Book Reviews
“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 the university parking lots – she is now a professor of experimental therapeutics. Another has a fighting spirit instilled in her from birth – her African-American mother insisted upon giving birth in a whites-only St. Louis hospital that offered the advanced medical care that 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 not a professor of radiation oncology. Event those with more prosaic middle-class American upbringings still displayed incredible persistence in pursuing 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.”
Review by Kirkus Discoveries
“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’s Board of Visitors
“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
“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
“Legends and Legacies is an inspiring book about the extraordinary career paths of women physicians and scientists at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. Their compelling stories are reflective of the professional and personal struggles faced by virtually all women scientists and as such, they are a powerful reminder that success in one’s career requires not only expertise and leadership skills, but also passion, dedication and resourcefulness. The accomplishments of these brilliant scientists will be motivating to future generations of women who seek careers in cancer research and whose vitally important work will save thousands of lives from cancer.”
Margaret Foti, Ph.D., M.D. (h.c.)
Chief Executive Officer
American Association for Cancer Research
“This assembly and celebration of the vibrant voices of women physicians and scientists speaks volumes. These rich and diverse examples of how family and professional roles enrich each other in unexpected ways will inspire young and mid-career women across the country. And if they take to heart these “living color” stories of barriers overcome, men will become better mentors of women of all ages. This book is about courage, creativity and tenacity.”
Janet Bickel
Career and Leadership Development Coach