Esther Choo

Dr. Esther Choo is a leading voice in modern healthcare, known for her impactful work as an Emergency Physician, educator, and advocate for equity in medicine. Based in Portland, Oregon, she currently serves as a Professor at Oregon Health & Science University, where she is also recognised as an influential thought leader in public health, healthcare reform, and workplace culture.

With a career rooted in both clinical excellence and social advocacy, Esther has become a sought-after speaker at corporate and healthcare events worldwide. She speaks powerfully on topics including building organisational cultures of excellence, racism as a public health crisis, the toll of COVID-19 on healthcare workers, and creating equitable, respectful environments that drive better patient outcomes.

Esther holds a medical degree from Yale University and a Master’s in Public Health from OHSU. She completed her residency at Boston Medical Centre and began her academic career at the Alpert Medical School. Throughout her journey, she has consistently championed diversity, inclusion, and gender equity in medicine. Esther is a founding member of TIME’S UP Healthcare and the co-founder of Equity Quotient—two initiatives dedicated to making workplaces safer and more inclusive, especially for women and underrepresented groups.

Her leadership extends further as the former President of both the Academy of Women in Academic Emergency Medicine and the Gender Equity Research Group. Her work has earned widespread recognition, including the Outstanding Physician Award, the OHSU Emerging Leader Award, and the SAEM Young Investigator Award.

In addition to her academic and clinical work, Esther is a prominent media voice. She has contributed to NBC Think, Self Magazine, and The Lancet, and made appearances on CNN and MSNBC. She also hosts the Doctor’s Log podcast, offering an honest window into the challenges and resilience of today’s healthcare professionals.

A TEDx speaker and past presenter at events such as The Atlantic Pulse Health Summit and The Aspen Institute, Esther Choo combines deep expertise with heartfelt storytelling. When you’re looking to inspire action on healthcare equity, organisational culture, or physician well-being, Esther delivers clarity, authenticity, and a call to change.