The AMA “Members Move Medicine” series profiles a wide variety of doctors, offering a glimpse into the passions of women and men navigating new courses in American medicine.
On the move with: Hye-Jin Yun, a medical student at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. An alternate delegate for the Illinois State Medical Society Student Section, she aspires to be a sports medicine physician.
AMA member since: 2018.
What inspired me to pursue a career in medicine: Prior to medicine, I was involved with medical broadcast journalism and worked with the UNICEF USA where I raised funds, advocated and educated for the world’s most vulnerable children. While it was absolutely gratifying to implement change on both the national and global levels, I also realized the importance of being directly involved in individuals’ stories and building personal relationships as a physician to effectively tackle the health issues affecting their lives and communities.
In medicine, I found a perfect amalgam of arts, science and humanism. In committing to a career in medicine, I am eager to dedicate the core humanitarian values that I have cultivated as a storyteller, global citizen and advocate to become a physician who combines medical expertise and compassion to provide holistic care to those I will serve.
How I move medicine: By addressing any pertinent issues relating to medical school education as class president, and by being an active member of the AMA and Illinois State Medical Society Student Section as my school’s alternate delegate. Also, I have taken part AMA Medical Student Advocacy & Region Conference in Washington, D.C. There, I realized the importance of using my voice as a medical student.
Career highlights:
- Class president, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine.
- Alternate delegate, Illinois State Medical Society Student Section.
- Vice president, Sports Medicine Interest Group.
- Olympic-distance triathlete for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
- Global Cause Partnerships Coordinator, UNICEF USA.
- Medical unit, working with the chief medical correspondent at “CBS Evening News.”
Advice I’d give to those interested in pursuing a career in medicine: If pursuing a career in medicine is your calling, nothing is stopping you! There is no one path to medicine so do not be afraid to take the “road less traveled.” Becoming a physician is a rigorous journey that is filled with life-long learning and formative transformations. While the field requires lots of patience, perseverance, and sacrifices, maintain things in your life that sustain you.
Aspect of my work that means the most: As one humanitarian physician told me, “Being a doctor serves as a foundation to become a humanitarian and change agent.” While I am still early in my medical career, I find meaning in embarking on a journey in which I can build relationships with those that I serve and taking care of their body, mind, and spirit. It is truly an honor and privilege to be entrusted with sensitive information and being present for patients during their most vulnerable moments.
My hope for the future of medicine: A continued emphasis on the human side of medicine—to practice the art of listening in the healing process, to treat the human body and the spirit, and to promote self-care for physicians so they can provide the best care for their patients.
Visit MembershipMovesMedicine.com to learn more about other AMA members who are relentlessly moving medicine through advocacy, education, patient care and practice innovation, and join or renew today.
