Dr. Christina Hopkins: From Rochester to Houston, excelling in dermatology at Baylor College of Medicine
Christina Hopkins, M.D. ’20, born and raised in Rochester, Minnesota, attended Mayo High School before moving to Texas for undergraduate studies at Baylor University. There, she majored in Biology and minored in Biochemistry in the Honors program while conducting research in a zebrafish lab. Her journey continued in Houston at Baylor College of Medicine for medical school, followed by a preliminary year in internal medicine at UT Houston McGovern Medical School, and now a dermatology residency at Baylor.
Dr. Hopkins initially moved to Houston because her lab partner, now her husband, was attending medical school there. However, Baylor’s international reputation and its location in the world’s largest medical center made it an ideal choice. The dermatology training at Baylor stood out for its diversity of clinical sites and the high quality of faculty-led lectures.
During her residency, Dr. Hopkins worked closely with each attending, learning from their unique styles and gaining valuable clinical insights. The Baylor Dermatology program, with its 12 residents, provided a personalized training environment. The program also offered time and funds for residents to attend academic conferences, which provided networking opportunities and kept them updated on field developments. Hosting the recent Texas Derm Society meeting was a highlight, and Dr. Hopkins looks forward to maintaining connections with Baylor colleagues at future meetings.
Omid Jalali, M.D., a significant mentor, served as a project mentor during medical school. Serving as chief resident during Dr. Jalali’s first year as program director was a full-circle moment. Dr. Jalali and Department of Dermatology Chair Ida Orengo, M.D. ’87, have significantly contributed to the program’s upward trajectory.
Dr. Hopkins’s proudest professional accomplishment was serving as chief resident for an exceptional group of residents. On a personal note, having a baby boy, now four months old, has been a joyous milestone. The Department’s support, including a hand-crocheted teddy bear from Dr. Orengo, was heartwarming.
Dr. Hopkins graduated earlier this month, for her, being a Baylor alumna means having learned from and been inspired by some of the best in dermatology, motivating her to serve patients with the highest standards of care.
