Science and Medicine: a Life’s Work

Sarah, what would you say characterises your career?

I would start by saying that I am a multidisciplinary person. I did not enrol or train in one area, but in many. I chose both medicine and research at the ENS because they are complementary disciplines — scientists need to understand doctors, and doctors should inspire research. The experience I accumulate in the laboratory and with my patients help me to grow and become more competent as both a researcher and oncologist.

The next word that comes to mind is “work”. I am engrossed in my work. I think about it all the time. It is what gives meaning to my life. My role as a researcher does not end when I leave my laboratory; my patients stay with me, and I stay with them.

Then, there is an element of chance or luck. My career has allowed me to meet people and encounter situations that I may not have otherwise. I am deeply grateful to everyone I have met along the way — colleagues, students, lecturers, friends, family — for helping shape the person I am today.

What are you most proud of right now?

I would say the doctors, researchers and students I have rallied around me. We form a tight-knit and supportive team that works collectively on the medical and scientific issues that unite us. By believing in ourselves we have been given the means to move forward. I'm also proud of my work and the way in which I make it meaningful, while doing my part as a researcher. I feel that what I do is useful for my patients and their families, especially for cancer treatment and dealing with death and end of life.

Is recognition important to you?

You know, recognition is fairly indirect in my line of work. Recognition comes from your colleagues and superiors, but also from your publications and the exposure of your scientific research. But I’m more sensitive to recognition from my patients; it gives my work and my life meaning. Providing relief and helping patients improve their health are powerful drivers when it comes to recognition.

What inspires you today?

My love for my job and my work — as you will have guessed! But also my dual careers, looking at my double degree. However, I'm less about the “what” and more about the “who” in this regard, and for that figures like Simone Veil inspire me enormously. For her journey, both in her private life and her career, her strong moral fibre, her family values and her political engagement. But more than anything, her resilience and her ability to rise above hardship resonate with me the most. I am a firm believer in how hardship and difficulty can serve as a springboard. I try to remember this in my career and in everyday life.

What do you think is the biggest problem facing women of your generation?

I don't think there is a generational or gender inequality problem today in my environment. While research and medicine remain historically male-dominated fields, the statistics are showing good progress. Everyone now knows that more doctors in France means more women, and here things are also moving the right direction.

On a more personal note, I have noticed that many women, including myself, experience “imposter syndrome”, which can stand in the way of professional fulfilment. I believe that the problem lies with ourselves, not with others. It is up to each individual to take charge, just as you would to build self-confidence.

To conclude, what are the major challenges ahead for your sector?

I could talk to you about Artificial Intelligence (AI), new technologies, or the major questions facing society, but I am more inspired by a challenge of life. My challenge, like that of my teams, is to improve people's daily lives in the face of illness. My challenge is to assist my patients, to stand by them over the long term, and to fight for my teams, my patients and all those who place their trust in us.