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Interview managed by Emily Gokun, emily.gokun@cnsu.edu

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Tell us a little about your background, where you're from, and what led you to CNUCOM.

Dr. Tu brings with him a wealth of experience, having spent the past decade with UC Davis' Student Health and Counseling Services, where he has excelled in both Urgent Care and Primary Care settings. Dr. Tu’s academic journey is as impressive as his clinical experience. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resources from UC Davis, followed by a Master of Science in Forestry from Colorado State University, and his MD from Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Family and Community Medicine at UC Davis Medical Center and spent three years serving the community at CommuniCare Health Centers Salud Clinic in West Sacramento.

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His passion for service extends beyond clinical practice. Dr. Tu began volunteering in 2007 as a preceptor at Clinica Tepati, one of UC Davis School of Medicine’s student-run clinics, and was later appointed as its Medical Director in 2010. He also took on the role of Medical Director for The Knights Landing One Health Center when it opened in 2012. In addition, Dr. Tu has served on the Faculty Board of Directors for the Society of Student Run and Free Clinics since 2017, and he currently sits on the Board of Directors for the People & Pets Project, a non-profit committed to providing equitable, community-centered care for both people and their pets. Dr. Tu’s clinical interests span general primary care and international health, with a focus on underserved communities in downtown Sacramento. He is also deeply committed to education and mentorship, working with undergraduate and health professional students across various disciplines, including medicine, nursing, PA, and NP programs, as well as residents. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Tu enjoys gardening, hiking, camping, and savoring a good cup of coffee.

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What drew you to your specific field of medicine and what makes it fulfilling for you?

I was drawn to family medicine because we can see patients of all ages, the continuity of care, potential of caring for whole families, and as a pcp you can help the patient navigate a very complicated health are system

What advice would you offer to students beginning medical school or currently in training?

Medicine can be a long, difficult journey; make sure this is what you truly want to do. Listen to your patients, be compassionate and empathetic, and learn from every patient encounter. Don't forget to consider all the many obstacles patients face in accessing medical care.

Outside of work, what are your hobbies, interests, or passions?

I spend a lot of time volunteering with two student run clinics (Knights Landing One Health Center and Clinica Tepati). I enjoy gardening and spend a lot of time working in my yard at home. I like to go out hiking especially in the redwoods up the northern California coast. Recent international travel has been for medical trips to Panama for a women's health project and to Guatemala for a One Health offering human health screenings and cat and dog spay/neuter clinics

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Can you share something students or peers may not know about you?

My first career, before medicine, was in forestry, specifically fire management. I worked for the USDA Forest Service for six years as a forest firefighter; my masters degree is in fire management with an emphasis on fire behavior My great uncle was the first Taiwanese (Formosan at that time) appointed as faculty to the Taiwan University School of Medicine. He invented the first urine test to detect opiates as part of his work to help patients addicted to opium

What is the most rewarding aspect of being part of CNUCOM?

Working with the students!

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