Finding Strength in Art

I was diagnosed with scoliosis when I was 12, and the doctor was very pessimistic. But a different doctor told me, “With physical therapy and exercise, you can become better.” I did a lot of physical therapy, and the people I met there were very supportive and really helped me overcome a lot of challenges.

After that experience, I realized that I also want to bring out the strengths in other people. That’s how I got into medicine.

Both physicians and artists can give comfort. They have the same role of helping people find strength to keep going. I want to become that physician whom patients can trust, and help the patient keep going, because as soon as the physician tells them some diagnosis, it changes their life completely.

I want to specialize in neurology. You have to be really observant and keep an eye on subtle facial expressions or weaknesses. I think it’s similar to how in art, you have to really be delicate, and you have to be focused on small details, and that can really bring out new meanings.