Meet Helen Han, MD

Dr. Han is a transplant hepatologist who specializes in treating patients with liver diseases.

Here’s what you won’t find on her resume. 

She considered a career in news.

“When I was growing up, I thought it might be fun to work as a journalist.”

Outside of work, you’ll often find her cheering on the sidelines.

“When I’m not working, I’m usually cheering on my kids at their sporting events.”

She’s a performer at heart.

“One of my personal bucket list items is I’d love to perform as a mascot for a professional organization. It looks like a lot of fun!”

She comes from the land down under.

“People may be surprised to learn that I grew up in Sydney, Australia.”

Exploring the world is important to her.

“I love traveling. My favorite destination is the South of France.”

Athletes are her role models.

“I admire all high-level athletes, like Serena Williams. Just like in any profession, their success is not just about their talent. Successful athletes absolutely have innate talent, but many become successful due to the amount of work they’ve put into their careers — their discipline, their passion and their choices of who they surround themselves with. I admire that commitment to their art and the drive to achieve greatness.”

She enjoys reading.

“My favorite book is ‘Heart of Darkness’ by Joseph Conrad.”

Focus on what really matters.

“The best advice I ever received was, ‘You’re replaceable.’ I think it’s important to understand that no matter how much you may want to believe that you’re the best at what you do and the only person who can take care of that patient, you have to prioritize being a healthy and well-grounded self. If there’s a time to step back to prioritize your family and your own health, you have to make that hard choice.”

A desire for challenges inspired her medical career.

“My love of math and science, my empathy for others and my desire to be intellectually challenged by my patients and colleagues all inspired my decision to become a doctor.”

It’s all about the patients.

“Getting my patients the treatment they need is the most rewarding part of my job. When patients make it to liver transplant, I can see their relief, and their loved ones’ relief, and it’s a privilege to help them reach that step.”

Inspiration also comes from her coworkers.

“My patients inspire me every day, but I’m also motivated by my coworkers. My colleagues are smart and compassionate, and they raise the bar and push you to want to do better.”

She leads with optimism.

“My patients can expect a compassionate and caring approach when they come to see me, combined with a lot of enthusiasm. I also am very informative and ensure my patients understand each step of their health care journey.”

Her advice for medical students:

“In my opinion, transplant hepatology is the best specialty in the medical field. You get to take care of your patients before and after liver transplant and are able to build genuine relationships with them. Plus, you still get to be a proceduralist doing endoscopies.”

She hopes to see more living organ donation.

“Living donor liver transplantation has been the most impactful advancement in my field and helps improve patient outcomes. I am hopeful that in the near future, we could achieve even a tenth of what donation programs in Asia achieve as far as utilizing living liver donors.”

What sets Keck Medicine apart?

“I chose to work in academic medicine because of the focus on innovation, teaching and education. Here at Keck Medicine, we have the most compassionate, well published, clinically brilliant hepatologists and transplant surgeons in the field. 

We provide world class liver care but also are a likeable group of people who care about each other. I love working with our hepatology and gastrointestinal colleagues. We are a family.”

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