New CEO of IASLC: ‘It’s important to take new opportunities’

In her new role as CEO of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, or IASLC, Karen Kelly, MD, has seen her reach as a leader expand from local to global.

“I’ve spent the past 6 years serving as the lung committee chair for the national SWOG Cancer Research Network, and I’ve had opportunities to have leadership positions at the local and state level,” Kelly, a renowned medical oncologist and researcher and a co-founder of the University of California Lung Cancer Consortium, said during an IASLC press briefing. “When this job opportunity came up [with IASLC], I was very excited because it allowed me to help on a global scale.”

After interviewing for the job, however, Kelly said what really impressed her were the people.

“When I came here and interviewed and met with the staff, that’s what really sealed this opportunity for me,” she said. “I felt so privileged to be able to accept this position, knowing that I was going to be working with such a great staff of people who are truly dedicated to lung cancer.”

A broad base of knowledge

Kelly, who is a former member of the IASLC Board of Directors and an active member, most recently served as professor of medicine and associate director for clinical research at the UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, where she also held the Jennifer Rene Harmon Tegley and Elizabeth Erica Harmon endowed chair in clinical cancer research. She has been the author or co-author of more than 190 publications, including original papers, reviews and chapters of books.

After completing her medical training at University of Kansas, she proceeded to University of Colorado for her residency training. She discussed the value of the mentorship she received there from Paul Bunn, MD, a distinguished professor of medicine and medical oncology.

“Under his mentorship, I was able to conduct clinical research across the spectrum of lung cancer,” Kelly said. “I was lucky to be able to do work not only on the therapeutic side of lung cancer, but also on the early detection, prevention and screening sides.”

Subsequently, Kelly spent the past 11 years at University of California Davis. There, she was able to continue her research on lung cancer and was also able to take on leadership positions. She said her career trajectory has prepared and inspired her to take on this new position.

“The overarching vision of this organization and mission, which is to conquer thoracic cancers worldwide, has always been at the heart of what I’ve done my whole career,” Kelly said. “I remain incredibly passionate about this mission, which includes our scientific and educational resources. We need to stay true to that mission, and we need to continue to mentor junior faculty because they’re going to be the future of this mission.”

‘Age is just a number’

In making the move to IASLC, Kelly said part of her decision was based in a long-held belief in being open to new opportunities.

“I’ve always said, throughout my career, that it’s important to take new opportunities, particularly if the opportunity is going to help me grow academically, grow my career and to grow personally,” she said. “So, I’ve always prided myself on taking opportunities, and I thought I could do this.”

She emphasized the importance of continuing to learn and grow as a researcher and clinician throughout one’s career.

“Age is just a number, as I’m finding out,” she said. “I mentioned the importance of training junior faculty and early-career colleagues, but I don’t want to forget about our midlevel and senior colleagues as well. Learning is lifelong, and we want to make sure we are engaging these members as well, so that they have the tools they need to continue to make important discoveries.”

Kelly spoke with Healio about how she would advise a female oncologist who is seeking to make a career change.

“I would begin by making sure I had a clear vision about why I wanted to make a career change, what I want to accomplish on the new career path, and whether I have the fundamental skill set that can be cultivated to be successful,” she said. “Then I would seek out a mentor or mentors who can help you achieve your new goals. Create a realistic 3- and 5-year plan that also includes a few aspirational goals.”

For more information:

Karen Kelly, MD, can be reached at karen.kelly@iaslc.org.