I treat patients from around the country at my cosmetic and laser surgery center in west Little Rock. After getting a pharmacy degree, I decided to go to medical school and graduated from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. I completed an otolaryngology residency at UAMS and a facial plastics and reconstructive surgery fellowship at the University of Texas in Houston.
It is so gratifying to me to see the light in a patient’s eyes and the happiness they exude through their transformation into a more confident, radiant person.
Like any working mother, the biggest challenge is in learning how to balance work, family and personal time. You just have to learn how to deal with each challenge, at work or at home, and move on to the next one.
I believe that success is relative and not static. When I can give patients joy and happiness through a procedure, surgery or a kind word or affirmation, then I have been successful.
I am very proud of my heritage, and I wish I knew how to speak Chinese. My parents immigrated from China and learned to speak English. They believed we must speak English to be successful, so we weren’t taught Chinese.
You will always have challenges, but you have to keep moving forward. Just do your best and have empathy for others.
My parents instilled a work ethic that has stayed with me to this day. As non-English speaking immigrants, they overcame many obstacles to provide for me and my siblings. I hope they are always proud of what they have accomplished.
During my fellowship in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, I realized the impact my work could have on a patient’s overall wellbeing. They were happy and self-confident. Their personalities were transformed and I wanted to help make that happen everyday.
The only thing typical about my workday is starting early and finishing late. I’m very fortunate that my family is supportive and understanding, and will wait until I get home so we can eat dinner together.
