January Lopez, MD, is a breast radiologist and medical director of breast imaging at the Sue J. Gross Breast Center at Hoag Hospital in Newport Beach.

Dr. Lopez, a distinguished member of the Komen OC Board, is recognized for her exceptional contributions to breast cancer care and advocacy. She has been named a Physician of Excellence by the Orange County Medical Association for six consecutive years and was recognized as one of the Top Women in Healthcare by Orange County Coast Magazine in 2019. In 2020, she was honored as the LA Chargers Hometown Hero by the NFL for her positive community impact.

Dr. Lopez’s passion for fighting breast cancer extends beyond her medical practice — she is a passionate spokesperson for breast health education, early detection and screening. Her life’s mission is to improve patient care and advocate for those battling breast cancer.

Q: How many years have you served on the Komen Orange County Board? 
A: 8 years. Since 2016. 
 
Q: What has been the most memorable Mission Moment and/or involvement with Komen you have experienced? 
A: There are so many! The first one that comes to mind is when I attended one of the mobile mammography events and saw so many women in the community being served that weekend, getting mammograms and clinical breast exams that they otherwise would not have gotten. 
 
Q: Could you share your career milestones and accomplishments thus far? 
A:   This one is tough too. Being named one of the Top Women in Healthcare by Orange Coast Magazine was a proud moment for me. 
 
My greatest professional accomplishment has been contributing to the transformation of Hoag’s breast center into a world class breast cancer program–knowing that the program we built is #1 on my list of where I send my own family and loved ones when they need help gives me the greatest pride.  
 
As far as accomplishments, honestly one of the most fulfilling things for me is every time I diagnose an early breast cancer on a screening test in my job because I know that was a life altering event for that woman. Early detection saves lives! 
 
Q: Are there any personal highlights you would be willing to share with our OC breast cancer community? 
A: A couple come to mind… 
I recently had a scare with the splenic tumor, finding out it was not cancer was definitely a highlight!  
Raising two kids into  teenage-hood was a feat…let’s hope they make it into adulthood, no guarantees there!  
My husband, Matt Lopez, and I were high school sweethearts and will be celebrating 23 years of marriage in 2025. Scary to think that our son is a high school junior, the same age we were when we started dating, yikes!   

Q:  Supporting SGK is serious work, but we like to have fun too! Can you share a little known “fun fact” about yourself? 
A: Sure! This fun fact garnered quite a bit of attention, but you can see me in action on an episode of the Real Housewives of Orange County during season 18!