20 under 40: Dr. Erin Locke
Dr. Erin Locke is the medical “voice” for the Shawnee County community. She is responsible for planning for and responding to public health emergencies such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the many aspects of her position, Erin is a liaison to state agencies as well as the local medical community. In addition, she assists in the investigation and management of outbreaks, issues isolation and quarantine orders, identifies emerging public health trends, and establishes local health policy.
For Erin, the commitment to take on the role was not made lightly, “the truth is that I did not know if I had made the right decision, if I would do a good job or what consequences I might face.... Leadership is often about stepping forward, and that’s what I did.”
Since 2011, Erin has been an active member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, serving on the board of directors in both the Kansas and Washington chapters. She is now acting co-chair of the Governmental Advocacy Committee for Kansas.
What advice would you give a young woman in your field of study?
Medicine is a highly rewarding career, but it is also extremely challenging. My advice is to actively seek out mentors who will support you and guide you through your medical training and after.
What’s a true passion of yours?
I think my family would say I’m addicted to reading. Growing up I always had a book with me and would frequently get in trouble for staying up too late at night reading. My husband is also a big reader, and we have stacks of books all over our home, most of them “impulse buys” we couldn’t resist. It remains a part of our daily routine.
What is the most important part of your work?
In medicine, the patient is the most important. As the health officer, I have tried to take the same approach, but for me the community is center. I base my decisions and recommendations on providing the best health outcomes for the community as a whole.
What superpower would you like to have?
If this superpower is solely for my personal benefit, then I think I would choose teleportation! Our world is so beautiful with interesting people and different cultures. I would use my power to see as much as I could.
