Celebrating Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
College of Medicine students, alumni and faculty share what it means to celebrate their cultures
May 24, 2022 — Our cultures play an important role in who we are. From our traditions and celebrations to the foods we love to make and eat, connecting with our backgrounds can bring families together and introduce others to new ways of thinking.
This May, the UF College of Medicine celebrates Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, which recognizes the contributions and influence of both groups to the history, culture and achievements of the U.S.
Hear from students, alumni and faculty members about what it means to them to celebrate their heritage and honor different cultures.
CJ Arcalas
CJ Arcalas
Second-year medical student CJ Arcalas said it wasn’t until her undergraduate studies at the University of Miami that she began to learn more about the traditional dances and ceremonies that are part of her Filipino culture. She was president of her school’s Filipino Student Association and helped choreograph tinikling dances, in which dancers move between two long bamboo sticks tapped in rhythm with music. Her team’s dances combined the traditional dance form with modern moves and pop music.
Both of Arcalas’ parents hail from different regions of the Philippines. She has fond childhood memories of visiting her father’s family and spending time with her cousins, but she said she would love to return as an adult to explore further. She connects to her culture by cooking some of her favorite dishes with her mom, like lumpia, a fried pork egg roll.
“Growing up, I experienced having my achievements dismissed because of what I look like,” she said. “I still feel that today, but instead of just staying quiet about it, I am learning the importance of speaking up and realizing that I’m here because of my achievements as a person, not because I’m Asian American.”
Arcalas said celebrating AAPI Heritage Month makes her feel valued as a community member and aspiring medical professional.
“It makes me feel seen to have this time to reflect on my family’s place in our community,” Arcalas said. “When it comes to addressing disparities among various people, you need to be the person to walk the lives of these communities and get to know them to build trust and help patients. Having more representation in medicine helps us know and assist our communities better.”
Charles Hwang, M.D. ’13
Charles Hwang, M.D. '13, posing with his sister, mom and father after medical school graduation
Charles Hwang, M.D. ’13, a clinical assistant professor in the department of emergency medicine at UF and the medical director for the Levy County Department of Public Safety and Gator Emergency Medical Response Unit, or GEMRU, is a Chinese American born in New York and raised in Orlando.
Hwang, who attended a Chinese school with his sister, grew up speaking Mandarin. Though he uses a translator to assist in speaking with his Chinese patients, Hwang said it is meaningful for him to be able to share important and sensitive medical information and diagnoses in the language the patient is most comfortable with. He recalled one time when he broke the news of cancer to a patient who spoke exclusively Chinese.
“Being able to do that one-on-one, without the use of a translator, I think allows for a more intimate and stronger connection with your patients,” he said.
Though he grew up speaking Mandarin and his parents instilled in him many of the values important in an Asian American household, such as the impact of education and music, Hwang said he identifies more as a Southerner than an Asian American.
“I enjoy the Southern way of living,” he said. “I live in a rural part of Alachua County and I like hunting, fishing and spending time outdoors.”
Thao Jinwright, MPAS ’13
Thao Jinwright, MPAS '13, blue shirt, celebrates the Lunar New Year with her family
Born in Vietnam, Thao Jinwright, MPAS ’13, a clinical assistant professor at the UF School of Physician Assistant Studies, moved to the U.S. with several family members when she was 4 years old.
“Growing up, it was common to live in a multigenerational household as part of my culture,” she said. “My home had 11 family members in it, and my grandma was really the matriarch. She kept everyone connected to our traditions, like holiday celebrations, prayers and food.”
In Vietnamese culture, she said, food represents love and acceptance. Every year for her birthday, her mom makes her favorite noodle soup, with long noodles signifying a long, healthy life.
When it comes to caring for patients, Jinwright said it’s important for her to understand how a patient’s cultural background influences their medical history and experiences.
She said it felt validating to see an ancient therapy commonly practiced among Asian cultures, cupping, gain prominence and become part of public conversation after U.S. Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps used the therapy. During cupping, a suction is created on the skin with the application of heated cups, often leaving circular marks.
“After pictures of Michael Phelps with cupping marks were taken at the Olympics, I remember seeing all these articles pop up on social media and in the news about cupping and how cupping is used in Eastern medicine,” Jinwright said. “I was so happy that he was bringing cupping to light and that more people would know about it. It’s so important to be open-minded and continue to communicate with one another and understand where everyone is coming from.”
