Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month celebrates the achievements and remembers the challenges of Asian and Pacific Islanders living in America. The Asian and Pacific Islander (API) community is comprised of 50 different ethnic groups with over 300 dialects and languages spoken throughout the country. In May, the nation reflects on the contributions this diverse population has made, including those right here at Johns Hopkins All Children’s. Jane Sando, M.D., a pediatrician at our Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine Clinic, and a Korean-American, shares more about her life in and outside of the hospital and what led her to medicine.

Tell us about your job/what’s a typical day like? 

I work in the general pediatrics outpatient clinic where the majority of my time is spent working with our pediatric residents training for their medical careers. A typical day for me includes overseeing residents while they see patients, as well as taking care of patient care duties (messaging families, following up on results and coordinating care). I teach the residents informally while hearing about their patients, at the bedside and by giving lectures. I'm also the Community Health rotation director (which includes a rotation in urgent care), so I orient residents and do extra urgent care teaching as a part of this rotation.

What is your favorite thing about working at the hospital? 

My colleagues, including the residents whom I have the pleasure of working with. I'm continually learning from my colleagues and am inspired to be as good of a teacher or clinician as they are.  

What’s something most people might not know about you? 

Sports were a big part of my life. I played field hockey at Harvard and had the honor of serving as captain my senior year. Injuries throughout my athletic career led me to an interest in sports medicine and I almost did a fellowship in primary care sports medicine but ultimately family obligations steered me down a different path. 

I speak conversational Korean and am always excited to take care of patients with Korean heritage.

Why did you choose a career in medicine? 

In my fourth-grade autobiography, I stated I wanted to become a physician, inspired by my father who was an anesthesiologist. My athletic injuries and affinity for math and science further fueled my interest in medicine. After college though, I decided to try a different career and worked in investment banking. This experience solidified my desire to work in a field where you're helping and connecting with people.  

Who is an Asian American and Pacific Islander you admire or people should learn more about? 

Dr. Margaret Chung, the first known Chinese-American female physician in the United States.