Tufts University - Index

Tufts University - Tufts University TUSDM Beyond Boundaries Case Statement - Index

YO u N G S T E b b I N S - H A N , D 0 8
Although without health insurance, Young’s Korean immigrant
parents had much to offer their children; a healthy work
ethic, for certain. Growing up in Washington state, Young was
helping out at the age of eight in the convenience store his
parents operated—and he’s been working hard ever since.
As a TUSDM graduate, he will be the second of his parents’
two sons to earn a doctoral degree.
His work ethic serves him well; he has called upon the
discipline instilled in him all throughout dental school. Never
more so than when his daughter, Ella, was born. After three
days at the hospital with his new family, Young was faced with
exam week.
“I got by with a little help from my friends,” says Young,
who reports that his friends’ rallying to help him successfully
cram got him through.
The sense of community and commitment to active citizenship
at Tufts gives Young the chance to fulfill his dream to help
those with no other options. Here he can make a contribution
to improving people’s lives; he can make a difference.
“My most fulfilling experience at Tufts came when I was able
to provide an interim partial denture for an elderly woman
who had been so embarrassed to be missing her front teeth.
Now she says she can smile again. I was able to make a
difference in that woman’s life.”
After graduation, his plan is to return to his wife Jennifer’s
hometown in Montana and go into practice with her father.
“To be able to use my skills to deliver good care to people
is a wonderful opportunity.”