Provider Profile: Dr. Alice Wang

Premier Pulse April 2022 Apr 28, 2022

What is your clinical specialty?

Bariatric surgery

Where did you go to school?

I went to University of Chicago for college and then Duke University for medical school, residency, and a masters in clinical research. Finally, I went to Carolinas Medical Center for bariatric surgery fellowship.

What brought you to Premier Health?

Premier Health provided a great opportunity to practice bariatric surgery and also had a great opportunity for my husband, who is an ear, nose, and throat surgeon. We also wanted to return to the Midwest because our families are in Chicago.

Why did you choose medicine as a career?

It may sound cliché or trite, but I truly went into medicine because I wanted to help people. In bariatric surgery, I’m able to form long-term relationships with my patients and watch as they improve their health and change their lives for the better.

Who are the people who influenced and/or mentored you?

I have had really fantastic mentors in general surgery. They are all people who have character and integrity and a true dedication to helping their patients – qualities I try to mirror.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?

I hate public speaking. My passion second to surgery is research, and I love the science and writing portion of it, but I hate the public speaking portion. I have come to realize, however, that public speaking slowly gets easier with more practice, so I try to do it as much as I can!

Where is your hometown?

Chicago, Illinois

What, if any, sports team(s) do you cheer for?

I am, unfortunately, not a sports fan.

What is the last book you read?

“Nothing Like I Imagined” by Mindy Kaling. I love a good, funny autobiography.

What is your favorite song in your playlist?

“Always Be My Baby” by Mariah Carey. It is an oldie, but a goodie.

What is your favorite food?

I have a huge sweet tooth, so I love all different kinds of cookies and cakes. I know they’re bad for me, so I try to only have them every now and then.

What is your favorite hobby?

My favorite hobby is spending time with my husband and my two pomeranian dogs. Whether it’s exploring a trail or sitting on the couch watching TV, it is always a good time.

What is your favorite animal, and why?

Excluding pomeranians, my favorite animal is the sloth. They seem to know how to really enjoy life – just hanging around, soaking up the sun!

Where is your favorite vacation spot, and why?

I go to New York City about twice a year. I love experiencing the big city atmosphere, trying out all the different kinds of cuisine, and going to different shows.

Describe something for which you are especially thankful:

I would say I am most grateful to my parents – I would not be where I am without them. They sacrificed a lot of time and effort to make sure I had every opportunity available to me growing up. They were really dedicated to my education, instilled in me a strong work ethic, and taught me resilience through difficult times. Plus, they paid for 10 years of classical piano lessons, which gave me a head start with my fine motor skills and muscle memory during my surgical training J.