Dr. James Suen’s upbringing in Dermott, Arkansas, was defined by his family’s journey as Chinese immigrants who built a life in the segregated South. His parents, Yee Gow Suen and Mary Suen, ran a grocery store and endured intense prejudice, including a bombing by the Ku Klux Klan. James also experienced racial segregation in school and social settings. Despite the hostility, James Suen and his family persevered, and their resilience became a key influence in Dr. Suen’s life. Their store, Y.L. Tow Grocery, served both Black and White customers and, after World War II, extended credit to Japanese Americans who had been interned at the Jerome and Rohwer War Relocation Centers. The values of hard work, respect, and dedication to community were instilled in him from an early age, shaping his path toward success.
Despite his family’s modest means; his father ensured that the Suen children had opportunities to attend college. This emphasis on academic success became a cornerstone of Suen’s journey. After attending the University of Texas, a pivotal moment in his life came when he witnessed a car accident, spurring his decision to enter the medical field, where he could directly help others.
Dr. Suen went on to build an extraordinary medical career, particularly in the field of head and neck surgery. His efforts in creating a top-tier vascular anomalies program gained international recognition, with patients from around the world seeking his expertise. Beyond his work in the U.S., Dr. Suen expanded his impact by providing critical care to soldiers and children in war-torn Ukraine, rebuilding the faces of those injured in combat. His work abroad underscored his lifelong commitment to serving those in need, no matter the circumstances.
Despite his many accomplishments, Dr. Suen’s life remains grounded in the lessons of his childhood, shaped by his Chinese heritage. Growing up in a small, segregated town, he learned resilience, hard work, and the importance of family from his cultural roots, which guided his success and dedication to helping others. His parents’ dedication to their family and community shaped his values of empathy, resilience, and the importance of giving back. Throughout his career, he has carried these principles with him, demonstrating that no matter how far one goes in life, the foundation of love, hard work, and service can make a lasting impact on the world.
Story by Franchelsa Francisco
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Dr. James Suen's Father, Yee Gow Suen. -
Yee Family, c. 1941, with baby James in the center. -
Dr. James Suen's Mother, Mary Chang. -
James and his mother pictured in the 1940s.
