When choosing a speciality in medicine, rarely do cardiology and oncology cross paths. The skills and interests vary and I am so grateful when my friends in Pulmonology, Critical care, Cardiology and Internal medicine skillfully aid a patient in distress. What we are now witnessing, however, is a greater overlap in specialities. While some of the toxic therapies such as immuno-treatments, chemo and radiation can impact heart health, researchers are now exploring the use of cancer drugs to actually improve cardiovascular health. There are fewer cardiac medications under investigation, but oncology is exploding and new multipurpose uses are being discovered. One example is the use of saracatinib (one of the “ibs”) used for slowing inflammation in heart disease (NYU Langone health news). Why start from scratch when we can use an experimental cancer drug to limit atherosclerotic heart disease caused by inflammation?

Call me a geek, but I think this is fascinating. The changes are fast and furious in all of medicine, increasing well-being for everyone. It is exciting that the next generations of physicians will devote themselves to practicing with even greater precision and swift developments. And so, I am a big fan of encouraging students to join the medical field.

Coming from a different career, I set up a heap of challenges for my family when I decided to do medicine- training for 10 years. The sacrifices much greater with having a family already, rather than starting from college. I remain, after 30 years and so many changes, still very enthusiastic. Yes there is corporate overreach interfering. Yes there are economic contraints personally, in practices and hospitals. Yes it is hard and there is stress holding others lives on your hand, and yes the field has changed. BUT…..the rewards are tremendous. So during this time of graduations and educational decisions, my message is for those of you with children and grandchildren currently making choices. If they are curious, diligent, disciplined, have facility for math and science, consider medicine. I would encourage, if there is even a chance, that they gather all the prerequisites (math, physics, organic chem etc) for medical school during those outragiously expensive college years, even if they do the courses as electives. That way, if some day they decide to go back for medical school, they don’t have to return to take college courses.

While every day is a challenge, it is also a gift. The brightest and the best need to pursue this career and most of us in the field will say that it is a wonderful and wonder-filled life. Encourage others to consider. Because, while heart disease may borrow meds from cancer care, oncology is greatful when a loving and devoted heart is at the center of all of medicine.

Congratulations to all the graduates. May you thrive in the trials, enjoy many successes and continue to put your own heart into every endeavor.