My name is Jennifer Hinlu Chuang, and I am writing to you to express my interest in running on the Democratic ticket for New Jersey Assembly for District 7. As an adolescent medicine physician, I have dedicated my career to advocating for kids — especially vulnerable youth.
To provide some background about myself, I am a Taiwanese-American that was raised here in Moorestown, where I have returned in 2012 to raise my young family. I graduated from Moorestown High School in 1995 and completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania. After receiving my medical degree in Philadelphia, I completed a residency in combined internal medicine and pediatrics before pursuing a fellowship in adolescent medicine. During my fellowship training I also received a Masters of Science in Patient Oriented Research in order to gain a firm foundation in evidence based medicine.
Since returning to Moorestown in 2012, I joined a large pediatric academic hospital in Philadelphia, where I am also the medical director of the adolescent inpatient service and was appointed faculty to the medical school. I teach pediatric residents and medical students and have been recognized for excellence in teaching. My day to day clinical practice involves providing teenagers and young adults the tools they need to reach their potential, whether by providing contraception, pregnancy options counseling, screening and treating for sexually transmitted infections, treating their eating disorder, or treating a hospitalized teen after a suicide attempt — just to name a few.
All youth are vulnerable and need a voice in the government to defend their young fabulous lives. In addition to my dedication to serving these youth, I have the background to understand the medical research, practice evidence based medicine, and deliver high quality care in a value based manner.
I am an active member in several medical societies including the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American College of Physicians, Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine and Society of General Internal Medicine. I had the distinct honor of receiving the very first Emerging Leader in Adolescent Medicine Award from the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Adolescent Health. I have also published in several textbooks regarding adolescent health.
I feel it is important for someone with my background to have a seat at the legislative table in order to educate other law makers and the public about medical research and guidelines. Without understanding the research studies that so many scientists are dedicating their lives to, we may face public health crises such as epidemics from preventable infections.
I took an oath to do no harm, and I have done my utmost to abide by it. If I sit back and continue to passively watch what is going on in our state and in our country, I will have done harm to my patients. I cannot accept that.
I hope that my candidacy will bring dialogue regarding the importance of having pediatricians and other health professionals at the legislative table in the New Jersey State Government. I hope that you will support me in this endeavor.
Thank you.
Jennifer H. Chuang, MD, MS, FAAP
