Mai Houa Vue, MD
Why did you choose Valley Children’s Pediatric Residency?
I chose Valley Children’s because of the strong sense of community I felt from the very start. The faculty took a sincere interest in getting to know me, and even before Match Day, I felt welcomed into a supportive, family-like environment. Valley Children’s dedication to patient advocacy and its mission to serve the underserved families of the Central Valley deeply resonated with me, especially as someone who grew up in this community. I’m honored to now care for the children and families who shaped my own upbringing. The program also offers diverse clinical exposure, from complex cases to everyday pediatrics, ensuring comprehensive training. I was drawn to the hospital’s commitment to excellence in care, as well as the emphasis on mentorship, research, and leadership development. Resident wellness is clearly prioritized, which creates a healthy, sustainable learning environment. Valley Children’s also offers the flexibility to tailor my training to my individual goals, helping me grow into the pediatrician I aspire to be.
Hobbies:
In my free time, I enjoy playing volleyball, singing, exploring new foods, and expressing myself through fashion and dressing up. I also love being near water—whether it's swimming, relaxing at the beach, or just spending time outdoors. For creative fun, I write fan-based anime spin-off stories and unwind by watching a wide range of TV shows, dramas, and anime.
Advocacy and Research Interests and Accomplishments:
Throughout my academic and clinical journey, I have engaged in research and advocacy initiatives aimed at promoting health equity, cultural competency, and improved patient care. At Jersey City Medical Center’s Emergency Department, I completed two quality improvement projects—one evaluating medication refill requests as chief complaints, and another focused on improving medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia presenting with breakthrough psychosis. As an undergraduate, I conducted a phenomenological thesis on Hmong Shamanism, exploring its diagnostic and healing practices, successes and limitations, and its relevance within modern healthcare. This project addressed the importance of cultural sensitivity in patient care and was presented to faculty and students at the University of San Francisco. Additionally, I collaborated with students at California Northstate University on a novel research paper investigating alternative treatments for Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS). Beyond clinical and scientific research, I am also passionate about advocating for higher education and promoting scholarship opportunities for students, especially those from underrepresented communities. These combined experiences have shaped my dedication to advancing both medical knowledge and equitable care.
Care Philosophy:
My care philosophy is rooted in providing compassionate, comprehensive care that addresses the physical, emotional, and social well-being of every child and family I serve. I believe that every patient deserves to feel seen, heard, and respected, regardless of their background or circumstances. As someone who grew up in an underserved community, I am deeply committed to serving vulnerable populations and advocating for equitable access to quality healthcare. I strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment that honors cultural diversity and fosters trust between families and providers. My goal is to not only treat illness but to empower families through education, prevention, and partnership in care. As I grow into my role as a pediatric resident, I remain dedicated to lifelong learning, cultural humility, and using my voice to promote health equity and systemic change.