Medical Student Kristy Lin, Class of 2027 at Carle Illinois College of Medicine is reflecting on Asian Pacific Islander Desi American Heritage Month. Their reflections are shared and written in their own words below.
Kristy Lin, Class of 2027
What does Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) Heritage Month mean to you in the context of healthcare?
In the context of healthcare, APIDA Heritage Month involves honoring prominent APIDA members in medicine, advocating for healthcare workers and patients in our community, and providing appropriate patient education for diverse patient populations. For the patients I see, it means addressing and understanding the language barriers and cultural values of patients to provide the appropriate care. For healthcare professionals, it means recognizing APIDA members who have provided a positive influence in our communities and paved the way for future physicians. Additionally, the celebration of APIDA Heritage Month recognizes the stigmas, health disparities, and prevalent diseases in our communities, and discussions to improve care and healthcare outcomes in these areas should be highlighted.
What inspired you to pursue medicine?
My interests in healthcare first stemmed from my curiosities in biology during school, and my passion towards medicine was pushed further through my time working with special needs children in APIDA communities. I saw the influence of culture in the perception and care for family members in this population, and it made me passionate to help address, educate, and advocate for those with special needs within my own culture and across other cultures.