Growing up, Dr. I-Chun Lin loved logic puzzles, visual art, and team sports. For her, plastic surgery is a perfect combination of those interests. She aims to pursue microsurgery, breast reconstruction, or peripheral nerve surgery, and up next will be staying at UT Southwestern for her residency.

I-Chun Lin, M.D.

What this award means: Plastic surgery, to me, is a continuous pursuit of excellence, and the mentors I have in the field embody that sentiment. As medical students, we struggle to feel as though we truly belong – impostor syndrome, in short. This award is affirmation that my efforts during rotations were seen and appreciated, and that, despite my having an infinite amount to learn, I have found my people.

Mentor comment: I-Chun has traits that will not only make her an excellent surgeon but also colleague: dedicated, driven, and humble. She integrates so well with her teams and is passionate and caring for her patients. These qualities shine on her best days and after working long hours and exhausting days. She has the curiosity and drive for learning to become a leader in plastic surgery. – Abby Culver, M.D., Assistant Professor of Plastic Surgery 

Background and family: I was born in Boston and grew up in Plano, Texas. My parents are immigrants from Taiwan who came here for graduate school and are among my biggest inspirations in life. I have a brother and sister who both attended Berkeley and are incredible support.

What led to your career path: My parents taught me to explore everything and to strive for excellence in every pursuit. I had a particular affinity for logic puzzles, visual art, and team-based sports. Plastic surgery is that perfect combination – a culmination of challenge, work ethic, artistry, and teamwork.

College: I majored in biology at UT Dallas was active in volleyball as well as volunteering with outreach organizations.

UTSW activities: I served with United to Serve, the UTSW Texas Medical Association Student Chapter, as a student mentor for the UTSW American Medical Women’s Association, and as Clinic Manager for the Agape Musculoskeletal Specialty Clinic. I was also active as a mentor and peer facilitator through various organizations.

Surprising fact: I foster small mammals – cats and rabbits – through the SPCA. It is incredibly rewarding to see animals’ personalities blossom and to see them placed in loving “fur-ever” homes.

Ultimate career goal: To fully occupy this space in which we push, learn, and innovate – during residency and beyond – so that I can consistently offer my best to our patients.

Future plans: I hope to attend a fellowship outside of Texas, likely for microsurgery with an additional fellowship. In plastic surgery, I am currently interested in microsurgery, breast reconstruction, and peripheral nerve. I love teaching and have research interests in medical education and outcomes-based and public health-facing research, so I would love to be in academia.

About the award: This annual award is presented by the Department of Plastic Surgery to a fourth-year medical student who has exemplified excellence in clinical care, integrity, compassion, ingenuity, and scholarly activity.