This week, we’re thrilled to spotlight Dennis Cho, an ICU trauma nurse at Indiana University Health. His passion for healthcare and cancer research is as remarkable as his upcoming adventure on the CBS competition show The Summit.
Set to premiere with a sneak peek on CBS at 9 p.m. ET on September 29, “The Summit” features 16 strangers embarking on a thrilling hike through the breathtaking New Zealand Alps, each carrying an equal share of a $1 million prize. But it’s not just about the stunning scenery; participants must work together to navigate challenging terrains, face unexpected twists from the “Mountain Keeper,” and master the complexities of social strategy to avoid elimination and ultimately reach the summit.
Cho, 29, originally from Glenrock, NJ, moved to Indianapolis to pursue his nursing degree at Butler University. He has dedicated his career to trauma critical care
at IU Health and has since transitioned to interventional radiology. His commitment to cancer research and advocacy for early screenings—especially within communities of color—drives his participation in “The Summit.”
“The most challenging part of the show is the social strategy,” Cho shared with the Indianapolis Recorder. “I did not realize the competitive social strategy and the intensity of the social strategy, like, the proponent of the game is, if not majority, of how you win the game.” As he prepares for this unique challenge, Cho is ready to embrace the competitive spirit, although he admits to having “zero experience” in hiking or mountain climbing! His initial packing choices of tank tops and swim shorts show how unexpected this journey has been.
While the show may portray him as a cutthroat competitor, Cho is grateful for the opportunity to contribute to a more diverse representation in media, all while forging lifelong friendships. “I knew that I was going to play a cutthroat game where it was me versus you, I’m going to choose me every single time. But I also knew I needed people that backed me up, and I needed people aligned with me to make sure that I was safe,” he explained, underscoring the importance of teamwork even in a competitive setting.
If Cho emerges victorious, he has big plans for the prize money:
Paying off student loans for himself and his sister.
Taking his Korean American family on a trip back to their roots.
Starting a nonprofit organization to enhance early cancer screening resources for people of color.
“Earlier detection equals better outcomes for patients,” he emphasizes, highlighting his commitment to closing the health disparity gap that affects so many.
Join us in cheering on Dennis Cho as he embarks on this incredible journey! His dedication to nursing and making a meaningful impact in the fight against cancer is why he’s our Nurse of the Week.
Nominate a Nurse of the Week! Every Wednesday, DailyNurse.com features a nurse making a difference in the lives of their patients, students, and colleagues. We encourage you to nominate a nurse who has impacted your life as the next Nurse of the Week, and we’ll feature them online and in our weekly newsletter.
The post Meet Dennis Cho, Our Inspiring Nurse of the Week, Making Waves in Cancer Research and Adventure! first appeared on Daily Nurse.
