Dr. Lisa Chen-Wu
Emergency Medicine Physician & Researcher
Johns Hopkins Hospital
About
Dr. Lisa Chen-Wu is an attending physician in one of the busiest emergency departments in the country and leads research on reducing health disparities in emergency care. She is the founder of FutureDocs, a pipeline program that prepares underrepresented high school students for careers in medicine through shadowing, mentoring, and test preparation support.
“Medicine is not just about science — it's about people. If you care deeply about helping others and you're willing to work hard, a career in medicine can be the most fulfilling path you'll ever take.”
Interview
Why did you choose emergency medicine?
I thrive in fast-paced environments where I have to think on my feet. Emergency medicine is the most diverse specialty — you see everything from broken bones to heart attacks to mental health crises, all in one shift. Every patient and every situation is different. I also love that the ER doesn't turn anyone away regardless of their ability to pay. It's medicine in its most egalitarian form.
What is the pathway to becoming a doctor?
It's a long road, but it's incredibly rewarding. After a four-year college degree (in any major — you don't have to major in biology), you take the MCAT exam and apply to medical school, which is four years. Then you do a residency in your chosen specialty, which is 3 to 7 years depending on the field. Emergency medicine residency is 3 to 4 years. In total, it's at least 11 years of education and training after high school. But every step of the way, you're learning and growing.
Tell us about FutureDocs.
FutureDocs started because I noticed that many students from underrepresented backgrounds didn't even know medicine was an option for them. They'd never met a doctor who looked like them or understood the steps to get there. FutureDocs partners with high schools to provide clinical shadowing experiences, MCAT prep, personal statement workshops, and one-on-one mentoring from current medical students and physicians. We've had a 90% college acceptance rate and 40% of our alumni are now in pre-med or medical school programs.
What advice do you have for students interested in healthcare?
Volunteer at a hospital or clinic to see if healthcare is right for you — it's not like what you see on TV. Take science courses seriously, but also invest in communication and empathy skills. Learn to listen. Seek out diverse experiences, because medicine requires understanding people from all walks of life. And don't be discouraged by the length of the path; the years will pass regardless, and you might as well spend them pursuing something meaningful.