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American society Quote by Siddhartha Mukherjee

“Only one person was conspicuously missing from the (American Society of Clinical Oncology, ASCO) party - Dennis Slamon. Having spent the afternoon planning the next phase of Herceptin trials with breast oncologists at ASCO, Slamon had jumped into his rundown Nissan and driven home.” quote by Siddhartha Mukherjee
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““Only one person was conspicuously missing from the (American Society of Clinical Oncology, ASCO) party - Dennis Slamon. Having spent the afternoon planning the next phase of Herceptin trials with breast oncologists at ASCO, Slamon had jumped into his rundown Nissan and driven home.””

Siddhartha Mukherjee

About This Quote

Source Interview: The Emperor of All Maladies, 2010

The anecdote illustrates how a leading oncologist prioritized personal duties over a major conference, underscoring work‑life balance challenges.

In simple terms: A top doctor left a conference to go home, showing personal priorities.

Key Takeaway

Recognize personal limits even in high‑stakes work.

Themes

work‑life balance prioritization medical research career personal responsibility

Mood

analytical concise

Type

professional realistic

When to use this quote

  • clinical trials planning
  • conference attendance
  • family emergencies
  • travel logistics

Key Concepts

time management self‑care professional duty

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you manage personal vs professional duties?
  • What systems help you stay present?
A Different Perspective

Leaving may affect research momentum; consider delegation.

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