This week, Kemi welcomes Dr. Nina Zhao, an otolaryngologist and educator who shares her unique journey in academic medicine.  

Dr. Zhao is an Assistant Professor and fellowship-trained Laryngologist in the Department of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Case Western Reserve University. She serves as the medical director of the University Hospitals Swallowing Program and as the Associate Program Director for the residency program. Dr. Zhao’s passions include medical and surgical education, laryngology, and swallowing disorders. Her research interests include outcomes and quality improvement in dysphagia management and program evaluation, assessment, and measurement design in surgical education. And she is also an alumni of The Get That Grant ® program. 

Join Kemi and Nina for an insightful conversation on assessment, self-trust, and the power of community in shaping the future of medicine. 

CONVERSATION HIGHLIGHTS: 

• The importance of aligning personal purpose with professional goals. 
• How to navigate feelings of isolation and uniqueness in academic medicine. 
• The role of community in fostering resilience and motivation. 
• Strategies for maintaining focus and clarity in chaotic environments. 

 Loved this convo? Please go find Dr. Zhao on LinkedIn to show her some love!  

If you'd like to learn more foundational career navigation concepts for women of color in academic medicine and public health, sign up for our KD Coaching Foundations Series: www.kemidoll.com/foundations. 

Text Dr. Kemi directly.