UCLA Journal of Radiation Oncology SUMMER 2024 - Flipbook - Page 35
UCLA RADIATION ONCOLOGY JOURNAL
A CONVERSATION WITH
MIRIAM LANE, M.D.
E: How did your upbringing, if at all,
influence your education/career path?
M: My dad immigrated to the United
States from Pakistan when he was a young
adult to attend college to study Aerospace
Engineering. He has continually inspired
and encouraged my sisters and me to
never underestimate the power of hard
work. I don’t think taking the easy way out
of a situation has been something that has
ever crossed his mind. From homework
to household projects, he reminds us to
always do our best because it makes a big
difference.
am deeply grateful for their love and
sacrifices that have guided me to where I
am today.
E: Why medicine? From medicine, how
did you arrive at Radiation Oncology?
M: When I was a child, I dreamt of
becoming a veterinarian! My mom tells
me that when I was two years old, I
told her, “I want to be a vet and play the
drums.” I did learn how to play the drums
later in life. For many years, my dream
was to become a cancer vet. Looking
back, I think a large part of my initial
fascination with oncology, even from my
My father’s integrity and dedication to
middle school days, stemmed from the
hard work is paired with my mother’s
unique dichotomy between cutting-edge
tender heart. Her mantra has always been scientific advances and the mysteries yet
“follow your dreams and do what you
to be unraveled.
love.” From the biggest victories down to
When I started college, two significant
the smallest, she has always been in the
front row cheering us on. Even though my things happened in my life—my older
sister began struggling with her mental
goals have naturally shifted throughout
my life, she has been a constant source of health and a young cousin passed
away from metastatic esophageal
encouragement and support.
cancer. I already knew that I wanted to
My parents’ unwavering belief in me has
pursue oncology and engage in cancer
given me the confidence to pursue my
research, but I soon discovered that the
passions and navigate life’s challenges
compassionate, humanistic aspects of
with optimism and determination. I
medicine were truly what inspired me to
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