Michael Kaneshiro Chou aims for a better, more inclusive world … – Binghamton
Michael Kaneshiro Chou ’09 is many things: registered nurse, U.S. Army veteran, architecture conservationist, DEI advocate — and that just scratches the surface. His journey has taken him around the world, giving him a unique perspective on how things work.
Kaneshiro Chou now hopes to channel his experiences into systemic changes to public health, especially for LGBTQ+ populations.
“I’ve taken a stance that we have to do something about this,” he says. “I’m determined to find out how I can make a difference.”
A career with impact
Born and raised in Malaysia, Kaneshiro Chou always wanted a career that would make an impact.
“I knew in high school that I wanted to go above and beyond to change lives,” he says.
Upon learning of a nursing shortage, he started researching what opportunities the field had in store. His search for schools in the U.S. that were affordable and reputable led him to Binghamton University’s Decker College of Nursing and Health Sciences. A first-generation college student, he credits his mother for helping him get to Binghamton.
“She was the one who helped get my education started. She saved up money and was willing to take the risk of sending me to school,” he says.
Kaneshiro Chou was inspired by the passion that Decker faculty have for the profession.
“They look at nursing on a higher pedestal. They see it as a way to effect change, and that is very powerful,” he says.
Kaneshiro Chou left Binghamton ready for big things.
“I originally planned to just get a degree and a job, but Binghamton inspired me to take on the responsibility of doing more,” he says. “Binghamton took me places.”
Growth opportunity
Kaneshiro Chou joined the U.S. Army in 2010, hoping to grow his skill set while helping others. Deployed to Korea and Southeast Asia to serve as an operating room nurse in the Afghanistan War, he found himself in several unpredictable situations.
“As a new nurse, you learn heavily from your experiences and mistakes. The Army gave me the opportunity to learn and become stronger. It was challenging, for sure, but it made me stronger and prepared me for leadership roles later in my career,” he says.
His time in the Army coincided with the repeal of the “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy, allowing gay, lesbian and bisexual citizens to serve openly in the armed forces.
“When I was in the Army, something transformative happened. I learned about myself and came out as a gay man after the policy was repealed. I was able to fully embrace myself,” he says.
Kaneshiro Chou returned to civilian nursing in 2014, becoming a clinical case manager at the Queen’s Medical Center in Honolulu. The role taught him how patients moved through the American healthcare system and where changes are needed.
“A lot of healthcare centers don’t have the infrastructure or resources to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ population,” he says. “There’s still a lot of work to be done.”
Taking action, Kaneshiro Chou initiated an effort within Queen’s to develop more inclusive healthcare strategies, serving as the diversity, equity, inclusion and justice lead. He also volunteers with numerous LGBTQ+ organizations.
His mission has now led him to Harvard University, where he’s earning graduate degrees in public health and urban planning. A midcentury modern enthusiast, the degrees not only indulge his passion for architecture conservatism — they fit right into his big-picture view of healthcare.
“The study of space is not just about the beauty of things, it’s also about functionality,” he says. “Having a space designed for healing and safety, especially for queer communities, is so important for effective healthcare.”
While he doesn’t know what life holds next, Kaneshiro Chou is eager to bring about big changes. Carrying with him a diverse set of experiences and perspectives, one thing is certain — he will continue to help others.