From the Mekong Delta of Vietnam to the storied halls of MGH-McLean, my journey has been one of finding belonging in unfamiliar places. Moving to the U.S. in high school was a leap into the unknown. At 16, I found myself in a small town in western Kansas, greeted by a warm and supportive host family who treated me as one of their own. This experience taught me a simple yet important lesson: I can do hard things with the right support. I carried this insight with me on my academic journey from Hampshire College to Vanderbilt, where I eventually discovered psychiatry—a field that resonates with my interests in the complexities of the human condition and the ways healthcare systems can support—and at times fail—those who need it most.
When I first considered MGH-McLean, I was excited yet apprehensive, much like when I first decided to study abroad in the U.S. The program’s reputation for rigor loomed large. However, my initial skepticism quickly melted away with the warmth and kindness I encountered during my interviews. The interview days were thoughtfully planned, and every person I met was genuinely excited to learn about my story and share theirs. It wasn’t much about my publication record or the specifics of my PhD research, but rather who I was and what I hoped to become. The program’s inaugural Public and Community Psychiatry Track, along with its well-established Research Track/PSTP, offered exactly what I was seeking: a unique opportunity to pursue clinical training in both academic and community settings while conducting rigorous health equity-oriented research. During my interviews and later, my research month, I was continuously surprised by how eager the faculty were to meet me, share their work, and help me develop my niche. In such a short period of time, I’ve had the privilege of learning from experts across all corners of psychiatry and medicine who are not only leaders in their fields but also deeply invested in my growth.
This sense of support was reaffirmed the moment I arrived. Orientation was beautifully planned, beginning with a day of Outward Bound, where my co-residents and I learned the literal ropes—climbing, lending a hand, a shoulder, a thigh, and cheering one another on as we together defined and reached new heights. We didn’t learn about each other’s academic accolades but instead discovered and shared our own strengths and vulnerabilities, planting the seeds of genuine connection.
As I began my intern year with a research month followed by two medicine rotations, my excitement about the program blossomed into a deep sense of gratitude. Everyone I’ve encountered is not only incredibly smart but also kind and caring. My mentors, a multitude of them, make sure to check in with me regularly. On medicine, I have been welcomed with kindness and patience by co-residents, faculty, and hospital staff as I scale the steep learning curve of intern year. All the while, my psychiatry colleagues and mentors are there in the background, rooting for me and reminding me where I belong with texts, emails, and the occasional unexpected drop-ins and sweet treats. At MGH-McLean, I have found not just a residency but a true sense of belonging, knowing now more than ever that I can do hard things with the right support.
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