For Jin Nathan Swun, becoming a physician is more than learning the science of medicine. It is also about asking questions, pursuing knowledge, and finding ways to make a meaningful difference in patient care.
For Jin Nathan Swun, becoming a physician is more than learning the science of medicine. It is also about asking questions, pursuing knowledge, and finding ways to make a meaningful difference in patient care.
As a member of the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine’s Class of 2030, Swun is beginning that journey with a strong interest in research and scholarship, along with a desire to explore where those interests may lead throughout his medical education.
Swun – who is from Huntington Beach, California, and earned his bachelor’s degree in Applied Human Physiology from Chapman University (Calif.) – chose the School of Medicine because of its approach to educating future physicians and its emphasis on collaboration, patient-centered care, and learning through real-world experiences. As a member of the Class of 2030, he also has the opportunity to help build the culture of a new medical school and contribute to the community he is now calling home.
“It is appealing to attend a brand-new medical institution because students are able to give feedback and help shape how future students will learn; a brand new medical school is open to new and innovative practices,” he said. “The thought of an institution being very open-minded was appealing to me.”
His interest in scholarship is already evident. Swun recently contributed to a publication in JAAD Case Reports, titled “Perioperative Local Anesthetic and Antibiotic Considerations During Mohs Micrographic Surgery on a Patient with Myasthenia Gravis.” The work examines perioperative medication considerations during Mohs micrographic surgery for a patient with myasthenia gravis, with a focus on reducing the risk of disease exacerbation.
For Swun, research offers an opportunity to look beyond what is already known and consider how new knowledge can ultimately support better patient care.
That curiosity extends into his life as a medical student. Swun is involved with the Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association and the Dermatology Interest Group, giving him opportunities to connect with classmates and explore areas of medicine that interest him.
Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing and watching sports. He also values opportunities for his classmates to build community and learn from one another’s experiences and backgrounds.
As he looks ahead, Swun hopes to continue exploring his interests in research, dermatology, and patient-centered care while taking advantage of the many opportunities medical school will provide.
“The new School of Medicine has been open and supportive to all of its students to ensure the best possible outcomes in the classroom and outside the classroom,” he said. “We are very fortunate to have such wonderful and supportive professors and faculty.”
For now, Swun is focused on the experience shared by every member of the Class of 2030: learning, growing, and discovering what kind of physician he wants to become.
“Meet the Class of 2030” introduces students beginning their medical education at the Methodist University Cape Fear Valley Health School of Medicine. Through their experiences, interests and aspirations, we’re getting to know the people behind the white coats and the physicians they hope to become.