Student Doctor Jennifer Wong, PNWU-COM Class of 2024, was recently named a Douglas S. Paauw MD Outstanding Student in Internal Medicine. The award, presented annually by the American College of Physicians’ (ACP’s) Washington Chapter, recognizes one senior medical student from each medical school.
Approaching graduation, and the conclusion of a medical school journey she describes as “simultaneously rewarding, yet overwhelming,” Student Dr. Wong views the honor as a reminder of her longstanding dedication to education and community medicine.
“During my clinical years, it became evident that treating a patient’s medical needs alone was insufficient.”
“During my clinical years, it became evident that treating a patient’s medical needs alone was insufficient if their socioeconomic needs – such as housing instability, food insecurity, and gaps in medical literacy – were not equally addressed as part of their clinical picture,” Student Dr. Wong explained.
With internal medicine, Wong discovered a way to combine her passion for community medicine and underrepresented population education with her desire to care for high complexity patients with challenging physiology. Add in the opportunity to diagnose and manage a diverse range of medical conditions, and the ability to collaborate with specialists when needed, and she had found a calling.
“The breadth of knowledge required in internal medicine motivates me to remain inquisitive as a lifelong learner,” said Wong, “I enjoy the comprehensive nature of patient care, and understanding the significant impact of external factors on a patient’s outcome and overall well-being.”
Student Dr. Wong credits PNWU for helping to establish a strong foundation of medical knowledge which equipped her for the demands of clinical practice.
“Our faculty not only taught crucial high-yield topics for board exams, but also instilled and emphasized the practice of ‘real’ medicine drawn from their years of experience,” she explained. “PNWU’s mission has shaped my approach to challenging patient encounters. When faced with situations of limited or even unavailable resources, my PNWU education has empowered me to be creative in both my thinking and problem-solving.”
Now in her fourth year, and having experienced what she describes as “the acuity of hospital medicine” during her sub-internships, Student Dr. Wong is strongly considering a fellowship that balances “the best of both outpatient and inpatient care environments.”
“We’ll see where residency takes me!” she exclaimed.
“When faced with situations of limited or even unavailable resources, my PNWU education has empowered me to be creative in both my thinking and problem-solving.”