Meet Lily Dara, MD

Dr. Dara is a hepatologist with the USC Digestive Health Institute, part of Keck Medicine of USC, who specializes in the clinical treatment and research of rare and complex liver diseases and injuries, including autoimmune liver diseases. 

She treats patients at Keck Hospital of USC, USC Norris Cancer Hospital and at Keck Medicine of USC – Pasadena located at 590 S. Fair Oaks Ave. Here’s what you won’t find on her resume. 

Outside of work, she pursues art. 

“When I’m home in Los Angeles, I’m usually painting — it’s what helps me unwind and feel grounded, almost like meditation. I’m also a dog lover, so I often find myself painting my pets, as well as those of friends and family.” 

People may be surprised to learn how creative she is. 

“My career as a physician-scientist, treating patients and running a research lab, causes others to see me as a purely analytical person. However, they’re often surprised to discover how creative I am. Painting in particular allows me to express a side of myself that contrasts with the rigor of my professional work.” 

Curling up with a good book is another favorite hobby. 

“I read a lot — all fiction and mostly murder-mystery and fantasy. I love the ‘Cormoran Strike’ series and ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ books. I’m obsessed with the author Brandon Sanderson, and I’ve finished all 14 books in the ‘Wheel of Time’ series by Robert Jordan.” 

Her passion for travel combines with her love of animals. 

“I want to visit Australia, Madagascar and the Galápagos Islands. I love animals, and the biodiversity of these places is amazing.” 

She comes from a family of trailblazers. 

“My biggest role model growing up was my grandmother, who was quite a remarkable woman. Born in 1920s Iran, she became a physician at a time when that path was far from common for women. Her family was also extraordinary: three of the five sisters pursued medicine, which speaks to how progressive and forward-thinking they were as a family.” 

The best advice she’s ever received: 

“The famous quote by Canadian physician Sir William Osler really resonates with me: ‘A good physician treats the disease; a great physician treats the patient who has the disease.’” 

Patient care and research are rewarding in different ways. 

“I have the privilege of working both as a physician and a researcher, and each role is deeply satisfying in its own way. Clinically, nothing compares to seeing a patient recover. Knowing you’ve helped improve their life is what keeps many of us going despite the demands of the field.  

As a researcher, I aim to advance treatments and improve patient outcomes. There’s a different kind of reward in discovery. It is that ‘eureka’ moment when something new emerges and has the potential to change how we understand or treat disease.” 

Her research is focused on liver diseases. 

“In my work as a researcher, I study rare and immune-related liver diseases including autoimmune hepatitis, primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). I also research drug-induced liver injury, which is very understudied. Many prescription and nonprescription drugs and herbal supplements cause liver problems, and that is one of the focuses of my lab.” 

Human connection is at the heart of her medical practice. 

“I’m an extrovert at heart, and I find that being around people gives me energy. I value the opportunity to truly connect with my patients — understanding not just their conditions, but their lives and families. That human connection is what makes medicine feel like a calling to me.” 

She approaches every patient like she’d want her own mother treated. 

“My fellows can attest to this: I always say, ‘What would you do if this patient was your mother? How would you want her to be treated?’  

Remembering that we’re all human, and that this could be my mom or my dad, inspires me. Both of my parents had cancer. The experience of supporting loved ones who are sick or hospitalized puts everything into perspective.”  

She strives to put her patients at ease. 

“I consider my bedside manner to be friendly and approachable. I tend to be conversational and aim to make my patients feel comfortable. I think you can always find something in common with people.” 

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