Dr Rugo on Challenges Faced as a Woman in Oncology

Hope S. Rugo, MD, Winterhof Family Endowed Professorship in Breast Cancer, professor, Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology, director, Breast Oncology and Clinical Trials Education, medical director, Cancer Infusion Services, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, discusses challenges that women face in the workplace in oncology care.

Rugo begins by saying that balancing an academic medical career with caring for a sick parent or raising young children can present an immense challenge, particularly for women. Although flexibility remains an issue in academic medicine, improvements have been made to allow for a better balance between personal and professional life, she states. Taking time off for something such as maternity leave was not standard in the past, Rugo explains. Although flexibility to maintain a work-life balance has improved, juggling personal responsibilities and professional obligations remains difficult, Rugo adds. As one progresses in their career, new challenges arise, including defining personal and professional goals; deciding whether to pursue leadership opportunities; and understanding one's career trajectory, she continues.

Additionally, balancing academic responsibilities with patient care represents an ongoing challenge, especially as institutions increasingly emphasize revenue generation through relative value units (RVU)–based models, she says. For emerging professionals in academia, finding a balance between clinic time and research is complex, Rugo continues, For example, investigator-initiated clinical trials are viewed as important practices for any cancer center, according to Rugo. However, these studies generally do not drive significant revenue compared with sponsored trials, she says.

Despite these challenges in different areas for women in oncology, mentorship and feedback play crucial roles in navigating the field’s complexities, both within and outside one's institution, Rugo expands. Sharing experiences and supporting one another, particularly within oncology and women's health, can be immensely empowering, she shares. Ultimately, Rugo says that she learned that bonding over experiences and providing support are both essential, explaining that women should be empowered to pursue their career goals while balancing personal aspirations to foster a supportive and inclusive professional environment.