Week of 9/18-9/22

This past week in ISM, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Victor Aquino at Children's Medical Center in Dallas. Through the interview I gained lot of new knowledge on the field of oncology. Before meeting with Victor Aquino, I was not aware of how high the success rate for children with cancer. The majority of children diagnosed with cancer are between the ages 2 and 10, and of those patients I learned 80% survive and maintain their health without a relapse. In addition I learned that leukemia and bone tumors are the most common diagnosis and make up 50% of cancers in children. I also asked Dr. Aquino about the differences between medical and surgical oncology. He then explained to me that doctors that practice medical oncology, typically have a much more flexible schedule and get to work with patients directly more often. In addition to the knowledge I gained in the field, I also learned how to present myself professionally and carry on an insightful interview with professionals in my field. Having been my first interview, I know there are aspects I can improve on. For example, next interview I will try to ask more broad, open ended questions. This upcoming week I will continue to reach out to more professionals, and use the knowledge I gained through my first interview, in interviews in the future.