Student Spotlight: Hanna Hong

Tell us briefly about yourself.

I was born in Queens, New York, raised on Long Island, and went to Johns Hopkins University for my undergraduate degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. After college, I worked at the National Institutes of Health/National Cancer Institute Surgical Oncology Program conducting translational research in cholangiocarcinoma and peritoneal tumor modeling in the lab of Jonathan Hernandez, MD. I then came to Cleveland for medical school and plan to pursue a general surgery residency and potentially hepatobiliary surgery/surgical oncology fellowship.

Why did you choose CCLCM?

CCLCM immediately stuck out to me due to its innovative curriculum, integration of research education and tight-knit community. As an aspiring surgeon who hopes to develop new, effective treatment strategies for my patients, I wanted to hone my clinical and translational research skills while pursuing a medical education that’s based on teamwork, scientific curiosity and compassion. To do so with world-class mentors at Cleveland Clinic and absence of financial burden thanks to the Lerner family is a unique, unparalleled opportunity.

What is one of your favorite experiences at CCLCM thus far?

One of my favorite experiences at CCLCM was serving on the Q&A student panels and interviewing applicants for the program. It is incredibly rewarding to be on the other side and play a small part in shaping the future classes of CCLCM.

What have you discovered about Cleveland that you especially enjoy?

The music and arts scene here is amazing! From the Cleveland Art Museum to Cleveland Orchestra and Blossom Music Center concerts, opportunities for music and art are accessible and student-friendly.

Tell us about your research year project.

For my research year project, I worked with Jos Melenhorst, PhD, and Federico Aucejo, MD, to cultivate patient-derived cholangiocarcinoma organoids and manufacture CAR-T cells based on tumor-specific targets. We then tested the efficacy of these CAR-T cells against cholangiocarcinoma organoids in 2D and 3D formats, with the goal of creating a predictive modeling system tailored toward individual patients. It was an enriching experience that bridged the realms of precision immunotherapy and liver cancer surgery.

How do you manage stress?

By sweating it out. Whether it is a hot yoga or Pilates class, running or HIIT workout, being physically active allows me to enter a meditative and reflective state.

What are some words of wisdom you live by?

“Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity," which is attributed to Roman philosopher Seneca.

What’s something you've been learning about lately simply out of curiosity?

I learned how to make a beurre blanc sauce the other day, mainly inspired by television shows centered around cooking, such as “The Bear” and “Culinary Class Wars.”

What advice would you give to new CCLCM students?

Keep an open mind, explore everything and immerse yourself! Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there, and try to stay present in conversations with patients. Also, write down or record as much as you can when you reflect.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I ran my first half-marathon last year and am currently training for my first full marathon.