Every month, we’ll get to know one of the Student Tech Leads!

NAME
Kevin Zhou

YEAR/CLINICAL CAMPUS
Class of 2024/Tri-Cities

FUN FACT
I am a PADI certified Advanced Open Water SCUBA diver.

What’s your pre-med school technology background?

Growing up, I was always fascinated with technology. Video games were a huge part of my childhood. I still remember playing Freddi Fish and Oregon Trail in elementary school.

Although I don’t have a formal background in computer science or engineering, I’ve enjoyed tinkering with computers, and over the years I’ve built and upgraded my own desktop.

blog-STL-spotlight-kevin-zhou-image2
While I was at the University of Washington, I helped design the HUB Esports Arena & Gaming Lounge, which was the first and largest university gaming arena in the Northwest. Shown here is the grand opening!

What’s your favorite app? 

Definitely Discord. I use it to keep with my friends. I have it open in the background almost all the time. It’s got some fantastic integrated features, such as live-streaming capabilities for games, music and movies.

What’s the best part about being a Student Tech Lead? 

Having the opportunity to participate in interesting adaptive technology events such as the opening of the Gleason Institute. I’ve really enjoyed learning more about the potential of VR and AR especially in a healthcare setting. Also, getting paid to help out with zoom and go to class is great!

How do you plan to incorporate technology into your practice as a physician? 

Technology is constantly evolving and changing. I think that keeping up-to-date on the newest technologies and innovations can greatly improve the quality of life for patients. There are so many innovations in brain-computer interface technologies that can revolutionize neurology and our understanding of the brain, as well as innovations in adaptive and smart home networks that can vastly improve the quality of life of patients with disabilities.

Aside from technology, what do you nerd out over? 

Oh man, I am a sucker for some good tabletop games. I especially love tabletop role playing games, particularly D&D and Starfinder. I just love the entirety of the experience, whether it's the collaborative storytelling elements that you get to participate in as a player, or crafting a unique and compelling narrative as the DM. It’s such a fun and exciting way to get better at thinking on your feet, as well as learning how to collaborate effectively with others while still achieving your own personal goals!

What is your number 1 tech tip for med students or faculty?

Don’t forget to constantly save your work! Especially if you’re working in a web browser, and are filling out documents or forms. There have been numerous times that my internet has dropped, or my page has refreshed that I wish I had saved my progress.

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