For Women's History Month, Duke Radiation Oncology is spotlighting some of the exceptional women of our Department, starting with Professor of Radiation Oncology and Medical Physicist Oana Craciunescu, PhD. Dr. Craciunescu was a featured physicist in the American Association of Physicists in Medicine's fall 2020 publication. Among other topics, she discussed what inspires her in clinic. Read the full feature here.
Lead Radiation Therapist Kathryn Sullivan, BS, RT(R)(T)
Why did you choose to work in the field of Radiation Oncology?
I became interested in a career in oncology while reading a book series based around a young girl fighting leukemia. At the time I only knew about chemotherapy and nothing about radiation therapy. I got into the radiology program, shadowed a radiation therapist and knew that I wanted to go back to school to become a radiation therapist. It was 3 years working as an x-ray tech before I went back to school for therapy. As a radiation therapist, you see a patient every day for weeks and develop a relationship with them. That is what is special about this field.
What’s the most rewarding component of your job?
Being part of one of the most difficult times in someone's life and being able to bring a smile to their face, a shoulder to lean on or just someone to listen – that is what is most rewarding. To know that I can make someone's cancer journey less scary and more positive is all I need to know that I have one of the most rewarding jobs there is. As a therapist, we do not need any recognition from our patients, but when we receive it, it makes our day.
This was written by a patient I treated several years ago:
"People like you make the world a better place, because you think of ways to make a positive difference in the lives of others. I've heard it said that there are two things a person should have every day: a smile and a heart filled with gratitude and you displayed that attitude every day. Caring is such a part of who you are that I am sure you're not even aware of some of the kindnesses you do and what a big difference they make. Thank you is probably something you hear all the time, but today when I say those two little words, just know I mean them more than you know."
Dosimetrist Robyn Roehm, BS, CMD
Why did you choose to work in the field of Radiation Oncology?
I ended up in the field due to an opportunity to shadow the department at one of my previous jobs. I graduated from college with a hospitality management degree and found myself not really wanting to continue working in the restaurant field. I was a medical record specialist at a small cancer center in NY and they allowed me to shadow the dosimetry and therapy department. I really enjoyed the interactions with the patients, as it called on the part of hospitality I really enjoyed. So, I went back to school to become a therapist, which I loved, but then found my way into dosimetry a few years later.
What’s an obstacle you’ve had to overcome in your career?
A major obstacle to overcome is that this field is always changing. I can't just sit back and do the same things over and over. We must constantly be learning new things and preparing for the future.
What are you most looking forward to in your career?
I am most looking forward in seeing how this field changes and where I will end up. I hope to get back into school to work on my masters and use that knowledge to advance my career.
Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology Manisha Palta, MD
Why did you choose to work in the field of Radiation Oncology?
Early in medical school I was certain that surgery was the right career for me. For those who know me, I have that sort of surgeryish persona. I was fortunate in that my father, a medical physicist, facilitated my exposure to radiation oncology. After my Radiation Oncology rotation – I was hooked. It had the technical and procedural aspects akin to surgery that I enjoyed but also these particularly intense patient relationships rich with education and opportunities for clinical research. I have never looked back or regretted my decision to pursue a career in Radiation Oncology.
What are you most looking forward to in your career?
I am currently participating in the Duke Clinical Leaders Program (DCLP) and this course has helped me to realize rather than focusing on a career milestone I need to focus more on the here and now. Right now I am just enjoying the journey. I derive deep satisfaction from my career and have the fortunate opportunity to be surrounded by a nurturing and supportive Radiation Oncology team.
Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology Nicole Larrier, MD, MS
What’s the most rewarding component of your job?
Celebrating family events with patients. It is the one downside of electronic records – there is no place to keep the mementos from graduations, births, marriages and anniversaries. I love updating the picture of patient in the electronic record as they grow up.
Why did you choose to work in the field of Radiation Oncology?
I am a nerd at heart but love to serve my community. Radiation Oncology seemed like the perfect fit!
What’s an obstacle you’ve had to overcome in your career?
Coming from a family of modest means, working throughout school and training was second nature to me. However, for my colleagues, that time could be used to study or take a break.
What are you most looking forward to in your career?
The success of people whose lives I have touched – trainees, students, patients and families.
Nurse Manager of Operations Kim DeBaun, RN, BSN, CNML
What’s the most rewarding component of your job?
The Duke Radiation Oncology team is one that makes caring for our patients a top priority in all that we do. In the six years I’ve been here this has always been the most rewarding aspect of being a part of this team. Our patients are often with us daily for extended periods of time and each person they encounter on the team consistently shows kindness, compassion and expert clinical skills that help our oncology patients with their physical and social needs. As a nurse manager, it is rewarding to be able to lead a team that is so caring and dedicated as well be active in providing direct care when needed to help and support patients navigate a difficult journey.
Why did you choose to work in the field of Radiation Oncology?
As a second career nurse (from publishing to nursing!), I always knew that oncology was where I wanted to be. After working in hospice, pediatrics and research, I saw the strength of oncology patients and the journey to survival that encompasses not only the individual but a dedicated team of family, friends and medical professionals. I experienced this myself with a family member who came to Duke Radiation Oncology – on each visit, we were treated with respect, compassion and the knowledge that the care that was received was some of the best in the world. How could you not want to be a part of that? When the opportunity arose to work here, I knew it was meant to be. It has since been an amazing six years and I’m grateful each day to work with such a great team and amazing patients each day in Radiation Oncology.