November 30, 2021
In this episode, Sarah S. Donaldson, MD, FACR, the Catharine and Howard Avery Professor at Stanford University School of Medicine and Director of the Mentoring Program in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Stanford, shares her leadership journey from candy striper to international authority in clinical radiation oncology. After receiving her undergraduate and nursing degrees from the University of Oregon, her Bachelor of Medical Sciences from Dartmouth Medical School (where she was one of six women in her class!) and her MD from Harvard Medical School, she ultimately completed her Radiation Oncology residency at Stanford, joined the faculty in 1973, and has served Stanford continuously since that time.
Growing up in a single-parent household, Dr. Donaldson’s mother instilled in her the importance of working hard and being able to take care of herself. Her interest in health care began in high school when she started working as a candy striper in a local hospital and ‘came alive’ as she was given increasing responsibility and patient interaction. With boundless energy, and an always positive attitude, she said yes to every committee and opportunity in high school – a philosophy she carried with her through medical school, residency and beyond.
With the support of strong mentors and coaches, she found herself in the right places at the right times which led her to her interest and expertise in childhood cancer. Having served in a number of leadership roles for a variety of national organizations, Dr. Donaldson believes her commitment to diversity and inclusion is fundamental to her numerous professional successes.
Don’t miss this inspiring conversation to learn more about Dr. Donaldson’s commitment to community service, who Sam Donaldson was, and why it is so important to her to find joy in everything she does.
