Ling-Su Chiu – People Profile

Ling-Su Chiu (PGY-1, Pharmacy) chose pharmacy as her specialty because of its unique role within the healthcare system, one that interacts with nearly every patient. Pharmacists are among the most accessible healthcare providers, often serving as the first point of contact for patients seeking guidance on medications, managing chronic conditions, or simply understanding their health better. This profession allows pharmacists to build trusting relationships with patients and make a lasting difference in their wellbeing.

As a pharmacy resident at MedStar Union Memorial Hospital, she manages a broad range of responsibilities, including patient counseling at discharge, vancomycin and warfarin consultations, and therapeutic drug monitoring. However, her primary focus is collaborating with the healthcare team to optimize medication therapy, ensuring the safe and effective use of medications. Trained to assess and monitor the effectiveness and safety of medications, she also manages drug interactions, counsels patients, and provides critical recommendations to the healthcare team to improve health outcomes for those in her care.

“It has been rewarding to work with patients and the healthcare team to optimize medication therapy, ensuring that patients receive the safest and most effective medications,” she says.

She credits MedStar Health’s collaborative culture as a key factor in her success. The encouragement and support from her co-residents and mentors have been invaluable, both personally and professionally. In a demanding field like Dr. Chiu’s, having a trusted support system is essential. While residents aren’t expected to have all the answers, the pressures of the role can sometimes make it easy to forget that. She encourages fellow residents to lean on their support network and seek help when needed.

“Do not hesitate to ask for help,” she says. “It’s okay to not have all the answers, and seeking guidance is a sign of strength, not weakness. I found it difficult to ask for help at times. It wasn’t always easy for me to reach out, but I quickly realized that doing so was essential for my growth.”

Ling-Su envisions a future of medicine in the United States that is inclusive and accessible for everyone, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. She hopes for an affordable, accessible healthcare system that serves and supports all populations, without systemic barriers like cost, location, or insurance coverage. It is obvious that her vision aligns with her personal and professional mission – she looks forward to being part of the solution.

Outside of work, Dr. Chiu enjoys spending time with her sister and co-residents. Some of her favorite ways to unwind include baking, walking Inner Harbor, and listening to Taylor Swift.