Dr Graff on the Trajectory of Her Career in Breast Cancer

Stephanie L. Graff, MD, director, breast oncology, Lifespan Cancer Institute, assistant professor of medicine, Warren Alpert Medical School, co-leader, Breast Cancer Translational Research Disease Group, Brown University’s Legorreta Cancer Center, discusses the trajectory of her career growth in breast oncology and explains how different factors can ultimately play a role in an oncologist’s career path.

Throughout her professional journey, Graff says she encountered a myriad of challenges that have shaped her career trajectory in unforeseen ways. One of the most poignant moments occurred during medical school, when her brother died, Graff shares, saying that this loss coincided with her preparation for her residency match day. Her brother's death prompted her to reassess priorities, as she elected to stay in closer proximity to home during the residency selection process, she explains. Consequently, the trajectory of Graff’s residency match took an unexpected turn, she adds. 

Another impact to her research endeavors occurred when her mentor decided to transition to a different institution, Graff continues. This abrupt change led Graff seek out new opportunities for mentorship from the breast oncology department, where she forged new connections that would ultimately shape the course of her career, she elucidates. Embracing this unforeseen shift, she delved into breast pathology and found fulfillment in a field that had not previously been considered, Graff says.

Notably, Graff says she initially had few aspirations of pursuing an academic medical oncology career; her initial focus was on clinical practice, eschewing the academic realm. However, as she became increasingly involved in clinical trials and collaborative research efforts, Graff’s perspective began to shift. Despite her original intentions, she found immense satisfaction and success in academia, eventually transitioning into a leadership role within an academic medical center, she notes.

Reflecting on these experiences, Graff continues by recognizing the role that both luck and perseverance have played in navigating her career path. Setbacks and unexpected changes have presented challenges, but she says they have also served as catalysts for personal and professional growth. Each obstacle has provided an opportunity to pivot, adapt, and ultimately emerge stronger than before, transforming moments of adversity into stepping stones toward success, she concludes.