What made you want to become a physician?
After finishing medical training in South Korea, I was appointed to work as a humanitarian medical officer for the Korean Government for three years in lieu of military duty. During those three years, I had thought about switching my career from a clinician to an administrative officer. Although my work was gratifying, I came to believe that advances in translational research held the potential for even more significant impact on disease prevention and management than was possible through administrative outreaches. Therefore, I decided to re-train in the US (enriched research environment) and finished my Otolaryngology residency at Stanford University with two additional years of a research fellowship.- What is the best part of your job?
The evolution of medicine depends on the successful translation of basic science research from the bench to clinical implementation at the bedside. As a clinician-scientist, I am trying to bridge the gap between research in the basic sciences and clinical medicine in the field of upper airway diseases (chronic rhinosinusitis, chronic rhinitis, cystic fibrosis), and eventually make important contributions to healthcare. - Who is a mentor who has had a profound influence on your life?
There are a lot of people who have had a tremendous influence on my life. Regarding my career development, there are two mentors: Dr. Peter H. Hwang at Stanford University and Dr. Bradford A. Woodworth at UAB. Dr. Hwang has always supported and encouraged me to pursue my dreams while challenging me to be the best that I can. Dr. Woodworth is an excellent goal-setter and has inspired me to set high goals for myself and work hard to reach them. They are great writers and editors. They magically edit what I write and are always to the point. - What does the future of medicine look like in your area of interest?
About two years ago, I did have a book club with our residents focusing on "The Digital Doctor" by Robert Wachter. Based on that book, I would imagine this: In the clinic, the clinic note will be created by physicians and other team members mainly through speaking, rather than writing and thousands of clicking. Consultations with specialists will be completely reimagined. A new system of national physician licensure, enacted to facilitate telemedicine, will allow consultations to cross state boundaries. There may even be instances in which consultants are in other countries. While physicians will still be ultimately responsible for making a final diagnosis, the electronic health records will suggest possible diagnoses for the physicians to consider, along with the tests and treatments based on guidelines and literature that are a click or a voice command way. - How do you like spending your time off?
I love traveling and cooking. I am try to make very authentic Korean cuisine using traditional ingredients. Usually, my reference is YouTube videos. I once made Kimchi (fermented spicy cabbage) here in Birmingham by myself, which wasn’t easy at all. I have visited about 40 countries, including North Korea and Eritrea (the two most isolated countries in the world). During my time off, I am planning my next trip. I would like to visit Easter Island and Iceland in the near future.
Take 5 with Dr. Do-Yeon Cho
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- Written by: Morgan Samples