Outside the Box Mentorship with Dr. Linda Vahdat

Linda Vahdat, MD, MBA, is a breast cancer medical oncologist. She serves as the Deputy Cancer Center Director, Section Chief of Medical Oncology, and Interim Chief of Hematology at Dartmouth Cancer Center. She is a leading breast cancer researcher with special interests in drug development. She has led three separate drug-development efforts that led to FDA approval of three drugs active in metastatic breast cancer. She founded the Triple Negative Breast Cancer Clinic, the second only in the entire country. Mentorship need not be limited to the confines of medical institutions.“Looking back and thinking about all the people I felt really helped me develop into who I am today, there's actually quite a list because everybody brings something different to the party.” And she ascertains the fact that many of her mentors were outside of medicine. Tune into another insightful conversation on The Medicine Mentors as we discuss building long-term relationships to be conducive to growth and seeking mentors outside of medicine that can supplement our medical practice with Dr. Linda Vahdat. Pearls of Wisdom:   1.  The most successful leaders have high EQs and having a high EQ makes a huge difference. It is a skill that can be learned through different outlets—online courses, specialists, podcasts—where we can begin to understand the underpinnings of EQ. 2. We should ensure that we match properly, either as a mentor or as a mentee, with the other person, and re-evaluate that relationship, that it is not a waste of time for either parties, and communicating if that is so to act as a frequent check of the relationship as well as of goals and objectives that we have set up. 3. A good mentor is someone who listens, creates opportunities, and helps balance life. As mentees, we should follow up and close the loop with our mentors because we have to be respectful of the mentor's time, as well. 4. Mentorship doesn't have to be restricted to just medicine. It is more about learning the approach from individuals not just in medicine but also outside of it. It is important to go out of the box and look for mentors who can help you with a mentorship map.