Member Spotlight

Q: Could you tell us about what drew you to preventive cardiology?

A: I was very interested in cardiology during medical school. However, after witnessing my two grandpas pass away from a serious heart attack and ischemic stroke, I realized the importance of cardiovascular disease prevention before limited treatments could be applied for its irreversible consequences. I believe there are millions of individuals and families living with regret for not taking appropriate preventive cardiology strategies for their loved ones before it is too late. I was drawn to this specialty so that I could save more lives by providing treatments for these diseases.

Q. I understand that you are currently studying for your PhD in Public Health. Could you explain the correlation between Public Health and your interest in lipid management?

A: In ancient days, public health was more focused on the management of infectious disease such as measles, smallpox, chickenpox, etc. With the development of medical techniques, most of the infectious diseases were under control through vaccines or other preventive procedures, especially in developed countries. Therefore, a research trend towards chronic disease management emerged in public health. Lipid management is significantly important as it is related to various chronic conditions including dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular disease. Moreover, lipid levels are modifiable through lifestyle management as well as pharmaceutical therapy. As public health researchers, our role is to improve outcomes of numerous chronic conditions through constructing strategies to optimize lipid profiles on a population level while physicians are responsible for individualized regimens.

Q. What are your plans after earning your PhD?

A: My ultimate goal is to be a physician as well as an academic researcher. From my master’s degree in Biomedical and Translational Science, I’ve learned that we are experiencing a significant gap between academic research and clinical practice. The conflict between individualized treatment and general guidelines is controversial and always debated between academic researchers and clinical practitioners. I am fortunate to have received an education from both medical school and graduate school in public health. I’m willing to apply my interdisciplinary knowledge to benefit both sides and more importantly, to benefit patients.

Q. You have published a number of papers, presented at the NLA’s abstract competition, and presented at the American Diabetes Association. What advice do you have for other young members who are interested in increasing their involvement in the field? 28

A: I was very excited to present my work at the 2018 NLA Scientific Sessions in Las Vegas, and it gave me a chance to interact with experts from multiple fields of lipid study. I was inspired by their comments and thoughts for my work and most importantly, it exposed me to additional research topics and connected me with other research groups for possible cooperation in the future. My suggestions for other young members is to accumulate your knowledge at school much as possible, including reading papers, becoming involved with multiple research projects and gaining research experience from your colleagues. These things are all helpful and an essential part of preparing to attend a scientific conference.

Q. How do you feel that the NLA has helped to advance your career or knowledge of lipidology?

A: As one of the most prestigious associations in lipidology worldwide, the NLA provides great opportunities for young researchers to advance their careers in this field. My mentor, Nathan D. Wong, PhD, FNLA, introduced me to lipidology, and I was proud to present my very first work on hypertriglyceridemia at Scientific Sessions. I also got a chance to meet with worldfamous experts in lipidology at the meeting and exchanged comments on each other’s work. After becoming a new member, I gained access to various online education resources as well as the Journal of Clinical Lipidology and LipidSpin, which keeps me updated with the latest news in lipidology.

Q. Could you tell us a bit about your other interests or hobbies?

A: In my spare time, my favorite hobby is to travel and explore the world’s enormous natural wonders. My most memorable trip was to Alaska, for the unique and mysterious scenery of the Aurora Borealis. My two friends and I spent a whole day climbing a giant snowy mountain on our own. The climbing was exhausting, and the frigidity made me think of giving up somewhere in the middle. “Make choices, stick to it and don’t look back,” I said to myself and shared this encouragement with my friends.

By the end of the day, we finally made to the top, and the moment we lay on the ground outside the resort, we observed the “glowing green ripples forming arcs that constantly transform their shape into new glowing diaphanous forms” as NASA astronaut Don Pettit once so eloquently described it. It was the most beautiful view I will keep in my mind forever. I love the feeling of big rewards after conquering challenges.