Faith and Josephine - Mission Home Sisters Become Doctors (Three Coins)

In the late 1800s, two young Chinese girls embarked on remarkable journeys. Arriving at the Methodist Mission Home without speaking English, both girls pursued their ambitious goals against the odds. Faith Sai So Leong dreamed of becoming the first Chinese woman dentist in America, while her younger sister, Josephine Chan, aimed to be the first Chinese woman physician.Faith immigrated to America at age 12 in the 1890s and was taken in by an English teacher at San Francisco’s Methodist Mission Home. Recognizing her aptitude and dexterity, her adoptive family and benefactors encouraged her to pursue dentistry. Inspired by Faith, Josephine chose a career in medicine a decade later. Faith eventually returned to China, where they contributed to advancing healthcare and educating their communities about medical and dental wellness.In a story of unexpected achievements against tremendous odds, Faith Sai So Leong and Josephine Chan rose from humble beginnings, overcoming both societal prejudice and the male-dominated fields of dentistry and medicine to find success in the healing arts. That they did this during an era when Chinese individuals, and particularly Chinese women, faced suppression and marginalization makes their stories all the more remarkable.Their journeys are ones of self-determination and resilience. Faith’s pioneering career as the first Chinese American woman dentist and Josephine’s dreams of becoming a Chinese woman physician continue to inspire young people from all backgrounds today.Many people dream, but only a few—like Faith Sai So Leong and Josephine Chan—find the courage to follow those dreams. Their lives remind us that with courage and determination, you too can make your dreams come true. Read more