15 I The Model Minority Myth—Be small, Don't take up so much space, Don't cause trouble (Dr. Denise Yu)

Healthcare for Humans

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Born and raised predominantly in San Diego, California, Dr. Denise Yu completed undergraduate and medical degrees in her hometown. After graduating, she was eager to start her career in family medicine and found her home in the Pacific Northwest after moving to Seattle.

Her passion for medicine stems from a personal experience as a child when she fell ill and was hospitalized. Unfortunately, the medical professionals failed to communicate with her parents in a language they could understand, leaving them feeling lost and confused. This experience instilled in Dr. Denise Yu the importance of clear and effective communication in healthcare, and now she is dedicated to providing her patients and their families with the information they need to make informed healthcare decisions.

After listening to this, you will be able to

• Explain the origins and historical context of the model minority myth
• Describe the problematic components of the model minority myth, including the ways in which it perpetuates harmful stereotypes and erases the experiences of marginalized Asian American communities
• List the impacts of the model minority myth, including its role in upholding systems of oppression and hindering efforts toward achieving equity and justice for Asian Americans
• Understand how the model minority myth has affected the mental health of individuals such as Dr. Denise Yu, who have experienced the pressure to conform to the myth's expectations, and how this has led to feelings of anxiety, depression, and disconnection from their cultural identity
• Review how the perpetuation of the model minority myth can affect the health of Asian American patients, including how it can impact their access to care, their perceptions of their own health, and the quality of care they receive.