Healthcare Heroes: Dr. Anthony Chen
What is your position at Torrance Memorial?
Primary Care Physician and Quality Medical Director at Torrance Memorial Physician Network.
What made you want to work at Torrance Memorial?
Torrance Memorial holds a special place in my heart due to its remarkable culture and the people we interact with. Our hospital fosters an environment where compassionate, unassuming professionals come together to provide high-quality care for the diverse South Bay community. This extraordinary environment is what first brought me to Torrance Memorial and now serves as a source of pride and inspiration for me.
What experience or person influenced you to choose your career?
My father, who was an OB-GYN in Taiwan, played a significant role in inspiring me to pursue a career in medicine. Growing up, I witnessed his unwavering commitment to his patients as he worked tirelessly, even performing house calls for those too ill to make it to his clinic. I quickly realized that being a doctor is more than just a job, it’s a profession. It’s a special privilege to have a significant impact on someone’s life, both in times of health and illness – by being able to share in the joys and pains of his patients and their families.
How has your heritage shaped the person you are today?
My heritage has had a significant impact on how I view the world and the people around me. As an Asian American, I am able to recognize and appreciate distinct aspects of American and Taiwanese culture. This dual heritage has fostered a deeper understanding and broader perspective of people from diverse backgrounds and beliefs which enables me to be a more empathetic physician.
Does your family have any traditions that are especially important to you?
One tradition that is especially important to me is the emphasis on sharing meals as a family. My parents instilled in us the belief that meals were not just a time to eat but also a time to connect. Despite having two brothers and busy parents, we always made it a point to have our daily dinners together. Now, with my own family, I continue this tradition with my wife and two daughters, which has helped us maintain a strong bond and stay connected through the years.
What does AAPI Month mean to you?
To me, Asian American and Pacific Islander Month is a time of celebration, reflection, and recognition. It is an opportunity to acknowledge the community of AAPI’s rich history, various cultures, and major achievements. It offers a chance to advance understanding, encourage discussion, and promote social justice and equity in our society. It is also a call to action to continue to bridge and celebrate our differences and backgrounds with care and empathy.
What is your favorite dish that represents your culture?
The Taiwanese street cuisine known as Braised Pork Rice is my favorite dish that exemplifies my culture. This humble dish, often served in small restaurants and night market stalls, consists of flavorful meat served over a bed of hot, steaming rice. It’s not just a quick comfort food, it represents the sense of community that’s present in our society, from street vendors to Michelin-rated restaurants. That made me hungry!
What historical or contemporary AAPI figure do you admire and why?
I hold great admiration for the renowned architect, I.M. Pei. His iconic design of the glass pyramid at the entrance of the Louvre, which blends modern and classical elements to create distinctive artwork is a testament to his innovation. Something so modern in a city with primarily traditional architecture might have seemed out of place, but his pyramids have come to be a symbol for the museum. Pei’s work is proof that passion and talent can be shared in a meaningful and long-lasting way, influencing not only the field of architecture but also the world.
What special point of view has your heritage given you?
I have a unique perspective and skillset in my medical practice because of my Asian-American ethnicity and proficiency in both Mandarin Chinese and Taiwanese. I can bridge the language barrier and help my patients navigate the complexities of the healthcare system, ultimately enhancing the quality of care they receive.
What makes you proud of your heritage?
I take pride in my heritage because it is one of resilience, adaptability, and innovation. As an Asian American, I belong to a community that has overcome many challenges, yet remains vibrant and dynamic. Our culture’s strength is reflected in our ability to flourish in a variety of settings, and I am honored to carry on that legacy.
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