You are not a leader yet, But you can become one – Catalina Müller
You are not a leader…yet.
But you can become one.
This is what I have learned from this incredible group of ten female oncologists from different C/Can cities.
However, you will need to be prepared to open up, be honest with yourself, acknowledge behaviours that you want to modify, and quickly implement different approaches to manage conflict and improve how you connect with your team.
Being a leader has less to do with calling the shots or avoiding being challenged and more to do with learning how to listen and respect your colleagues.
These women are competent, intelligent, and undoubtedly role models in their communities. However, the most important quality they possess is kindness and a passion for helping cancer patients.
Working in Cancer Care can be extremely challenging, especially in LMICs where resources can be scarce. Nevertheless, these women are now leading projects in the following areas: Telementoring for patients to manage adverse effects, development of a Pediatric Palliative Care Unit, training using palliative-focused treatments and pain and symptom management, development and evaluation of a cancer early diagnosis training module, psycho-social support services to cervical cancer patients and survivors, strengthening supportive care and improving outcomes for children with cancer, training healthcare personnel to recognize the signs and symptoms of cancer, increase HPV vaccination coverage and establish a strong cervical cancer screening programme, implementation of an e-learning platform of cancer care training modules for non-cancer medical specialists, and development of a rapid results clinic for breast cancer management.
They will now continue their journey of leadership development, supported by City Cancer Challenge, and receive 12 months of mentoring support from experienced women who are part of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Alumni and Roche.