Sarah S. Donaldson, MD, FACR – 1998 Marie Sklodowska-Curie Awardee

Clinician, mentor, role model

“Why can’t you?” he asked, after I asserted that I couldn’t go to medical school because:

1) “I’m a girl;
2) I’m too old;
3) I don’t have enough money;
4) I’m not smart enough”.

To these preconceived notions, my employer, William S. Fletcher, M.D., replied:

1) “ Dartmouth Medical School is looking for women”.

This was true, as the Trustees had just announced their decision to admit women into their all male institution.

2) “10 years from now you’ll be 10 years older, whether or not you go to medical school”.

This seemed too obvious for a comment.

3) “You can apply for a scholarship or a loan”.

In fact, in the mid 1960’s, financial aid was not difficult to secure.

4) “If you think you are more qualified than the Admissions Committee to determine ones suitability as a student, you probably shouldn’t be one”.

To this I quickly learned to listen rather than to debate my superiors.

Having a supportive, and successful mentor was my good fortune. Dr. Fletcher gave me my first job after my graduation from nursing school. He became my mentor, soul mate, and enduring friend. Recognizing that Dr. Fletcher was behind my own successes every step of the way influenced me to do the same for those students, residents, and junior faculty I might encounter along my journey.

My advice to other women is to be prepared, so that you, too, will be ready to walk through the door, when it opens for you. Set your goals high, stay focused, and work hard. Quite honestly I can say I have no regrets in life. I am most grateful for the opportunities and experiences which began to unfold when I realized the answer to his question was “I can”.

Spring 1961, senior student nurse at University of Oregon Nursing School, Portland, Oregon	2006, Professor, Associate Chair and Program Director, Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University

Sarah S. Donaldson, MD, FACR is Professor, Associate Chair and Program Director in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Stanford University.