Interview with Abby Cheng, MD

Dr. Abby Cheng is an associate professor of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PM&R)

She is a nationally recognized clinical research investigator and leader in team science, and her work spans multiple disciplines, including musculoskeletal care, mental health, lifestyle medicine, and Long COVID. In addition to her research, she is deeply committed to mentoring trainees as the Director of Physiatry Resident Research.

Christine Gou is a PM&R resident and a current participant in the Department of Medicine’s Forum for Women in Medicine Leadership Development Cohort, where she has developed a strong passion for fostering community within academic medicine.

Christine Gou: Can you start with giving us a little of your background?

Abby Cheng: I’m almost a WashU lifer. During undergrad here, I majored in Biomedical Engineering, having always enjoyed mechanical problems, physics, and the musculoskeletal system. When I decided to pursue medicine, I was initially drawn to orthopedics, but I realized that focusing on a single body part didn’t capture my interest as much as understanding the entire biomechanical system and how it affects a patient’s daily life and work. Through AMWA, I met Dr. Heidi Prather, the founding Division Chief of PM&R, who opened my eyes to the field’s potential to improve quality of life, address biomechanics, and build long-term relationships with patients. Most patients also want to move more, so it’s fun to have aligned goals to help people get back to what they want to do.

Gou: You are in musculoskeletal physiatry, how did you start doing research on mental health?

Cheng: I never thought I would be. While studying and treating young adult athletes with hip disorders, I saw how long-term pain invariably affects a person’s mindset, well-being, and often their recovery. As a physiatrist, I can inject a painful body part, but if I don’t have tools to address the biopsychosocial factors impacting a person’s pain experience, it often feels like I’m limited in being able to truly help them optimize their quality of life and function. I think it was this growing frustration in clinic that compelled me to research the biopsychosocial aspects of chronic pain.

Gou: Back tracking a bit, how did you become a physician researcher?

Cheng: Being exposed to basic science and clinical research, I liked that I could look for answers to the questions that came up during patient care by pursuing clinical research. The Association of Academic Physiatrists program called the RMSTP, the Rehabilitation Medicine Scientist Training Program, helped me understand what a clinician researcher career looks like, from finding mentors to writing papers to securing grants. I told myself I’ll try it, and if it didn’t work out, I’d pursue a clinical path. I’m glad I took the chance I did because its fits well for my interests.

Gou: You have three adorable young children; how do you balance work with life?

Cheng: My family is my happy place, and I’ve learned the importance of setting clear boundaries. On weekends, when my kids are awake, I don’t work. My husband, who is also in medicine, and I have worked hard to communicate and find balance while prioritizing our careers. We tell our kids that they are our number one priority, and we would drop everything to meet their needs. At the same time, we both strongly believe that we were given talents and passions to help others, and we feel a sense of duty and privilege to do so. We try to instill in our kids to work hard as they follow their own passions, and that it’s important to help others in their own way. While we will always take care of them, we also have a responsibility to help others. We may not be able to fulfill every desire they have, but we’ll always make sure their needs are met. They’re still young, so we will see if that sinks in as they grow, but it’s the foundation we’re aiming for.

Gou: I love that your family is oriented toward service. What do you all do for fun?

Cheng: Right now, they’re into taekwondo, ballet, gymnastics, and swimming, so it’s a lot of driving. I love to cheer them on, see them make breakthroughs, and coach them when I can. They don’t always listen to what I try to teach them, but when they do, that connection is really fun. Since before I had kids, Ultimate frisbee has been my passion regarding how I enjoy exercise and community. I’m hoping to enjoy it with my kids as they get bigger, as well.

Gou: I loved reading your answer to an interview you gave in 2021 to the question about the best advice you’ve gotten, which was “Be grateful. Don’t compare yourself to others. Just do your best and do it now.” How did that become your favorite advice?

Cheng: I think it’s probably because of my mom. She is a Christian and a psychologist, so I was grounded in principles that support a healthy mindset. While I can’t control what happens to my work once it’s out in the world, I can control what I do and how I feel. In Frozen, the characters teach our kids to do the “next right thing.” When things get overwhelming or tough, we focus on taking that next right step. Practicing small right choices makes bigger right choices easier to make when the time comes.

Gou: I resonate with that, but it’s hard to help people in a time when our work feels attacked. How do you wrestle with that?

Cheng: It’s okay to feel upset. Feeling frustrated or down at times is normal and healthy because if we were always okay with everything, we wouldn’t push for change. I allow myself to feel what I feel, and then I focus on what my next steps should be. Sometimes, it’s just about keeping going, and other times, it’s about figuring out what to do differently. Discontent can be motivating for us to talk to new people, come up with fresh ideas, and try new things. I keep the bigger picture of wanting to help in mind as I reflect, but I try not to dwell on the outcome, even when I’m hoping for a specific result. I just focus on taking the next step.

Gou: What’s been your experience as a woman in medicine? Any advice for those wanting to take on leadership roles?

Cheng: I’ve been fortunate to benefit from the incredible women leaders who paved the way before me, making my journey much easier. At WashU, I haven’t felt held back because of who I am or what I look like. There are always self-imposed challenges, like imposter syndrome, where you question, “Can I do this? Should I do this? Am I qualified?” I know I still struggle with these feelings at times. But it’s important to be your own biggest cheerleader and find advocates, regardless whether they share your background or experiences. Ask them how they got to where they are, and learn from their mentorship and examples.

If you’re interested in a leadership role, my advice is go for it. If an opportunity excites you, take it. You may be just as qualified as anyone else, and you can bring unique ideas and experiences to the table.

Gou: How do you decide between saying “yes” and “no” to opportunities that arise?

Cheng: During my training, everyone advised me to say yes to everything, and I did. It opened many doors and helped me reach the places I wanted to be. Now, as a faculty member, I still say yes to a lot of things, but I’m more intentional. I ask myself if it’s something I’m passionate about, if it will make a difference, if I enjoy it, or if it aligns with my goals. I don’t say yes to every title or leadership role that comes my way if it doesn’t fit with my goals. If you do a good job in your current role, you’ll continue to be asked. And if an opportunity arises but it’s not the right time, it’s okay to politely decline but express your interest for the future.

Gou: What are you most proud of yourself?

Cheng: It’s what I try to teach my kids. Every night, I say “Be kind and try your best.” Though I can’t control outcomes, if I’m doing good and giving my best effort, that’s all I can ask of myself. Then, I don’t have any regrets, and I know I did everything I could.