Chris Pham
- Resident Physician in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
School Information
School: University of California, Santa Barbara
College Major: Other
Years at College Works: 2010
Career Information
Working For: Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California
Title: Resident Physician in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Industry: Medical
Brief Description of Duties / Responsibilities:
6-year integrated Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery residency with a broad operative experience within governmental institutions (Los Angeles General), tertiary academic (Keck/Cedars/Shriner’s), managed care organizations (Kaiser Permanente), and private practice. I will be completing an additional fellowship in Hand and Microsurgery at the University of California, Los Angeles in 2026. I am a multiple time national award-winning researcher who has driven multiple original projects from conceptualization to publication and has authored and co-authored over 50 peer-reviewed publications and textbook chapters in epidemiology, burn and wound care, hand surgery, and breast surgery.
What Has Been Your Proudest Accomplishment Post-CWP?Entering medical school with a full scholarship.
College Works Career Impact
In one sentence, what has CW meant to you?
Completing College Works Painting was the threshold I needed to cross to build my confidence in becoming a doctor; I knew that if I could succeed in College Works Painting, I will become a doctor.
How did your CW experience impact your career? Immediately after graduation? Now?
At all my medical school interviews, my experience with College Works Painting was what set me apart from thousands of other candidates.
What was the greatest lesson you learned from your CW experience?
Always do what you say you are going to do.
Advice
What advice do you have for potential CW participants? Current CW participants?
It does not matter what your career trajectory is: do the College Works Painting internship. And, do it not for the money but to invest in your character and skills.
What’s your favorite memory from CW?
Payroll Fridays!
Last words of wisdom?
College Works Painting will be the most fun you never want to have again. However, I promise that if you graduate an alum of this program, you will approach the rest of your problems in life with the tact and strength needed in any Branch Manager.