Hi Clarise,

Thanks for writing to us. You’re definitely doing the right thing by critically assessing your situation and figuring out whether you’re ready to pursue residency again.  After a cancer diagnosis, it’s not uncommon to feel hesitant and nervous about re-entering the workforce since you don’t know how (or if) your ability to work will be impacted by ongoing side effects from treatment.

I’ve reached out to our career coaches for their insight, but would say that before you make any decision, you should discuss your work situation with your healthcare team. Make sure to tell them the specific concerns you have about your job and the physical and mental demands it requires.  Since a resident’s schedule can be so intense, you just want to make sure you’re taking your health into account and taking all the necessary steps to determine if you’re ready and will have the stamina/energy to handle it all. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at cancerandcareers@cew.org or 646-929-8032.

Our career coaches will be in touch soon!

All the best,

Nicole Franklin, MPH

Manager of Programs

Cancer and Careers

Good Afternoon, Clarise,

I am so glad you contacted us.   Your situation is quite unique in some ways but the issue of how and when to return to work is one all of us face as survivors.

You did not say, but did you return to the Phillipines for your treatment and recovery or are you still in US?  The reason I ask is that Nicole was exactly right to recommend that you contact your medical team first when weighing all your options for continuing your Residency and where.  They are the ones who know you, your treatment and side effects and how you are faring now that treatment is over.   If you are in the same geographic area as your treatment team, that is much easier.   But, if you have to reach out via phone, skype or Facetime, it will also be well worth the inquiry of your doc.  

Your questions of your medical team will be unique to your situation, but here are a few more general ones that will be essential for your to determine:

• How is my recovery progressing?  


• Has my immune system bounced back  from chemo and radiation, or if not, when can I expect it to do so?


• If not, is there anything I can do to rebuild it besides good diet, rest, and exercise?  What do you suggest?


• As you know, I was in my pediatric residency in the US when I was diagnosed.  I would like to make a reasoned decision on whether or not to pursue a US based residency again for this round of Matches.  Knowing what you know about me and physician residency programs, do you think I am ready to resume my training and medical work?


• What, if any accommodations might I need in order to work at that pace?


• Will you support any request that I make for accommodations if you think I will need them by putting them in writing to the teaching hospital where I land?


• How sure are you that I will not have a reccurrance?   What about the impact of stress on my recovery and any future cancer?

Also, if you are still experiencing any Chemo brain, physical weakness or psychological distress from your cancer, you may also want to inquire of your doc about specific help for those issues that may still be accessible to you as a survivor.   I know that for me, that physical weakness, immune suppression and depression lasted about 6 months post chemo and radiation, and the help of a therapist who understood cancer was invaluable.  Anti-depressants and a quick round of targeted talk therapy worked wonders on my energy level and motivation.  Chemo brain was another story.; believe it or not, I still struggle with numbers.  I have to check my work closely so I don't make silly mistakes.  

I had the advantage of a stellar recovery program through Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL that required us survivors to be out of treatment for a year before starting the comprehensive program.  It dealt with physical health, exercize, mindfulness through Yoga and meditation, healthy clean eating, building relationships with other survivors and reconnecting with purpose and a future within our new normal.   This was a God-send for me.  Perhaps there is a similar program in your location.

I know this is not exactly a definitive list of things to think about, but hopefully it is a good start.   Since I am not a physician I recommend that you use your personal medical knowledge to craft a few questions that may more closely address issues that only a physician like you might think of.  

One thing I do know for sure, Clarise, is that you will make a decision that unlocks the best future for you in the long run.  If you decide to go back into residency, your cancer experience will have enhanced your understanding and compassion for those experiencing illness that can be life threatening.  My guess is that will make you a more effective physician than might have been before your own experience reared its head.   And, if you decide to wait, or go in another direction, say research or advocacy instead, the same applies.  Your experience gave you insight that only comes to those of us who walk through that gauntlet to the other side.  

Remember, any decision is only a decision for that moment in time.   You may always change your mind if your circumstances or your experience changes.

I am excited for you, Clarise.   May you find blessing and peace in whatever direction your choose.

Warmest regards,

Kathy Flora, Cancerand Careers Career Coach

Hi Kathy! Thank you so much for your response. I did return to the Philippines for my treatment since it would be easier and my teachers were the ones who took care of me. Actually, my treatment team had mixed reactions. One of my oncologists told me that I can do residency while the other hesitated but she's worried about the stress of training - but she's giving me an okay if I really wanted to do residency training abroad. On the other hand, my surgeon gave me a hard "no." I am not sure if the decision of the 2 hesitant ones is due to the fact that I'm their student, a certain maternal instinct came over them. Haha

With current studies, cancer and stress is not really a cause and effect relationship. There is just an association but a number of factors come into play that predisposes someone to develop cancer. It's been a year since my last chemo and I feel much better now. My doctors don't have any restrictions on my daily activities also.

By the way, would you be knowledgeable if all medical residency training programs in the US have disability privileges (e.g. less duty hours, more medical leaves)? This can help me in making a decision too. Thank you!