Dr. Chelsea Collins standing next to cancer-free bell

Dr. Chelsea Collins stands beside the cancer-free bell in the pediatric oncology unit at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital

This story first appeared in the Spring 2025 edition of Leaps and Bounds.

As a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Loma Linda University Children's Health, Chelsea Collins, MD, has spent more than a decade guiding families through some of the most challenging moments of their lives.

Collins is the first physician in her family and her path into medicine began with a love for science. Her passion for pediatrics deepened during medical school and residency, where she was repeatedly drawn to young patients, especially those facing life-threatening illnesses.

“I really connected with the patients during my pediatric oncology rotation. That experience made me realize I wanted this to be my long-term career,” said Collins.

She balances a busy schedule of outpatient clinic days and intensive seven-day hospital rotations, supported by a multidisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, and child life specialists.

“There’s no such thing as a typical day, but the team approach is key in helping our patients and families navigate this journey.”

Delivering difficult diagnoses is one of the most emotionally challenging parts of her job. But with a strong support system and a shared mission, she finds strength in the work.

“It takes a toll, but we help each other so we can better help our patients.”

As Director of Quality Improvement, Collins also leads efforts to enhance patient safety and outcomes, reducing hospital-acquired infections and shortening lengths of stay.

What keeps her inspired? The future. “Oncology is an exciting field with new trials and therapies constantly emerging. We were part of a national immunotherapy trial for leukemia that was stopped early because outcomes were so much better. It’s incredible to see those advances in real time.”

For Collins, it's more than a job, it’s a calling.