My name is Peter Hsu. I am a physician, educator, health policy researcher, husband, father, cyclist, car-owner, dog-lover, and a proud East Cambridge resident!
As a hospitalist, pediatric oncologist, and public health advocate, I have seen how health policy – or the lack of it – can change lives. A few years ago, I cared for a young man hospitalized for drug overdose. When it came time for discharge, he told me he didn’t know how to live without drugs. He was scared to return to a community that lacked the support he needed.
That moment stuck with me. I realized my work inside the hospital and within academia was not enough – we need strong, compassionate systems beyond hospital walls, and this is why I am running for Cambridge City Council, so I can serve the most vulnerable populations for our city that will not only benefit these individuals, but also residents, visitors, neighborhoods, and communities around these individuals.
You might recognize me from 2023 and you are correct: I ran for the 2023 Cambridge City Council. It was a very last-minute effort, I had hair at the time, I did not exactly know how to run a campaign, I had lots of work-election conflicts, and I did not win. After that run, I sat down and reflected; with continued willingness and passion to serve, the ultimate support from my family, heartwarming encouragement from so many Cantabrigians, I have decided to run again this year. So, here I am! Trying my hardest to get your number one vote again, but much more prepared than in 2023!
Other details about me: I was born in Taiwan and moved to the U.S. at age 12. I studied in Southern California, completed medical school and residency in Northeast Ohio, and finished fellowship training as well as earned a Master of Public Health in Nashville, TN. Since 2019, I have called East Cambridge home. I work at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, teach at Harvard Medical School, and am happily married with my wife and two young kids.
If elected, I will lead with compassion, listen actively, and show up consistently -for a Healthier, Safer, and more United Cambridge. Reasons you should vote for me:
- I am a great listener and I advocate for patients/people regardless of their DNA, cultures, or beliefs.
- I follow a code of ethics, I speak up when appropriate, and I don’t sugarcoat things.
- I am able to address complex issues, make difficult decisions under pressure, and think outside the box
- I am caring, empathetic, fair, reasonable, honest, objective, data-driven, and inclusive.
- I will bring all of the abovementioned traits and characters to Cambridge City Council and work for YOU.
