Grateful Tiger Conversation: Junsang “Chris” Cho

Junsang “Chris” Cho
Dee E. Fenner, MD, and Charles F. Moss Endowed Scholarship
Fourth-year student
St. Louis

Q: How has this scholarship assisted in your education?

A: This scholarship has allowed me to be independent and relieve the financial burden on my parents to support me. Generosity, in the form of time or money, should never be taken for granted. In addition, this scholarship has taught me about how I might be able to pay it forward in the future. Medical school has taught me immensely about mentorship, and I firmly believe that one method of providing mentorship is through financial support. I hope to help students in the future the same way Dr. Fenner and Mr. Moss helped me.

Q: What are your career goals?

A: As an aspiring physician, I have thought about ways that my life experiences could help move the medical field forward. As a Korean American who grew up in four different states, my experiences have led me to be passionate about improving diversity within the field. My experiences, including starting and leading the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association in medical school, will allow me to be a vehicle for eliminating barriers and uniting communities through advocacy and mentorship. As an aspiring ophthalmologist, I hope to carry this discussion into the field of ophthalmology and work closely with leaders to overcome issues associated with lack of diversity.

Q: What are your extracurricular activities and hobbies?

A: I started a music production group with a few of my close friends and fell in love with the process of creating beats, writing lyrics and mixing the tracks. Outside of music, I host an ophthalmology-centered podcast “Honestly Bilal” and started a community for aspiring ophthalmologists called EyeRes, which provides information about specific programs and upcoming events in the field. I love to play golf and basketball — I was a high school athlete in both.

In medical school, I have consistently volunteered for the MedZou Community Health Clinic. It has been a rewarding experience getting to work with both physicians and fellow students to help provide free care to the Columbia community.

Q: What else can you tell us about yourself?

A: I have had so many valuable experiences at Mizzou. During the past year, I was able to publish several manuscripts, which has been one of the most rewarding aspects of medical school because I have gotten to work with so many inspiring students and mentors. I hope I can pass down what I have learned to future students in the realm of research.

Q: What message would you like to send to your scholarship sponsor?

A: Your act of kindness has inspired me to pay it forward to the next generation. I promise to use your generosity to help as many patients as possible and be a leader in whatever field I end up in. I hope to become a mentor to many and move the medical field in a positive direction. Thank you again for your support and all of us at Mizzou Med will not let you down.