Meet Dr. Diana Chen: St. Anthony’s New Addiction Medicine Specialist

November 27, 2024

Dr. Diana Chen’s journey to St. Anthony’s Medical Clinic is as remarkable as the patients she serves. Born in Texas and raised in a nomadic household, Dr. Chen’s family navigated visa challenges that led to frequent moves across the U.S. and Canada. Reflecting on her upbringing, she shared, “Change was a big theme in my life. It wasn’t always stable, but it taught me the importance of community.”

Her mother, a staunch advocate for service, instilled in her the value of giving back. As a teenager in Maryland, Dr. Chen volunteered at nursing homes, playing bingo with residents and offering companionship. “I spent a lot of time with one gentleman who had suffered a stroke,” she recalled. “He reminded me of my grandfather. That experience sparked my curiosity about the medical field.”

Initially drawn to research, Dr. Chen pursued human biology at UC San Diego. However, she soon realized that her true calling lay in patient care. “I enjoyed the experiments, but I missed connecting with people. Medicine allowed me to combine evidence-based care with human connection,” she said.

Dr. Chen completed her medical training at Michigan State University with an MBA, followed by a family medicine residency at Cook County Hospital in Chicago. It was during this time, working in community clinics, that she encountered the profound challenges of addiction. “We saw patients dealing with substance use, often without resources or support. It became clear how critical it is to meet them where they are,” she explained.

Her passion for addiction medicine solidified during a fellowship at Stanford. There, she developed skills in motivational interviewing, a patient-centered approach she describes as “prioritizing the patient’s story and values while guiding them toward their goals.” Dr. Chen recalls one patient who overcame his mistrust of medical systems through her commitment to his care. This experience reinforced her belief that the antidote to addiction is community and connection.

Now at St. Anthony’s, Dr. Chen is focused on building a holistic addiction program that integrates physical, psychosocial, and spiritual health. “Addiction isn’t just a medical issue,” she said. “The opposite of addiction is connection. Everyone needs a community to thrive.”

Dr. Chen is also excited about the future of addiction medicine. “It’s a young field, and things are constantly evolving,” she noted. “I want to collaborate with academic centers to bring cutting-edge practices to community clinics like St. Anthony’s.”

Through her work, Dr. Chen exemplifies empathy, and purpose. As she put it, “This isn’t just about treating addiction; it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, heard, and supported.”

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