Reshma Jagsi, MD, shares tips on striking right mix of integration, boundaries in work/life
The contributions Reshma Jagsi, MD, DPhil, FASCO, FASTRO, has made in the breast cancer research arena are vast, with more than 400 published articles in JAMA, The Lancet and The New England Journal of Medicine, to name a few.
Based on this work, Jagsi — Lawrence W. Davis professor, chair of the department of radiation oncology at Emory University School of Medicine and member of the Women in Oncology Peer Perspective Board — recently became the recipient of the 2023 American Association for Women in Radiology (AAWR) Marie Sklodowska-Curie Award.
“This award is so meaningful because it honors the legacy of an extraordinary woman and celebrates the contributions of women in our field,” she told Healio. “Awards like this serve both as an inspiration to others and a reminder of what gender equity and inclusion can do to increase our ability to serve our shared mission. I have been fortunate to be part of so many professional groups for women in medicine, and among these, AAWR is particularly special to me. The connections I feel with the other women in radiology and radiation oncology are profound. It is especially meaningful to receive an honor of such great magnitude from a group of women I respect so deeply. This award recognizes my contributions in breast cancer research, which is inspired by the courage I see in the patients I treat as a radiation oncologist.”
Striving for gender equity
Over the years, Jagsi has also worked tirelessly to promote gender equity in medicine — mentoring others in the field in research investigating the underrepresentation of women in senior positions in academic medicine and the mechanisms to target to promote equity within the field.
“Paying forward what my amazing mentors and sponsors provided to me is the most gratifying aspect of my career,” she said. “We know that there are many challenges that disproportionately affect women pursuing academic careers, so it can be especially important to be intentional in trying to ensure everyone has the support they need to achieve the heights their talents can take them to. All of society benefits when promising young people — regardless of gender — can contribute maximally.”
Recalling her experience with rejection, self-doubt and the challenges of finding enough hours in the day to accomplish the things that are most meaningful to her, Jagsi credits her family and mentors in helping to navigate those hurdles.
“The support of my wonderful family, including my amazing parents who helped me from an early age to recognize what matters most in life and to direct my efforts accordingly, is the antidote to burnout,” she said. “And my dear husband goes above and beyond every single day.”
Jagsi also credits her success to the tremendous mentorship from colleagues that she received along the way.
“I truly stand on the shoulders of giants,” she said. “Those giants start with my very first mentor in the field, Nancy J. Tarbell, MD, who not only introduced me to radiation oncology but also was the first to suggest that I might be uniquely positioned to pursue the gender equity research that I have since led. I have also had many mentors and sponsors who opened doors for me, provided much-needed advice, and continue to encourage me. Nothing I have done would have been possible without their enduring generosity.”
‘Recipe for contentment’
As a researcher who also sees patients in clinic, is chair of a department and has a family at home, Jagsi advised on the importance of remembering that you can have it all, but to not expect to have it all at once.
“There are different seasons in life,” she said. “There are times to focus on one area of your life and times to focus on others. You’ll never be ‘in balance’ at any one point in time, but in the end, hopefully you’ll look back and feel that you struck the perfect balance across all spheres that matter to you, with just the right mix of integration and boundaries between work and life. That takes real introspection and intention, so make sure you make time for that, and self-care, too! Remember that so much in life is beyond our control. The serenity prayer and radical acceptance are important. Embrace serendipity, be kind to yourself, and pay back your privilege by doing what you can for others. That has been the best recipe for contentment for me.”
Reference:
- Jagsi receives AAWR 2023 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Award (press release). Available at: https://winshipcancer.emory.edu/about-us/newsroom/press-releases/2023/jagsi-receives-aawr-2023-marie-sklodowska-curie-award.html. Posted Dec. 15, 2023. Accessed March 11, 2024.
For more information:
Reshma Jagsi, MD, DPhil, FASCO, FASTRO, can be reached on X (formerly known as Twitter): @reshmajagsi.