As we begin to engage in a new normalcy, human interaction has become much more
meaningful than ever before. After what felt like the longest time of social distancing, it has been so humbling to dive back into face-to-face conversations. Recently, I had the honor of meeting Dr. Lewis Chen – a Columbia University graduate, an extroverted introvert, owner of practices, and an avid athlete. As we started to discuss what characterizes him both personally and professionally, all barriers dissipated, as this conversation was nothing but comfortable, and wildly encouraging.
He entered the room with charisma and showcased empathy, commitment, resilience, and restlessness. Meeting a new individual can be daunting, but this experience was anything but that. As I opened my computer, the conversation diverted from the classic question and answer format to an engaging discussion. Describing himself as an upfront and forward individual, he began to talk about where his heart gravitates toward: giving back to others, focusing on people, and holding true to what makes someone a genuine individual. At the age of 19 years old, he gripped this core value tightly, as he was inspired by the dentist and the patients at the dental office he interned at. He loved that the
patients kept coming back for 20+ years – all aspects of maintaining a legacy and understanding what it means to better a patient’s experience.
He sat back in his chair and repeated a question he asked himself, when he was chief resident at the Bronx VA, back to me, “how can I make dentistry affordable, all while maintaining a strong team, and providing the highest quality of care?” Without hesitation, he answered with, “this comes in waves and with elevating people to become his or her best self.” He began to discuss how he lowered the costs of procedures to increase access to care and discussed how it’s always imperative to understand how to manage overhead and work together with your team. He emphasized how this comes with personal sacrifice to become someone who will cease the dia (dia = deliberate, intention, and alignment). He is deliberate in his delivery and intentions and understands the need to be aligned with those who resonate the same type of positive energy. These aspects were taught by his business coach who he spoke very highly of, and this topic then led to me asking him who his biggest role model was. In an instant, he smiled and said, “my dad.” He began to highlight how his dad had consistently put him on the right path during his golden time, a piece of wisdom he cherishes forever.
Now, this would not be a piece fit for dental students without discussing how one overcomes stress and personal failure. Mistakes are inevitable, and failure is so hard to discuss at times, but it’s a question I like to always ask those who have been in our shoes. These moments are humbling and empowering and as I asked how he overcame failures and stress, he provided a list of answers that elaborated on how we can all learn to be less reactive: recognize stress, don’t latch stress onto others, control your emotions, understand if you’re in the right seat, secure expectations, and recognize the importance of empathy. With this conversation, I learned the importance of not incorporating your personal life into your professional one and always giving your best self to others.
As the time passed, we discussed about meeting the right person and creating luck for others and his words came out like a work of art, piece by piece, until his final statement showcased his whole life purpose: being someone else’s source of inspiration. Not only does this serve as a simple domino effect that is unbelievably powerful, but it leads to ignoring comparisons to others, and sharing moments that make you feel undeniably exhilarated. He then discussed how he loves to read non-fiction books and rewatch Pursuit of Happyness because this movie showcases how success comes with thinking ahead and working hard. “Now, do I need it vs do I want it?” is a question he always asks himself – this makes it hard for him to say no, at times, but it also allows him to learn how to read individuals better.
When meeting someone new, I like to ask one question about the universal language of music. I asked him if he listens to the lyrics, or the tune and he chuckled and said he focuses on the beat and the tune over the words – “a song is a song, isn’t it?” As I smiled back, I understood how his personal values allowed him to lead with his head over his heart. With this mindset, he creates potential and value in everything he cares about, specifically like giving back to others and always sharing his knowledge with current dental students, like myself.
What is one piece of advice you would give to D1, D2, D3, and D4 students?
Dear dental students,
- To D1 students: Don’t be jaded at all and leg up.
- To D2 students: Don’t be afraid to mess up. Keep knicking that tooth and keep messing up until you can’t anymore. Keep practicing until you can drill with your eyes closed.
- To D3 students: Learn how to be conservative and learn how to read people. If your first patient reacts negatively, don’t take it personally. Put your ego aside and learn about how patients need to feel. Don’t make any promises or guarantees and treat someone the same way you treat your loved ones.
- To D4 students: Don’t act like you know everything. Be super autonomous and generous. Know your own value and find your own purpose. Keep doing the right thing, walk with an open mind, maximize residency, know how to improve, and don’t compare your path to those around you. Recognize that it’s all about timing and those around you – luck all comes from your own well-being.
As we ended the night on a mutual appreciation for a good book and Tonehouse, he reminded me that a giver makes it out more, in terms of happiness and with that, we concluded a very thought-provoking and open-minded conversation.
I hope these interview pieces serve as reminders to dental students that everything always works itself out. I hope we all remind ourselves that we make mistakes, but how we learn from each one and continue to grow is what defines us. Dr. Chen also wants everyone to know that he is very approachable and that he does his best to answer each question he gets via social media (@dr.lewischen) or email (lewischendds@gmail.com). After our conversation, I can truly attest to that, and I’ve included his Instagram and email below. Thank you to Dr. Chen for his time and authenticity.
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