Allison "Alli" Pittman is a Research Technician II in the Eyler Lab at Duke Radiation Oncology. Recently, she was accepted into the Medical Scientist Training Program at the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, where she plans to obtain her MD and PhD in molecular/cancer biology with the aspiration of becoming a practicing medical or radiation oncologist at an academic institution with a translational research lab.
[Pictured: Alli, left, with Dr. Eyler]
Alli credits former faculty Yvonne Mowery, MD, PhD, and current faculty Christine Eyler, MD, PhD, as an influence in her decision to apply to medical school. "I have been fortunate to have had phenomenal models of what my future could look like," said Alli. "Both women have been inspirational and influential in solidifying my desire to pursue this long and rewarding career path. They have empowered me to push the boundaries of science in the lab and truly discover who I want to become as a physician, a scientist and a woman. Dr. Larrier and the radiation oncology residents have also been super gracious in taking the time to answer all my questions and create an environment that is fun and supportive for learning about adult and pediatric sarcomas. I am extremely grateful for the kindness and warmth the Department of Radiation Oncology has shown me over the last two years and will carry these memories and lessons with me as I embark on my next step to becoming a physician-scientist."