Dr. Tiffany Lin begins as new DOM Vice Chair for Education
Tiffany Lin, MD, associate professor, Rheumatology, began in the role of Department of Medicine (DOM) Vice Chair for Education on January 1, 2026.
While Dr. Lin is most familiar to our department as the program director of our rheumatology fellowship, she is well known and respected by faculty and learners across the medical education spectrum.
She is an attending physician for our residents; a clinical preceptor, assistant block leader and rheumatology topic instructor for medical students; and a teacher in the physician assistant program and nurse practitioner programs.
In this role, she will lead all training-related activities for learners—from medical school through residency and fellowship. She will also collaborate with our Vice Chair of Faculty Development to advance medical education skills for faculty.
“Our department has experienced remarkable growth, and I’m grateful for the mentorship and collaboration that have shaped my journey as an educator," says Dr. Lin. "In this new role, I’m eager to connect with colleagues across all our education teams, including those I haven’t had the chance to work closely with before, and learn from their perspectives."
Dr. Lin is a graduate of the Harvard Macy Institute’s Program for Educators in the Health Professions. With support from a DOM Medical Education Innovation Grant, she developed an innovative basic science virtual curriculum for rheumatology fellows, which is now in use by training programs across the nation.
She also designed a new University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health (UW SMPH) Phase 3 Basic Science Selective that will bridge basic science and adult rheumatologic care. Nationally, she has served as a peer reviewer in medical organizations and industry for grants that support fellowship training and educator projects.
In recognition of her skills as a medical educator, Dr. Lin has received the SMPH Dean’s Teaching Award and the Department of Medicine’s Excellence in Education Mentoring Award. She has also been named to the department’s Star Educator Honor Roll four times.
I’m eager to connect with colleagues across all our education teams, including those I haven’t had the chance to work closely with before, and learn from their perspectives.
Dr. Tiffany Lin
Dr. Lin’s experience, skills and commitment—and her vision for the future for medical education—make her an outstanding choice for this role.
"I believe that bringing together diverse viewpoints is essential to achieving our shared goals and driving meaningful impact," she says. "My door is always open. I welcome all ideas, questions, and insights, and I look forward to working together to advance our educational mission!”
Dr. Lin takes over the role of Vice Chair for Education from Laura Zakowski, MD, professor, General Internal Medicine, who held this role for five years and mentored generations of learners through her nearly 30 years of leadership across the medical education continuum. She and Dr. Lin will continue to collaborate over several months to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities.