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What does it really mean to find your why in medicine?

In this episode, registered nurse Brandon Gim joins the EthnoMed Podcast Provider Pulse series to share his nonlinear journey—from growing up in a Korean immigrant family in South King County to finding meaning in community health and mentorship at Harborview.

Brandon reflects on the pressures of expectation, the role of self-doubt, and how authentic mentorship helped him rediscover purpose in care. Together, we explore what it takes to sustain compassion in a system that doesn’t always make space for it—and why discomfort and uncertainty can be signs that you’re growing in the right direction.

For pre-health students, trainees, and anyone considering a career in healthcare, this conversation offers a grounded reminder: purpose isn’t something you stumble upon once—it’s something you build through reflection, vulnerability, and connection.

The Provider Pulse series is part of the EthnoMed Podcast which highlights the human stories in medicine that shape how we learn, teach, and care.

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