Initially, as a gastroenterologist, I experienced many benign diseases and endoscopic procedures, but oncology was what interested me the most. With the present medical treatment, unresectable and recurrent cancers cannot be cured. However, it is certain that many drugs have been developed and the prognosis has been improved. Cancer research is linked to a wide range of fields including molecular biology, immunology and genomics, and there are always new discoveries and technologies that continue to evolve, making it a continuous challenge. Furthermore, as patients and their families face difficult situations, I was very attracted to the role of physicians who can provide not only medical strength but also psychological and social support. I also decided to pursue oncology because of my desire to shape the future of treatment through personalized medicine amidst the advancement of cutting-edge technologies such as next-generation sequencing.

 

Q2. What is the most valuable lesson a mentor has shared with you, and how has it influenced your work?

My mentor gave me lessons that have had a profound impact on my work attitude and outlook on life. Two of them stand out in my mind. One is the advice to “see the whole patient, not just numbers and data”. These words taught me the importance of understanding and respecting the patient’s life background and values. I always keep in mind in my clinical practice the idea that no matter how advanced the treatment may be, true care cannot be established if the patient’s own wishes and the wishes of the family are ignored. The other is to “have an opinion that is backed up by science”. Oncology is constantly being updated. As a physician, I believe that it is important and in the best interest of the patient to be able to sift through this vast amount of information and understand its accurate content before treating the patient. I feel that by valuing these lessons learned, we are better able to promote better treatment and care.

 

Q3. How can aspiring oncologists make a meaningful impact early in their careers?

For young oncologists to make a meaningful impact in the early stages of their careers, it is important to be aware of several key points. First, active participation in research is important. By getting involved in ongoing projects at research institutions and engaging in research, we can contribute to scientific discovery from an early stage. Also, do not forget to build trusting relationships with your patients. When interacting with patients as a resident, showing empathy and providing quality care to each patient will have a profound impact not only on the patient’s experience of care, but also on our own development as a physician. Additionally, active participation in the community is important. We can expand our national and international network by visiting conferences and meetings and learning the latest information and techniques while disseminating your ideas and findings. And there are ways to contribute in the field of education as well. By learning and teaching younger students, we can deepen our own understanding and, at the same time, influence those around us. Through these efforts, we can make a meaningful contribution to the field of oncology even in the early stages of our careers.