From Surgery to Radiation Oncology | Dr. Christina Huang’s Residency Journey

What does it mean to navigate medicine as the eldest daughter of immigrants, a perfectionist student, and now a chief resident in radiation oncology?

In this episode of Surgeon, Interrupted, Dr. Christina Huang shares her journey from shy, rule-following child to confident physician leader. We talk about the realities of pre-med pressure, navigating med school and board exams, and the pivot from wanting to be a surgeon to finding her place in radiation oncology.

We cover:

– Eldest daughter dynamics and the weight of expectations

– The pressure cooker of pre-med and med school perfectionism

– Burnout, identity crises, and why “pivots” in medicine aren’t failures

– Discovering radiation oncology (and what brachytherapy really is)

– The power of grassroots culture change in residency and beyond

Dr. Huang’s story is a reminder that medicine is never a straight path, and that the real strength comes from looking inward, owning your decisions, and helping to create a healthier culture for those who follow.

Host: Frances Mei Hardin, MD

Guest: Christina Huang, MD

Presented by: The Hippocratic Collective

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