Sangwon Moon, OMS II at Midwestern University-AZCOM, Awarded $5,000 TOMF Founders' Scholarship
June 6, 2016
Sangwon Moon, OMS II from Midwestern University-AZCOM, hasn't yet decided between Emergency Medicine, OB/GYN, or Internal Medicine as his preferred specialty, but he does know one thing: he's cherished his journey to become a physician. "Not many career choices offer that rewarding nature of medicine in having to pay your dues through hard work but eventually being able to see the results of your hard work through the tangible differences you are able to make in the lives of your patients." He feels lucky to be able to pursue a career in medicine, and realizes the life-long commitment he's making. "If you are willing to devote and sacrifice your time, energy, and hard work into eventually becoming the best doctor you can be, then as with anything in life, you will be very successful."
1. What is your hometown?
Tucson, AZ.
2. What caused you to choose medicine as a career?
I was always inspired by the sheer amount of knowledge and dedication required by physicians to perform such a task as treating a patient. I knew how long the road would be to eventually becoming an attending physician but I cherished the journey of starting from the very bottom and first learning the basics such as the function of an enzyme, to learning complex pathology, then putting that knowledge into clinic, and eventually into routine practice as a resident or attending physician. Not many career choices offer that rewarding nature of medicine in having to pay your dues through hard work but eventually being able to see the results of your hard work through the tangible differences you are able to make in the lives of your patients. That is why I consider myself lucky to be able to pursue a career in medicine.
3. Which specialty do you plan to practice?
I have many interests in mind and haven't narrowed it down yet but some of my top choices include Emergency Medicine, OB/GYN, and Internal Medicine.
4. What does your typical school day look like?
A whole lot of studying with class, exams, workshops, and standardized patient encounters mixed in.
5. What qualities do you look for in a mentor or role model?
The number one quality I look for in a role model is the ability to lead by example. I've always adhered to the philosophy that if you perform well through your actions, others will follow.
6. As a mentor and role model yourself, what advice would you give to a student considering medicine as a career?
Always be learning. Becoming a physician doesn't mean you stop reading or learning once you get there. A devotion to medicine as a career requires life-long learning and practice but if you are willing to devote and sacrifice your time, energy, and hard work into eventually becoming the best doctor you can be, then as with anything in life, you will be very successful.
7. What is the most interesting thing you've discovered so far in your medical training?
The most fascinating thing for me about medicine thus far is the process one goes through mentally when diagnosing and treating a patient. Every aspect and every detail of a patient encounter, whether it be doing diagnostic studies, performing a physical exam, or simply talking to the patient plays a significant role in the decision making process. The best medical education advice I received was: "If you can perform the basics well, meaning a history and physical, you'd be surprised how far that can get you."
8. What are you most excited about doing after you become a physician?
When I become a physician, I will be most excited about finally being able to do what I have been dreaming about doing for a very long time. Outside the realm of practicing medicine, I really would like to give back to the osteopathic community in some way, in the same manner that others have helped me along my journey, whether that be teaching or being active in community events.