In 'Finding Independence in America', Lai Kwan Kew recounts her journey from Malaysian student to US-trained doctor. (Lai Kwan Kew pic)PETALING JAYA: One hour and 30 minutes. That’s how long Lai Kwan Kew waited for an interview with the chief of oral surgery at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee.
When he finally arrived, he seemed surprised that the young Penangite was still waiting. “I thought you might have left by now,” he told her. Lai had travelled to the university to secure a place in an oral surgery training programme.
He acknowledged that her credentials were better than most applicants, but said he might only consider her if she obtained a medical degree and reapplied. By then, however, the position was already filled by a male classmate.
