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Kimryn Rathmell about the need for resiliency, mentors, leadership roles for women in science and more – AACR

AACR/X

Dec 4, 2024, 18:24

Kimryn Rathmell about the need for resiliency, mentors, leadership roles for women in science and more – AACR

The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) shared a post on X:

“Members of the AACR Associate Member Council interviewed NCI Director Kimryn Rathmell about the need for resiliency in her career, mentors who helped shape her, leadership roles for women in science, and more.”

“Early-career Cancer Researchers Interview NCI Director Kimryn Rathmell”

During an interview at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024, Kimryn Rathmell, MD, PhD, shared insights on key topics relevant to cancer research and career development. Here’s a concise summary of her main points:

Resilience

Rathmell emphasized the importance of resilience in navigating challenges throughout her career. She discussed personal experiences, including balancing motherhood with her studies and coping with her father’s suicide, highlighting that resilience is bolstered by support from one’s community.

Impostor Syndrome

She acknowledged experiencing impostor syndrome, particularly when assuming leadership roles. Rathmell encouraged recognizing one’s achievements and overcoming self-doubt, sharing a transformative moment when she embraced her role as president of the American Society for Clinical Investigation.

Mentorship

Rathmell credited influential mentors, especially her PhD advisor Gilbert Chu, for guiding her toward becoming a physician-scientist. She stressed that mentorship goes beyond academic teaching; it involves personal development and support.

Women in Leadership

Discussing women in leadership, Rathmell noted the importance of confidence and mutual support among women in science. She emphasized the need for recognition based on merit rather than gender.

Communication

Rathmell highlighted the challenges of communicating science to various audiences, including media and patient advocates. She finds engaging with advocates rewarding but acknowledges the difficulty in translating complex scientific concepts into accessible language.

Workforce Diversification

Finally, she addressed the need for diversification in scientific training and career paths, encouraging early-career scientists to explore non-traditional routes beyond academia.

Overall, Rathmell’s insights reflect a commitment to resilience, mentorship, and effective communication as essential components of success in cancer research.

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Dr. Kimryn Rathmell serves as the director of the National Cancer Institute. She is a distinguished leader and researcher in the field of kidney cancer. Specializing in the research and treatment of complex and hereditary kidney cancers.

She has held leadership positions with organizations such as the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society for Clinical Investigation, she has been elected to esteemed academies including the Association of American Physicians, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the National Academy of Medicine.