Celebrating their Asian roots, three medical professionals make a prominent impact on our platform

In the heart of Los Angeles, the Radiation Oncology department at UCLA is making strides in two critical areas: diversity and innovative cancer treatment.

Dr. Venkat, co-chair of the newly established equity, diversity, and inclusion committee, is leading the charge. The committee aims to promote cross-cultural understanding and address issues of inequality and injustice within the community.

Three physicians of Asian descent - Dr. Albert Chang, Dr. Alan Lee, and Dr. Puja Venkat - form a significant part of the department. Their unique backgrounds and experiences bring a fresh perspective to the field of radiation oncology.

Dr. Chang, an associate professor and vice chair of surgical services, has over 2,000 brachytherapy procedures under his belt. He earned his MD and PhD from the Boston University School of Medicine and is of Chinese descent, having grown up in San Francisco.

Dr. Lee, who spent his high school years in Taiwan, identifies as a "third culture kid." After graduating from the University of Kansas, he pursued other interests before deciding to go to medical school at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, N.Y.

Dr. Venkat, who was born and raised in Michigan, experienced a cultural duality in her upbringing. Her interactions within her traditional Indian family were at odds with her social interactions outside the home. This duality, however, has shaped her into a physician who understands the importance of breaking down cultural barriers to treatment.

The team performs a specialized procedure called high-dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy. This treatment involves inserting radioactive material inside the body to deliver higher doses of radiation to specific areas. The UCLA brachytherapy team is the only center in the United States to perform brachytherapy procedures for cancers in the lung, mediastinum, liver, and abdomen.

Dr. Venkat's work in brachytherapy was inspired by a patient she treated while in rural Guatemala. This experience highlighted the lack of resources, training, and reimbursement for brachytherapy in the U.S., which hinders the ability of women to obtain high-quality, curative treatment for cervical cancer.

Language difficulties, lack of access to healthcare or insurance, and indifference are some of the barriers that prevent non-English-speaking patients from getting proper medical care. As physicians and minorities, Dr. Lee and Dr. Venkat have unique opportunities to champion equity, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring that every patient receives the care they deserve.

The UCLA Radiation Oncology department's commitment to diversity and innovation is making a significant impact in the field of cancer treatment. With the expertise of physicians like Dr. Chang, Dr. Lee, and Dr. Venkat, the future of cancer care looks brighter than ever.

Celebrating their Asian roots, three medical professionals make a prominent impact on our platform