Podcast Summary: Joy, a Podcast
Episode: Dr. Maija Cheung
Release Date: May 13, 2025
Host: Craig Ferguson
Produced by: iHeartPodcasts

Introduction to Dr. Maija Cheung

In this enlightening episode of Joy, Craig Ferguson welcomes Dr. Maija Cheung, a distinguished pediatric surgeon at Yale University and the Chief Medical Officer of KIDS OR—a non-profit organization dedicated to providing pediatric surgical care in low-resource settings worldwide. The conversation delves deep into Dr. Cheung's motivations, experiences, and the profound impact of her work on children's lives in underserved communities.

Background and Journey into Pediatric Surgery

Craig Ferguson (00:35): "Today, my friends, my guest on the podcast is Dr. Maya Cheung, who is a pediatric surgeon at Yale. That's pretty impressive in itself."

Dr. Cheung shares her unconventional path to medicine, highlighting her initial interest in liberal arts and international studies. A pivotal moment was the aftermath of September 11, 2001, which spurred her interest in the Middle East and healthcare disparities.

Dr. Maija Cheung (03:28):
"I always liked working with my hands. I played the violin and was interested in the intricacies of anatomy in high school. The desire to solve problems directly in front of me was really appealing."

Her hands-on approach and problem-solving mindset naturally led her to surgery, where she found fulfillment in making tangible differences in patients' lives.

Commitment to Low-Resource Populations

Dr. Cheung discusses her decision to work in lower-income areas, opting for environments like New Haven over metropolitan hubs like New York City or Boston. Her upbringing in Kansas and early experiences abroad cemented her dedication to serving underserved populations.

Dr. Maija Cheung (04:47):
"I wanted to take care of a lower resource population and really be in a more urban area, but not in New York City or Boston."

At Yale and institutions like the Veterans Hospital in West Haven, she encounters a diverse patient base, including homeless individuals and those relying on government assistance. This exposure underscores the broader societal impacts of accessible healthcare.

Challenges in Low-Resource Surgical Settings

Operating in countries like Uganda and Kenya presents a myriad of challenges, from limited equipment to inadequate sanitation and power instability. Dr. Cheung emphasizes the importance of adaptability and resourcefulness in these environments.

Dr. Maija Cheung (08:45):
"In rural Uganda, some operating rooms have minimally invasive surgery capabilities, while others lack the essential equipment and proper sterilization facilities. Bridging this gap is crucial for providing safe and effective care."

She highlights the emotional toll of witnessing families endure hardships—such as walking miles to access surgical care—and the profound impact timely interventions can have on their lives.

KIDS OR: Empowering Local Teams

A significant portion of the discussion centers on KIDS OR's mission to empower local medical teams rather than relying solely on visiting surgeons. By training and supporting local professionals, the organization ensures sustainable healthcare improvements.

Dr. Maija Cheung (28:00):
"We provide scholarships to train more surgeons and anesthesiologists. When I started in Uganda, there was only one pediatric surgeon in the entire country. Now, there are nine, vastly increasing the capacity to serve children in need."

This approach not only enhances healthcare delivery but also contributes to the local economy and overall national GDP by reducing the healthcare burden.

Navigating Emotional and Ethical Complexities

Dr. Cheung candidly discusses the emotional challenges of being a surgeon, especially in situations where resources are insufficient to save every patient. The feelings of helplessness and the responsibility to alleviate suffering are recurring themes in her narrative.

Dr. Maija Cheung (14:34):
"As a surgeon, the need to solve problems keeps me going, but the moments when you can't help are the hardest to bear. It’s that helplessness that stays with you."

She also touches upon the necessity of maintaining mental and physical health to sustain a demanding medical career.

Cultural Sensitivity and Building Trust

Operating in diverse cultural landscapes requires immense sensitivity and the ability to build trust swiftly. Dr. Cheung shares experiences where religious beliefs and local traditions posed challenges to medical interventions.

Dr. Maija Cheung (44:43):
"There are faith healers in different parts of the world, and sometimes families have to set aside their beliefs to seek medical care for their children. Building trust is essential, and often, you have only minutes to establish that connection."

She underscores the importance of understanding patients' backgrounds and working collaboratively to ensure the best possible outcomes.

Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

The pandemic introduced unprecedented challenges, forcing Dr. Cheung to adapt her practices both in the U.S. and abroad. Resource allocation, triaging cases, and the psychological strain on medical professionals were significant hurdles.

Dr. Maija Cheung (25:56):
"In Bridgeport, we set up a huge medical tent to triage and save lives amid the overflow from New York City. It made us more conscious about resource utilization, from PPE to blood supplies."

These experiences reinforced the need for resilient healthcare systems and the value of effective training and infrastructure.

Personal Reflections and Motivation

Dr. Cheung attributes her unwavering commitment to a blend of luck, timing, and the support of her family, who instilled in her the values of giving back and global responsibility.

Dr. Maija Cheung (35:53):
"My parents were the first in their families to pursue advanced degrees. Their dedication to their work and community service inspired me to contribute meaningfully to global health."

Her family's diverse backgrounds and experiences traveling the world provided her with a unique perspective on healthcare disparities and the importance of accessible medical care.

Balancing Professional and Personal Life

Despite the demanding nature of her work, Dr. Cheung maintains a balance by engaging in physical activities and recognizing the importance of mental health.

Dr. Maija Cheung (15:36):
"Surgery is physically demanding—we stand for hours, twist in different ways. I’ve even had to undergo surgery myself for a back hernia. Maintaining physical and mental health is crucial for a sustainable career."

Closing Thoughts

Craig Ferguson concludes the episode by expressing admiration for Dr. Cheung's dedication and the transformative work of KIDS OR. He encourages listeners to support her mission and highlights the profound joy and fulfillment that comes from making a tangible difference in the lives of children worldwide.

Craig Ferguson (51:32):
"I wish you continued success with KIDS OR. Keep doing what you're doing. It's a pleasure, as always, to talk to you."

Dr. Maija Cheung (51:35):
"Thank you, Craig. I really appreciate it."

Key Takeaways

• Sustainable Healthcare: Empowering local medical teams ensures long-term improvements and self-sufficiency in low-resource settings.
• Emotional Resilience: Surgeons must navigate the emotional challenges of their profession, balancing the satisfaction of saving lives with the pain of unavoidable losses.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Building trust across diverse cultural landscapes is essential for effective medical interventions.
• Adaptability: The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the need for flexible and resilient healthcare systems.
• Personal Motivation: Family values and global experiences play a pivotal role in shaping one's commitment to service and altruism.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Dr. Maija Cheung (14:34):
  "As a surgeon, the need to solve problems keeps me going, but the moments when you can't help are the hardest to bear. It’s that helplessness that stays with you."

• Dr. Maija Cheung (28:00):
  "We provide scholarships to train more surgeons and anesthesiologists. When I started in Uganda, there was only one pediatric surgeon in the entire country. Now, there are nine, vastly increasing the capacity to serve children in need."

• Dr. Maija Cheung (44:43):
  "There are faith healers in different parts of the world, and sometimes families have to set aside their beliefs to seek medical care for their children. Building trust is essential, and often, you have only minutes to establish that connection."

Conclusion

This episode of Joy offers a profound glimpse into the life and mission of Dr. Maija Cheung. Her unwavering dedication to pediatric surgery in underserved regions exemplifies the true essence of finding joy through service and making a meaningful impact on the world.