Washington, District of Columbia, United States
Double board certified scientist in Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, guided by 호연지기 (Heart of Wisdom and Grit)—the Korean philosophy of cultivating moral courage and intellectual strength to serve the greater good. Public health is interdisciplinary and shaped by policies, institutions, and communities. One Health recognizes that human, animal, and environmental health are interdependent—requiring collaboration to address antimicrobial resistance, infectious diseases, and health equity. The Rule of Law holds that all are subject to clear, stable laws, applied fairly. It shields against arbitrary power through accountability and accessible justice. In health systems, legal frameworks determine who receives care and how institutions respond to crises. Without predictable legal systems, health equity remains aspirational. Three pillars shape my approach: Laboratory Medicine as Foundation Clinical laboratory testing drives 70% of medical decisions. Diagnostic science is a frontline defense for patient care and population health security, making accuracy and ethical practice essential. Service Through Crisis During the Taal Volcano eruption, I coordinated logistics for 1,200+ volunteers distributing relief to 135,000 displaced families. During COVID-19, I served with the Philippine Red Cross Emergency Field Hospital, supporting vaccination operations. Health systems succeed through preparedness, coordination, and courage. Law as Health Infrastructure Through student governance and engagement with legal societies across American, British, and Korean systems, I've studied how comparative frameworks shape health policy, patient rights, and access to justice. I contributed to cultural diplomacy through the Hangeul Wall project at the Korean Cultural Center in New York, where two of my artworks were selected among 1,000 submissions to build the world's largest Hangeul wall—bridging communities through shared artistic expression. I've led research on infant microbiota and probiotic health correlations, conducted community health assessments, and participated in traditional arts preservation through Korean institutions. The Korean ppalli ppalli (빨리빨리)—"quickly, with urgency"—reflects the pace required of public health professionals. But I balance urgency with faith: moving ppalli ppalli with the Good Lord's speed. 호연지기 reminds me that effective service requires moral courage and disciplined preparation. My ikigai (生き甲斐) is strengthening systems that protect the most vulnerable when they need it most. Personal views. Limited disclosure for privacy.
Member of the world's largest professional organization for pathologists and laboratory professionals, representing over 100,000 members globally. Board-Certified International Medical Laboratory Scientist [MLS(ASCPi)CM]—the gold standard in global medical laboratory professional certification, administered by the ASCP Board of Certification (BOC). • Completed advanced continuing education modules in clinical chemistry, hematology, microbiology, and molecular diagnostics through ASCP's certification preparation programs • Engaged with global health initiatives through ASCP's international membership network, contributing to the advancement of laboratory medicine standards worldwide • Active participant in ASCP podcasts and CME activities, including "Inside the Lab" series covering COVID-19 response, laboratory staffing, and infectious disease diagnostics
Dual role as a volunteer inspector and medical student member of the leading organization for board-certified pathologists, serving the CAP's mission to foster excellence in pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. As CAP Inspector: • Trained in CAP's educational, peer-based inspection methodology to assess laboratory compliance with accreditation standards • Prepared to contribute expertise in reducing risk and improving patient care through peer-based laboratory assessments supporting CAP's accreditation of nearly 8,000 laboratories globally • Completed Inspection Team Leader Training (Feb 2023) and Inspection Team Member Training (Feb 2026), demonstrating sustained commitment to quality assurance and laboratory safety
• Engaging with CAP's educational resources and professional development opportunities in anatomic and clinical pathology • Staying current with evolving laboratory accreditation standards and best practices in diagnostic medicine • Networking with board-certified pathologists and laboratory professionals to advance understanding of laboratory medicine's role in patient care
Korea's premier professional society for laboratory medicine, enhancing clinical laboratory quality through systematic approaches to pre-analytic, analytical, and post-analytical phases. Contributing to global health through diagnostic medicine development and international collaboration.
Building public health laboratory capacity through CDC's national training network for emergency preparedness and clinical excellence. Member of CDC's OneLab Network—the premier platform uniting clinical and public health laboratory professionals to strengthen emergency response capabilities and improve patient outcomes through standardized training and quality resources. Professional Development & Certification: • Completed specialized CDC TRAIN continuing education in biothreat preparedness (Francisella tularensis recognition for sentinel laboratories), biological safety cabinet operations (1.0 P.A.C.E. contact hour), and personal protective equipment protocols (1.25 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits) • Earned certification in infection control standards and laboratory biosafety procedures critical for public health emergency response • Engaged with OneLab Reach, OneLab TEST, OneLab VR, and OneLab Resources platforms for continuous competency development Strategic Alignment: Maintaining readiness to support clinical laboratory and public health emergency operations through evidence-based training aligned with CDC Division of Laboratory Systems standards. Contributing to the Training Workforce and Development Branch's mission to equip the laboratory workforce with essential tools for pandemic preparedness, outbreak response, and public health protection. Strengthening competencies at the intersection of clinical laboratory science, biosecurity, emergency management, and threat intelligence—supporting both domestic public health infrastructure and international laboratory capacity-building initiatives.
Advancing women's health research and gender equity in biomedical sciences through the nation's premier medical research institution. Member of the NIH Office of Research on Women's Health (ORWH)—the focal point for women's health research across all NIH institutes and centers, working to advance understanding of sex and gender as critical influences in health, disease, and medical outcomes. Focus Areas & Engagement: • Supporting ORWH's mission to stimulate research addressing health disparities, reproductive health, and conditions disproportionately affecting women across the lifespan • Engaging with initiatives promoting women in biomedical careers and leadership positions within health sciences • Staying current with cutting-edge research on sex-based differences in disease presentation, treatment response, and clinical outcomes Strategic Context: Contributing to NIH's broader public health mission as one of the 13 operating divisions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Supporting interdisciplinary approaches that integrate clinical laboratory medicine perspectives with women's health research priorities. Aligning professional development with NIH's commitment to evidence-based medicine, translational research, and the advancement of precision medicine approaches that account for biological sex and gender as variables in health interventions. This membership reinforces commitment to health equity, clinical research excellence, and the integration of laboratory medicine with patient-centered care approaches in women's health.