Book Chronicles the Journeys of Women Physicians, Scientists to the Front Lines of Fighting Cancer

Just more than one year after it was created, the office of Women Faculty Programs at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center has introduced a collection of essays by leading women faculty aimed at inspiring generations of women scientists to come.

Legends and Legacies: Personal Journeys of Women Physicians and Scientists at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center presents the reflections of 26 current faculty women on their formative years and influences, their hurdles and opportunities as they pursued rewarding careers -- and leadership roles -- in science and academic medicine.

Anecdotes and insight shared throughout the book reveal personal struggles and bias based on gender, race or social/economic background, as the women sought to balance personal and professional lives, including the often competing demands of motherhood and the tenure track. The women profiled represent diverse ages, backgrounds and cultures and various professional roles, from clinicians and physician scientists to basic scientists and veterinarians. (Please see sidebar.)

In his foreword, Dr. John Mendelsohn, M.D., president of M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, noted "I was struck by how diverse -- and often difficult -- their pilgrimages have been, yet all share the common bond of growing up knowing they wanted to make a difference."

Editor Elizabeth Travis, a professor in the departments of Radiation Oncology and Pulmonary Medicine and the first associate vice president for Women Faculty Programs at M. D. Anderson, conceived the book project to recognize the accomplishments of M. D. Anderson's women faculty while spotlighting advocacy efforts intended to improve opportunities for women already in the field, as well as inspire others to choose and then stay in the field.

"Legends and Legacies is about seeing dreams through in the face of adversity," says Travis. "I hope it serves as a source of inspiration for young women dreaming of careers in science and medicine - and as a reminder to those women and men who are mentoring the next generation."

Mendelsohn also credited the women's "innate tenacity to succeed," commending Travis and the faculty women for their efforts to make M. D. Anderson a top destination for women physicians and scientists. "We are proud to be the home of so many remarkable women physicians and scientists who continue to be leaders in cancer patient care, research, education and prevention."

Through its Women Faculty Programs, M. D. Anderson promotes workplace initiatives for women physicians and scientists, such as creating a better work-life environment; nominating women faculty for prizes and awards; increasing the number of women leaders; providing career development and mentoring programs; reviewing faculty salaries annually; hosting women physicians and scientists to give scientific and women-in-science talks; promoting institution-wide gender-balanced participation; and reviewing status of women faculty annually.

Offering the book's final note, Dr. Raymond Dubois, provost and executive vice president of M. D. Anderson, says, "We must discard past gender stereotypes and do everything possible to attract, train and support the best and brightest minds to meet the challenges of conquering such relentless and stubborn problems as cancer. Future generations are counting on all of us."

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