On May 25, 2023, the Human Resource Management (HRM) class, conducted by Professor François under the International Business Bachelor program, invited Dr. Charles Tseng as a guest speaker. He shared his career journey in the healthcare industry, which spanned across various countries.
Warming up the class with a quick introduction of his background, Dr. Charles graduated from the Dartmouth College’s Department of Economics, a part of the American Ivy League, and went on to get a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Southern California. He specialized in head and neck surgery and otolaryngology at the University of Washington School of Medicine. Currently, he serves as the Director of the Yoshida Otolaryngology Clinic, established on July 17, 2009. The clinic is located in southern Kaohsiung, well-known for providing ear, nose, and throat treatments.
Dr. Charles commenced his sharing with an anecdote recounting his stint in Asia, where he engaged in work. Despite being a native of the United States, he had the chance to venture into China. During his visit, he seized the opportunity to assume the role of a surgeon, an endeavor that broadened his horizons. One aspect that left an indelible impression on him was the striking contrast in culture. Unlike Taiwan, where he was familiar with a more indirect working culture, China’s working environment was characterized by a direct approach. In this highly competitive setting, individuals were either regarded as valuable assets or overlooked entirely. In summary, Dr. Charles advises students aspiring to pursue a career in China to be mentally prepared, embrace the challenges that may arise, and, most importantly, maintain an open mind, all while steering clear of political agendas.
As a medical practitioner, Dr. Charles imparted a profound insight during his lecture, drawing attention to a prevalent but overlooked phenomenon among doctors: the tendency to focus solely on healing patients while neglecting their own well-being. In the midst of his engaging discourse, he graciously shared invaluable tips with his students, shedding light on the importance of maintaining personal health. Realizing that he bore not only the responsibility of his patients but also his own welfare, Dr. Tseng embarked on a transformative journey. He resolved to incorporate regular exercise and a nutritious diet into his daily routine, understanding that these simple factors were crucial to a vibrant and balanced life. The impact of this decision was twofold: not only did it bolster his efficiency and productivity as a medical professional, but it also imbued him with a profound sense of tranquility and inner peace. In an enlightening address to the students, Dr. Tseng delivered a poignant message that resonated beyond the boundaries of any specific profession. With captivating conviction, he emphasized the indispensable truth that each individual holds the reins to their own life’s journey. Regardless of the chosen career path, Dr. Tseng ardently implored the students to embrace the realization that self-care is an indispensable facet of personal mastery.
Dr. Charles’ captivating sharing evoked a wave of curiosity among the engaged students, who eagerly posed thought-provoking questions. One query delved into the intriguing choice he made to pursue an MBA before embarking on a medical career. Delving into the cultural backdrop often encountered in Asian societies, where filial piety and parental guidance hold significant sway, Dr. Charles acknowledged that he, too, initially trod the path his parents had paved for him. However, drawing from his personal journey, Dr. Charles offered a profound reflection. Regardless of the chosen path, he emphasized the inherent unpredictability of life’s trajectory. Peering into the future, he encouraged the students to envision themselves a decade hence, realizing that they may find themselves in uncharted territory, far from their initial expectations. Ultimately, he stressed that genuine happiness should be the lodestar guiding their decisions, for it is within the embrace of contentment that true fulfillment resides.
Another question explored Dr. Charles’ decision to return to Taiwan for work. At the age of 35, his mother’s illness prompted a pivotal choice: to come back home and provide care for his ailing parents. Unwavering in his resolve, Dr. Charles expressed no regrets about his decision. Echoing his earlier sentiment, he reiterated the unpredictable nature of life’s path, urging the students to maintain an open mind and seize the opportunities that present themselves along the way.
In the wake of Dr. Charles’ responses and sharing, Dr. Charles’s engaging sharing session left an indelible impact on the attentive students, provoking introspection and igniting a spark of inspiration within their hearts. Through his personal anecdotes and profound insights, he underscored the significance of self-care, the pursuit of genuine happiness, and the acceptance of life’s unpredictable nature. His wisdom resonated deeply, reminding the students that they are the masters of their own lives. The key takeaways from his inspiring discourse were the importance of balancing personal well-being with professional ambitions, embracing uncertainty, and pursuing happiness.”
(Written by TEO YONGFENG)