David Euisung Shin, MD/MPH ’25, MS
College of Medicine Chicago
Pronouns: he/him
Info
Current Position/Activity:
Emergency Medicine/Family Medicine (EMFM) Resident Physician at Christiana Care Health Systems, Newark, DE
How I got here:
As the son of poor but ambitious Korean immigrant parents, I faced challenges like housing insecurity, drug use, and violence in my communities that motivated me to pursue medicine – I just wanted to help the people I care about in a meaningful way. Growing up in California’s Bay Area, I completed my BAs in Integrative Biology and Psychology from UC Berkeley, then my MS in Health Policy & Law from UCSF. Having graduated last month from the 4-year MD/MPH program at UICOM, I am now learning to serve patients in Delaware and the greater mid-Atlantic region as an EMFM resident, hoping to become “the ultimate generalist.”
What keeps me motivated:
Caffeine, existential dread, and the unshakable belief in a brighter tomorrow.
What occupies my mind after hours:
Whether drinking 2 coffees and 4 LaCroix count as hitting my hydration goals.
Most important thing I learned at COM:
At COM, I learned that medicine is a team sport built on collaboration, mentorship, and shared mission. It’s not just clinical skill or raw intelligence that drives care, but connection. As a queer, Asian-American, millennial immigrant physician-in-training, I’ve learned that my identity isn’t separate from the work – it strengthens and informs it.
My favorite memory of COM:
Hanging out and studying with my friends in the 310 rooms, then getting dinner together!
What advice would you give to current medical students or residents?
No matter what stage of training you’re in, trust the process – confidence follows competence. But always make sure to take care of yourself first, so that you can assert yourself with honesty, kindness, and joy. Serving others is a privilege only few are given.
How I give back to my community:
By advocating for anyone without a voice. Whether it’s showing up to work every day with a positive attitude, spearheading community-based initiatives to improve population health, or simply offering a safe space to be heard, I am committed to creating a culture of equity, solidarity and collective strength.
How I support COM:
By mentoring future physicians through programs like DoCS tutoring and EMPEX, fostering a sense of belonging for students from all backgrounds and representing UICOM with earnest pride wherever I go.
Most amazing professional experience since graduating:
It’s still early in intern year, but I’ve already started contributing to my new institution’s freshly established residents’ union in drafting our first non-economic proposals for collective bargaining!
What I’m reading, watching or listening to:
The book Pachinko by Min Jin Lee made me cry on a recent flight back from Cancún. Currently rewatching The Righteous Gemstones and Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy. Dominic Fike and Glass Animals are usually on repeat.
Most-used app or tool in your day-to-day life?
Generative AI tools like ChatGPT and OpenEvidence have changed the game, especially in healthcare. I strive to integrate new technology meaningfully – enhancing, not replacing, human insight – and treating innovation as a partner, not a crutch. My AI is lovingly named “Genos.”
One word to describe your time at COM?
Blessed.
Favorite quote or mantra you live by?
Comfort and progress cannot coexist.