Dr. Monique Leung: Leading by Example
Class of 2013
Private Physician,
Premier Womens Health, Honolulu
“I had always wanted to study abroad,” says Dr. Monique Leung.
“I learned about AUA when they came to my college.” So when she met recruiters at Bucknell University, a liberal arts college in rural Pennsylvania, she was more than ready for some adventure. “After learning more about AUA, I felt this was the best opportunity to go abroad and study medicine,” she says.
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Dr. Leung says AUA gave her more than a degree.
“They taught me how important it was to be self-disciplined and independent,” she says, expressing particular thanks to the teaching assistants who helped her learn different techniques involved
in learning.
She herself found working as a teaching assistant rewarding especially “when students came to me after my sessions and shared their relief when they finally understood the topic.”
Dr. Leung says she is thankful to many others who supported her journey, including Dr. Bharati Balachandran, AUA’s associate dean of faculty affairs, and the Education Enhancement Program. Upon graduating valedictorian, Dr. Leung set her sights on a specialized field.
“Minimally invasive gynecology is a great surgical technique and allows patients to return to their normal daily function quickly,” she says. But there were more challenges there.
“Learning laparoscopy and robotics was challenging because instead of your hands, you are using instruments to surgically cut and suture,” she says. “The most challenging part is when you encounter complications like bleeding, organ injury, or when a mass is very large. But being able to still accomplish the surgery laparoscopically is most rewarding,” she adds.
Dr. Leung wants to play a role in shaping the next generation of physicians.
“My goal in medical education is to guide other physicians to be their very best, both academically and clinically,” she says. “I want to challenge their scope of knowledge, to open them up to new possibilities and answers to problems.”
As far as advice for students goes, Dr. Leung says, “Be confident, know yourself, be positive, lead by example. Balance is key.”
✅ Request information on AUA's MD program TODAY!
YOUR PATH TO SUCCESS BEGINS HERE
✅ Request information on AUA's MD program TODAY!
