Stephen Tsang, MD, a Hill Physicians obstetrician-gynecologist in Tracy, grew up watching his father work as a surgeon. Dr. Tsang went on to study biomedical engineering, and then spent time as a surgeon himself. While he enjoyed the work, Dr. Tsang soon realized that he didn’t want to focus on illness throughout his career. So he moved into his current specialty.
“I love delivering babies. It’s a miracle every day,” Dr. Tsang says. “Through all those billions of cell divisions, it makes this little person who comes popping out nine months later.”
Dr. Tsang still performs some surgeries as part of his private practice. He says he enjoys getting to know patients, and appreciates the opportunity to address sensitive issues and improve their lives. Interestingly, the busy physician also says his real job begins after his office hours end. Dr. Tsang and his wife, Thuxoan, have been married for 19 years and have four children. Their oldest son, 13-year-old Preston, holds a third-degree black belt in tae kwon do and participates in fencing and hip-hop dancing. Their 10-year-old son, Hudson, plays tennis and has earned his first-degree tae kwon do black belt. Romi, the Tsangs’ 9-year-old daughter, is a competitive gymnast, and 7-year-old son Ronin also takes tae kwon do lessons. Thuxoan’s mother lives with the family as well, and they frequently travel to San Jose to see Dr. Tsang’s parents.
Despite such busy schedules, members of the Tsang family make time to play and travel together. When Hudson took up tennis, for example, Dr. Tsang picked up his own racket and joined him on the court. The whole family often takes skiing and hiking trips. Other times, they just head to the beach to relax for a day.
“Some of us will swim and some won’t, but we’re all together. That time is so precious. It’s probably the most important thing in life,” says Dr. Tsang, who also calls being a husband and father “the greatest adventure ever.” He regularly reminds his patients that wellness plays an important role in the quality of life. “Staying healthy is mandatory,” Dr. Tsang says. “You only have one body.”