I Couldn’t Have Done It without You, Dad
Today, we honor fathers, grandfathers, godfathers, stepfathers, fathers-in-law, uncles, partners, husbands, brothers, friends, mentors and men who love with a father’s heart. On this Father’s Day, we’re sharing stories from our own Moffitt Cancer Center doctors about how important dad is.
Like Mother and Father, Like Daughter
“As the eldest child of two physicians, I grew up with the expectation that I would one day go into medicine. The practice of surgery, however, was a choice that surprised both of my parents (and myself!). My father, a now-retired anesthesiologist, has always been the strongest supporter and most positive force in my career and my personal life. My only regret is that we never got to work together in the operating room before he retired. Thanks, Dad — you’re the very best!”
- M. Catherine Lee, surgical oncologist, Breast Oncology Program
The Most Rewarding Thing You Could Ever Do
“I have been interested in medicine from the beginning, listening to my father tell stories of the days he served as a medic in World War II. His many meaningful patient interactions always resonated the most. He often told me that medicine was the most rewarding thing you could ever do, and I could not agree more. This ignited my career path and drove me to medical school. It’s also what inspires me as a physician today. My patients come first, and I am so proud that patient- and family-centered care is at the heart of Moffitt Cancer Center. I truly believe that people come here for one reason. Not just because they can get clinical care here — they can get that anywhere. But they want expertise and they want hope.”
“I am forever grateful to my father for inspiring me to follow in his footsteps and impact people’s lives at Moffitt.”
- Alan List, President and CEO
Making a Difference for Dad
“When I was 15 years old, my father was diagnosed with lymphoma. He underwent many cycles of chemotherapy and many different treatments, and it didn’t work. He was enrolled onto a clinical trial, and it did work. And so through that experience, and as I’ve gone through my education, medical school and all my training, I’ve had that experience and that drive to not only treat cancer but to try to find new therapies for patients.”
“I’m very passionate about helping cancer patients and their families deal with the ordeal of a cancer diagnosis. Not only did I see how horrible cancer is, but I could see how clinical trials can actually make a difference for people who are without other options.”
- Frederick Locke, vice chair of the Department of Blood and Marrow Transplant and Cellular Immunotherapy
Leading by Example
“I can talk to him. We talk about cancer research. And then he tells me I’m wrong and that I don’t know anything. But actually you get new ideas, and I give him ideas, so it’s really, really cool actually.”
- Peter Forsyth, chair of the Neuro-Oncology Program, on working at Moffitt Cancer Center with his son, Connor
