Subin Cho
Medical Student - Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine
“Knowing how valuable it is to have mentorship and guidance, I hope to be a part of the village for others to help support future women in STEM and healthcare careers.”
Read Subin’s full profile below
Where did you grow up?
Torrance, CA
Who was your favorite teacher, and why?
I loved my 3rd grade teacher, Mr. Killeen! He always encouraged students to be creative and encouraged learning through story-telling. I never forgot how passionate he was about teaching students to express themselves through creative fields and how supportive he was of students of all backgrounds to excel in school.
What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM/Healthcare?
Throughout my life, I have always nerded out about science, specifically biology. Knowing how the body works and being able to apply that knowledge to repair the body when its function is pushed off course is an incredible concept and reality. However, when I started to learn about all the disparities that contribute to this detour of disease, I realized that I wanted to become a physician because I wanted to play a role in advocating for individuals from communities who are affected and harmed unfairly by various social factors. Drawing on my own experience as an immigrant and through the stories of the patients I have connected with, I hope to become a physician that can help support my community by pushing for and providing increased access to quality healthcare.
What do you do in your current role/career?
I am currently a medical student learning about all the anatomy, physiology, and pathology that encompasses human medicine. I am building clinical skills through various workshops, volunteering at clinics, and shadowing doctors of various specialties in the hospital. As a medical student, I am also able to participate in conducting research, which is a unique and valuable opportunity to intertwine clinical medicine with academics.
What were your moments of fear/challenges in your career?
The journey to becoming a doctor is difficult, often full of challenges, sacrifice, and uncertainty. As the first person in my family to pursue an education in America, I turned to many friends and mentors in my life to help guide me through the complexity of the medical school application process. Knowing which classes to take, which opportunities to get involved with, and even learning how to have fun and enjoy the process were all things impressed on me by those around me. Knowing how valuable it is to have mentorship and guidance, I hope to be a part of the village for others to help support future women in STEM and healthcare careers.
What are some of the innovations in science that you are most excited about?
I recently had the opportunity to use virtual reality goggles to learn about structures and diseases of the eye! I think that future advancements in this type of immersive technology will be an exciting way to advance not only medical education, but accessibility in learning environments for students of all levels who are interested in exploring concepts of the human body.
What’s next for you?/What would you like to do when you “grow up’? (retire, etc.)/ what is something you hope to accomplish in the future?
In the future, I hope to become a surgeon and contribute to the growing advancement of women in surgery! I love the artistry, technical aspects, and complex thinking that this field demands and hope to play a role in improving patient health outcomes through operations and procedures.
What is your unique talent?
I was previously a nationally ranked synchronized swimmer (now called Artistic Swimming)!
Personal style/fashion tip?
Personally, I am a Crocs supporter. They are arguably the most comfortable and versatile shoe to exist!
