USU Assistant Professor Finds Fulfillment in the U.S. Public Health Service

Logo of the U.S. Public Health Service

By Vivian Mason


Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare professionals have tirelessly dedicated themselves to the pursuit of the nation's public health. One such professional is Captain Suyoung “Tina” Chang, an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USU). Chang, a U.S. Public Health Service (PHS) officer, also works at the Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER) at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and is an allergist/immunologist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (WRNMMC). Although her career path is now with the PHS, she took a slightly roundabout way to get there.  

“I didn’t come from a family of doctors,” Chang shares. “I was born in Seoul, Korea. My parents immigrated to the United States when I was a year old, and I grew up in Silver Spring, Maryland.” 

Her parents always prioritized education, and impressed upon her the virtues of hard work and commitment. Chang always enjoyed learning, and early on, developed a love for science. 

“I always found the human body fascinating, and I knew I’d enjoy using my knowledge of it to help
others in some way.” 

Chang fell into teaching right after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. She taught for a year, but then debated between education and a strong interest in medicine. Eventually, she found herself submitting an application to the University of Rochester School of Medicine via the U.S. Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program. 

“That’s how I got into the military,” Chang continues. “I matched at the old Walter Reed facility when it was located in Washington, D.C. I did my internship and residency in internal medicine and did a fellowship in allergy/immunology. My passion to serve was reinforced as an Army physician. Caring for service members was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Being at the old Walter Reed was one of the highlights of my training.” 

Captain Suyoung "Tina" Chang
Captain Suyoung "Tina" Chang
[Image credit: Courtesy of USU]

After completing the allergy/immunology fellowship, she continued treating patients as a staff physician, but decided to complete additional training in transplant immunology, citing the amazing highs a doctor gets when they’re able to directly impact a patient’s life.

“Every day, it’s a gift to have the opportunity to care for patients during their most vulnerable times.”

From there, Chang completed her two-year training in transplant immunology and became director of the Transplant Lab at Walter Reed. Working primarily with transplant surgeons and nephrologists, she modernized the laboratory and built DNA testing capabilities from scratch. She was recognized as the Department of Defense's subject matter expert in histocompatibility.

“Then, I found the Public Health Service,” says Chang.

Through an interservice transfer that she found out about through a friend, she applied to the U.S. PHS Commissioned Corps. This interservice transfer allowed her to hold on to her years in the military while she was in the PHS. 

The PHS Commissioned Corps works on the frontlines of public health, focusing on disease prevention and health promotion, and caring for people in underserved communities. Its purpose is to protect, promote, and advance the health and safety of our Nation. 

“After doing my own research and talking to others,” Chang observes, “I felt a stronger compatibility with the Public Health Service.”

Since then, Chang moved on from her position in transplant immunology in favor of a new position as a medical officer with the FDA, followed by her current role in the FDA’s Office of Scientific Investigations in CDER, where she verifies the integrity of efficacy and safety data submitted to the FDA in support of new drug and biologic applications. 

And even working on the frontlines of drug development, Chang recognizes the value and public service inherent in passing down knowledge as assistant professor of medicine at USU, teaching medical students how to take comprehensive histories and physical exams at the Val G. Hemming Simulation Center or WRNMMC.

“Every time I work closely with medical students and young doctors, I’m reminded of my initial motivation to become a doctor. Their passion and desire to serve others inspires me,” Chang says.

In all of her roles, Chang notes that she’s met a variety people from other services who came to the PHS (e.g., doctors, nurses, dentists, dieticians, therapists, scientists, engineers, environmental health specialists, and even veterinarians) to serve professionally in various federal departments and agencies throughout the United States.

A classroom of students
Captain Suyoung "Tina" Chang is an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the F. Edward Hébert School of Medicine at USU. Chang teaches
medical students how to take comprehensive histories and physical exams at theVal G. Hemming Simulation Center or WRNMMC.
[Photo credit: Sharon Holland]

Chang believes that the PHS’s most unique trait is its ability to make sure all of its service members are trained and equipped to respond to public health crises and national emergencies at a moment’s notice. Although currently working in her position at the FDA and fulfilling her duties as an assistant professor at USU’s Department of Medicine, Chang knows that she is also prepared to deploy anywhere, at any time, to meet the Nation’s most urgent public health needs. Balancing these roles and responsibilities is a challenge she welcomes with open arms. 

“Life is very strange. Sometimes, it presents opportunities to you that you never expect. I thought very hard about my move to the Public Health Service for more than a year before actually doing it. But, my career in public health medicine has been rewarding, and I’ve really enjoyed my roles as educator, researcher, and mentor,” Chang adds thoughtfully.  

“Given how much time each of us spends at work, it only makes sense to pursue a career that provides happiness and fulfillment. I feel very fortunate that I can come home feeling happy and fulfilled many more days than not and live each day with the satisfaction that comes from knowing that I have made a difference in the lives of others.”