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HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY RESEARCH FACULTY PROFILE – Francine Garrett-Bakelman

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I’ve been at UVA for two years, after completing post graduate clinical and scientific training at Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY. I now work as a physician scientist. I take care of patients with hematological malignancies on the inpatient service, and I am the principal investigator of a laboratory that focuses on the study of biomarkers and pathogenesis of Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Why research?

Since a young age, my interests have focused on science and medicine. Growing up for a period of time in Israel, I personally witnessed how professions that are have the potential to transverse race, religion or cultural backgrounds can be universally applied can make a difference in lives. It is this perspective that compelled me to pursue an academic career that involved both science and medicine. Through training, I have learned to value the importance of education and mentorship and am forever grateful to all individuals who have helped me reach this point in my career. Hence, aim to provide educational opportunities in both medicine and science to trainees with whom I have the privilege of working, whenever possible.

What brought you to Charlottesville?

As I began my search for an academic institution to start my independent research career, UVA was a great fit. It was (and still is) a growing institution, with active recruitment of individuals from a variety of academic backgrounds and expertise. As a University, it offered a breadth of individuals in fields that I could collaborate with. As a cancer center, UVA offered me an opportunity to continue to provide care to patients with hematological malignancies with expert colleagues. Finally, Charlottesville offered a family friendly place to live.

What excites you about your work?

Every day I have the privilege of working on understanding a disease that is a devastating diagnosis to most patients. The discovery of biomarkers that could someday help our field better predict how patients will respond to treatments offered is a unique opportunity I do not take for granted. Finally, working with colleagues and trainees to implement experiments aimed at understand the basic mechanisms of disease, which no one else has performed before, is a dream come true. No two days are alike, and results often surprise me – but that is the fun part!!

Proudest / greatest achievement outside the professional realm?

There are a few that come to mind but one that is extremely meaningful to me. I lived in New York in 2001 and was able to visualize the burning twin towers from my dorm room in medical school in the Bronx at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. It was an extremely sad day and one that I will never forget. Through volunteering with the American Red Cross, I was able to provide services at a respite center for the clean-up crews at ground zero. The nights I spent there close to the base of the Twin Towers, will forever be embedded in my memories. I was thankful to have had the opportunity to contribute, even if in a very small, and perhaps insignificant way. That year I was also the Chairperson of the Board of the Student National Medical Association. It was a difficult year for non-profits, and yet with my colleagues on the Board of Directors, we were able to maintain our focus and support the organization and its membership at large to continue our mission of increased diversification in the medical education and profession pipelines.

Next life?

If I had a choice, I would be an astronaut. I think it would be extremely exciting to be able to travel beyond earth’s atmosphere to explore our galaxy.

What are you usually doing in your spare time?

I focus on spending time with my family, whether it is working on a project, making a meal, taking a trip to the grocery store or to another country together, or just relaxing.

Favorite vacation/activity spot?

My favorite vacation spot is Tanzania. I was once there as a medical resident, and since on another visit as a tourist. Both times I was amazed by the natural beauty of the country, the warm welcome the people offered, and the wonderful animal populations I saw while on Safari.

Most admired person, and why?

My mother. She is the most resourceful and intelligent person I know, who is eternally optimistic, compassionate and considerate.

Best advice anyone ever gave you?

Other that the daily advice I receive from my mother, my PhD supervisor, Dr. Barbara Birshtein offered me advice that I will never forget. She always said that anxiety is another form of excitement. It is that perspective that I follow in my professional life. It helps me face challenges and keeps them in perspective.

What about you would surprise us?

Not too many individuals know, but I am an ex-gymnast. I practiced the sport for nearly twelve years during which I competed internationally.

 

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