Faces of U of T Medicine: Paige Zhang

“When Doug entered the clinic with his social worker that Friday morning, he buzzed with the tension of a caged animal. His eyes were bloodshot and rapidly darted between the window and the door. He looked at me with suspicion and contempt.” From Juice Boxes, by Paige Zhang.

Third year medical student Paige Zhang has been named the winner of the Association of Academic Psychiatry’s Becoming a Doctor essay contest. Open to any student currently enrolled in an accredited medical school in the USA and Canada, this year’s theme was “The Art of Communication in Psychiatry: Connecting with the Patient.” Her essay was selected from over 25 other submissions. She spoke to us about her essay and the importance of reflection.

Name: Paige Zhang

Program/year: Medicine, Third Year

Role/position: Winner of the AAP "Becoming a Doctor" Medical Student Essay Competition 

So, why do you want to become a doctor?

I remember making myself an audio tape when I found out that I got into medical school where I tried to record all of my motivations, hopes, and joy for getting to be a future doctor... it turned out to be over twenty minutes long! I won't repeat it all here, but every day I still feel so privileged to be doing the work I do. 

I've met amazing healthcare providers who I aspire to emulate. I'm getting to explore my curiosity for science and technology. I'm also frustrated with the many imperfect parts of the healthcare system that I want to improve. But most of all, I'm fascinated by stories and getting to connect with another human being in what can be very vulnerable moments. I really feel so fortunate to be in a field that lets me live out so many of my passions! 

Is connecting with patients hard for all doctors, or are their particular challenges for psychiatrists?

I think connecting with other people can be a challenge for everyone – doctors just have to learn it as an art. While it isn't easy for any physician, I think that this human connection is at the very heart of medicine. People often need healthcare when they're in pain, suffering, fearful... and we have this privilege to work with them in that moment, to care for them as best as we can. Connecting with a patient isn't an easy task and takes constant dedication, but it's something that I look forward to working on. 

What insights did you gain by writing this essay that you might use in the future?

This essay began as a reflective exercise for myself, and this is a practice that I hope to continue in the future. We learn so much every day and I can feel myself making seismic shifts – hopefully strengthening not only my medical knowledge and skills, but also my capacity to listen, counsel, and care. It can be overwhelming at times, so I find opportunities to process, write, and share my experiences to be extremely powerful. I've had long days where I write to remind myself why I love this kind of work. I've been challenged by times when I have to really face my mistakes and think through what I can improve for the future. I've had amazing experiences that I want to remember and appreciate. Reflective practice helps me keep attuned to my values, and hopefully heading in the right direction. 

What's your favourite thing about the Faculty of Medicine?

I feel so grateful to be here, with so many people that inspire and motivate me. My peers come from diverse backgrounds and their optimism for what they hope to accomplish in the future is absolutely infectious! Then there are mentors who are so dedicated and talented with the amazing work that they do. Finally, just what drew me to medicine - the privilege of getting to meet with patients and learn from them is a constant, generous source of inspiration.

Faces of U of T Medicine introduces you to some of the interesting men and women studying in the Faculty of Medicine. From advising political leaders to providing care to Toronto’s most vulnerable populations, our students are making an impact on communities at home and around the world. Do you have an interesting story to share? Contact medicine.communications@utoronto.ca.