“Your professional journey can take many forms, and you have the power to shape it”
Dr Ana Tecic Vuger (University Hospital Centre Zagreb, Croatia), a rising voice in breast oncology, shares her reflections on mentorship, professional fulfillment and charting a meaningful career path from Croatia to the global stage. Drawing inspiration from leading international experts and guided by the steadfast support of her mentor at home, she has crafted a unique career rooted in both scientific excellence and personal conviction. In this interview, she discusses the value of mentorship, the dynamic nature of oncology, and offers heartfelt advice to those just beginning their journey – underscoring the power of connection, perseverance, and staying true to one’s values.
Q1. Can you tell us about a mentor who has had a significant impact on your career, and the most valuable lesson they have shared with you?
I’ve had the privilege of meeting and learning from some of the world’s leading breast cancer experts. Spending time with brilliant minds (who not only lead at their institutions but also hold key positions in international oncology organizations) like Drs Sara Tolaney, Nadia Harbeck, Fatima Cardoso and Evandro de Azambuja has been incredibly inspiring and enriched me in many ways. I gained insights into their work and healthcare systems, and brought that knowledge back to my home institution. I’d also like to highlight Dr Matteo Lambertini, former chair of the ESMO Young Oncologist Committee where I currently serve, as an example of a younger generation globally recognized expert who has been both a supportive mentor and a great friend. All of these excellent people thought me many precious lessons that profoundly shaped my journey. Above all, I’m deeply thankful to my mentor in Croatia, Dr Robert Separovic, whose unwavering support made all of my international experience possible.
Being an oncologist from a small country on the scientific periphery, one particular lesson ultimately shaped my entire professional outlook and helped me reconcile my desire to live and work in Croatia, while still being part of the global scientific and professional community. What brought immense clarity to how I see my path was that I don’t need to relocate to a major expert centre abroad in order to thrive professionally. It is possible to remain where I feel at home, while actively collaborating with international colleagues and mentors, engaging in projects that inspire me, and co-creating meaningful work that brings real fulfillment. Hearing this perspective from people I deeply admire felt like a true relief – an encouraging affirmation of a path I had instinctively felt was right for me.
Q2. What aspects of your work do you find the most fulfilling?
Being an oncologist and fighting a life-threatening disease carries many challenges, but is also deeply fulfilling. On one hand, there’s a strong humanitarian dimension: helping people in their most vulnerable moments, becoming an essential part of their fight for life. That role comes with a profound sense of responsibility, but also immense satisfaction when treatments succeed and outcomes are positive. On the other hand, modern oncology is one of the most dynamic and rapidly advancing fields in medicine. We are witnessing remarkable scientific progress, and being part of that – whether by asking important questions, seeking answers or contributing to meaningful discoveries – gives oncologists a strong sense of purpose and relevance. It’s a profession where science and humanism meet, and where even small contributions can have a lasting impact on people’s lives and the future of cancer care.
Q3. What advice would you offer to those just beginning their journey in your specialty?
To younger colleagues, I would say work hard, stay persistent and believe in yourself. Be prepared to put in the effort, even when results take time. Let your connection with patients be your constant source of motivation – real people in need, whose lives you can truly impact, even in difficult circumstances. Reflect on what inspires and challenges you the most, and invest in making that your path. Take advantage of international opportunities, seek out great mentors, and build meaningful collaborations. There’s no single formula – your professional journey can take many forms, and you have the power to shape it.
About Dr Ana Tecic Vuger
Dr Ana Tecic Vuger is a medical oncologist with a dedicated focus on breast cancer. She graduated from the University of Zagreb School of Medicine and completed her specialty training in medical oncology, earning both ESMO and national board certifications. She also holds a PhD in breast cancer. Dr Tecic Vuger currently works at the University Hospital for Tumors, part of the Sestre milosrdnice University Hospital Center in Zagreb, Croatia, where she has served as acting head of the Breast Cancer Department within the Medical Oncology Division. She is actively involved in international professional organizations, including the European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO), where she currently serves as a member of the Young Oncologist Committee, and the European School of Oncology (ESO), where she acts as an ESO Ambassador. She has been awarded several international fellowships and mentorships through ESMO, ESO, and ASCO.
Disclosure: Ana Tecic Vuger has received honoraria/honorarium from: Elly Lilly, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer; she is a Speaker’s Bureau participant with: Elly Lilly, MSD, Novartis and Pfizer.
Cite: Dr Ana Tecic Vuger on keeping local roots, but achieving global impact: touchONCOLOGY Future Leader 2025. touchONCOLOGY. April 16th, 2025
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