Clinical oncologist excited by challenge of new academic role
With a move from clinical practice to an academic role, oncologist Stephanie L. Graff, MD, said she looks forward to the opportunities and challenge of a career change.
Graff will begin work as director of breast oncology at Lifespan Cancer Institute at Brown University on June 21, following her time as director of HCA Midwest Health’s breast cancer and clinical research programs, as well as associate director of breast cancer clinical research at the Sarah Cannon Research Institute.
“I had a wonderful family with Sarah Cannon, but it can be exciting to have a new family,” Graff told Healio in an interview for Women in Oncology’s “Women on the Move” series. “I am still going to have a clinical role at Brown as I help curate and advance their clinical research portfolio and will still be involved with patient care.”
Graff said that although this will be her first time working in academics, she feels the research-focused community at Sarah Cannon created an environment and culture that has prepared her for the transition.
Highlights of her career so far included work as a principal investigator on trials that resulted in new approvals, like Impassion130, which led to the first FDA approval of a targeted therapy and an immunotherapy for breast cancer, and being part of the ASCO Leadership Development Program, during which she worked with a team on a professionalism initiative.
“I have been lucky to partner with several different groups of women in oncology working on gender-equity research over the years, which has been a great way to connect with my peers but also advance a body of research that’s relevant and exciting as we see the number of women in oncology increase,” she said.
Graff said the new position has filled her with a mix of excitement and fear, but it’s that little bit of fear that tells her it’s the right thing to do.
“Change is always good,” she said. “If it feels easy or too accessible, maybe it’s not enough of a challenge. Just the thought that this is going to challenge me tells me that I’m growing.”
The enthusiasm and passion around Lifespan Cancer Institute and its plan for continued programmatic growth were part of what excited Graff about the new position, she said.
For women in oncology considering career moves, she said that “doors are always open.”
“I think women in general can sell themselves short and think opportunities are out of their reach,” she said. “I would encourage them to think bigger of themselves and to look for opportunities that will be a challenge and cause them to step into something that will present opportunities for growth.”
Graff added that careers don’t have to fit a certain mold.
“We wear so many different hats as caregivers, clinicians, leaders and investigators, that there’s always room to have those various roles ebb and flow based on what’s going on in our current context,” she said. “At certain points in your life, it might make sense for one to take center stage. Continuing to examine what’s important and select what feels best for you in that moment is always a healthy choice.”
Graff also addressed the preconceived notion — especially among those beginning their career in medicine and health care — that oncology as a field can be depressing.
“I could not disagree more,” she said. “I find it so richly rewarding. The human connection and the scientific advances are just so enheartening. I come home energized from my work.
“All of health care has the potential for heartbreak and loss, but I do not think that’s the defining characteristic of oncology,” she said. “I hope that people will choose the career for all of the hope that it offers.”
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