Ming-yang Hung, MD

Ming-yang Hung, MD, was a mechanical engineering student at Carnegie Mellon University when his interest in medicine took root. Studying cardiac devices that improved blood flow "changed my outlook for what I wanted to do with the rest of my life," he said.

"That was the first time I had the opportunity to interact with patients and doctors," he said. "And what struck me about the profession was not only the cutting-edge technology that doctors used but also the great opportunity to impact patients' lives."

Now a radiation oncologist at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, Dr. Hung uses the latest techniques to maximize the impact of radiation therapy while minimizing side effects for patients. He also strives to form relationships built on strong communication.

"In order to create the best plan, you have to know the whole person," he said. "I really get to know not only the patients, but sometimes their family members, and really establish close relationships because cancer is a long-term battle."

Seeing patients win that battle is what Dr. Hung finds most rewarding.

"I think that what we do means a lot to people, and I want to make sure that the care they get is the best care that we can provide," he said. "There's nothing more meaningful than bringing people through something so tough  something that changes their lives."

Dr. Hung is an animal lover – he has a dog and several reptiles. He also enjoys target shooting, landscape photography and traveling with his family.