College can be hazardous. Coughs spread germs through lecture halls, stress- induced migraines can leave you incapacitated and drunken weekends can leave you bumped, bruised or worse.
Fortunately, if you're unfortunate enough to make a trip to the emergency room, you will be in good hands with Dr. Esther Chen. She is the Assistant Residency Director and the Director of Medical Student Education in the Department of Emergency Medicine, and she's got things under control.
"I chose emergency medicine because I feel like it utilizes my strengths: being able to stay calm in chaotic situations and multitask," said Chen. "I wanted to take care of the community. We take care of everyone, regardless of whether they have insurance."
Chen also enjoys passing her wisdom and expertise on to her residents. "[In addition to being a clinician] I'm also teaching medical students and residents. My schedule is always changing."
Chen, who is fluent in Mandarin, brings her medical students with her every week to volunteer at a free clinic in a South East Asian community in South Philadelphia. "One of the best things about my job is to be able to introduce students to a different kind of medical practice," she said.
Chen's adventures don't end in South Philly. Travel, she says, is a great passion of hers. She has practiced medicine in Guatemala, Thailand and on a cruise ship, honeymooned in France and hopes to spend her next spring break in Amsterdam.
Chen also has other ambitions that tie together her emergency medical training and linguistic skills. "I would love to work for the Olympics [in China this summer]. I would either work in the field or in an emergency room," said Chen.
Although her medical skills may send her to the far corners of the world, the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania is her home base. "My favorite thing about HUP is the patients. I think our community has a very diverse patient population that is very appreciative of what we do," said Chen.
When not dealing with pneumonia cases, stab wounds or inebriated party-goers, Chen enjoys cooking, exploring the Philadelphia restaurant scene and listening to live music.
"I grew up in New York City. Philadelphia is certainly a big city, but it's more accessible. There's lots of great food, art and theater." She also frequents campus food trucks.
She's wise in the ways of the world, she's fueled by food trucks and she's ready for anything whether you're accident prone, sickly or tend to party too hard. Fear not, Penn students, the doctor is in.
