The 190th episode of Stories of Service featured Dr. Andrew Doan, a Vietnamese-born ophthalmologist serving in the U.S. Navy. Host Theresa Carpenter engaged in an in-depth discussion about balancing military service with content creation.
Dr. Doan shared his compelling journey from being a Vietnamese refugee at Camp Pendleton to becoming a distinguished physician with dual degrees from Johns Hopkins University. He joined the Navy after 9/11, driven by a desire to give back to the country that rescued his family.
Meet Dr. Andrew Doan
Host Theresa Carpenter introduces Dr. Andrew Doan, a physician and scientist specializing in ophthalmology, aerospace medicine, and public health. His journey from Vietnam as a refugee to becoming a military physician is discussed.
Dr. Doan shares his story of escaping from Vietnam, living at Camp Pendleton, and eventually pursuing medical education at Johns Hopkins. He explains his decision to join the Navy after 9/11 and his 19-year military career.
Dr. Doan discusses his choice of ophthalmology over neurosurgery, citing work-life balance and training duration as key factors. He shares memorable cases, including a unique incident involving a service member injured by a flying fish.
A significant portion of the conversation focused on Dr. Doan's groundbreaking research in media and gaming addiction. He revealed his personal struggle with video game addiction, playing 100 hours per week for about ten years. This experience led him to study the impact of gaming addiction on service members, particularly those recovering from trauma.
The discussion delved into the neuroscience of addiction, with Dr. Doan explaining how gaming affects multiple brain pathways, including dopamine and other hormonal systems. He emphasized that gaming addiction isn't just about dopamine but involves complex neurological responses similar to those triggered by human interaction.
The conversation also covered the challenges of being a military content creator, particularly for senior officers. Both hosts discussed the importance of following proper protocols, such as submitting off-duty employment documentation and adhering to military social media guidelines. They shared practical advice about using AI tools like ChatGPT to manage online presence while maintaining professional boundaries.
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The discussion covers Dr. Doan's evolution as a content creator, his self-taught approach to video production, and the development of his YouTube channel focusing on eye health and technology addiction. Dr. Doan explains his research into media and gaming addiction, particularly its impact on military personnel. Both hosts discuss the challenges of being content creators while serving as senior military officers, sharing advice on navigating regulations and maintaining professional boundaries.
