Rachael Mullin, DO, MS
I am a third-year Pediatric Endocrinology fellow at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) in Portland, Oregon. Originally from Northern California, I earned my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and went on to complete both my Master’s degree and medical training at Touro University California in Vallejo. During medical school, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Jay Shubrook, whose mentorship was instrumental in developing my passion for diabetes, advocacy, and community outreach. Through his guidance, I collaborated on several diabetes-focused initiatives, including the development of the Mobile Diabetes Education Center, an innovative program that provides free diabetes education and screenings to the surrounding community. I later moved to the Pacific Northwest to complete my pediatric residency at OHSU. Inspired by the culture of education and strong mentorship within the pediatric endocrinology division, it was an easy decision to remain at OHSU to complete my fellowship training.
My decision to pursue pediatric endocrinology is deeply rooted in my own diagnosis of type 1 diabetes at eleven years old. My experience attending diabetes camp was transformative and solidified my desire to pursue medicine so that I could become the advocate I needed as a child navigating a chronic disease. Every patient I care for reminds me why I chose this path, and I am honored to devote my career to ensuring that children living with diabetes feel supported, seen, and empowered.
My clinical interests include transition of care for adolescents and young adults with type 1 diabetes, as well as the intersection of pediatric diabetes and immunology, particularly early identification of pre-symptomatic type 1 diabetes through screening and integration of disease-modifying therapies aimed at delaying disease onset. Beyond my clinical work in diabetes, my fellowship research focuses on identifying the incidence and risk factors for the development of iodinated contrast–induced hypothyroidism in infants. I am also deeply committed to medical education and have contributed to the Academic Enrichment Series at OHSU by developing and delivering core endocrinology lectures to pediatric residents. One of my proudest accomplishments to date has been receiving the Joseph Bilderback Fellows Teaching Award in recognition of my dedication to resident education.
I am incredibly grateful for the mentors who have shaped my journey and continue to inspire me to grow as a clinician, educator, and advocate. I would like to recognize Dr. Ines Guttmann-Bauman for her strong mentorship in career development, engagement in scholarship activities, and quality improvement initiatives. I am equally grateful to Dr. Alison O’Neill and Dr. Bruce Boston for their guidance in developing my fellowship research and for encouraging me to think creatively and approach challenges with curiosity. I am appreciative of Dr. Kara Connelly and Dr. Hayley Baines for their mentorship during residency and for modeling unwavering compassion in patient care. Finally, I would like to acknowledge Dr. Lindsey Nicol, Dr. Katie Woods, Dr. Charlene Lai, and Dr. Lisa Madison for their support and commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration, excellence, and patient-centered care that I will continue to uphold throughout my own career as a pediatric endocrinologist.