People sometimes express surprise that I gave up a career in medicine for one in music. During tough times, I’ve occasionally questioned that decision myself. However, I recently learned from my father that there’s a precedent for a doctor of Korean heritage to throw him or herself into the dream of becoming a professional musician.

Music finds you even when you're not looking for it in New Orleans. My husband Tom and I decided to spend a few days in New Orleans before heading to my niece's graduation further north in Louisiana. We hadn't been to the Crescent City since before Hurricane Katrina, and we went without much of a plan, except to find a beignet and keep our ears open.