August 1st, 2025 | Author: Kelly Zhu
Introduction
Dr. Jin Li, the past president (2022-2024 )of the Association of Chinese American Physicians (ACAP), has a remarkable career characterized by dedication to medicine and leadership in the medical community. Currently serving as the Section Chief of Neuromuscular Disease and the Medical Director of Headache Medicine at Westchester Medical Center, Dr. Li specializes in headache and neuromuscular medicine. Her journey to becoming a prominent physician in the United States is both inspiring and instructive.
From Beijing to New York: A Journey of Dedication
Dr. Li’s medical journey began in China, where she earned her MD from Peking University, formerly known as Beijing Medical University. Her pursuit of medical excellence continued in the United States at New York Medical College, where she completed her PhD in Cell Biology and Anatomy. The transition from China to the U.S. was a significant step, motivated by her desire to practice medicine in America. After meeting Dr. Gary Guo, a fellow PhD student who later became her husband, she learned about the opportunities available in the U.S.
This inspired her to prepare for the USMLE, re-learning her courses in English. Following her five-year PhD program, she completed her residency at New York Medical College, where she also served as an attending physician.
Dr. Li is board-certified in neurology, electrodiagnostic medicine (EMG), headache medicine, and neuromuscular medicine. Her commitment to education is evident in her roles as formal program director, neurology residency program at Westchester Medical Center and board member of medical education committee, where she has influenced countless medical students and residents.
Engagement with ACAP: A Commitment to Community
Dr. Li joined ACAP about 15 years ago, becoming a lifetime member. Her decision was influenced by Dr. Lei Ding, an ACAP board member and fellow neurologist from her medical school. Although initially not heavily involved, her engagement increased during Dr. Vincent Wang’s presidency. ACAP’s shared values of education, hard work, and family resonated with Dr. Li, fostering a sense of community and connection among its members.
Achievements and Challenges as ACAP President
During her presidency, Dr. Li successfully restored various activities halted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including community educational programs, health fairs, and in-person mock interviews, etc. She expanded ACAP’s reach by organizing the first health fair in Brooklyn in 2024 and emphasized the organization’s role in bringing people together through events like the annual convention and gala, and Lunar New Year celebration.
The biggest challenge she faced was revitalizing these activities post-COVID, but her efforts made ACAP a vibrant community once again. ACAP’s unique attributes include its long history, national presence, and collaboration with organizations like CAMS, CAIPA and RenDr. Dr. Li believes ACAP’s uniqueness lies in its rich 30-year history and its status as a national organization. The organization is committed to in-person interactions and offers numerous volunteer opportunities for younger generations, fostering an environment of collaboration and learning.
Personal Insights and Future Vision
ACAP has positively impacted Dr. Li’s family, providing her children with opportunities to build friendships and engage in volunteer activities. Looking to the future, Dr. Li recommends using social media to increase ACAP’s visibility and attract younger members.
Balancing a demanding career with family life, Dr. Li prioritizes spending quality time with her children and delegates tasks when possible. Her flexible schedule in academic medicine helps her manage these demands effectively.
Outside her professional life, Dr. Li enjoys cooking, singing karaoke, rifle shooting, and traveling. Cooking, in particular, serves as a relaxing transition from work to home life.
Dr. Jin Li’s journey exemplifies dedication to her profession and the communities she serves. Her leadership in ACAP and her contributions to medicine continue to inspire many in the field.
About the Author
Kelly is a sophomore at Manhasset High School in New York. She enjoys rowing in her high school team, playing the viola, and reading. She has been volunteering at many ACAP events. She enjoys meeting new people and contributing to the great work ACAP has been a part of. She is interested in pursuing a future career in medicine.