APMA News - May/June 2018 - 90

Development Update

Highlighting Today's Most Outstanding Student
Scholars: 10 Minutes with Andrew Au
Each year, the APMA Educational Foundation awards scholarships to exceptional third- and
fourth-year podiatric medical school students. In
this issue, Valeant Dermatology scholarship recipient Andrew Au of the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University, Class
of 2019, talks about what led him to podiatry, and
what makes him stand out from others.

APMA News: What makes you stand out from
others?
Au: I'm pursuing what I love and wouldn't
change a thing. I laugh and try to instill good
humor in others. I don't just listen when others
speak, but I try my best to develop a deep understanding of what they are trying to convey.

APMA News: What qualities would you say make
a great physician?
Au: A great physician is confident in his or her
APMA News: Congratulations on your scholarship.
ability to educate. Physicians who can effectiveWhere did you receive your undergraduate degree?
ly communicate the knowledge of the pathology
Au: I received my BS in Biology at the City
Andrew Au
and the evidence-based medicine that are most
University of New York at Brooklyn College.
beneficial for the patient are the ones worth going to.
APMA News: What made you decide to pursue podiatric medicine?
APMA News: How do you stay motivated as a student?
Au: The ability to help others in a way that is most beneficial
Au: Podiatry is what motivates me. I feel that what I'm studyfor them and most comfortable for me. The ideal work-life
ing and what I'm practicing in clinic is important, purposeful,
balance, the ability to employ the broadest spectrum of treatand enjoyable. I exercise regularly with outdoor weekend jogs,
ment modalities to care for our patients, from surgery to orgo to my school's gym, and eat healthy food. The motivation I
thotics therapy.
receive from my family, however, is without boundaries. I also
feel motivated to be better able to support my family.
APMA News: Are you working on any medical projects or research?
Au: I've just completed two basic science review articles, and one
APMA News: Is anyone else in your family in the medical field?
case report of an extremely rare podiatric disease, all of which
Au: My uncle is a podiatrist in the San Francisco Bay area. He
have been submitted to JAPMA for review. I'm also working on a
was my first motivation to pursue medicine. My family would
literature review article for my school's student-run journal. I'm
travel to California on a semi-yearly basis, and I would have
extremely passionate about research, keeping up to date with
the opportunity to shadow my uncle at his private practice.
current literature, and practicing evidence-based medicine.
Growing up and seeing firsthand his interactions with patients and colleagues, and his lifestyle, made me fall in love
APMA News: What are some challenges you've overcome or acwith the field.
complishments you've achieved?
Au: Every patient is a challenge, but each one who walks away
APMA News: What do you look forward to as a podiatrist?
joyous is an accomplishment. That is how I view my medical
Au: I look forward to the interactions I'll have with my patients.
education and what drives my passion to help others.
I also look forward to the challenges I will be faced with and the
solutions that we, as physician and patient, will create. I look
APMA News: What are some of your hobbies or interests?
forward to joining an exceptional group of podiatrists who have
Au: If I could play tennis all day, I would. Other sports I grew
dedicated their lives to empowering future physicians.
up loving are handball, cycling, and swimming. My interests
are spending a quiet weekend with a great book and traveling.
APMA News: Where did you grow up?
Au: My hometown is Brooklyn, NY. I grew up loving the city
APMA News: What's the hardest part about being a student, and
life and the relaxation of coming home to a quiet neighborwhat's the best?
hood in an outer borough. My home was only a short walk
Au: Being faced with what I don't know. The best part is that I'm
from the Coney Island boardwalk and Wonder Wheel.
n
a work in progress, and always learning.
90 APMA News May/June 2018

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of APMA News - May/June 2018