Woman of the Year profile: Emily J. Lim, Oklahoma State University

Journal Record, The (Oklahoma City), Sep 15, 2006 by Journal Record Staff

Emily Lim, who is now assistant director of telemedicine for the Oklahoma State University-Center for Health Sciences, said she will always consider herself a teacher.

After graduating from Northeastern State University in Oklahoma with a chemistry degree, Lim worked as a recruiter for OSU- Okmulgee. A year later she began her teaching career at Holland Hall Schools. She left Holland Hall to attend medical school and decided teacher was her passion. She returned to the profession as a science teacher at Union Public Schools in Tulsa. She has also served as an adjunct instructor for Tulsa Community College since 1998. She joined the OSU-Center for Health Sciences in 2000 as a distance- learning technician and was named to her current position a year later.

As assistant director of telemedicine, Lim's responsibilities include helping to bring new sites into the network, installing equipment and training the physicians and nurses on the telecommunications equipment.

"I would have to say that teaching chemistry has shaped my life. I have a passion for explaining things in a way that is understandable and applicable to the learner," Lim said. "I will always view myself as a teacher, whatever my title says. No matter if I am explaining to my 3-year-old how a rainbow is formed, or talking to a group of legislators about telemedicine needs in a rural community, I will always be a teacher."

Lim is a member of the American Telemedicine Association and serves on the NSU Alumni Board of Directors. In 1992, she was named NSU Outstanding Senior Female Graduate. She received the Champions of Health Award from Blue Cross and Blue Shield in 2004.

In addition to her telemedicine and teaching jobs, Lim began her own business out of her garage in 2003.

"I make personalized stationery and invitations. My office hours are from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m., after my daughter goes to bed. Taking care of my family, working full-time and running my own business is a challenge that I meet every day," she said. "I could not do it without the support of my husband, Mike Plunkett."

Lim considers her role with establishing the Akdar Shrine Center's Telemedicine program as her most significant professional accomplishment.

"The creation of the clinic, setup, installation, and monthly management has been the most rewarding part of my career. What I created and what I do each month saves the parents and children three days off of work and school. This is a savings that is incalculable to the families of these children," she said.

Lim considers her parents to be the most influential people in her life.

"My mother is a hard-working, independent woman who joined the Peace Corps to serve her country in 1962. My father is Chinese and from Malaysia, where my mom served in the Peace Corps. I was raised in southeast Oklahoma by hard-working, middle-class parents who taught us that education and hard work will get you anywhere."

About Emily:

Birthplace: McAlester, Okla.

Spouse: Michael Plunkett

Children: Emma Jane, 3

First job: Grocery store checker in high school - "I lasted one day."

Dream job: "Teaching people how to use technology in a creative way."

Pets: Chocolate Labrador named Nick

Hobbies: Sailing, paper crafting, sewing

Favorite type of food: Mexican

Favorite type of music: Country

Favorite vacation spot: The British Virgin Islands