Meet the Director
About Dr. Helen Lee Heading link
Dr. Helen Lee is a tenured Associate Professor of Anesthesiology and a clinician-scientist with a remarkable background in health research, focusing on disparities at the intersection of medicine and dentistry. She has earned recognition for her exceptional contributions to healthcare education and diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Dr. Lee’s academic journey is marked by excellence. She is a graduate of Wellesley College and holds a Master’s in Public Health (MPH) from Boston University. Her medical journey began at the University of North Dakota, where she earned her Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Her specialized training includes anesthesiology and critical care at the University of Chicago, followed by fellowships in pediatric anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins. She further honed her research expertise during a fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle.
Dr. Lee’s impressive journey has led her to the role of Director of the GPPA Medical Scholars Program. Her tenure promises a commitment to academic excellence, mentorship, and fostering diversity in the medical field.
Dr. Lee’s impact reaches far beyond the classroom. Her active mentoring of undergraduate and graduate students across various health professions, including medicine, dentistry, public health, psychology, and economics, reflects her dedication to nurturing future healthcare leaders. She co-created and co-leads the Society for Pediatric Anesthesia’s Mission-Driven Mentoring Program, further emphasizing her commitment to mentorship and diversity.
Dr. Lee is not only an accomplished scholar but also a public engagement advocate. She serves as a Collaborating Scholar at the Institute of Government & Public Affairs within the University of Illinois system. In recognition of her expertise and potential for positive change, she was selected as a Public Voices Fellow in 2021-22, a program that equips academic faculty with the skills to communicate effectively with the public.
While Dr. Chambers and Dr. Rhonna Cohen, who served as Associate Director from 2010 to 2023, will remain actively involved in the program, Dr. Lee is set to lead the GPPA Medical Scholars Program into an exciting future. Her introduction to the incoming first-year class at their welcoming ceremony was just the beginning, with additional town hall meetings scheduled to engage with all Medical Scholars Program students in the coming months.
We invite you to get to know Dr. Helen Lee, a dynamic and visionary leader in medical education and research. Her dedication to excellence, mentorship, and diversity in healthcare is paving the way for the future of medicine.