In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Chu on This!, Dr. Katie W. Chu sits down with cataract surgeon Dr. Elson Lai to explore what it really means to care for patients in a healthcare system that often makes that harder than it should be.

Dr. Lai shares his journey from starting a practice to becoming one of the few ophthalmologists willing to advocate fiercely for Medi-Cal patients — especially when surgery centers reject them due to low reimbursement. He opens up about why he refuses to turn people away, how mission trips shaped his perspective, and why empathy and accessibility matter just as much as surgical skill.

The conversation also dives into identity, upbringing, immigrant-family expectations, unlearning old beliefs, finding confidence, and redefining what a meaningful life actually looks like. Together, Dr. Chu and Dr. Lai explore the kind of personal growth that only comes from parenthood, loss, resilience, and choosing to live—and practice—with authenticity.

This episode is a blend of heart, humanity, humor, cultural reflection, and the deeper “why” behind real patient care.

Dr. Lai goes above and beyond by credentialing with additional surgery centers so Medi-Cal patients aren’t rejected. His message is clear: patients deserve someone who will fight for them, not push them away.

Both doctors share how immigrant upbringing, cultural pressure, and expectations shaped them — and how consciously unlearning those old frameworks allowed them to grow personally and professionally.

From mission trips to parenthood to navigating difficult patient moments, they discuss how fulfillment comes not from accolades but from meaning — from living boldly, embracing authenticity, and showing up for others with intention.

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