What initially sparked your interest in your current field or industry?
I became a cancer doctor for several reasons. First, I am very interested in science AND I am very interested in humanities.  Being a cancer doctor, it allows me to use both of those talents. I’m obviously drawn to the scientific challenges of oncology, but oncology also allows me to tap into my skills of communication, philosophy, psychology, and religion. A doctor taking care of a cancer patient is a human being caring for another human being – and that is the essence of humanity. Second, when I was a junior in high school my mom was diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer. As I look back on my life, it’s apparent to me now that her invisible hand must have been on my back influencing the path that I chose.

What’s a challenge you’re navigating that others might not see from the outside?
Iowa has the second highest cancer incidence in the United States, and we are one of 3 states where the cancer incidence is increasing instead of decreasing. This is a challenge for every organization that works with cancer patients and survivors. As Above + Beyond Cancer expands its programming to meet the increased need, we also need to expand the philanthropic support that is essential to allowing us to fulfill our mission.

What are you most excited about in the next 12-18 months?
Above + Beyond Cancer has grown tremendously over the past 15 years. Our growth has given us the opportunity to positively affect the lives of more Iowans than ever before. Over the next few years, we are looking forward to expanding our programming to other sites in Iowa as we engage in pilot programs to provide survivorship services to underserved Iowans in rural communities.

What kind of advice would you offer someone earlier in their leadership journey?
Every leader needs to spend time getting to know themselves before they engage in leading others. What makes you tick? What’s important to you? What brings you joy?  Leaders need to be authentic and true to themselves.  As Polonius advised his Laertes in the play Hamlet, “This above all: to thine own self be true. And it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
It’s a great day to be alive. Each of us has the ability to create joy by interacting with other humans.  By providing joy to others, my joy is not diminished, in fact, it is enhanced.