Erika King, MD ’19, a breast surgical oncology fellow at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, is advancing critical research on hereditary breast cancer and helping shape the future of her field.
A proud St. George’s University School of Medicine graduate, Dr. King is driven by the belief that medicine is natural combination of science and the human connection. Her work focuses not only on delivering expert surgical care, but also on empowering women to make informed decisions about their health, particularly in the face of hereditary cancer risk.
She is passionate about academic medicine and committed to advancing personalized cancer care, fertility preservation, and genetic research—particularly surrounding paternally inherited BRCA mutations.
Dr. King credits SGU with giving her the academic rigor, clinical training, and resilience to thrive in her career.
“I’m incredibly grateful for my journey,” she said.
An advocate for mentorship and equity in medicine, Dr. King is also dedicated to guiding the next generation of women in surgery. Read more about her path to becoming a breast surgical oncology fellow.
SGU: Tell us about your current role. What gets you up in the morning to go to work?
Dr. King: Every day, I have the privilege of caring for women at some of the most vulnerable moments in their lives. What truly drives me is the opportunity to combine highly technical surgical skills with deeply personal, compassionate patient care. It’s incredibly fulfilling to walk alongside patients through their diagnosis and treatment, helping them make informed decisions and regain a sense of control. I also love the intellectual challenge of oncology and the constant evolution of the field—it keeps me inspired and learning every day.
SGU: What are your long-term career goals? How do you hope to contribute to the field of medicine?
Dr. King: My goal is to become an academic breast surgical oncologist with a focus on personalized cancer care, genetics, and fertility preservation. I’m passionate about integrating cutting-edge science with education and mentorship, particularly for women entering medicine and surgery. I hope to contribute by improving access to multidisciplinary, evidence-based care and helping patients navigate complex treatment decisions with clarity and dignity. I also aim to stay active in clinical research, especially around hereditary cancer syndromes and surgical outcomes.
SGU: What made you pursue medicine? Why do you love your field/specialty?
Dr. King: I’ve always been drawn to science and human connection, and medicine felt like a natural way to bring those two passions together. Breast surgical oncology, in particular, allows me to support patients through emotionally and physically complex experiences while applying precise, high-stakes surgical skills. I love the continuity of care, the long-term relationships I build with patients, and the ability to make a meaningful impact not just on survival, but on quality of life. It’s an honor to be trusted during such intimate, life-altering moments.
SGU: How did SGU help you achieve your dream of becoming a doctor?
Dr. King: SGU gave me the foundation and the opportunities I needed to succeed. The education was rigorous and comprehensive, and the support from faculty and peers helped me stay focused and resilient. I had access to excellent clinical rotations in the US, which prepared me well for residency and beyond. SGU taught me to be adaptable, to advocate for myself and my patients, and to keep pushing forward—skills that have been essential throughout my medical journey.
SGU: Why did you choose SGU?
Dr. King: I chose SGU because I saw it as a door to achieving my dream of becoming a physician. I was drawn to its global perspective, its diverse student body, and its proven track record of placing graduates in competitive residencies. I believed in the mission, and I knew that with hard work, I could thrive—and I did. SGU was the right choice for me, and I’m proud to be an alum.
SGU: Which, if any, support services did you take advantage of at SGU? How did these help you succeed?
Dr. King: I utilized several academic support services at SGU, including faculty office hours, small group tutoring, and review sessions. These were invaluable in helping me grasp challenging concepts and build a strong foundation in basic sciences. Beyond academics, the sense of community and mentorship at SGU helped me stay motivated and focused, especially during the more demanding parts of medical school. The accessibility and encouragement from professors played a major role in my success.
SGU: What has been a particularly memorable, rewarding, or challenging experience in your career so far?
Dr. King: One of the most rewarding experiences of my career has been working with patients who carry hereditary BRCA mutations—particularly those inherited through the paternal line, which are often overlooked. These experiences inspired me to pursue research in this area, exploring how paternally inherited BRCA mutations influence breast cancer risk and outcomes. It’s been challenging but deeply fulfilling to contribute to this evolving field while advocating for more inclusive genetic screening and awareness.
SGU: Why would you recommend SGU to an aspiring med student?
Dr. King: SGU is a place for driven, resilient, and passionate individuals who are ready to work hard to achieve their dream of becoming a doctor. The education is strong, the opportunities are real, and the support is there if you seek it out. SGU gives you the tools to succeed—but more importantly, it challenges you to become a better version of yourself. I would recommend it to anyone who is committed to medicine and willing to take the path less traveled to get there.
–Published June 2025
