Caryn Lerman, Director of Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center at Keck Medicine of USC, shared a post on LinkedIn:
“Transition Interruptus.
Michael Corleone said it best. You know the scene from the Godfather. ‘Just when I thought I was out…’
Months ago, I announced my transition from Director of USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center – ready to step into my next chapter of psilocybin research, writing, and mentoring. I had mentally packed my bags. I had literally packed some boxes.
And then: not just yet.
The search for my successor is continuing, and until the right person is in place, I’m still here – still leading, still caring deeply about this institution and the patients we serve.
April 1 came and went. July is the new horizon. Maybe September. At the latest.
Here’s what I’ve learned: transitions are rarely clean. They don’t respect your timeline, your narrative, or your LinkedIn posts.
But there’s something clarifying about being asked to stay. It reminds me why I said yes in the first place. This work matters. Our leadership team is extraordinary. And a strong handoff isn’t just a professional courtesy – it’s an act of stewardship.
So I’m here. Until I’m not.
The next chapter isn’t going anywhere. The research questions that excite me, the mentees-in-waiting, the novel writing that’s been quietly accumulating on evenings and weekends – all of it will be there when the time is right.
For now, I’m choosing to see this not as delay, but as an unexpected encore. And I intend to make it count.”
Other articles featuring Caryn Lerman on OncoDaily.