))
#82. Dr. Join Luh--Zapping Tumors & Breaking Barriers: A Doctor's Tale
Manage episode 487635092 series 3483614
Content provided by scott hammond and Scott hammond. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by scott hammond and Scott hammond or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://ppacc.player.fm/legal.
The journey from trailer park to radiation oncology doesn't follow a conventional path, but Dr. Join Luh's remarkable story proves that passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary destinations. Born in California but raised primarily in Galveston, Texas after his parents' separation, Dr. Luh shares how his early experiences—including watching his single mother work at a medical center while attending night school—sparked his interest in medicine.
What follows is a fascinating exploration of medical evolution, as Dr. Luh takes us through his education at Texas A&M, his internal medicine training, and ultimately his discovery of radiation oncology. He vividly describes the technological transformation of cancer treatment—from the days of drawing treatment fields on X-ray films with wax pencils to today's sophisticated AI-assisted planning systems that allow for precise "dose painting" of radiation. This technological revolution has fundamentally changed patient outcomes by enabling higher tumor doses without damaging surrounding healthy tissues.
Beyond the medicine, Dr. Luh offers a compelling perspective on practicing in rural Humboldt County, where he's built a life and career spanning nearly two decades. He challenges common misconceptions about rural healthcare, noting that Humboldt had advanced technology like IMRT and PET-CT scanning before some university medical centers. His enthusiasm for the region's extraordinary quality of life—where one can "go fishing, play golf, go surfing, and mountain bike all in one day"—makes a powerful case for rural medicine as not just a career choice, but a lifestyle upgrade.
Considering a move to somewhere with cleaner air, less traffic, and world-class natural beauty? Dr. Luh's story might just convince you that sometimes the most rewarding professional opportunities are found outside major metropolitan areas. Listen now to discover how this radiation oncologist found his perfect match in California's spectacular North Coast.
About 100% Humboldt with Scott Hammond
Humboldt County CA USA is the home of some of the most iconoclastic, genuine, and interesting folks in the world.
We are getting curious about the movers, shakers, and difference makers in Humboldt County CA-Home of the giant redwoods, 6 Rivers, and the vast Pacific Ocean.
We will discover what makes people live/evolve in the beautiful, diverse, isolated, and ever-changing North Coast of California 100%!
Listen in and learn what it is to be 100% Humboldt!
Find us on You Tube, Linked In, Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok!
Chapters
1. #82. Dr. Join Luh--Zapping Tumors & Breaking Barriers: A Doctor's Tale (00:00:00)
2. Meet Dr. Joyn Liu (00:01:00)
3. Early Life in Texas (00:03:08)
4. College Years at Texas A&M (00:08:31)
5. Medical Training and Meeting His Wife (00:14:35)
6. Evolution of Radiation Oncology Technology (00:24:15)
7. Cancer Treatment Process Explained (00:32:17)
8. Providence Health and Physician Recruitment (00:38:55)
9. Life in Humboldt: Food and Coffee (00:46:35)
10. Supporting Healthcare in Humboldt County (00:53:30)
84 episodes
Share
