2 Minutes With … Dorothy Chin, SVP and GCD at Biolumina

With 20 years of experience in healthcare advertising, Dorothy has spent her career building and leading creative teams on campaigns for Pfizer, Novartis, Amgen, Genentech, Roche, Alexion, Takeda and many more. She is currently senior vice president and group creative director at Biolumina, an oncology-focused agency.

We spent two minutes with Dorothy to learn more about her background, her creative inspirations and recent work she’s admired.

Dorothy, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

Hoboken, N.J.

How you first got interested in health.

Like many people growing up, I had family members who were gone too soon because of health issues like cancer. But I remember, as a 10-year-old, reading an article in Scientific American about Alzheimer’s disease. Learning about the science behind that disease kickstarted my interest in health and medicine.

One of your favorite projects you’ve ever worked on.

I loved my time working in animal health. We did some fun, creative and meaningful work for Zoetis Petcare and their dermatology portfolio. The effort supported veterinary practices by helping them diagnose and treat itchy dogs. 

A recent project you’re proud of.

The breast cancer and brain metastases awareness campaign we did for Seagen. We had such incredible work throughout the concept ideation phase, and it was tough for our clients to make a decision on which campaign to move forward with. Ultimately, they selected “See Breast, Think Brain.” Working in oncology is so meaningful, both because of personal family history and because of the impact on patients. This campaign is bold, dramatic and purposeful. 

One thing about how health is evolving that you’re excited about.

It’s easier than ever to access health information, and the push towards information in short-form mediums has benefitted patients immensely. Storytelling is simpler, more direct and more impactful. All of these things help when trying to convey complex data and ideas to everyday people.

A book, movie, TV show, or podcast you recently found inspiring.

I’ve been listening to Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast. The guests are interesting and relatable. I’ve also really enjoyed the “Armchair Anonymous” episodes, where average people share fascinating stories.

A visual artist or band/musician you admired lately. 

One of my former art partners from agency life, Jay Sylvester, does gorgeous sculpture and collage work using found materials in nature.

Your favorite fictional character.

I love the world of Harry Potter. Severus Snape will always be a favorite.

Someone worth following on social media.

Ryan Reynolds. He’s a talented creative and his posts are always entertaining.

Your main strength as a marketer/creative.

I get things done. I’m fairly practical, so I’m good with solving problems and figuring out a way forward. The biggest compliment I could ever hope to receive professionally is to be considered dependable.

Your biggest weakness.

My complete lack of a poker face. You’ll know instantly what I’m thinking.

Something people would find surprising about you.

Despite having worked at agencies for a long time, my first thought isn’t to label myself as an advertising creative. I am a creative person, but I stumbled into this line of work after years of being focused on a career in science and medicine. I’m fortunate to have found this intersection of two passions. I’m lucky to be here, sharing ideas and having fun with great creative minds.