Open Doors, Drs. Ioanna and Vilma Podcast

Drs. Ioanna Nixon and Vilma P. Barcia, Oncologists
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We are Drs. Ioanna Nixon and Vilma P. Barcia and this is Open Doors Podcast: two women oncologists, scientists driven by curiosity, evidence and compassion.

  1. EPISODE 16 - Breaking the Stigma with Dr. Narjust Florez: Lung Cancer in Young Patients

    MAR 2

    EPISODE 16 - Breaking the Stigma with Dr. Narjust Florez: Lung Cancer in Young Patients

    In this episode of Open Doors Podcast, Dr. Joanna Nixon and Dr. Vilma Pacheco Barcia engage in a profound conversation with Dr. Narjust Florez about the evolving landscape of lung cancer, particularly in younger patients and non-tobacco users. They discuss the stigma surrounding lung cancer, the unique biological features of the disease in younger patients, and the critical issues of survivorship and sexual health. The conversation also delves into the challenges of burnout and imposter syndrome faced by oncologists, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and role modeling in the medical field. takeaways Younger women are increasingly diagnosed with lung cancer.Stigma leads to delays in diagnosis and treatment.77% of lung cancer patients experience sexual dysfunction.The conversation about sexual health is often neglected in oncology.Burnout is a significant issue in the medical field.Imposter syndrome affects many women in leadership roles.Role modeling can empower the next generation of oncologists.The medical community needs to address the stigma associated with lung cancer.Self-love and acceptance are crucial for patients' quality of life.Creating a supportive environment is essential for mentoring. KEYWORDS lung cancer, oncology, burnout, sexual health, stigma, mentorship, imposter syndrome, survivorship, women in science, health disparities

    40 min
  2. EPISODE 15 - Transforming Oncology Education with Dr. Gil Morgan: The OncoAlert Journey

    FEB 9

    EPISODE 15 - Transforming Oncology Education with Dr. Gil Morgan: The OncoAlert Journey

    Summary In this episode of the Open Doors Podcast, Dr. Ioanna Nixon and Dr. Vilma Pacheco-Barcia engage with Dr. Gil Morgan, a clinical oncologist and founder of OncoAlert. They discuss the evolution of OncoAlert from a social media initiative to a global platform for oncology education and advocacy. Dr. Morgan shares insights into his journey in clinical oncology, the importance of equity in cancer care, and the challenges of misinformation in healthcare. The conversation also touches on personal well-being, work-life balance, and advice for young oncologists looking to innovate in their field. Takeaways Dr. Gil Morgan emphasizes the importance of social media in oncology education. OncoAlert started as a small network and grew into a global platform. The diversity in clinical oncology offers unique treatment opportunities. Misinformation in healthcare is a significant challenge that needs addressing. Equity in oncology education is crucial for improving patient outcomes. Personal well-being is essential for sustaining a career in medicine. Young oncologists should prioritize their interests and well-being while innovating. The oncology community must support each other to combat misinformation. Daily routines and self-care practices can enhance productivity and creativity. Reflecting on past achievements can motivate future endeavors. Sound bites "We need to amplify oncology information." "You have to love what you're doing." "Make sure that whatever you do is fun." Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Dr. Jill Morgan and OncoAlert 02:15 The Journey into Clinical Oncology 09:46 The Birth of OncoAlert 14:35 The Evolution of OncoAlert and Its Impact 19:27 Balancing Multiple Roles and Personal Strategies 28:17 Well-Being and Personal Routines 35:03 Innovating with Well-Being in Mind 40:13 Equity in Oncology: Breaking Barriers 45:12 Combating Misinformation in Healthcare 49:45 Reflections and Future Aspirations 57:53 NEWCHAPTER Keywords OncoAlert, oncology, cancer prevention, social media, equity in healthcare, misinformation, well-being, work-life balance, innovation in medicine, global health

    58 min

  3. JAN 19

    EPISODE 14 - Breaking Barriers: Prof. Amanda Psyrri on Leading Through Collaboration

    In this episode of the Open Doors Podcast, Dr. Ioanna Nixon and Dr. Vilma Pacheco-Barcia engage in a profound conversation with Prof. Amanda Psyrri, a global leader in oncology. Prof. Psyrri shares her inspiring journey from Greece to the United States, her groundbreaking research on HPV and oropharyngeal cancer, and her vision for the future of women in oncology leadership. Key Insights:The importance of resilience and persistence in the face of challenges. The transformative impact of translational research on patient care. Building strong collaborative networks in oncology across Europe and the United States. Key Messages:"Leadership is built on persistence, not a perfect record." "Believe in your dream, stay focused, and be persistent." "When women lead, entire systems get stronger."Guest Quotes:"Do not judge me by my success. Judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again." - Amanda Psyrri "We should say yes to opportunities, even when we are not sure. Because this is when the greatest success happens." Join us as we explore the intersections of leadership, research, and personal growth in the world of oncology.

    37 min
  4. PREVIEW SEASON 3 - Opening Doors for Others: Leadership through Networks, not Silos

    TRAILER

    PREVIEW SEASON 3 - Opening Doors for Others: Leadership through Networks, not Silos

    In this special preview episode, we bring together leading voices in global healthcare to explore what it truly means to lead with integrity, creativity, and compassion—while protecting professional wellbeing. Dr. Gil Morgan, Executive Director of the OncoAlert Network, addresses the growing challenge of medical misinformation and the responsibility healthcare providers carry when communicating data online. He reflects on why accuracy, transparency, and ethical leadership matter more than ever in the digital age. Prof. Joe O’Sullivan, Professor at Queen’s University Belfast, shares how embracing his identity as a musician has made him a better, more creative doctor. He discusses the often-overlooked artistic side of medicine and how creativity supports resilience and wellbeing. Dr. Narjust Florez, Consultant Medical Oncologist at Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, highlights a critical gap in oncology: sexual health in women, particularly those living with lung cancer. She calls attention to the lack of training and research in this area—and why addressing it is essential to truly patient-centered care. Prof. Hisham Mehanna, Director of Head and Neck Oncology in Birmingham (UK), reflects on leadership through networks rather than silos. He speaks about opening doors for others, embracing failure, and cultivating a growth mindset as a foundation for sustainable leadership. Prof. Amanda Psyrri, Chair of Medicine at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, closes with powerful insights on believing in your best self, authentic leadership, and the role of confidence and purpose in shaping meaningful careers. Together, these conversations offer inspiration, honesty, and practical wisdom for anyone navigating leadership, wellbeing, and humanity in modern medicine. Join us for season 3 that will be live on January 20, 2026. #ProfessionalWellbeing #Leadership #Compassion #Burnout #Research

    6 min
  5. EPISODE 13 - Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Enes Erul

    12/22/2025

    EPISODE 13 - Imposter Syndrome with Dr. