The Thunder Bolt

Alma Mater: National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taiwan

Current Role: Non-specialized Doctor at a Major Medical Center in Taiwan 

Angie Cheng has held an aspiration to become a doctor since she was young, and her current work in one of Taiwan’s largest medical centers is the culmination of that lifelong goal. She finds her passion in the intellectual challenge of medicine, specifically the process of taking an overview of a patient’s general condition and then diving into the details to make critical decisions. She enjoys the energy of urgent situations and appreciates the mentorship provided by her senior leaders during high-pressure times. As an aspiring leader, she looks forward to the day she can offer that same support and guidance to others as they grow in their careers.

Angie believes that Concordia provided a strong academic foundation by offering competitive medicine-related courses such as biology and chemistry. Beyond the traditional sciences, she found that her participation in clubs and courses focused on statistics, big data, and research significantly boosted her ability to understand the experimental side of medicine. She believes these specific skills in data and research will continue to be useful as she navigates the increasingly technical landscape of modern healthcare.

The most valuable part of Angie’s journey so far has been the realization that medicine is a field of constant learning and unexpected challenges. She notes that unlike most jobs, medicine often presents rare situations that defy expectations regardless of how many decades of experience a practitioner has. For Angie, the most rewarding aspect is the blend of standardized medical practice and the flexibility required to arrange personalized treatment plans for each individual. She finds immense accomplishment in building trust with her patients and seeing them benefit from the management of a dedicated medical team.

Currently, Angie is gaining broad experience as a non-specialized doctor by rotating through different hospital departments each month. This variety allows her to encounter a wide range of cases as she prepares for the next step in her career. She plans to apply for a surgical residency later this year with the ultimate goal of becoming a cardiovascular surgeon.

Drawing from her own experience, Angie advises Concordia students to prioritize clinical experience and critical thinking alongside their textbook knowledge. She recommends seeking out opportunities to see the inner workings of medical institutions firsthand or at least speaking with current professionals to get a clear picture of the field. Additionally, she suggests that students research the differences between medical systems in various countries, as each system offers unique opportunities that may align with a student's specific career goals.

Click here to learn more about Concordia's Alumni.