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Anything You Can Do, I Can Do Better
Traditionally, women are known to be more nurturing, but what, if anything, do female physicians bring to the cancer field or a leading cancer organization that men don't? Some women say it is a commitment to working as a team and continuing to build the team. "Women can help create a more inclusive and nurturing environment for the organization, to think more about the team and feel far less pressured to be 'the executive,'" said Horning. "Women tend to try to be respectful of each member of the team and recognize and award each person. This is not exclusive to a woman, certainly a man can do this, but I think it may come a little more naturally to a woman to do that."
Matrisian said she sees women as more naturally inclusive than competitive, particularly in science. "I do see a role for women, as science changes from a very hierarchical society with one big boss with everyone working for them to more of a team approach to science, a multidisciplinary approach, in cancer anyway. As we move in that direction, I think more and more women will be proven to be good leaders and we will continue to shine as science goes forward," said Matrisian.
Minasian said the nurturing nature of female physicians has also helped to move the care of cancer patients in a new direction. "Women, at the risk of sounding stereotypical, have a sense of the overall person in the patient, and think more of the sequelae of therapy and the person's overall life," she said. "We're starting to talk more in cancer about long-term side effects. I do think women tend to listen more, but at the same time, I've seen many men who do and women who don't," added Minasian.
Matrisian said she agrees. "It is the classic nurturing kind of thing that women are brought up to be more attuned to. Sometimes we think of things from that perspective that men are not as likely to. Not all, but some," she said.
Mom and M.D.
When it comes to dealing with pregnant physicians in the clinical environment, most female physicians say times have changed dramatically, for the better. "I remember when I was pregnant in 1995 I decided to take three months maternity leave. Because I was going to 'upset the ward' schedule I had to work two months back to back when I was six to seven months pregnant," said Minasian.
Murphy said some men are now asking for medical leave during the birth of a child. "I think it's a good thing. Thirteen to 14 years ago this was a major issue, now it is pretty much a scheduling issue," she said.
But women are still facing issues managing the roles of mother and physician, and some wonder whether that has been the barrier to seeing more women in leadership positions in medicine and national cancer organizations.
The Next Generation
"I think the next generation needs to see more women on the podium, leading the charge," said Matrisian.
Murphy agreed, but understands it won't happen overnight. "I think women have swelled significantly in the lower ranks. Occasionally you'll see women in higher ranks, but I don't see a huge swell of women in higher ranks. I think it's going to take longer."
Meszoely said up-and-coming female physicians need to know how to manage the expectations. "You are still expected to carry out the traditional roles of a woman as well as your role as a physician. If your goal is reaching some leadership position, it requires a lot of devotion to your job. You may sacrifice time with your family. It's a challenge in relationships."
Horning said women in cancer care and leadership roles today have an obligation to mentor younger women following in their footsteps. "It is very important for older women to put a hand out across the bar to help younger women come aboard and share in the opportunities and successes," said Horning. "I truly believe, in this current era, women can do pretty much anything they set their sights on. Making decisions about career and balance in life are very individual and there is no right or wrong way to combine a career in medicine and a family or balanced life."
Matrisian said her advice to a young, female physician or researcher would be to break through the glass ceiling if they do encounter one along the way. "If you can't go left, go right, because there are always going to be obstacles. If that's where you want to go, just find a way to get there." 
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