Our Stories

Storytelling is what connects and brings us together. So let’s celebrate, inspire and empower each other by sharing our stories.

Dr. Rebecca Olin

 Dr. Rebecca Olin is a hematologist who specializes in bone marrow transplantation in adults. Her expertise encompasses treating acute leukemia, myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders and aplastic anemia.

Here's what Dr. Olin's nominator had to say about her:  "Rebecca is a female, mentor, academic physician, researcher, colleague, wife, mother and a boss. She handles multiple situations with ease, including patient care, education, mentorship and being the voice for many different subcategories within the division of Heme/BMT. She makes a difference in the lives of her patients, mentees and colleagues and makes an impact for the better within our division. She strives for individual growth within herself and others around her. I enjoy working with her and admire her greatly."

 - Dr. Shagun Arora, Hematology-Oncology

Tell us about your UCSF journey:  I came to UCSF in 2009, after finishing my Hematology/Oncology fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. I primarily see patients with leukemia and other bone marrow disorders, many of whom need a stem cell transplant as part of their therapy. My research focus is in geriatric hematology/oncology, specifically looking at the role of geriatric assessment to predict post-transplant outcomes, with a goal of improving the patient experience and ensuring that our older patients stay as fit and functional as possible through this difficult therapy. I am also the medical director for our inpatient Hematology/BMT unit, and have really enjoyed this role because I get to work with colleagues from Hospital Medicine, our nurse practitioners, and our nurses, who are simply the best.​

Can you tell us about an important role model or mentor in your life?

I’m very grateful to my mentors in the Hematology/BMT faculty group. Lloyd Damon was my first “boss” when I joined UCSF as a junior faculty member, followed by Tom Martin. Both of them have fostered a culture that respects not only hard work and dedication, but also the importance of our personal and family lives.

What advice would you give yourself early on in your career or to a woman entering your field today?

I think it’s important to be open to opportunities, especially unexpected ones. Careers generally don’t follow a pre-set path, so it’s good to find your niche but also know that your niche can change.

What’s on your reading list?

I normally enjoy fiction but I recently read two memoirs: Educated by Tara Westover and Wild by Cheryl Strayed. It was interesting to read these back to back. I also read The Testaments by Margaret Atwood, which is the sequel to The Handmaid’s Tale.

What’s a favorite movie or TV Show you’ve watched recently?

I just finished the second season of Succession. It’s such a gripping show with so many different storylines and complex characters. I can’t wait for the third season.

What’s your ideal weather?

70s and sunny. But I also love a good crisp fall day.

Meet other outstanding women of UCSF Health through Our Spotlight.