Doctors’ Day: St. Jude physicians share common goals

St. Jude doctors come from a variety of backgrounds. They became interested in the field of medicine in numerous ways. But they all share a common goal—a desire to provide the best care for St. Jude patients and their families.

As the country celebrates National Doctors’ Day March 30, St. Jude physicians shared how being a physician at St. Jude allows them to do their best work.

“My first day at St. Jude I was so inspired by the intersection of basic science and clinical care. That is what makes St. Jude a place where the phrase “translational research” is put into practice. I love the community here and the sense of being in this fight together as a team. Each person brings determination, passion, hope… and a smile to work – even behind the mask.”
—Rachel Brennan, MD, Oncology

“The opportunity to help a sick child get better, to make it to another birthday, to make it out of the hospital, or to graduate from high school is unlike any other. There is nothing more rewarding than being part of a team that makes that happen.”
—Sara Federico, MD, Oncology

“Everyone here operates on a common mission of putting the patients at the center of everything we do, and it allows collaborations between departments with helping patients get better as the goal. No matter who you are or where you are in the world, there is a place for you at St. Jude.”
—Diego Hijano, MD, Infectious Diseases

“At St. Jude, we have a great team supporting our patients and families. We share the same goals of hope, support, and ultimately, a cure. I am thankful to be able to work in this environment. I feel rewarded when I see that such teamwork brings hope and smiles to the patients and families.
—Hiroto Inaba, MD, Oncology

“Caring for patients is a privilege. The people and the culture at St. Jude inspire and help me to do my best work as a physician. I’ve especially enjoyed working with and learning from the advanced practice providers at St. Jude.”
—Esther Obeng, MD, Oncology

“Working at St. Jude is special because we have the ability to provide the most advanced care for children with cancer in collaboration with some of the finest physicians and care team members, without the families having to bear the financial burden of this disease. At the same time, we can advance research into childhood cancers to continue making a difference.”
—Santhosh Upadhyaya, MD, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy

“At St. Jude, you can take findings from the lab bench to patients, make observations and then ask those questions at the lab bench. But more than that, there is this enthusiasm for the common mission that results in a sense of pride and belonging. This is the ‘special ingredient’ visitors’ sense when they come to St. Jude.” 
—Paulina Velasquez, MD, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy