Inquiry
Pasi A. Jänne, M.D., Ph.D.: Fellow in Adult Hematology/Oncology
by Hilary F. Bennett
Training the next generation of physicians has always been an integral part of Dana-Farber's mission. Under the leadership of Robert Mayer, M.D., vice-chair for academic affairs in the department of Adult Oncology, the Dana-Farber/Partners Adult Hematology/Oncology Fellowship Program has become one of the most sought-after and selective in the nation. In the class that will begin in July 2000, for example, nearly 240 physicians completed applications for the 14 available fellowships.
Pasi A. Jänne, M.D., Ph.D., talks with patient Nicola Giliberti from Avellino, Italy.
In this issue of Paths of Progress, we spoke with 32-year-old Pasi Jänne, M.D., Ph.D., a second-year fellow. In October 1999, Jänne was nominated as a Friends Fellow by the Friends of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. Each year, this all-volunteer organization supports a gifted researcher pursuing an independent research study.
Q. Why did you decide to become a physician?
A. I suppose the fact that my father is a physician doing research in endocrinology and my mother is a speech therapist had some influence on my decision to pursue a medical career. Ever since I was a kid living in Finland [Jänne moved to the U.S. at the age of 12], I was fascinated by the idea of research and scientific discoveries. I also knew early on that I wanted to be in a profession in which I'd have a lot of interaction with people. By the time I went to college [Vassar] and got my degree in chemistry, I knew I wanted to go into medicine. It was really what excited me the most.
"The most rewarding aspect of my training is taking patients through their therapy and, when they are doing well and getting back to their normal lives, knowing I've made a difference."
— Pasi A. Jänne, M.D., Ph.D.
I received a combined M.D./Ph.D. [in human genetics] from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. It was during medical school that I thought seriously about going into oncology. My residency at Brigham and Women's Hospital, where I cared for a lot of cancer patients, confirmed my decision. I was specifically interested in the Dana-Farber/Partners fellowship program because I knew it would provide me with exposure to a wide variety of cancer patients and to many different aspects of oncology. I haven't been disappointed.
Q. You've decided to become a thoracic oncologist. What is it about oncology, and specifically thoracic oncology, that appeals to you?
A. Oncology integrates my two major interests — science and medicine — so it's a good fit for me. Also, my background in genetics has great applicability to oncology, not only in terms of treatment but also in relation to screening and prevention, particularly as we learn more about the role of genetics in cancer.
My interest in thoracic oncology, and particularly lung cancer, stems from the fact that this is a very challenging disease in which there's been little progress in terms of prevention, screening, or treatment. Last year alone, nearly 159,000 people died of lung cancer. I believe we can do better.
- Next: What is the fellowship program like?
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Paths of Progress, Winter/Spring 2000
Paths of Progress Archive
