So Youn “Anna” Lee
Class of 2028
After spending nearly 15 years between the US and Asia, I graduated from Columbia University in 2020 with a Bachelor of Arts in Neuroscience. This allows me to bring a multicultural perspective to medical education and patient care. During my four gap years, I pursued clinical and research experiences in Singapore, South Korea, and the United States. Working across various healthcare systems deepened my commitment to medicine and sparked a lasting interest in how systems-level thinking can improve outcomes for patients and communities.
What drew me to GW was its strong clinical foundation combined with a forward-looking emphasis on innovation and education. Through the Clinical Practice Innovation and Entrepreneurship (CPIE) track, I’ve been able to explore the business side of medicine, supporting patient-centered technologies, learning from leaders in care delivery, and gaining insights into healthcare administration. These experiences have reinforced my interest in developing more equitable and efficient care models at scale.
One of the things I value most at GW is how responsive the faculty are to student feedback. I’ve seen genuine efforts to evolve the curriculum with students’ voices in mind. Mentoring prospective students has also been a highlight, reminding me of the power of honest guidance and shared experience. If there’s one thing I wish I had known before medical school, it’s the importance of staying grounded in who you are. There’s no singular path, and GW has given me the space to explore, question, and grow with integrity.