Hi everyone! I’m Hajong. I grew up in the Philippines, went to college and served as a military police officer at a U.S. Air Force base in South Korea, attended medical school in Grenada, and completed most of my clinical training in New York—so I’ve sort of been everywhere. Through all of it, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that people and relationships matter more than anything else. My friends are the most important thing in my life, and they know I would do just about anything for them.

Outside the hospital, you’ll probably find me at a climbing gym. I like static moves, dynamic moves, cordos, bouldering, rope, lead, indoor, outdoor, multi-pitch, crimps, slabs, macros, amateur comps, and stanning professional climbers at World Cups. I haven’t tried trad or free soloing and don’t plan to but I would love to try ice climbing someday. Have I mentioned that I’m really into rock climbing? You might also catch me scuba diving, working on semi-professional photo or video projects, making an unnecessarily complicated tech project, cohosting a tech podcast, or inviting people over for Korean food. I’m happiest around good people, the ocean, or a climbing wall—and ideally all three. 

I ranked MetHarlem #1 because the vibes were great and because I saw the words “Seoul METROPOLITAN Government” written on the ground right before I certified my rank list and decided to take it as a sign. Becoming a doctor has been my dream since second grade, and although the road here has not been easy, the awesomeness of it all is never lost on me. My Christian faith is the only thing that has carried me this far and I’m incredibly grateful for every person, place, and experience that brought me here.