Dr. January Lopez has spent 15 years as a beloved member of the Hoag Breast Care Team. As a radiologist and the Medical Director of Breast Imaging at Hoag Breast Center, Dr. Lopez has been at the helm of advancing innovative technology that enables earlier and more accurate breast cancer diagnoses. As this year’s honoree at Susan G. Komen’s Pink Tie Party for her work within the breast cancer community, she reflects on the life events that have shaped her career and her mission.
Can you share what inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
My dad suffered a massive stroke at the age of 35, which left him paralyzed on his left side. Growing up and witnessing firsthand the challenges he faced deeply shaped me and inspired my decision to become a doctor. As a child, I often felt helpless watching him struggle, and I knew that when I grew up, I wanted to help people who are sick and make a meaningful difference in their lives.
What do you enjoy most about practicing at Hoag?
Everything! Okay, maybe not everything…but almost. Growing up in Orange County, I always saw Hoag as the premier healthcare institution because of its exceptional people, technology, and facilities. Working here is literally my dream come true. I love the collaborative culture, the beautiful environment, the cutting-edge tools we get to use, and the incredibly generous community that makes it all possible.
As an active member of the Susan G. Komen Orange County Board since 2016, what has inspired your passion for this cause in particular?
I see my work with Susan G. Komen as an extension of my work at Hoag. It allows me to reach beyond the walls of my daily practice by helping underserved populations that lack access to breast care and resources, advocating at the state and federal level for policies that advance the fight against breast cancer, and supporting critical research—because we need a cure!
You are being honored by Komen at the Pink Tie Party for your dedication and work in the breast cancer community. What does this year’s recognition mean to you?
I’m truly honored to be recognized by such a meaningful organization. I’m proud of the work we’re doing and grateful to play a part in the fight against breast cancer.
Can you share a memorable moment or patient story that reaffirmed your passion for medicine?
Absolutely. A patient very close to me was recently diagnosed with a large, fast-growing splenic mass, underwent a battery of tests, and ultimately had a robotic surgery to remove it. That patient was me! The tumor was thankfully benign, but this was a life-affirming experience. I’ve never been more grateful to work alongside and be treated by such incredible doctors, nurses, techs, and staff, and have access to world-class imaging, skilled robotic surgeons using the fanciest robots (thanks Dr. Ronald F. Wolf, surgical oncologist at Hoag Family Cancer Institute!), and the best hospital. This experience fanned the flames of my passion for medicine, and I now see Hoag through a whole new lens.
What are your top goals as a physician over the next five years?
The first is to stay at the cutting edge of technology to push the needle forward in diagnosing breast cancer sooner and more accurately, saving more lives. The second is to inspire young physicians to love what they do and to practice with passion.
