Reflections on Healing: Dr. Dora Wang’s AANHPI Heritage Month Webinar

On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, the Asian American Alumni of Yale Association (AAAYA) hosted a deeply moving and thought-provoking webinar featuring Dr. Dora Wang, psychiatrist, educator, and author of The Kitchen Shrink: A Psychiatrist’s Reflections on Healing in a Changing World. The event was held in celebration of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, honoring voices that illuminate the richness and complexity of AANHPI experiences.

Dr. Wang captivated the audience with selected readings from her memoir, which intertwines her personal journey as an Asian American woman in medicine with broader themes of identity, cultural change, and mental health. Her narrative shed light on the often unspoken struggles faced by Asian American families and professionals navigating cultural expectations, trauma, and the evolving landscape of psychiatry in the U.S.

The talk was followed by an eye-opening Q&A session, where Dr. Wang engaged candidly with attendees on topics ranging from the stigma of mental illness in Asian American communities to the intergenerational transmission of trauma and the importance of culturally competent care. Many participants resonated with the emotional weight and quiet strength in her stories, sparking a powerful collective reflection on healing, resilience, and representation.

Dr. Wang’s words served not only as testimony but also as a call to action—encouraging more open conversations around mental wellness, especially within communities that have historically faced barriers to care.

We thank Dr. Wang for her honesty, wisdom, and dedication to both storytelling and healing. Her voice adds an essential layer to the ongoing dialogue around mental health and identity, and her work continues to inspire and empower.

Full recording available below: