In Memoriam: Lillian F. Lien, MD, FACP

Dr. Lillian Lien, a beloved former Duke endocrinologist, passed away on January 28, 2025 in Jackson, Mississippi after a two-year battle with cancer. 

After completing her undergraduate degree at Harvard in biomedical engineering, she came to Duke for medical school, graduating in 1999. She stayed at Duke University Medical Center where she completed an internship and residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in endocrinology, metabolism and nutrition. 

Dr. Lien became a member of Duke's faculty in 2005 and was promoted to assistant professor of Medicine in 2006. By 2008, she was appointed medical director of Duke Inpatient Diabetes Management, and in 2013, she earned the title of associate professor of Medicine. Her accolades include receiving the prestigious Endocrine Division Achievement Award.  

Along with Dr. Susan Spratt, Dr. Lien created the Lien-Spratt insulin nomogram for titrating intravenous insulin. The protocol differs from others in use because it takes into consideration the previous intravenous insulin rate (units/ hour) and the rate of fall between the 1-hour previous glucose and current glucose. The Lien-Spratt insulin protocol was tested in the medical intensive care unit and was found to be effective and easy for nurses to use. Recently the Lien-Spratt nomogram was translated into an electronic form to use directly in Duke’s electronic health record Epic, and is now available for use by all Epic institutions. 

“Even beyond her many accomplishments, Lillian was truly beloved by all for the love, warmth, and kindness she brought to every interaction.”- Dr. Matt Crowley, Associate Professor of Medicine

In 2014, Dr. Lien left Duke and was appointed professor of Medicine and division director of Endocrinology, Metabolism, and Diabetes at the University of Mississippi Medical Center where she later received tenure. She spent the remainder of her time there caring for underprivileged patients and continuing her legacy of excellence and leadership. 

“I will always remember Lillian fondly, not just for her passion to practice and teach endocrinology but also for her warmth, welcoming and cheerful presence. She always went above and beyond to provide the best care to her patients, the trainees and her colleagues.” - Dr. Hiba Abou Assi, Assistant Professor of Medicine

Dr. Lien was honored by the Mississippi of the American College of Physicians in 2021 with the Laureate Award, a recognition of achievements and commitment to excellence in medical care, education or research was a nationally recognized public speaker whose research and clinical interests included inpatient diabetes, intravenous insulin, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. She is the author or co-author of more than 60 publications, including numerous articles in peer-reviewed professional journals and book chapters. 

She was a member of the American College of Physicians, American Diabetes Association, and American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, among many other organizations. In addition to her impactful work in diabetes, Lillian will be remembered for her commitment to patient care and clinical excellence and her warmth and genuine care for those around her. 

For those that would like to commemorate Dr. Lien’s impact, the University of Mississippi Medical Center has set up a memorial fund. Contributions to the Lillian Lien Memorial Fund  will support underserved patient initiatives, and fellow/resident endocrinology training at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. 

Donate here or by text "Lien" to 41444.