In celebration of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, HLB honors Dr. Margaret Chung (1889-1959), the first Chinese American woman to become a physician in the United States.
Dr. Chung’s trailblazing career was marked by significant contributions to medicine, military service, and advocacy for underserved communities. After graduating from the University of Southern California Medical School in 1916, she faced discrimination that prevented her from joining many medical programs and instead began her career as a surgical nurse.
Determined to improve access to health care, Dr. Chung opened a medical clinic and played a key role in the founding of a hospital in San Francisco’s Chinatown. Her service expanded to the Sino-Japanese War and World War II, supporting military efforts as a physician, political broker, and pilot recruiter for the “Flying Tigers.” She also advocated for the establishment of WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service), helping expand opportunities for women in the U.S. Navy.
Learn more about Dr. Margaret Chung here.
