Aug 1st, 2025 | Author: Anyi Gu
Introduction
As the first in his family to pursue a career in healthcare, Dr. Zhu’s upbringing was marked by a strong emphasis on education and hard work. Having observed his peers transition to fields like business and computer science, Dr. Zhu is interested in training the next generation of healthcare providers and supporting them where he can. This mission fuels his enthusiasm for his new role as leader of ACAP.
Background and Education
Born and raised in China, Dr. Zhu practices internal medicine and has been ACAP President since October 2024. He attended Zhejiang University SOM followed by graduate school at Peking Union Medical College. Dr. Zhu moved to the US as a postdoc fellow, where he was mentored at the National Cancer Institute in research on metastatic melanoma treatment before shifting his focus to clinical medicine. He completed his residency at Brookdale Hospital Center and worked at Elmhurst Hospital Center for three years before establishing his private practice in Flushing, NY. Dr. Zhu is actively involved in community service and mentoring International Medical Graduates as well as Nurse Practitioner students.
Early Lessons
At the beginning of his career, Dr. Zhu realized the critical importance of research in medical care through firsthand experience. He observed the direct impact that innovative treatments have on patient outcomes, which inspired him to pursue an advanced degree after medical school to engage more deeply with medical research. Dr. Zhu recognized that staying informed about advancements in medical science is essential for making well-informed decisions and contributing to the broader medical community. These realizations reinforced his commitment to lifelong learning and delivering the most effective, up-to-date care to his patients as possible. Dr. Zhu also benefited from mentorship and collaboration throughout his training, and believes that medicine is both a science and art that thrives on shared knowledge and teamwork, motivating him to be actively involved in community service and mentorship himself.
Joining ACAP
Dr. Zhu was introduced to ACAP in 2012 by Dr. Wei Cui, then president of the ACAP Mid-Atlantic Chapter. Drawn to the organization’s inspiring and attractive events, he joined as a student member. Through ACAP, Dr. Zhu secured a clinical observership rotation in the ICU of New York Presbyterian Queens and acceptance into the internal medicine residency program at Brookdale University Hospital Center. Since becoming a member of ACAP, Dr. Zhu has been steadfast in expanding ACAP’s robust network, public health initiatives and volunteer opportunities. In 2020, Dr. Zhu worked at the Observation Unit of Elmhurst Hospital, an epicenter of the pandemic that was supported by ACAP through donations and community organizing. Throughout his residency and professional career, Dr. Zhu has enjoyed being a speaker at ACAP community education programs. Dr. Zhu and his family- Dr. Wei Liu, his wife, and two children, Kelly and Kevin, have continuously volunteered and participated in multiple ACAP events.
Personal Life
Dr. Zhu’s hobbies include reading, writing, and traveling. Beyond medicine, his true passion is being a father – he enjoys guiding his children and watching them grow, proudly supporting their development as the years go on. As he reflects on his own youth and the opportunities his children are now equipped with, he can’t wait to see their future successes as well.
Vision for ACAP
Dr. Zhu is working towards a future where ACAP plays a pivotal role as a leading platform for fostering collaboration among physicians, researchers, and educators to drive innovation in patient care within our communities. To achieve this, Dr. Zhu plans on expanding successful programs like Continuing Medical Education (CME) to support lifelong learning among members, community engagement initiatives to improve public health outcomes, mentorship for IMGs to help them for career development, and volunteer support as a primary component of ACAP’s mission.
Fostering Collaboration & Unity
In light of ongoing advancements in AI and the evolving landscape of healthcare, Dr. Zhu’s goal as a Primary Care Physician (PCP) is to commit himself and ACAP to emphasize primary care as a cornerstone of healthcare in the United States. In his words, “Fostering effective communication among PCP, specialists, and patients can be achieved through ACAP’s presence and influence across social platforms, and has implemented additional projects and joint programs to improve collaboration among physicians and other organizations alike.”
Closing Remarks
Dr. Zhu remains thankful for the physicians that have banded together to establish and grow ACAP across thirty years. Although his presidency has just begun, he is enthusiastic about the future of ACAP, and is particularly excited to build on expanding organization unity to further the community as a whole. Dr. Zhu not only intends to stay hands on in his approach to benefit the community, but also encourage his peers and fellow physicians to do the same, inviting individuals from all backgrounds to get involved.
About the Author
Anyi Gu is currently a freshman at Great Neck South High School on Long Island. As the daughter of two physicians, she is equipped with a passion for medicine, reading literature, fashion design, and debate.