Martha Teke, M.D., a Surgical Oncology and Cancer Immunotherapy Research Fellow
Martha Teke, M.D., is a research fellow in the Surgical Oncology and Cancer Immunotherapy Research Fellowship Program in the lab of Jonathan M. Hernandez, M.D. Her current research interests are developing a new ex-vivo (“out-of-body”) human tumor model to learn more about metastatic cancer in the laboratory and pediatric surgical oncology. In this Q&A, Dr. Teke shares her experience as a clinical fellow at CCR and what kind of impact she hopes to leave in the world of science.
- Why did you choose to come to CCR for your fellowship? How would you describe your experience so far?
I chose CCR for multiple reasons, and I must say that CCR has fulfilled all my expectations and more. As a maturing clinician and surgeon-scientist, I wanted to be in an environment where I could learn from leaders in the field and contribute to cutting-edge research that could potentially have a lasting impact on patient care. Additionally, conducting clinical rotations during these research years gave me first-hand experience on what it meant to treat a patient from “bench to bedside,” which was truly unique.
- What is it about science that motivated and intrigued you to pursue/enter the field?
Although we have made great strides in science, much more needs to be done. Nothing is harder than telling a patient they have no treatment options, or that their disease has surpassed the breadth of our current knowledge. However, where our knowledge ends, science begins, and that’s powerful! Because science revises, optimizes and innovates, we can continue to push the envelope and provide more options to the patients that need it most.
- What is your future after you leave CCR?
I will complete my surgical residency at the University of Texas Southwestern in Dallas with aspirations of ultimately becoming a pediatric surgical oncologist.
- Please share what mark you’d like to leave on the world.
The truth is, I don’t want to leave a mark: I want to leave marks. I plan to pursue a career in pediatric surgical oncology because when a child’s life is released from the grip of cancer, it’s released to potential hope and an impactful future. So, the more children I can touch through science, the more marks I leave, and the greater change I can provide.
- What would you like to tell prospective CCR fellows?
You won’t encounter another experience like this, thus, make the most of it. Ask all the questions and seek all the answers. You have all the resources to learn and thrive; take advantage of it!
- What advice would you give to the next generation of students of color thinking about a career in science? Perhaps even earlier, how can kids be encouraged to pursue STEM studies and careers? Do you know of any specific STEM inclusion initiatives that others may find beneficial?
Three words – WE NEED YOU. Contrary to popular belief, science is fun and exciting. But even more exciting is seeing a scientist that looks like you, can relate to your experiences and is interested in areas of investigation that are important to you. That is why it is imperative to have more scientists of color and I strongly encourage anyone interested in STEM to pursue it. WE NEED YOU.
For more information on becoming a fellow at CCR, visit our training page.