What do we do when faced with a choice between professional and personal fulfillment?

May 1, 2025
Mun K. Hong’s Reflection

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What do we do when faced with a choice between professional and personal fulfillment?

Mun K. Hong, MD, MHCM, FACC

recall an episode from about 20 years ago when I found myself at this very crossroads. I had been given the rare honor of delivering a keynote speech on my clinical research at the annual American College of Cardiology national conference. It was a remarkable opportunity for my professional growth.

However, when I checked the schedule with my wife, I realized the conference coincided with my son’s middle school graduation trip to Italy. My boss at the time, our chief of cardiology, naturally expected me to prioritize my career and attend the conference. But I couldn’t shake the feeling that choosing professional recognition over a once-in-a-lifetime father-son experience would be a decision I’d regret forever.

Without hesitation, I chose to join my son in Italy. I later learned from his teachers that he had been unusually quiet until I arrived in Florence. I still cherish the memories of our time together in that historic city, visiting galleries and savoring simple yet delightful Italian meals. To this day, I consider that choice-one that wasn’t difficult for me at the time-as one of the best decisions of my life.

As physicians, our profession demands an extraordinary level of time, dedication, empathy, and compassion. While professional fulfillment is deeply rewarding-especially when we see the positive impact on our patients-I’ve learned that true fulfillment cannot exist without harmony in our personal lives. For me, personal fulfillment, particularly in nurturing relationships with my family, is the more significant achievement.

I’ve always prioritized family vacations and cherished those moments as top priorities. I think of a close friend in the same profession who has had an extraordinary academic career. Despite his achievements, he often laments never taking vacations and missing out on precious time with his family.

It is undeniably important to be the best physicians we can be, to provide exceptional care to our patients, and to honor our professional commitments. However, I believe prioritizing our family life is not only more important but also enhances our ability to be better, more compassionate physicians.

Mun K. Hong, MD, MHCM, FACC

Dr. Mun K. Hong, born in Seoul, Korea, immigrated to America at age 15. He earned his BA-MD from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1986 and completed residencies and fellowships in internal medicine and cardiology at Johns Hopkins, Georgetown, and the Washington Hospital Center. Dr. Hong has held leadership roles, including Director of Cardiovascular Intervention at Weill Cornell and Chairman of Cardiology at Medstar Southern Maryland Hospital. He currently practices at Bassett Hospital Center as Chief of Cardiovascular Services. A dedicated mentor, he sponsored over 10 interventional cardiologists from Korea, helping them achieve significant academic success. During the pandemic, he earned an MHCM from Harvard. Dr. Hong enjoys family time with his wife of 37 years and their three children in New York City.

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What do we do when faced with a choice between professional and personal fulfillment?

Mun K. Hong, MD, MHCM, FACC

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