WHERE IT ALL BEGAN
I was born in Changsha, China, immigrated to Los Angeles with my parents at age 5, and then moved to suburban Philadelphia, where I grew up. We didn’t have much money to buy toys when I was young, so I crafted my own with imagination, a pair of scissors, tape, and empty cereal boxes. My homemade toys gradually became bigger, more colorful, and more elaborate. I became so skilled at making them that my friends began asking me to make them toys as well. Sometimes they would even trade their store-bought toys for my homemade toys. Before I knew it, I was running my first business—and I realized I loved working with my hands.
MY PATH TO RETINA
During my undergraduate studies, I initially matriculated into the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania before switching over to Biology. As part of the curriculum, I had to complete mandatory laboratory rotations. By chance I was assigned to Jean Bennett, MD, PhD, at the Scheie Eye Institute. It was an exciting time to be in the Bennett lab in the early 2000s, as they were developing gene therapy to treat congenital retinal dystrophies. This opened my eyes to the MD/PhD pathway, translational medicine, and vitreoretinal surgery. I was set on becoming a retina specialist, and every step since then reinforced my conviction.
SUPPORT ALONG THE WAY
One of my most impactful mentors and friends is Prithvi Mruthyunjaya, MD, MHS, at the Byers Eye Institute at Stanford University. His thoughtfulness for his patients, dedication to his trainees, and unwaivering pursuit of elevating his craft are characteristics I try to emulate in my own career. To this day, he is only a phone call or text message away.
Dr. Tang’s advice: Be so good that they can’t ignore you. Never be too good to say please and thank you.
AN EXPERIENCE TO REMEMBER
It is not one experience, per se, but a shared moment that I strive for each day. This moment is when something clicks in the mind of my trainee, whether that be a resident physician or a medical student. After seeing multiple patients, staffing numerous surgeries, or talking through endless scenarios, the moment that my trainee gets it is a very special one for me. I am fortunate to be in academic medicine and work toward many more of those moments every day.
