Helena Rho is a Pushcart Prize–nominated writer and former pediatrician whose work spans creative nonfiction, essays, and literary fiction. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Slate, Sycamore Review, and Solstice, as well as the anthologies "Rage and Reconciliation" and "Silence Kills." With a background in medicine, Rho brings a unique perspective to her narratives, often exploring themes of identity, resilience, and human connection.
Rho earned her Doctor of Medicine in 1992 and spent years practicing and teaching pediatrics at prestigious institutions, including the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and the Johns Hopkins Hospital. Later, she pursued an MFA in creative nonfiction from the University of Pittsburgh, further honing her literary voice. Her writing is characterized by its lyrical prose and deep introspection, drawing from her experiences in medicine and her Korean heritage.
Beyond her literary accomplishments, Rho is an admirer of Jeju Island’s haenyeo, female divers known for their strength and endurance, a subject that occasionally influences her work. Her essays and stories continue to resonate with readers for their emotional depth and authenticity.