BIO
Dr. Richard Ou was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Taiwanese parents pursuing graduate studies, and soon after moved with his family to Iowa and then Dallas, Texas, where he grew up. He attended Harvard University, majoring in economics and competing as a Division I swimmer, balancing rigorous academics with intense athletic training. After a year working in New York as a healthcare consultant, he went on to study medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, where he was elected class president and helped create the school’s first white coat ceremony. He later specialized in ophthalmology, trained in Los Angeles, and eventually returned to Houston, where he now serves as president of his medical group and teaches at Baylor. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Ou stays engaged in local and alumni organizations, helping with admissions outreach for Harvard and contributing to professional groups such as the Chinese American Doctors Association of Houston. In conversation, Dr. Ou reflects on the influence of his upbringing, crediting his parents’ quiet determination and hands-on problem solving for shaping his mindset. He talks about learning by watching rather than being told, and how swimming taught him discipline, resilience, and how to lead by example. He shares how some of his most meaningful professional moments came not from accolades, but from mentoring students, helping patients regain their sight, and supporting others through difficult decisions. He also acknowledges the challenges that come with being Asian American in medicine, noting both the assumptions others make and the pressure to live up to expectations. Despite this, he stays focused on the long game: building strong relationships, doing his job well, and helping others grow.