Doctor, clinic manager, Dallas resident, author, fitness advocate, wife, mother of two accomplished sons, author, 50-year-old, cheerleader – these are all words to describe me. But I don’t lock myself into those roles or let categories define me as a person.
My day job is managing a clinic in Dallas, applying the Doctor of Medicine degree that I earned from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Medicine in San Antonio, Texas. I completed my residency in Psychiatry and a fellowship in Child and Adolescents Psychiatry at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School in Dallas.
Yet I’m always game for a good challenge, so over the years I’ve trained and tried out for the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader tryouts about 10 times (starting at age 34). I enjoy the challenge of performing, meeting criteria, and enduring the intensity. I thrive on perfecting the difficult skills demanded for the audition. And I love the energy of Cowboys Stadium.
I often say, “Never give up!” and live out that principle every day. I’m more determined than ever, trying out at 50 years old. It has always been a dream of mine to make the team, and everyone has always been very supportive and motivating. Over the years I have become a news topic, recognized for my journey to become a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader on FOX Sports and the Meredith Viera Show.
As if managing a clinic and preparing for Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader tryouts don’t keep me busy enough, I’ve also been in the process of writing three books. The first two books are titled “Grown Up Child” and “Journey from Taiwan.” My third book will share my journey to become one of America’s Sweethearts.
My journey hasn’t been easy. In 2012 I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), affecting the joints in both of my hands and feet. Although there is no known cure for RA, I am currently taking medication to manage my joint pain, and it hasn’t stopped me from pursuing my dream.
Throughout my life, I’ve pushed myself to try different things and to compete – I love competition and the challenge of performing. I always try to be the best possible version of myself and experience new things. I give 110 percent in everything I do, and hope my journey inspires other women to go after their dreams. One of my big goals is to shatter age barriers. Anything is possible!
Chiufang Hwang, M.D. was born in Taiwan but came to the United States as a toddler so her father could pursue a PhD. Usually the only Asian kid on the block growing up in Columbia, South Carolina, Chiufang was outwardly shy but inwardly eag...
Dr. Chiufang Hwang’s second book “Escape from Taiwan: Legacy of Oppression” is a riveting story about the lives of four daughters impacted by their fathers’ escape from political persecution (with Chiufang being one of ...