EP219: From Mount Kinabalu to Pathology: Dr. Woo's Story of Curiosity and Kindness

Dr. Sook-Bin Woo on Adventure, Mentorship, and High Standards in Oral PathologyChristine interviews Dr. Sook-Bin Woo, DMD, an expert in oral and maxillofacial pathology at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, about her career, training, and life lessons. Woo shares a formative post–dental school adventure climbing Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia and a dangerous trip across Borneo, and describes later solo travel to Turkey. She explains pursuing oral pathology far from home and being shaped by rigorous “old school” mentorship emphasizing exacting standards and articulating what you do know, while also valuing humility when diagnoses remain uncertain. Woo advises early-career academics to collaborate with peers slightly ahead, discusses the importance of emotional and cultural intelligence in training and patient care, and reflects on challenges as a woman and immigrant, including limited maternity leave, wage disparities, and raising two children with long commutes and childcare support. She closes by urging curiosity and kindness.00:00 Meet Dr Woo00:52 Mount Kinabalu Adventure03:32 Wasp Stings and Jeep Ride05:11 Solo Travel in Turkey05:53 Choosing Oral Pathology06:51 Old School Training Standards08:38 Rigor with Kindness10:34 When You Truly Dont Know12:28 Career Advice and Allies13:39 Emotional Intelligence Matters15:35 Women Immigrant Challenges17:30 Raising Kids and Commuting20:13 It Will Work Out21:20 Curiosity and Kindness