The landscape of brain cancer research and treatment is being shaped not just by scientific breakthroughs, but by the crucial role of mentorship and professional networking, according to a leading expert in the field. Dr. Yoshie Umemura, Chief Medical Officer of the Ivy Brain Tumor Center and Division Chief of Neuro-Oncology at Barrow Neurological Institute, shares insights on building successful careers in neuro-oncology through strategic mentorship connections.
Breaking Geographic Boundaries in Mentorship
"Don't limit yourself to just what's around you," advises Dr. Umemura, who holds the William and Joan Shapiro chair of Neuro-Oncology. She emphasizes that the absence of suitable mentors at one's home institution should not be viewed as an insurmountable barrier. Instead, she encourages professionals to take initiative in forming connections across institutional boundaries.
Practical Approaches to Finding Mentors
Dr. Umemura outlines a straightforward strategy for building mentorship relationships: "When you are at a conference and you meet someone, you think you might click with, you're intrigued about, or you're impressed with, you can shoot an email and ask them if they would be open to chatting with you about a question or mentoring you."
She dismisses common hesitations about reaching out, noting that the worst outcome would simply be that potential mentors might be too busy. "No one is going to make you feel terrible about yourself just because you showed an initiative to get a mentor," she reassures.
Creating a Culture of Continuous Mentorship
Drawing from her own experience with multiple mentors outside her institution, Dr. Umemura advocates for a pay-it-forward approach. "Always be open to mentoring others; that's the only way to move forward," she states, emphasizing the cyclical nature of professional development in the field.
The message is clear: success in neuro-oncology requires both the courage to seek guidance and the willingness to provide it to others. As Dr. Umemura puts it, "You're not an outsider as long as you make the connection; you can just wedge yourself in. Just ask."
