Beyond Cancer Spotlight: Erin Lin

Erin Lin, DO (She/Her/Hers) is an Assistant Clinical Professor who specializes in breast surgery and has expertise in treating mastectomy and breast reconstruction among others. Read on to learn more about her story.

1. What are your career/research interests? 

Clinically I focus on providing surgical care to patients who have breast concern, from benign breast cyst to breast cancer. In research I actively seeing for better surgical techniques and device to achieve more precise and accurate surgery.

2. How did your early life experiences shape your education and career choices? 

I applied to medical school while working as a software engineer and being mother of four kids. So, my computational and logical thinking background has provided the fundamental analytical skills as a physician. Being a mature woman with family support helped me to be responsible and efficient in my clinical practices.

3. What brought you to UCI?

My mentors at UCI in my early career, Dr. police and Dr. Lane have supported and guided me.

4. How did you connect with others to build your own sense of community and belonging at work? 

We have a very strong women group of physicians at UCI who fellowship often. I also connect with our staff on a regular basis by social events after work. I often attend volunteer activities to support local high school students who are interested in health care fields. As a second-generation Chinese, I volunteer in local breast cancer support groups and annual medical mission trips.

5. What motivates you to serve your community and contribute to the CFCCC mission? 

Being a cancer caring physician at UCI, my colleagues and friends and family have been the main motivation to strive for the best physician. Yet the appreciation that I got from the patients who I have treated are probably the most valuable and rewarding experience to motivate me to continue to serve the local communities.

6. What challenges have you experienced in your professional journey?

Sometimes the workload can be overwhelming particularly when supporting staff may not be sufficient.

7. What personal or professional accomplishment are you most proud of? 

Having a supporting husband and four children is what I consider a personal blessing.

8. What are your interests/hobbies outside of work? 

I enjoy many activities such as hiking, surfing, snowboarding and playing ukelele.

9. What is a fun or random fact about you? 

I am scared of roller coaster rides.

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