With over a decade of experience practicing rheumatology in private and academic settings, I have become increasingly humbled by the patient care experience. I observed that autoimmune rheumatological diseases were profoundly influenced by environmental factors, and medication alone was often inadequate. Even when patients responded well to therapy, they remained dependent on medications. Many patients expressed their daily struggle of pretending to be "normal”. Witnessing these challenges, I felt compelled to explore additional avenues to improve the health and well-being of my patients.

Rheumatology, with its systemic involvement in diseases, presents an ideal opportunity for an integrative approach to care. Embracing this perspective came naturally to me. Having attended a Western medicine medical school in China, I was exposed to traditional Chinese medicine as a required part of the curriculum. Culturally, I was familiar with the concept of whole-person care and the philosophy of preventative care. Consequently, I became increasingly focused on identifying the root causes of patients' symptoms and recognizing pre-disease stages.

My journey in rheumatology has taught me that genuine well-being and recovery originate from within. Through lifestyle changes and mental well-being, I am wholeheartedly committed to treating the patient as a whole, rather than solely addressing the disease.