As I step away from my role as a medical oncologist at Orlando Health, I find myself reflecting on the remarkable journey that has spanned the last 13 years. It’s a bittersweet moment, filled with a mix of gratitude, pride, and anticipation for what lies ahead as I finish up my last days by the end of October 2024
A Humble Beginning
When I first walked through the doors of Orlando Health, fresh from my University of Florida fellowship, I was filled with the eagerness of a young physician ready to make a difference. Little did I know that this institution would shape my career and life in ways I could never have imagined. From the very beginning, I was surrounded by brilliant and dedicated colleagues who shared my passion for learning and improving patient outcomes. This environment fostered both my personal growth and professional development.
Pioneering Clinical Research
My initial foray into clinical research was an unexpected but welcome challenge. Working alongside our cardiology colleagues on a project involving bone marrow stem cell infusion for NSTEMI patients marked the start of a journey that would lead me to the forefront of clinical research in oncology. From those early bone marrow harvests in the OR, my career progressed to leading cutting-edge research in immunotherapy, targeted therapy, intra-tumoral therapy and cellular therapy.
The highlight of my research career was my collaboration with the GI/Colorectal oncology teams, where I dedicated a significant portion of my time before transitioning to a focus on Melanoma, Sarcoma, and TIL (Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes). This collaboration not only honed my skills but also allowed me to connect with an international community of oncologists, ultimately leading to our site’s accreditation as a TIL center. Standing at the podium to deliver my first ASCO Oral Abstract talk was a moment of immense pride—a testament to the hard work and dedication that defined my time at Orlando Health.
Lessons Learned
Reflecting on these experiences, several key lessons stand out:
- Collaboration is Key: The success of my journey has been deeply intertwined with the collaborative efforts of my colleagues. Working together across specialties not only broadened my knowledge but also led to significant advancements in patient care.
- Innovation Requires Courage: Stepping into uncharted territories, whether it was pioneering new therapies or taking on leadership roles in clinical trials, required a blend of courage and resilience. These experiences taught me that innovation is often born from stepping out of one’s comfort zone.
- Mentorship and Growth: I have been fortunate to both receive and provide mentorship during my time here. The relationships built through these mentoring moments have been some of the most rewarding aspects of my career.
- The Power of Persistence: Achieving what we have in the past decade often seemed daunting, but it was a testament to the power of persistence. Tackling challenges head-on, with a clear vision and unwavering dedication, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
A Grateful Farewell
As I move on to focus more on my family and take time off for the remaining months of the year, I carry with me the lessons, memories, and friendships that have defined my time at Orlando Health. I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people I’ve worked with. Together, we have achieved in a decade what many strive to accomplish over a lifetime.
Looking ahead, I am excited about the new endeavors and challenges that await. I am stepping into this next chapter with the same curiosity and determination that brought me to Orlando Health all those years ago.
To my colleagues, thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. Your dedication and excellence in the field of oncology have been a constant source of inspiration. I look forward to staying in touch and seeing where our paths may cross again in the future.
As Helen Keller wisely said, “Hope… is seeing the invisible… touching the intangible… and doing the impossible.” This quote has guided my career in oncology, and I hope it continues to inspire all of you as it has inspired me.