When I first heard about Dr. Cathy Bell ’87, I was struck not just by her accomplishments, but by the weight of history she carries. Her great-grandfather, Dr. Alsoberry Kaumualii Hanchett, was the first Hawaiian to graduate from Harvard Medical College in 1914. Her grandfather, The Right Rev. E. Lani Hanchett ’37, became the first Hawaiian Episcopal bishop and later chaired ‘Iolani’s Board of Governors. Thinking about these “firsts” made me reflect on how family shapes ambition and purpose.
Reading Cathy’s story, I couldn’t help but wonder: how do our own ancestors’ choices ripple through time? How do they inspire us, guide us, or even challenge us to reach further than we thought possible?
Lessons in Service and Perspective
Cathy’s path into pediatrics and psychiatry felt like more than a career choice—it was a calling. Balancing research, teaching, and patient care, she embodies a mindset I’ve always admired: seeing people as individuals, understanding their perspectives, and helping them find solutions.
It made me think about my own approach to collaboration and empathy. How often do I pause to really understand someone else’s perspective before offering advice or taking action? Cathy’s reflections remind me that these skills—listening, analyzing, guiding—aren’t just professional tools; they’re ways of engaging with the world meaningfully.
The Intersection of Family, Career, and Community
Cathy balances a demanding career with raising three young children. Reading about her life made me reflect on my own juggling of responsibilities and ambitions. How do we integrate personal passions, family, and community contribution without losing ourselves in the process?
Her story also made me appreciate the role of mentorship and giving back. Cathy’s work with the Board of Governors isn’t just about titles; it’s about shaping a place where future generations can thrive. I found myself asking: how can I, in my own way, contribute to the communities that shaped me?
Small Discoveries Along the Way
What strikes me most is how Cathy’s life is a mosaic of learning, service, and reflection. Each role—physician, professor, mother, board member—offers insights into patience, resilience, and perspective. And it makes me realize: reflection isn’t just a pause; it’s a guide. It’s how we measure our growth, how we decide where to invest our energy, and how we turn inspiration into action.
Thinking about Cathy Bell ’87 leaves me with a quiet conviction: our paths are shaped not just by our achievements, but by how we reflect on them—and how we let those reflections guide our next steps.