Herbert Chen, M.D., the Fay Fletcher Kerner Endowed Chair of the UAB Department of Surgery, was a guest on a new podcast by the Society of Asian Academic Surgeons (SAAS), where he shared insights about his Asian heritage.
In the first ever episode of the SAAS Sounds podcast, Dr. Chen opened the discussion by reflecting on the significant influence of his parents, Hong Mo and Hsi Mei Chen, on his journey as a physician. Originally from Taiwan, they moved to the United States before his birth. His father, Hong Mo Chen, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon in Taiwan, came to New York City to complete further training.
Eventually, they settled in a small town in Wisconsin for work, where Dr. Herbert Chen grew up. He recalls how witnessing his father in the operating room inspired his career aspirations. Dr. Chen noted that while growing up in Wisconsin, there was a relatively small Asian population.
For his undergraduate studies, Dr. Chen moved to California to attend Stanford University, where he encountered a vibrant Asian community and connected with his heritage through local cuisine and culture.
Dr. Chen is a founding member of SAAS and currently serves as the SAAS Foundation President. His SAAS Visiting Professorship is named in honor of his parents.
The SAAS Sounds podcast was launched this year to celebrate diverse stories of its members, honoring its rich Asian heritage and fostering mentorship for academic surgeons and leaders.
“It was an honor to be featured on the inaugural episode of SAAS Sounds,” Chen said. “My parents had a profound impact on me not only personally but professionally, and I hope my story will inspire current and aspiring surgeons from diverse backgrounds.”
Listen to the podcast episode here.
About SAAS
The Society of Asian Academic Surgeons (SAAS) was established to promote both personal and professional growth among Asian academic surgeons, based on the conviction that nurturing the success of future generations is the most effective path to enhancing Asian representation in academic surgery leadership.