward to pursuing fellowship training and the many opportunities for growth it will bring.
