ESEA Heritage Month Interview- Yeun Cho

In honour of East and South East Asian (ESEA) Heritage Month, we would like to showcase the work and achievements from professionals with this heritage. Yeun Cho is a specialist rotational pharmacist in cancer services at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. 

Graduating from the University of Nottingham, she has gone on to make a significant impact on her patients and made valuable contributions to the pharmacy profession. 

Read below to find out more about how her heritage has shaped her identity as a student, trainee and pharmacist. Unlock your voice as she shares how representation has influenced her journey. 

1. To start us off, could you tell us a little bit about yourself and your career journey?

“I’m Korean, I grew up in South Korea until I was 10, and I lived in Malaysia for around 10 years before moving to the UK.

After graduating from the University of Nottingham, l completed my trainee and Band 6 rotational pharmacist years at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. I’m now a Specialist Rotational Pharmacist in Cancer Services.

My journey hasn’t always been straightforward, but each experience has helped me grow, both personally and professionally.”

2. What does East and South East Asian Heritage Month mean to you?

“Having grown up in Korea, lived in Malaysia and now working in the UK, I’ve experienced different cultures and perspectives.

To me, ESEA Heritage Month is an opportunity to share our stories and create greater understanding within our workplaces and communities. 

It also is a month to celebrate the diversity of our communities and recognise the different experiences that shape who we are while acknowledging how our identities continue to evolve.”

3. How has your heritage shaped you into the person you are today?

“My heritage has shaped my values, particularly my approach to hard work, respect and responsibility.

Growing up in Korea, living in Malaysia and moving to the UK exposed me to different cultures and ways of communicating. These experiences have helped me become more adaptable and open minded. 

They’ve also taught me that there isn’t just one way to approach a situation, and that understanding different perspectives is important, particularly when working in healthcare where we see patients and colleagues of different backgrounds.

I think all these experiences have contributed to the person and pharmacist I am today.”

4. Are there any values or principles from your heritage that you apply on a day-to-day basis?

“One value I particularly associate with my heritage is diligence.

Since young, I was taught to work hard. As I’ve grown older, I’ve realised that diligence isn’t just about working hard. It’s about being consistent, taking responsibility and being willing to learn.

In pharmacy, where you never stop learning and experiencing new things, I think that mindset is particularly important for you and for patients you are looking after.

I try to approach my work with care, take pride in what I do and keep improving. I’ve also found that people recognise and appreciate those qualities.”

5. When discussing representation, we highlight its importance in our day-to-day lives. What does the representation of ESEA individuals in leadership roles mean to you?

“I think representation in leadership is important because it helps people see that leadership is achievable for individuals from different backgrounds.

When you see someone who shares aspects of your heritage in a leadership role, it can help you feel that you belong and that you are able to express your opinion more.

However, representation isn’t just about having someone from an ESEA background in a leadership position. It’s also about creating an environment where people can bring their different experiences and perspectives to leadership. It would be nice to see more diverse voices represented across pharmacy.”

6. Having made a successful career as a pharmacist, were there any moments you felt your heritage has presented with a strength or challenge?

“One challenge I experienced was becoming comfortable speaking up. I think some of us from ESEA backgrounds may grow up in environments where we place more emphasis on listening, respecting hierarchy and avoiding mistakes in front of others.

I found it difficult at first to express my opinions confidently, particularly when I was new to the UK.

Over time, I’ve realised that people aren’t sitting there waiting for you to make a mistake. Most people are understanding, and asking questions is part of learning. 

I’ve gradually become more comfortable speaking up and sharing my perspective. I think my multicultural background has also helped me become adaptable and appreciate different ways of communicating and working.

Speaking up, especially when I have a different opinion, still isn’t always comfortable for me. But I try to put myself forward because I don’t want to look back and regret not saying something. I think that mindset has helped me grow in both confidence and professionally.”

7. Did you have any role models or mentors from a similar background who helped or guided you in the development of your career?

“Yes, my RPS (now RCPharm) mentor was also from Malaysia, which was particularly meaningful to me because I had lived there for 10 years.

When I first moved to the UK, having someone who shared a connection to Malaysia really helped me feel more comfortable, particularly when I was getting used to the UK healthcare and pharmacy system.

Having a mentor who understood some of the cultural differences and experiences of moving between countries was really valuable. She provided guidance and encouragement as I developed professionally.

That experience has shown me how important mentorship and representation can be, especially when you’re navigating a new environment.”

8. If you could share one piece of advice with a student from an East or South East Asian background, what would it be?

“I want to say, don’t let being the minority make your voice smaller.

You might sometimes find yourself in an environment where you feel different or unsure whether your perspective matters. But your background and experiences are valuable, and you shouldn’t be afraid to speak up, ask questions or take opportunities.

And remember, it’s okay to make mistakes, especially when you’re just starting out. That’s how you learn and grow. You don’t have to know everything from the beginning, just be willing to keep improving.

Work hard, stay curious and take pride in what you do.”