Physician and author to speak at UOG

A physician and author who grew up in Pohnpei and graduated from a Guam high school will return to the island next week to speak at the University of Guam and release his memoir locally.

Dr. Jalkennen Joseph will headline UOG's 43rd Presidential Lecture Series on Wednesday, April 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the Multi-Purpose Room at the Dr. Lucio C. Tan Student Success Center. The event is free and open to the public.

Joseph's memoir, "Becoming an American Doctor," chronicles his path from growing up in Pohnpei, Micronesia, to serving a decade in the U.S. Air Force and earning his medical degree from the University of Hawaiʻi John A. Burns School of Medicine — making him only the second person from Pohnpei to graduate from a U.S. medical school. He is a 1999 graduate of Simon Sanchez High School.

During the lecture, Joseph will speak on resilience, service, identity and access to opportunity, with an emphasis on encouraging Micronesian students pursuing careers in healthcare.

"This lecture is about showing students that their background does not limit their future," Joseph said. "My hope is that sharing my story helps young people believe that their dreams — especially in medicine and service — are possible."

UOG President Dr. Anita Borja Enriquez said Joseph's story embodies the determination the university hopes to inspire in its students.

The event will include a question-and-answer session. Signed copies of the memoir will be available for purchase.