In this episode of Open Doors with Drs. Ioanna and Vilma, we are joined by Dr. Mark Lewis, a widely respected Medical Oncologist and Director of Gastrointestinal Oncology at Intermountain Healthcare. Dr. Lewis is not only a leader in his field, specializing in young-onset cancers, hereditary cancer syndromes, and neuroendocrine tumors, but also someone who brings a profoundly personal perspective to the art of care—having experienced cancer as a son, a patient, and a physician.

In Part 1 of our conversation, Dr. Lewis shares his deeply human journey, reflecting on how early experiences with his father’s illness and his own life-changing surgery shaped his approach to medicine and leadership. We explore what it truly means to care for patients with empathy, to navigate the delicate balance between honesty and hope, and to communicate complex science in ways that empower rather than overwhelm.

This episode illuminates the intersection of science and humanity, showing how personal experience can deepen professional insight. Dr. Lewis’s reflections offer guidance for physicians, caregivers, and anyone seeking to bring compassion, clarity, and presence into their work.

Dr. Mark Lewis also shares:

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10887480/

Tune in for an inspiring conversation on empathy, resilience, and the profound impact of living and leading with heart in oncology.

In Part 2 of our inspiring conversation with Dr. Teresa Amaral on Open Doors with Drs. Ioanna and Vilma, we dive into the heart of what sustains us as oncology professionals: wellbeing, mentorship, resilience, empowerment, and the often-underestimated power of physical activity.

Dr. Amaral brings her authentic voice and leadership experience to a discussion that feels both practical and deeply personal. We explore how structured mentorship programmes can shape not just careers but identities—offering a space for guidance, support, and growth. She shares her own experience in mentoring young oncologists and fostering inclusive leadership through her work with ESMO.

We also talk candidly about professional wellbeing—how to maintain a sense of purpose and balance in high-pressure environments, and why resilience is more about connection and reflection than pushing through at any cost.

A powerful and uplifting part of our conversation focuses on physical activity as a form of empowerment—not just for physical health, but for mental clarity, emotional strength, and a renewed sense of agency. Whether it’s a short walk or structured training, movement becomes a metaphor for forward momentum.

Dr. Amaral leaves us a powerful message to not take anything for granted: "This too shall pass".

Tune in for a heartfelt exploration of how we can build meaningful, empowered careers—grounded in mentorship, movement, and self-compassion.

In this inspiring episode of Open Doors with Drs. Ioanna and Vilma, we’re joined by Dr. Teresa Amaral, a board-certified Medical Oncologist and internationally recognised leader in translational melanoma research. Currently based at the renowned Skin Cancer Center in Tuebingen, Germany, Dr. Amaral brings a wealth of clinical, scientific, and leadership experience to our conversation.

In Part 1 of our discussion, Dr. Amaral shares her deeply thoughtful perspective on compassionate leadership, drawing from her rich journey across borders and institutions. We explore how kindness, clarity, and vision can transform teams and energise the next generation of oncologists. With characteristic warmth, she also speaks to the importance of networking, building genuine collaborations, and reaching out beyond comfort zones to create lasting impact.

Resilience emerges as a central theme—how we nurture it in ourselves, and how we foster it in others. Whether you're early in your career or navigating complex leadership roles, Dr. Amaral’s reflections offer both practical tools and heartfelt encouragement for growing with purpose in global oncology.

Her message is clear: Compassionate leadership isn’t soft—it’s powerful. It builds trust, opens doors, and creates spaces where people can truly thrive.

Tune in for an energising conversation on leadership, connection, and the transformative power of working together in medicine.

We are truly honored to welcome Dr. Sergio Cifuentes Canaval, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) IDEA Awardee 2025, to the podcast. In this thoughtful conversation, we dive into the emotional and professional journey of an oncologist navigating residency and the early years of his career in Latin America.

In Medicine, challenges are often part of the path — not always chosen, not always fair, and not always with clear answers. But sometimes, simply facing them can lead to unexpected shifts in how we see ourselves and the world.

Dr. Cifuentes opens up about the intense pressures and burnout he faced during residency, what helped him find balance again, and how these experiences shaped his commitment to supporting both patients and fellow healthcare professionals across Latin America. As an ASCO IDEA Award recipient, he highlights the importance of staying proactive—opening doors, embracing challenges, and getting involved—as essential tools for both personal and professional growth.

