Under the White Coat: How the Model Minority Myth Skews Perceptions of Asian American Doctors

Written by: Theo Chen | Edited by: Nathan Hahn

If you are Pre-Med, don’t become a good doctor; become a great one—and a great leader as well.

I was embarrassed to admit that I was “Pre-med,” for I felt like it was a declaration of sorts–an admission into a race that I did not want to run. The next step was the questions. Small talk that started as curiosity and mutual sharing quickly became insightful questions that probed at my ambitions and interests. Round about ways to ask about research, extracurriculars, and, of course, GPA. The questions were really a form of appraisal, to answer for themselves, “Are you good enough?” And to further their assumption that “You’re Asian, of course, a doctor.”

Asian Americans are often seen as thriving in medicine—overrepresented in medical schools, hospitals, and prestigious specialties. But beneath this surface-level success lies a deeper story: one shaped by the model minority myth.

The Model Minority Myth
The concept of the model minority characterizes Asian Americans as smart, hardworking, and compliant. The stereotype arose in the 1950s and 1960s, promoting the idea that Asians had achieved success and overcome racism in America through assimilation because they worked hard, complied with laws, similar to White Americans. Nearly seventy years later, this stereotype continues to shape the way Americans address racism and our understanding of what it means to be a citizen. 

According to Wayne Au (a professor at the University of Washington Bothell), the model minority myth portrays Asian Americans as especially good at STEM and medicine. This stereotype reinforces the idea that Asian Americans are “naturally” suited for medicine, and hence, when Asian Americans pursue medicine, their interests are discredited as disingenuous and inauthentic.

Since the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, the U.S. has favored highly educated immigrants, especially those from Asian countries. Many Asian families who arrived during this period included engineers, scientists, and physicians, reinforcing the image of medicine as a “natural” path. For many, medicine is seen as a stable, prestigious career that offers financial security and social respect. For immigrant families, it often represents a path to upward mobility and validation of their sacrifices.

The Illusion of Overrepresentation
Yes, Asian Americans make up ~20% of U.S. medical students despite being ~7% of the population. But this statistic is often used to dismiss conversations about racism, mental health, and career advancement.

Emotional Toll and Mental Health Silence
The pressure to live up to the “ideal doctor” image—calm, competent, tireless—can be crushing. Many Asian American medical trainees report imposter syndrome and burnout, yet feel unable to speak out. The MMM discourages vulnerability: “If you’re successful, why would you need help?” A 2009 Health Needs Assessment Project found that Asian American residents were least likely to seek mental health support, despite high rates of distress.

The Glass Ceiling
Despite Asian American presence in medicine, success in numbers doesn’t guarantee leadership. Asian Americans are underrepresented in academic leadership, department chairs, and executive roles. The MMM paints them as “technically competent but not leadership material,” reinforcing the glass ceiling—a subtle but persistent barrier to upward mobility.

Reframing Success
We must redefine success to be about voice and well-being. Only by amplifying Asian American narratives that embrace activism and complexity can we begin to dispel the model minority myth. We are Asian Americans, and we are not flawless. Not every day is a good one, and there’s no shame in admitting that. By sharing these truths, we can nurture a culture promoting vulnerability and authenticity. Shattering the glass ceiling requires more than personal excellence—it demands intentional leadership. By stepping into roles that challenge stereotypes, we can redefine the model minority myth and the way it has shaped the perception of Asian American success. So I challenge you: Don’t just be good; be great–and a great leader as well.

Sources: