
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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Journey to the Jude: Lyudmila Tsurkan, PhD, Hematology, Kazakhstan
St. Jude lead researcher Lyudmila Tsurkan of Hematology smiles when recalling her childhood in the central Asian nation of Kazakhstan.
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Journey to the Jude: Augustine Ntah, Security, Cameroon
Ntah said his welcoming personality stems from his heritage, of which he is immensely proud. He thinks of St. Jude as an extension of his homeland, the central African country of Cameroon.
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Journey to the Jude: Besian Sejdiu, Structural Biology, Kosovo
Sejdiu is proud to serve an organization that is a locally, nationally and internationally respected driving force in research, pediatrics and employee recruitment.
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Veteran mechanic reflects on fatherhood, St. Jude experiences
Former U.S. Army diesel mechanic Dennis Hart has served four years as a maintenance mechanic at St. Jude and says he loves working here because of the positive atmosphere.
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St. Jude kindergarteners celebrate resilience and recess at 2023 graduation
In the 15th year of kindergarten graduations, St. Jude Imagine Academy by Chili’s kindergarteners were honored as part of a virtual ceremony.
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St. Jude high school seniors graduate with ambition and gratitude
In the 17th year of high school graduations at St. Jude, St. Jude Imagine Academy by Chili’s honored this year’s graduates during the annual high school commencement.
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Journey to the Jude: Hamda Khan, Hematology, Pakistan
As a medical anthropologist, Hamda Khan studies various social determinants that contribute to the health of patients with chronic illnesses. Learn more about her journey to St. Jude.
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Mother and daughter nurses continue to flourish at St. Jude
Mother and daughter nurses continue to flourish at St. Jude
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Mother admires daughter’s journey from St. Jude patient to employee
Mother and daughter bond over their time from patient family to employees at St. Jude.
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Pawt of the family: New facility dog repawts for duty at St. Jude
Read about Rose, the newest member of the Paws at Play program at St. Jude.
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Plan in Progress: St. Jude celebrates first year of telehealth services in Tupelo
St. Jude is celebrating a successful first year of providing telehealth services for children with chronic hematological diseases in North Mississippi. Read the story.
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Doggone cute: St. Jude is paw-leased to welcome employees Snuggle and CC
Read about Snuggle and CC, the two newest facility dogs who are enhancing the patient experience at St. Jude.
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Being A Father is Everything for St. Jude Patient Dad Chris
When Chris' son Calvin got a devastating diagnosis, it was the lifesaving mission of St. Jude that helped ensure his family remained intact.
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A St. Jude volunteer “meet cute” leads to engagement
Jordan Watson and Kelly Quiroz met at St. Jude while volunteering and recently got engaged to marry.
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Father’s Day: St. Jude employees share stories of inspiration
To commemorate Father's Day, read four stories of four St. Jude employees who have the unique experience of calling their fathers colleagues.
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.