Legends and Legacies: Personal journeys of women physicians and scientists at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center - Hardcover

Elizabeth Travis, received her Ph.D. degree in Experimental Pathology from the Medical University of South Carolina. A distinguished biomedical researcher in the area of radiation oncology, Dr. Travis has been on the faculty at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center since 1982; she was promoted to Professor in the Department of Experimental Radiation Oncology in 1988. She is past-president of the Radiation Research Society, prior member of the Board of Directors for the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, a member of numerous editorial boards of scientific journals, and a reviewer for grant funding agencies, including NIH and DOD. She has published extensively on the complications of cancer treatment. In 1997, in recognition of her academic accomplishments, she was named Mattie Allen Fair Professor in Cancer Research at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, which she continues to hold. In November 2007, Dr. Travis was appointed to serve as M. D. Anderson's first associate vice president for women faculty programs, which is committed to the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in cancer medicine and cancer science. Throughout her career Dr.Travis is an advocate for women in medicine and science not only in her institution but on the national and international scene. She is the current chair-elect of the Women in Cancer Research of the American Association of Cancer Research. Most recently, she edited the book Legends and Legacies: Personal Journeys of Women Physicians and Scientists at M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, a collection of inspirational stories of 26 accomplished women faculty members at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center. The authors are physicians, scientists, educators, mentors, wives, life partners, mothers, daughters, aunts and friends who describe in this book the struggles and triumphs that have marked their paths to distinguished careers. Their collective hope is that others, particularly young women, will be motivated by their stories to choose careers in the biomedical sciences and to strive to become leaders in their disciplines, in management and in professional organizations.

A collection of first-person essays written by standout female doctors and researchers at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. The book features 26 essays written with varying literary skill, but all featuring fascinating personal histories. From those who struggled to enter the boy's club of medicine to those who methodically planned their careers from childhood, these women have made astounding accomplishments not limited to their work in operating theaters or research labs. The authors raised families, struggled with personal relationships, made medical discoveries and fought their own battles with illness. One was born and raised in India before coming to the United States, where she worked toward her Ph.D. while simultaneously learning to drive in university parking lots she is now a professor of experimental therapeutics. Another has a fighting spirit instilled at her from birth her African-American mother insisted upon giving birth in a whites-only St. Louis hospital that offered the advanced medical care her premature daughter desperately needed. That baby eventually became a professor of pulmonary medicine. In another compelling tale, a woman who lived in Hiroshima lost a schoolmate to cancer from exposure to the atomic bomb. Her life's work was launched from that loss, and she is now a professor of radiation oncology. Even those with more prosaic middle-class American upbringings still displayed incredible persistence in pursing their goals. One constant in these stories is the many stops on the way to employment at this world-class cancer treatment center. Though some of the essays read more like clinical notes than a personal history, the personal narratives remain engaging. Compelling personal journeys to careers in medicine. ------ Kirkus Discoveries

The stories in Legends and Legacies vary, but the faces of these physicians and scientists reflect the cultural diversity of the people they serve. The extraordinary women of M. D. Anderson invite us on their journeys and along the way inspire countless young girls to realize that they can be whatever they want to be too. ---- Nancy L. Snyderman, M.D., NBC News Chief Medical Editor

The strength and intelligence of these phenomenal women are overwhelming. They will impact the lives of those dealing with the challenges of cancer for generations. I applaud them and celebrate their successes. ------ Former First Lady Barbara Bush, Life Member of M. D. Anderson Board of Visitors

Succeeding in academic medicine is never an easy task. Couple that with bias facing many women physicians and scientists, the unexpected family hardships and the demands of family responsibilities, and the hill gets even harder to climb. In spite of these obstacles increasing numbers of women are becoming academic leaders. This book tells the story of 26 remarkable women whose unique perspectives on life in the academy and the world uplift the spirit and make it clear that obstacles can be overcome. All members of the academic community can learn valuable lessons from this volume, men and women alike. ------ Allen S. Lichter, M.D., Chief Executive Officer, American Society of Clinical Oncology