Commentary
Video
Kelly E. McCann, MD, PhD, discusses her experiences with mentorship and work-life balance as a woman in oncology.
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
End of dialog window.
This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button.
Kelly E. McCann, MD, PhD, breast medical oncologist, assistant clinical professor, medicine, UCLA Health David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA Health, discusses her experiences and challenges navigating work-life balance as a woman in oncology, and the importance of mentorship programs and support networks for those in oncology care.
McCann begins by acknowledging the challenges of maintaining a work-life balance in her own demanding career. She notes that she does not currently have a partner or children, and does not have to worry about this aspect of work-life balance as a result. Recognizing the need for boundaries, McCann is working to set some limits with patients to create more balance. McCannemphasizes that delegating tasks to a trusted support staff can allow oncologists to create these boundaries while still supporting their patients and ensuring they have access to comprehensive care.
McCann goes on to emphasize the importance of mentorship for professional development, as observing how other people balance their lives is crucial for navigating the complexities of their own careers effectively. Medicine, with its apprenticeship model, offers opportunities for mentorship, but seeking out mentors who can provide guidance in different aspects of life is essential. McCann acknowledges that finding the right mentors can be challenging, and believes in the value of diverse perspectives.
McCann reflects that there are often institutionally supported mentorship programs in medicine, particularly for women in oncology, and emphasizes the need for proactive engagement in seeking mentorship from many different people throughout one's career. It may also need to be tailored to individual needs or directed towards those from underrepresented groups. She also adds that good mentorship allows women in oncology to become better leaders and mentors themselves going forward.
Overall, many women in oncology face unique challenges in balancing work and personal life, and mentorship programs specifically designed to address these challenges can be beneficial, McCann states. Ultimately, a proactive effort in seeking mentorship, setting boundaries, and building a support network can help ensure professional and personal success for women in oncology, she concludes.
Observation Is a Reasonable Alternative to Adjuvant PD-1 Blockade in Stage IIB/IIIC Melanoma
Dr Oluwole on CRS and Neurotoxicity Beyond 2 Weeks After Axi-Cel Infusion in R/R LBCL
Dr Garfall on Ide-Cel and Lenalidomide Maintenance in Myeloma After Suboptimal ASCT Response
Piflufolastat F18 Imaging Is Associated With High Clinician Confidence in Prostate Cancer Management
Real-World Analysis Reveals Gaps in HRR Testing and PARP Inhibitor Treatment in mCRPC
Strategic and Safe Lorlatinib Use Is Key to Optimal ALK+ NSCLC Management
TERZO Trial Seeks to Validate Duvelisib as an Effective Targeted Treatment in TFH Nodal T-Cell Lymphoma
Mevrometostat Plus Enzalutamide Improves rPFS vs Enzalutamide in Metastatic CRPC
2 Commerce Drive
Cranbury, NJ 08512