In this episode of Open Doors, hosts Dr. Ioanna Nixon and Dr. Vilma Pacheco Barcia joined Prof. Hisham Mehanna — Chair of Head and Neck Surgery at the University of Birmingham and a global leader in cancer research and academic medicine.
Together, they dive into Prof. Hisham Mehanna’s remarkable journey in head and neck oncology, from the human, technical, and intellectual motivations that shaped his career to the transformative experiences.
The conversation highlights the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration, publishing impactful research, and the evolving role of academic leadership in today’s complex healthcare landscape.
Prof. Hisham Mehanna shares valuable insights on mentorship—emphasizing “open mentorship,” strategic thinking, and the power of collaboration—as well as practical advice for early-career clinicians navigating funding challenges and career uncertainty. The discussion also explores major challenges and opportunities in oncology, including the role of artificial intelligence, research capacity, and global collaboration.
Finally, the episode touches on resilience, work-life balance, and personal strategies for avoiding burnout.
About hosts։
Dr Ioanna Nixon is a senior clinical oncologist at the Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, Honorary Clinical Senior Lecturer in Glasgow Cancer Sciences, and Visiting Professor in Executive Education at Strathclyde Business School. Her work spans cancer care, academia, and executive leadership, with a focus on innovation, clinician wellbeing, and the human side of medicine.
Dr. Vilma Pacheco Barcia is Head of Medical Oncology at Hospital Universitario La Luz, Assoc. Prof. at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria, Gastrointestinal Cancer Unit at One Oncology Madrid Quirónsalud. Lead investigator in pancreatic cancer, malnutrition and professional wellbeing.