Meet Jullet Han, MD

Dr. Han is a urologist with Keck Medicine of USC who specializes in minimally invasive and open procedures to treat a broad spectrum of oncologic and benign urologic conditions.

She treats patients at Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital, USC Arcadia Hospital and USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. Here’s what you won’t find on her resume. 

Her journey to becoming a doctor wasn’t typical. 

“I always knew that medicine was my calling, though my path to it was far from traditional. Growing up in a garment factory in Brooklyn, NY, and attending under-resourced inner-city schools, I often lacked guidance and educational support. Yet, a chance encounter with a urologist during high school profoundly shaped my journey and set me on the path to a career in medicine.” 

Her experiences taught her the power of determination. 

“People are often surprised to learn that my greatest trait is tenacity. I tackle challenges head-on — whether in my work, in the great outdoors or navigating life’s obstacles — and always find a way to persevere.  

For example, a few years ago, a friend invited me to an all-women’s surf retreat. At the time, I had never surfed and harbored a deep fear of submerging my head underwater. Rather than shy away, I chose to confront both challenges simultaneously with the guidance of surf and swim coaches, encouragement from friends and countless wipeouts and bruises. Today, I enjoy longboard surfing and have overcome a deeply rooted fear — proof that persistence and support can transform even the most daunting challenges.” 

At work, she dives into new challenges. 

“The most transformative advancement in urology is the single-port robotic platform, which allows surgeries to be performed through a single small incision. This capability has led to improved patient recovery, cosmetic outcomes and overall satisfaction. 

One of the most rewarding aspects of my work has been teaching myself to master the single-port robotic platform. Through extensive study, simulation and practice, I integrated it into my surgical approach, which has radically transformed the way I perform robotic surgery. This has allowed me to offer my patients procedures with less pain, fewer complications, shorter hospital stays and faster recovery.” 

In her free time, she’s lounging — or off on new adventures. 

“You’ll usually find me in one of two extremes: either relaxing on my couch or immersing myself in the great outdoors — biking, skiing, hiking, scuba diving or surfing. 

My favorite travel destinations are remote and off the beaten path, ideally offering some element of adventure that challenges me and allows me to connect with nature.” 

Many adventures are still to come. 

“Three items still on my personal bucket list are: seeing The Wave in Utah (someone please get me a permit!), freediving with whales and kayaking around the South Georgia Island in Antarctica.” 

The best advice she ever received: 

“The most important lesson or advice I learned came from a patient who spoke to us right before medical school graduation. He had contracted HIV from a blood transfusion in the 1980s and shared how it profoundly affected his life, even taking away one of the most intimate moments with his wife. He said, “I could go through life thinking, ‘Woe is me,’ but I realized that woe is worse for someone else.” 

He explained how he transformed his diagnosis into an opportunity to make a positive impact on the broader community. This lesson has stayed with me and reminds me to keep perspective, especially in difficult times.”

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