Michael Wang, MD, believes it is important to treat each patient like family. Having recently lost a family member, he reminds himself that each patient is someone’s parent, sibling or child.
“I try to have a particular sensitivity to chronically ill patients and their families; I aim to understand their situations,” he explained. “Patients are in uncertain territory and making life and death decisions.”
This compassion has resulted in Wang receiving the 2017 USC Choi Family Excellence in Patient-Centered Care physician award. A nurse colleague nominated him for the award, stating that Wang is “totally committed to improving how we deliver care,” and his approach is “never about making a point, but in accomplishing our common goals.”
“I believe medicine is delivered best by a team, one with strong communications and collaboration,” explained Wang, associate professor of clinical medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC and director of hospital medicine at Keck Hospital of USC. “I encourage clinical staff to explore collaborative solutions.”
Wang has made numerous contributions to Keck Medicine of USC, which include working to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the electronic medical record, helping implement a nursing standardized procedure and creating an environment of interprofessional collaboration.
Growing up in the San Gabriel Valley as the son of a physician, Wang was encouraged by his parents to have a skill that was enduring and useful.
After graduating from Yale, he earned his medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine. Returning to the West Coast, Wang completed his internship and residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in geriatric medicine, all at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine. He has been practicing at Keck Medicine since 2010.
“Coming to USC is like coming home. I work and live near my family and treat the residents of my community,” he said.
In his free time, Wang enjoys spending time with his family, running and hiking. He also supports his own wellness through reading and prayer.
— Virginia Baca