
Hiroto Inaba, MD, PhD, Oncology, visits with a patient. (Photo taken before COVID-19 pandemic)
St. Jude doctors come from a variety of backgrounds. They became interested in the field of medicine in numerous ways. But they all share a common goal—a desire to provide the best care for St. Jude patients and their families.
As the country celebrates National Doctors’ Day March 30, St. Jude physicians shared how being a physician at St. Jude allows them to do their best work.
“My first day at St. Jude I was so inspired by the intersection of basic science and clinical care. That is what makes St. Jude a place where the phrase “translational research” is put into practice. I love the community here and the sense of being in this fight together as a team. Each person brings determination, passion, hope… and a smile to work – even behind the mask.”
—Rachel Brennan, MD, Oncology
“The opportunity to help a sick child get better, to make it to another birthday, to make it out of the hospital, or to graduate from high school is unlike any other. There is nothing more rewarding than being part of a team that makes that happen.”
—Sara Federico, MD, Oncology
“Everyone here operates on a common mission of putting the patients at the center of everything we do, and it allows collaborations between departments with helping patients get better as the goal. No matter who you are or where you are in the world, there is a place for you at St. Jude.”
—Diego Hijano, MD, Infectious Diseases
“At St. Jude, we have a great team supporting our patients and families. We share the same goals of hope, support, and ultimately, a cure. I am thankful to be able to work in this environment. I feel rewarded when I see that such teamwork brings hope and smiles to the patients and families.
—Hiroto Inaba, MD, Oncology
“Caring for patients is a privilege. The people and the culture at St. Jude inspire and help me to do my best work as a physician. I’ve especially enjoyed working with and learning from the advanced practice providers at St. Jude.”
—Esther Obeng, MD, Oncology
“Working at St. Jude is special because we have the ability to provide the most advanced care for children with cancer in collaboration with some of the finest physicians and care team members, without the families having to bear the financial burden of this disease. At the same time, we can advance research into childhood cancers to continue making a difference.”
—Santhosh Upadhyaya, MD, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
“At St. Jude, you can take findings from the lab bench to patients, make observations and then ask those questions at the lab bench. But more than that, there is this enthusiasm for the common mission that results in a sense of pride and belonging. This is the ‘special ingredient’ visitors’ sense when they come to St. Jude.”
—Paulina Velasquez, MD, Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy
Read more inspiring stories
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Imagine Academy: 25 Years of Supporting Education at St. Jude
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Global Medicines launch: A St. Jude employee’s perspective of a world-changing platform
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and World Health Organization (WHO) recently announced the launch of the Global Platform for Access to Childhood Cancer Medicines.
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From patient to mentor: A dean’s lifelong commitment to St. Jude
Former St. Jude patient Evan Ortlieb, now a dean at South Dakota State University, shares his story of resilience as part of National Cancer Survivor Month in June.
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Preschooler’s Energy Shines Despite GVHD Side Effects
After a second transplant for acute myeloid leukemia, St. Jude patient Harry Walker receives extracorporeal photopheresis for graft-versus-host disease.
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Joy that a Tumor Cannot Touch
Little Olivia Shulov battles seizures caused by a benign tumor. At St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, she finds hope, support, and joy in her journey.
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Unlocking New Treatments: Hope in Clinical Trials
Daniel Moreira specializes in rare brain and spinal tumors. Read about his work on the GLOBOTRK clinical trial as well as his advice for those thinking about joining a clinical trial.
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Melanoma: A skin cancer that does not always need the sun
Alice remains confident, courageous, and strong in her journey to push her melanoma into remission. Read her story.
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Making a Plan for Better Sleep
Zoe Harrison works with a sleep specialist to improve her sleep. Together, they create a schedule that helps her sleep through the night so she has more energy during the day. Learn more.
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Genetic Testing Provides Answers
After Davis is diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor, his family finds answers through genetic testing. Learn more.
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Journey to the Jude: Cha’Landria “ChaCha” McCall
Journey to the Jude: Cha'Landria "Cha Cha" McCall
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Caring for the Mind, Body, and Spirit
Yike Huang uses art as part of her treatment to improve not only her physical well-being but also her mental and emotional well-being. Learn more.
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Meet Dr. Bradley Muller
But Bradley Muller, MD, an Instructor in the Department of Immunology, approaches this work from a unique perspective. Muller is both a medical doctor who takes care of children with cancer and a laboratory researcher searching for new and better treatments. He’s also a childhood cancer survivor.
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Meet Dr. Kelsey Bertrand
But Bradley Muller, MD, an Instructor in the Department of Immunology, approaches this work from a unique perspective. Muller is both a medical doctor who takes care of children with cancer and a laboratory researcher searching for new and better treatments. He’s also a childhood cancer survivor.
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Finding Light in the Darkness
Friendships and memory-making activities helped Grace Hilton during her cancer treatment. Read more about Grace’s story.
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Virtual reality helps Nancy Rios understand her son Yariel’s surgery for Ewing sarcoma
Learn how virtual reality is being used at St. Jude to help educate patients and families about surgical procedures such as that used to treat Ewing sarcoma.
Careers
At St. Jude, your career makes a difference. We offer outstanding opportunities in the basic and translational sciences, clinical research, patient care and many other areas for talented individuals.