Someone You Should Know

Aungchoye Thrupkaew, M.D.,
Staff Physician, University Health Service

Aungchoye Thrupkaew, staff physician for University Health Service, joined NIU more than three years ago. She provides general medical service for NIU students.

What are the responsibilities of your position?

Most of my work is in the gynecology department, where in addition to treating the immediate medical problems, I help educate students about the importance of preventive medicine.

How did you choose your profession?

My mother encouraged me to go to medical school and become a doctor because it is a profession devoted to the preservation of life and the relief of suffering. My career allows me to make a positive contribution by serving and caring for people.

What's the best part about your job?

The best part of my job is the opportunity to relate with many young women and men who will shape the future of our society.

What's something unique about your position?

Working at NIU is quite special for me because it reminds me of how I felt as a student and how I wanted to be treated. This makes it easier for me to care for the students, not only as patients, but as human beings.

If you weren't in your current job field, what would you be doing?

I would like to be a historian. I love to read about history as it helps me to understand people and the world.

What are you reading?

I read many books and have just finished "Freedom at Midnight," which is about the partition of India and Pakistan at the time of independence. I love the book "A People's History of the United States: 1942-Present," by Howard Zinn. I learned so much from reading this book that I recommend it to everyone.

What music are you listening to lately?

I enjoy listening to classical music as well as modern light rock. Of course being Thai, I also like to listen to Thai songs and music.

What good movies have you seen lately?

I feel that there are not many good movies out at present although I did enjoy "Shrek."

Do you have a favorite TV show?

I like listening to the radio, especially National Public Radio, more than watching TV. However, I do enjoy "The X-Files" and current affairs programs like "60 Minutes."

Any words to live by?

There is only one race in the world—the human race—and we are all part of the same family. Living and working in harmony is indeed a goal worth striving for.