Dr. Teri Kap Tan - Patient Advocate, Founder of S.H.E, Co-Founder of CHPAA

In this episode we sit with Dr. Teri Kap Tan, a Greek Australian whose dedication to education, healthcare, and community engagement has made a profound impact on the Cambodian community in Long Beach. Dr. Tan shares her immigrant journey, the challenges she faced, and how they shaped her passion for helping others.

Born in Greece and raised in Australia, Dr. Tan experienced language barriers but excelled academically, becoming valedictorian of her class. Her passion for education and child development led her to study child psychology, laying the foundation for a career focused on supporting immigrant families.

Her involvement with the Cambodian community began in Hawaii, where she worked with refugee resettlement programs, helping families adjust to their new environment. This experience deepened her commitment to working with underserved communities. Later, she and her husband established a pediatric practice in Long Beach, home to one of the largest Cambodian populations in the U.S.

Dr. Tan emphasizes the importance of cultural integration for immigrant families, highlighting language as a key to preserving identity and history. She discusses the challenges of balancing tradition with the need to adapt to a new society and how strong community support systems can make this transition smoother.

Beyond her work in the U.S., Dr. Tan has been involved in global health initiatives, bringing students to Cambodia to work on medical and community development projects. She believes in the power of collaboration among organizations to uplift immigrant communities and create opportunities for future generations.

Her vision for the Cambodian community includes a stable and supportive environment where families can thrive through access to quality education, healthcare, and cultural preservation efforts. She shares insights on resilience, the power of education, and the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for all immigrants.

Tune in to hear Dr. Tan’s inspiring story and learn how community engagement can transform lives.

Founder of Sustainable Health Empowerment - SHE, a 501c3 non-profit committed to fostering sustainable health care by equipping people with knowledge and empowering them to continue self-care under the leadership of local healthcare professionals after our team of volunteers have left the country.

https://www.sheworldhealth.org

Co-Founder of Cambodian Health Professionals Association of America -CHPAA, a non-profit organization financially supported by members and volunteers, as well as by generous professionals, community individuals, and a growing number of business owners and philanthropists.https://chpaa.org

Takeaways

• Dr. Tan's immigrant journey began in Greece, moving to Australia as a child.
• She faced language barriers but excelled academically, becoming valedictorian.
• Her passion for education led her to study child psychology and development.
• Dr. Tan's work with the Cambodian community started in Hawaii during resettlement programs.
• She emphasizes the importance of cultural integration for immigrant families.
• Dr. Tan established a pediatric practice in Long Beach with her husband.
• She has been involved in global health initiatives, taking students to Cambodia.
• Dr. Tan believes in the power of language as a cultural carrier.
• She advocates for community support and collaboration among organizations.
• Her vision for the future includes a stable environment for the next generation of Cambodians.