Grey’s Anatomy star Lynn Chen, who plays Dr Michelle Lin in the ABC drama, has been promoted from guest to recurring actor.
Dr Lin debuted in the show earlier this season, joining Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital as their new head of plastic surgery.
“Lin teaches by doing, and relies on the residents’ abilities to keep up with her,” ABC’s character description explains.
The hospital has been extra stretched this season in the throes of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led several staff to experience burnout and quit their jobs.
While Lin didn’t initially plan on taking the job, program director Richard Webber (James Pickens Jr) convinced her he would get the students up to speed before she arrived.
Chen shared the news on her Instagram, with the caption: “I must say I really [heart emoji] playing doctor.”
Veteran medical drama actor Daniel Dae Kim, who has starred in ER, The Good Doctor and New Amsterdam, commented: “YAAAASSSSSS!”
Lynn Chen, who has also starred in romantic-comedy Saving Face and as Mimi in Shameless, is not the only cast member to be promoted to series regular in season 18.
ER Fightmaster, who plays Dr Kai Bartley, part of the world-class research staff at the Minnesota hospital that tried to recruit Meredith (Ellen Pompeo), recently made Grey’s history as the show’s first ever non-binary doctor.
At the same Minnesota hospital, Meredith also bumped into Nick Marsh (Scott Speedman) from back in season 14, who has also been promoted to series regular.
Kate Burton’s Ellis Grey and Kate Walsh’s Addison Montgomery have also returned to the Shondaland show for its latest season.