Phi-Nga Le, MD

Bio

I have decided to come back "home" to California in 2009, after many years of being away. (i'd lived in various parts of the country, with the latest being in Chicago).
I spent most of my childhood in Los Angeles, then went on to major in Psychobiology at UCLA. During my undergraduate years, I was involved in numerous volunteer projects including tutoring refugee children and mentoring underprivileged Junior High and High School students. Going on to Medical School, I attended Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska and then did a combined Internal Medicine/Pediatrics Residency at the University of Missouri in Kansas City. I chose Internal Medicine/Pediatrics because I like working with people over the broad spectrum of life. In this Specialty, I can help the very young to the very old. I particularly have enjoyed my work with the underserved populations, as the experiences have nurtured my spirit. I have worked in very affluent areas and very underprivileged areas, including some very tough neighborhoods of New York City (Harlem, Bronx) and Chicago. Since my training, I have had a breadth of experience, working with Multi-Specialty Groups, Hospital-owned Clinics, Indian Health Services, Private Practices and Community Health Clinics. I feel privileged to be able to help guide people through this journey called life.

My current and past Professional Affiliations/Associations have been with the American Medical Association (AMA), the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the American College of Physicians- American Association of Internal Medicine (ACP-ASIM) and the American College of Physician Executives (ACPE). At various times I have given lectures and have been involved with teaching and writing in the Medicine field.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

I am fascinated with the intricacies of the human body. I believe in the importance of integrating the mind/body/spirit for keeping us healthy . It is also important that we take responsiblity for ourselves and our actions. I don't believe my role as a physician is to tell you what to do, but to help guide you make choices for yourself--for a healthier life.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

I have enjoyed teaching residents and students, as well as giving presentations/lectures to various community groups.

Current projects or research:

Past research in Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, as well as Behavioral modification work with autistic children at UCLA.

Great health resources that I refer to:

FamilyDoctor.org
CDC.gov
acponline.org
AAP.org

An interesting story from my training:

While in Medical School, we did the usual Anatomy training with cadavers. Being at a Catholic University, at the end of the Anatomy course, we had the unique experience of having a Mass service for the persons who had donated their bodies for science. The families of these persons were invited to the Mass and it really reflected on the sacrifice that the persons had made and the privilege we had in learning from that sacrifice.

Photos from My Training Years or of Practicing Medicine in My Field:

Gross Anatomy Course

Interests

Currently reading:
not currently reading but few past favorites: The Power of Intention (by Dr Wayne Dyer) and The Road Less Traveled (Dr M.Scott Peck)

My favorite book or author:
Dr. Wayne Dyer

Great movie:
Few all time favorites: Dead Poets Society, The Joy Luck Club

Hobby Photos & Links:

UNICEF

Bicycling against MS

Habitat for Humanity
UNICEF

Family & Friends

People in my life:

My family is very important to me. My mother was a pillar of strength for all of us and we lost her due to a cerebral aneurysm in 1995. I will always have the deepest appreciation for her and the family bonds which she created and supported.

An interesting story about my family or friends:

911 was a huge experience in my life. I was practicing in Indiana when 911 occurred. Two weeks after the tragedy, I flew to New York City to see if I could be of help. Ground Zero was like a battlefield, a ghost-town. There was debris everywhere and Military soldiers standing guard everywhere with their rifles. You could still smell the burnt residue of the fires that occurred. In the midst of all that, i somehow fell in love with the City and that was when I decided to move to NYC to work in its underserved areas and be part of the revitalization of the city. In addition to working there as a Physician, I also volunteered to help with homeless shelters, abused/battered women shelter, soup kitchens, and nursing homes. I was also a volunteer in the NYC Medical Reserve Corps.

Photos of my Family & Friends:

Sunset in Los Angeles

911 Ground Zero

In the past we have had several pets: Cats, dogs and lots of goldfishes.

Pet Photos:

Goldfish

Travel

An adventure I've had:

My family and I are afflicted with the "traveling bug." We go exploring different parts of the country and/or world whenever we get a chance. I've been to most of the States: i've experienced the hub-bub of the Big Apple, the serenity of Yosemite, to the vast open land of the Dakotas. Few places that i've not been but would like to explore at some point would be Alaska, Africa, South America and the Middle East.

Favorite place in the world:

One of my favorite places to visit is Yosemite. I can always find peace there and am always in awe of its beauty.

One of my recent trips:

I'm always up for new adventures and various escapades, but work obligations have tampered that quite a bit. 1 of the fun things to do was parachuting in Upper New York.

Travel Photos:

Hong Kong

A Photo of One of My Favorite Places:

Yosemite

Trip Photos:

Parachuting in New York