Shilun David Li, MD

What is your practice philosophy? My practice philosophy is to restore patient’s health and quality of life through patient education, building relationships, and using medications. 

What are you passionate about? And why? I am passionate about healthcare equality and access because we currently don’t have equal access for under privileged citizens. 

If I wasn’t a provider, I would be a: I would be an engineer because I love to solve technical problems for others. 

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? During my high school education, I learned that I have a gifted skill to use my knowledge to solve difficult problems.  I decided then to become a provider so that I can help the most number of people using my skills. 

Something I have learned from my patients is: I have learned that each patient is a teacher.  By listening to patient, they teach me to understand their pathologic basis of illness.  In return, I can formulate a plan to help each individual to resolve their health problem. 

One of the challenges of this career that I enjoy is (and why): One of the challenges of my career is to teach patients about the nature of their illness.  New concepts and new therapies are developing constantly.  Keeping up-to-date is time consuming and challenging to maintain.  Therefore, teaching patients about their illness is an ongoing process during my clinic visits with each patient.  Sometimes, it takes many visits to teach each patient about the complexity of their illness.   

My personal health goal is: My personal health goal is to maintain my current weight and bodily function as I age.   

What is the best thing you’ve done for your health or the best health advice you’ve received? The best thing that I have done for my health is to marry my wife who can cook predominantly vegetarian foods and keep me on a bland diet so that I can maintain a healthy habit of eating.  Moreover, we hike and exercise together.  

What are you most proud of? I am proud of my support for several children at Children’s International for over 20 years.  One of the child went to college and became a nurse.  I am particularly proud of what she has achieved.   

What are a few of your personal achievements? 1. Recognized as a Fellow of American College of Gastroenterologist in 2016. 2. Passed my board exams for the third time in my life in Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology.