Dr. Rebecca Wei Lee epitomizes the essence of interdisciplinary success and the evolving landscape of medicine, encapsulating a journey that intertwines engineering, clinical expertise, and a profound commitment to teaching. Her story is a tapestry of passion, resilience, and the pursuit of finding her true calling within healthcare.
“To me, the ‘Physicianeer’ is not a style of teaching or a style of learning; it is who you are. I am basically you, a ‘Physicianeer.’ I did a similar path. I am one with the EnMed students; I am you,” said Dr. Lee.
Born and raised in the heart of the medical center in Houston, Texas, Dr. Lee’s initial ambitions leaned towards engineering, driven by an innate fascination with hands-on work, computer coding, and electrical hardware. Her love of mathematics led her to embark on a unique trajectory that combined medicine and engineering. Her pursuit of this field shines in her role as an EnMed professor, where she thrives in fostering the “Physicianeer” philosophy, a concept she wholeheartedly embraces.
However, her quest to balance engineering, medicine, and life was complicated. Initially, surgery felt like a natural fit for Dr. Lee due to her love for hands-on work, but the demanding nature of the operating room (OR) posed challenges to maintaining a happy family life. Her transition to internal medicine was a turning point, aligning her passions with clinical medicine and prompting her to complete her internal medicine residency.
Dr. Lee’s journey took an unexpected yet meaningful turn during her time in hospice and palliative medicine. Her compassionate nature and willingness to engage with families during their most vulnerable moments ignited a newfound passion, culminating in a fellowship in hospice care. This change highlighted her adaptability and showcased her commitment to holistic patient care.
Transitioning through various medical roles—from hospitalist to overseeing a rural hospital unit during the tumultuous times of the COVID-19 pandemic—Dr. Lee’s versatility and resilience glowed through. Her experiences in diverse medical settings enriched her understanding of patient care while utilizing her hospice and palliative care expertise to navigate complex situations.
“I live with no regrets because I believe everything happens for a reason. Don’t live with regrets because most people make the best decision they can with the information they have at the time, and then as time goes on, they get new information and make a new decision. But it doesn’t mean to regret your old decision; that’s how your history has been in the past,” shared Dr. Lee.
While exploring new career opportunities, she stumbled upon the term “Physicianeer,” which resonated deeply with her multifaceted background. Embracing this role at EnMed, she dedicates her wealth of experience to students, emphasizing the essence of being a “Physicianeer,” transcending traditional labels and fostering innovation at the heart of medicine and engineering.
“As students in medicine, know thyself. Truly get to know yourself—beyond what you like or dislike, beyond what you hear or perceive to be top. You are constantly getting to know yourself. Are you happy? Know what makes you happy,” advised Dr. Lee.
Outside her professional endeavors, Dr. Lee found solace and companionship in her long-time friend, Little Jade, a pet bird that became more than an emotional support animal during the challenging times of medical school. Little Jade symbolized resilience, serving as a constant companion through the difficult phases of her academic and professional journey.
Dr. Lee’s vision for the future of EnMed reflects her desire to blur the boundaries between disciplines. She envisions a classroom where students are immersed in a school of engineering and clinical teachings without knowing the role. Her advice to students resonates profoundly, encouraging reflection, self-discovery, and resilience amid the multifaceted landscape of medicine.
“In the long term with EnMed, I want to be a part of the EnMed vision and its innovative approach, reshaping the landscape of what innovation in medicine looks like. I want to walk into any EnMed class, and you won’t know which hat I’m wearing that day. Students should always be a ‘Physicianeer,’ and I’m living proof that this is possible,” expressed Dr. Lee.
In Dr. Lee, EnMed finds an advocate for innovative teaching methodologies and a living testament to the potential of a “Physicianeer,” redefining the contours of medical education and practice through an integrated lens of engineering and medicine.
Dr. Lee’s narrative illuminates the power of embracing one’s multifaceted identity within the medical field. Her journey, from merging engineering and medicine to championing the “Physicianeer,” inspires a new generation of healthcare professionals. By weaving innovation, empathy, and self-discovery into the fabric of medical education, she not only reshapes the future of EnMed but also challenges the boundaries of what it means to heal and innovate in healthcare. Dr. Lee’s story guides future physicians toward a holistic approach that exceeds disciplines, enriching the lives of patients and practitioners alike.