UCLA Journal of Radiation Oncology FALL 2023 - Flipbook - Page 4
Chairman’s
Letter
Dear All,
In this Fall 2023 issue of the UCLA Radiation Oncology Journal, we exam where we came
from, how far we have progressed, and what inspires us to do what we do.
We begin by introducing you to our entering 2023 residents, learning about who they are
and the experiences that brought them to the UCLA Radiation Oncology Residency. We
dive deeper when we have a conversation with PGY-2 Dr. Michelle Eala who made her
way to our residency program by way of the Philippines. Medicine runs in her family.
However, she is the first woman among her relatives to become a physician. She tells us of
her personal experience that stimulates her passion to bring health equality to underserved
communities.
Our Featured Artist, Kim Cogan, was born in Korea. He grew up in California and
considers himself a native Californian. His deep understanding of place resonates through
his work.
Our Featured Poet Joshua Aiken, a Rhodes Scholar in Forced Migration Studies and now
a J.D., Ph.D. candidate at Yale, believes “poetry is not an answer-giving genre; it asks better
questions.” Through his adroit use of language, understanding of self, and our collective
heritage, Aiken does just that with his poetry—raising urgent questions about history,
masculinity, politics, and freedom.
Following Aiken’s “to love through what scares you,” we return to medical school with
UCLA Radiation Oncology PGY-5 and master essayist, Dr. Matthew Farrell. His narrative
about an early experience in medical training offers a universally relatable, humanizing
look into the internal lives of those navigating the difficult white water of medical school.
We also offer a patient’s perspective from a physician-patient who invites us to follow him
through his treatment. The experience inspired him to forge a new avocation of promoting
prostate cancer education and awareness.
And finally, we present to you an abridged department Annual Report where we visit each
of the themes of this issue: where we came from, how far we have progressed, and what
inspires us to do what we do.
Be well and stay safe,
Michael Steinberg, M.D.
Professor and Chair