Through a deeply personal lens, we explore how embracing challenges in Medicine and beyond can open space for learning, connection, and resilience.

He leaves us with a message that is simple yet deeply powerful:
“Take the challenge, face the challenge, and walk through the challenge.”

Tune in for a heartfelt, honest, and empowering conversation that reminds us all of the strength that can emerge when we choose to keep walking forward—one step at a time.

#Residency #ProfessionalWellbeing #Resilience #Oncology #LatinAmericaHealthcare #ASCOIDEA

In this thoughtful episode of Open Doors with Drs. Ioanna and Vilma, we’re joined by Dr. Jenny Liu, Translational Lead of Early Phase Drug Development at The Kinghorn Cancer Centre in Australia.

Dr. Liu shares her extensive experience as a clinician-scientist leading novel cancer trials, while also shining a light on an innovative mentoring program that’s transforming how we address burnout in trainees and early-career oncologists.

Together, we explore the profound impact burnout can have on personal wellbeing and professional fulfilment, and discuss why investing in structured, supportive mentorship is essential for sustaining a healthy, resilient oncology workforce.

Drawing from her impressive career and collaborative research across world-leading institutions and consortia, Dr. Liu offers practical insights and reflections on building a culture where mentorship empowers young clinicians to thrive — during training and beyond.

She reminds us:
" In the Health System we are very good at raising problems when they arise but, when things go well, we're not so good at thanking or expressing our gratitude."

Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, connection, and the vital role of mentorship in fostering wellbeing in oncology.

In this inspiring episode of our Open Doors with Drs. Ioanna and Vilma Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Jonathan Lim, Clinical Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Medical Oncologist in Advanced Immunotherapy and Cell Therapy for solid cancers at The University of Manchester and The Christie.

Dr. Lim shares his personal and professional journey of living and working abroad, offering thoughtful reflections on what it means to build a meaningful career across borders. From the thrill of scientific discovery to the quiet resilience needed to adapt to unfamiliar environments, he opens up about the unique challenges and rewards of being a clinician-scientist in a foreign country.

We also delve into the topic of burnout, a growing concern in our field. With an impressive career that spans prestigious institutions including The Francis Crick Institute, Imperial College London, The Royal Marsden, and The Christie, Dr. Lim brings valuable insights into the importance of professional wellbeing, especially for those navigating complex transitions in global medical careers. His message is clear:

"Living and working abroad is an exciting journey — but it also comes with unique challenges to our professional wellbeing."

Dr. Lim also leaves us with a powerful reminder:

"Be kind. Be kind to yourself and be kind to others. A lot of self-compassion comes with that."

Tune in for an enriching conversation on purpose, resilience, and the human side of oncology.

In the premiere episode of Open Doors, oncologists and scientists Dr. Ioanna Nixon and Dr. Vilma Pacheco Barcia explore a powerful question: what does it really mean to be resilient?

Rooted in personal insight and scientific evidence, this conversation unpacks the evolving definition of resilience—not as bouncing back, but as bouncing forward. The hosts reflect on the neuroscience behind stress and adaptation, the importance of supportive relationships, and practical strategies to protect mental health in high-pressure environments like healthcare and academia.

Drawing on findings from the 2024 ESMO Resilience Task Force and the WHO-5 Well-Being Index, they examine how professionals navigate burnout, uncertainty, and emotional load while continuing to show up, grow, and lead.

From Medical Oncologists, Medical students to startup founders, this episode sets the stage for the stories to come—and invites you to take your own small step toward wellbeing.

Episode 1: THE SCIENCE OF RESILIENCE: WHY WE BEND, NOT BREAK

In this episode of Open Doors, two oncologists share their story—how they met, how their professional paths crossed, and how their shared experiences have helped them build resilience over time. They discuss practical ways they manage challenges, maintain perspective, and support others in high-pressure environments. Their conversation highlights the value of connection, collaboration, and learning from each other to stay grounded and effective in demanding roles.

This episode sets the stage for the podcast, which will feature conversations with invited professionals from various fields, all sharing their perspectives on resilience, connection, and growth.

🎙️ Drs. Ioanna Nixon & Vilma Pacheco Barcia, oncologists, present Open Doors Podcast focused on science and professional well-being.

Check out this preview of the first podcast episode!