Pauline Chen

Pauline Chen

Name	Pauline Chen
Birth name
Birth date
Birth place
Death date
Death place
Alma mater
Occupation	Surgeon, Author
Years active
Organization
Known for
Notable works	Final Exam: A Surgeon's Reflections on Mortality
Spouse(s)
Website

Pauline Chen is an American surgeon and author, renowned for her contributions to the field of medicine and literature. She is best known for her book Final Exam: A Surgeon's Reflections on Mortality, which explores the complex relationship between doctors and the concept of death.

Early Life and Education

Pauline Chen was born in the United States to Taiwanese immigrant parents. She pursued her undergraduate studies at Harvard University, where she developed a keen interest in medicine and literature. Following her graduation, Chen attended Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where she earned her medical degree.

Medical Career

After completing her medical degree, Chen specialized in surgery, with a focus on liver transplantation. She completed her surgical residency at Yale University and further honed her skills in transplant surgery at UCLA. Her work as a transplant surgeon provided her with profound insights into the human condition, particularly the themes of life, death, and the ethical dilemmas faced by medical professionals.

Literary Contributions

Pauline Chen is widely recognized for her literary contributions, particularly her book Final Exam: A Surgeon's Reflections on Mortality. In this work, Chen candidly discusses her experiences as a surgeon and the emotional challenges associated with patient mortality. The book has been praised for its honest portrayal of the medical profession and its exploration of the often-taboo subject of death in medicine.

Chen has also contributed essays and articles to various publications, including The New York Times, where she has written about medical ethics, the doctor-patient relationship, and the emotional aspects of practicing medicine.

Themes and Impact

Chen's work often delves into the emotional and ethical complexities of being a physician. She advocates for greater empathy and communication in the medical field, emphasizing the importance of addressing the emotional needs of both patients and healthcare providers. Her writings have sparked discussions on how medical education and practice can better prepare doctors to handle the realities of patient care and mortality.

Also see

• Atul Gawande
• Siddhartha Mukherjee
• Oliver Sacks
• Medical ethics
• Doctor-patient relationship