What attracted you to the field of hematology/oncology, and what are your future career plans?

I've always had an affinity for understanding cell biology and found the complex deregulated process of tumor growth and evolution to be a particularly interesting. I completed my PhD in cancer biology to better understand the mechanisms cancer cells use to acquire malignant potential, and developed a propensity for translating these studies into meaningful clinical value which ultimately shaped my decision to pursue clinical oncology. I intend to remain with an academic focus, and working to both advance our understanding of cancer genomics while applying research and new information to better treat patients.

Medical school: University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, Arizona

Internal medicine residency: Scripps Clinic/Scripps Green Hospital, La Jolla, California

What attracted you to the field of hematology and medical oncology?

Being involved in the longitudinal care of patients and having the capacity to improve well-being drew me to the field of hematology and medical oncology. Throughout my training, I came to appreciate the role that quality of life often plays in driving shared decision making. Prior experiences have since established quality of life as part of my professional identity. It is through impacting a cancer patient’s well-being that I regenerate my professional drive. I found Mayo’s core values to be consistent with my own and this program allows me to truly provide patient-centered care in an academic setting.

Medical school: University of Sydney School of Medicine, Sydney, Australia

Internal medicine residency: Mount Sinai Morningside and Mount Sinai West, New York, New York

What are your future career plans?

I am interested in gastrointestinal malignancies. I am also focused on the way we can utilize technology to provide comprehensive cancer care to lower the financial burden of cancer care and reach underserved communities.

Medical school: Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Erie, Pennsylvania

Internal medicine residency: Main Line Health – Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

Chief resident: Main Line Health – Lankenau Medical Center, Wynnewood, Pennsylvania

What attracted you to hematology/oncology and what makes this program unique?

Before I started medical school I read the book, Emperor of All Maladies, about the history of cancer treatment and research; from that point on I was ‘hooked’ on the science behind cancer and how to treat it. The hematology/oncology department at Mayo Clinic Arizona is unique because of its focus and priority on patient-centered care, emphasis on education and teaching, as well as cutting edge research. Cancer research is particularly important to me and I was pleased to be selected into the Mayo Clinic Clinicians Investigator Program, which helps support and train fellows interested in pursuing a career that includes a combination of clinical specialty and research.

Medical school: Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon

Internal medicine residency: Mayo Clinic in Phoenix, Arizona