Member of the Week: Dr. Michael Chen

Practice: University of Utah South Jordan Health Center
Residency: Utah Valley Family Medicine Residency

A bit about Dr. Chen: I was born at the University of Utah Hospital and have been a Ute ever since. I did undergrad and medical school at the University of Utah and then crossed the Point of the Mountain to do residency at Utah Valley. Since finishing residency, I came back up to Salt Lake County to practice with the U at the South Jordan Health Center. I was also a part of the MUSS for 10 years (4 undergrad, 4 med school, 2 while my wife finished her 2nd master’s degree). We even had first row tickets one year! I love Utah football. Growing up, I spent most of my time skiing and ski racing and have traveled the world through that, competing across the US, in Germany, and even Kazakhstan. Now, I spend more time with my wife Julie, daughter Kyla, and English creme golden retriever Arcanine. COVID has led us to Star Wars and Lord of the Rings marathons. I am one of the odd people who enjoys meetings and so spend my extra time serving on the University of Utah School of Medicine Admissions Committee, University of Utah School of Medicine Alumni Board, and the Utah Health Advisory Council in addition to being a member of the UAFP board of directors.

Additional Training: Medical Cannabis training to become a Qualified Medical Provider in Utah

What keeps you passionate about family medicine? My relationships with patients keep me passionate about family medicine. I am able to get to know the whole family well. The diversity of conditions we see in family medicine also helps keep every day interesting. I love learning so am constantly listening to the AFP podcast as well as Curbsiders during my commute to and from work.

What are you…
reading right now: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is a must read. My next book likely will be The Color of Success. I have recently finished The Expanse show and may read that book series.
listening to right now: When not listening to medical podcasts, I usually listen to Crime Junkies.
watching right now: I am also catching up on Grey’s Anatomy. Yes, that show is still going. I have watched since I was in high school and it does tackle relevant social issues.