COM student of the month — meet Cindy Chou, fourth-year medical student

Editor’s Note: Each month, InterCOM will highlight a “Student of the Month” from the College of Medicine. Students will be featured for their participation in activities outside of medical school and for making a difference in the community. The goal is to recognize students for what they are doing and to encourage other students to get involved in the community. After all, medical school should be much more than studying.  

Name: Cindy Chou

Hometown: Taipei, Taiwan

Program/Year:  College of Medicine, 4th year

Education: Three bachelor’s degrees – Bachelor of Music degree in clarinet performance; Bachelor of Science in physiology; Bachelor of Science in neuroscience – University of Washington.

Activities: Rock climbing, skiing, attending concerts, trying new foods, cooking, watching movies, listening to podcasts.

Staying Balanced: I enjoy spending time with my partner and make it a priority. I like the peaceful time when I prep meals for us most nights of the week. Also, our cat invariably snuggles up to me when I lay down in bed ready for sleep each night, which is very calming and relaxing at the end of a busy day. Also, I try to exercise daily – physical health is important for mental health!

Three things people don't know about me:

I took my time to decide what I wanted to do in college – six years. I had originally intended to go to art school for painting in St. Louis.

I was raised by my aunt who I immigrated with to the U.S. My parents never moved with us and still live in Taiwan.

We come from a family lineage of small business and blue-collar professions, but my immediate family members are all in medicine. My parents and sister are all radiologists, and my brother is currently finishing medical school after working for years as an actuary. I am so proud of them all!