HICCC Celebrates AAPI Heritage Month

May 7, 2023

Each year, Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month marks a celebration of the history and contributions of Americans whose ancestry originates from across the Asian continent and from the Pacific islands of Melanesia, Micronesia and Polynesia.  

To celebrate AAPI Heritage Month at the Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center (HICCC), we asked several of our members and faculty to share what AAPI Heritage Month means to them. 


Dr. Sandra Ryeom

Sandra Ryeom, PhD

Dr. Sandra Ryeom is associate professor of surgical sciences in the Columbia University Department of Surgery, associate director for diversity, equity and inclusion at the HICCCC, and a member of the HICCC’s Tumor Biology and Microenvironment program. At the HICCC, Dr. Ryeom leads the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, working at all levels of the center to increase the recruitment of researchers and clinicians that have historically been underrepresented in science and medicine. In addition, Dr. Ryeom’s lab works to investigate the role of vasculature and stromal cells in promoting tumor progression and metastasis in stomach cancers. 

Dr. Ryeom’s interest in science and medicine was sparked at a young age. “I have had a longstanding fascination with understanding how the human body works,” she says. “Dissecting a chicken in 3rd grade and rebuilding its skeleton was the trigger to becoming a scientist.  That experience along with being touched by cancer in my family has drawn me to cancer research.” 

Dr. Ryeom emigrated to the U.S. from Korea in the 1970s as a young girl, landing with her family first in Los Angeles and then later in Washington D.C. “Being Korean is an important part of my identity. Sharing my Asian heritage is especially meaningful in today’s world with all that is going on, and I am grateful that the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders are recognized and celebrated.” 


Dr. Chin Hur

Chin Hur, MD, MPH

Dr. Chin Hur is Herbert and Florence Irving professor of medicine and professor of epidemiology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons (VP&S), and co-leader of the HICCC’s Cancer Population Science program. Dr. Hur’s research focuses on addressing disparities in stomach cancer incidence and mortality in the U.S. and improving the prevention and early detection of stomach cancer. 

Dr. Hur’s research interests are closely tied to his own family’s experience with cancer. “My father survived his first cancer only to succumb to his second cancer. I suspect he could have enjoyed more quality years if better cancer prevention had been available. My research focuses on cancer prevention and early detection of gastrointestinal cancers, including stomach cancer, which is largely understudied in the U.S.” 

For Dr. Hur, AAPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to reflect on how his feelings towards his identity as an Asian American have changed overtime. “As somebody who immigrated to the U.S. at the age of 5 from East Asia, I experienced numerous difficulties and pressures to conform to the majority culture.  As I have matured in age and self-awareness, I have a growing pride in my Asian American heritage.”


Dr. Iok In Christine Chio

Iok In Christine Chio, PhD

Dr. Iok In Christine Chio is assistant professor of genetics and development within the Insitute for Cancer Genetics and a member of the HICCC’s Tumor Biology and Microenvironment Program. In her lab, Dr. Chio investigates the role of a cancer-causing gene known as KRAS in promoting the growth and development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, an aggressive form of pancreatic cancer. 

Dr. Chio says the challenges the field poses and the connections she’s made through her work drive her passion for cancer research. “Initially, it was pure curiosity that led me to the medical and cancer research field. The complexity and challenges posed by cancer intrigued me, as they provided an opportunity to delve into a field that demands continuous learning and creative problem-solving. Over the years, my passion for this field has been fueled by the personal connections I've made with patients and families affected by cancer. Witnessing the strength and resilience of these individuals and understanding the profound impact that advancements in cancer research can have on their lives has transformed my initial curiosity-driven interest into a lifelong dedication.” 

In Dr. Chio’s eyes, AAPI Heritage Month is valuable in the opportunity it provides individuals and communities to reflect on their cherished memories and values. “As an Asian immigrant in the U.S., AAPI Heritage Month holds significant meaning for me as it allows me to celebrate and honor not only my own cultural heritage but also the collective experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Growing up, I cherished the family traditions and values passed down through generations, which helped shape my identity and understanding of the world. During AAPI Heritage Month, I'm reminded of the stories my parents shared about their struggles and triumphs as immigrants and how their resilience paved the way for the opportunities I have today.”


Dr. Edmond Chan

Edmond Chan, MD

Dr. Edmond Chan is assistant professor of medicine at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and a member of the HICCC’s Cancer Genomics and Epigenomics Program. Dr. Chan studies the molecular mechanisms that drive the creation and survival of cancer cells, with a specific focus on gastrointestinal cancer. 

Dr. Chan was drawn to cancer research because of the opportunities the field presents to make rapid and impactful discoveries. “I believe that we are in the golden era of cancer research and clinical oncology. The promise of groundbreaking discoveries in cancer research and medicine fuels my optimism that we will achieve the same success for cancer as antibiotics and vaccines have done for infectious disease in the prior century. It is an honor and privilege to contribute to these amazing discoveries and care for cancers patients so that they can live longer and better lives.” 

Dr. Chan views AAPI Heritage Month both as a time to celebrate and also address the challenges Asian American and Pacific Islander communities still face. “AAPI heritage month is a time when we can celebrate our cultural richness, resilience, and the contributions that we have made to science, medicine, and society. It is also a time to reflect upon the substantial obstacles that we continue to face and reaffirm our commitment to meet these challenges with purpose and resolve.”


Dr. June Hou

June Hou, MD

Dr. June Hou is associate professor of obstetrics & gynecology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and a specialist in gynecologic oncology. At the HICCC, Dr. Hou has been a driving force in expanding outreach and access to gynecologic cancer care among AAPI communities in New York City, including the opening of a new Columbia practice in Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood. 

Dr. Hou found her way into gynecologic oncology because of a desire to make a difference and help women navigate difficult circumstances. “Cancer, especially cancer prevention, is not discussed much in the Chinese community that I grew up in. Therefore, being invited into someone’s life at a very vulnerable point – at time of cancer diagnosis - and trying to guide them safely and effectively through that journey, is unimaginably rewarding. This is what drew me to caring for women affected with gynecological cancers.” 

For Dr. Hou, AAPI Heritage Month is an opportunity to amplify her efforts in bringing greater access and quality of cancer care to AAPI communities. “As a physician who is proud of my Chinese American heritage, I realize that I have an opportunity to use my voice and raise awareness in the gaps of cancer care access and cancer knowledge that exists in the AAPI community. While this month celebrates many unique and varied experiences of Asian American and Pacific Islanders, collectively our unique experiences are what makes us strong, more relatable and more empathetic in the era of increasing cultural diversity in the patient population we serve. Ultimately, AAPI Heritage Month is a celebration of diversity.”