Profile: Lindsey Morgan O’Brien, MD

Division of Hematology & Oncology
FELLOW PROFILE: Lindsey Morgan O’Brien, MD

Lindsey — known by her middle name, Morgan — and her husband, Dan.

I’m from Northern Virginia and have lived most of my life in the Old Dominion, aside from short stints overseas. Don’t tell anyone, but I did my undergraduate degree at Virginia Tech — like many in my family before me. My grandmother, who studied mathematics and physics there, married my grandfather at the campus chapel (he got his degree in engineering from VT). My father, mother, aunts and uncles also went there — it’s definitely a family tradition. After college, I went to medical school at Eastern Virginia Medical School (EVMS) — again following in the footsteps of family members. Then I spent time in the Netherlands, where I participated in research at the University Medical Center, Utrecht. And then, back to EVMS for my residency.

I came to Charlottesville two-and-a-half years ago as a Hematology-Oncology fellow and was thrilled to have the opportunity to work and study here. My husband was serving in the Marine Corps at the time, and we were often separated by long distances. Once he left the service, we decided to make a home here, and he entered law school at the University of Richmond. We live on the Downtown Mall with our greyhound, Sceolaun, and we love being a part of this vibrant community.

Why Hematology-Oncology?

The field of hematology-oncology is constantly changing as new research discoveries are made. I find it rewarding to be able to offer patients the latest therapies and the chance to enroll in clinical trials. It’s also a field that offers a wide spectrum of care — from curative treatments to end-of-life care. I feel honored to be part of it.

What opportunities have you had since coming to UVA?

Shortly after entering the Hematology-Oncology fellowship program, I discovered I could expand my focus into other areas, including quality improvement and research, while continuing studies in my field. I was awarded a Farrow Fellowship, which provides support for obtaining a master’s in clinical research and a chance to participate in translational research. I also ran a quality improvement project that changed the transfer process for the inpatient hematology-oncology service, and has led to changes throughout the hospital system.

Best advice anyone ever gave you?

Any advice Dr. Schorling gives. He introduced me to the idea of the “the circle of influence.” If there is something that you can do now to address a particular concern, then do it — as opposed to spending time worrying about it. And don’t worry about things that are out of your control.

What about you would surprise us?

I helped deliver a calf in Ireland!