7 Questions with Dr. Miia Lim
Updated August 2020
Dr. Miia Lim is a doctor on Amwell with nearly 10 years of experience. She received her Medical Doctorate degree from Ross University on the island of Dominica and is U.S. board-certified in family medicine. Whether you are have a complex case or simple one, you can trust that Dr. Lim will step-through the issues with you to ensure you are getting the best care you need. Get to know Dr. Lim in the following Q&A session, plus read her three tips to sneak in healthy habits this holiday season.
What inspired you to be a doctor?
I always had an interest in biology and humans, especially in high school. After completing my university degree, I couldn’t decide how I wanted to advance my education. I had a few good friends who convinced me to pursue medicine – I give them all the credit for believing in me. I have a passion to help people navigate their health care concerns and counseling them to make healthy lifestyle choices; I couldn’t imagine myself doing anything else.
What fact about you surprises people the most?
There are actually two things that surprise people. One is that my undergraduate degree is in Forensic Anthropology from the University of Toronto in Canada. Another interesting fact is that I am originally from Canada and that my first language was Finnish.
Why did you pursue a career in telemedicine?
I learned about telemedicine after doing some research online about different types of job opportunities for physicians. The flexibility in scheduling is definitely part of what attracted me to telehealth because I get to spend the time I want with my two children. There is also the joy of being on the cutting edge of how healthcare can be delivered to patients. I am excited to see how telemedicine evolves.
What is the best advice you’ve received?
During my residency, I had a wonderful mentor who gave me the greatest advice: “Only touch the paper once.” What he meant by that was that if you pick it up or look at it, deal with it right then and there. Then it is done and you can put it away/delete it and then move onto the next piece of paper/task.
What do you like to do when you’re not working?
I love to read, practice yoga. I also try to get outside as much as I can, whether it be walking or hiking. Most of my spare time is spent with my family or driving my kids crazy, as they would like to say.
What was the last book you read without skipping through anything?
I recently read Barbara Kingsolver’s The Lacuna, The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters, the MaddAddam trilogy by Margret Atwood, and Stone Mattress by Margaret Atwood. I recently got a Kindle, but I prefer the old-fashioned way of reading books.
As we approach the busy summer season, what are three tips people can keep in mind to stay healthy?
When it comes to maintaining healthy lifestyles, it can be easy to fall off the wagon this time of year. That's why it’s important to set small and realistic goals. Don’t punish yourself if you can’t get to your normal exercise routine. Rather, just try to get some movement in – do some dancing at the barbeque, take a longer walk on your lunch break, or opt for the stairs instead of the elevator. It’s also important to eat lots of fruits and vegetables and avoid eating sweets frequently. Save sweets for after dinner; have cocktails only on weekends - these little changes can really add up and are more likely to become sustainable habits. Overall, don’t stress – the most important thing is that you enjoy your summer plans with loved ones.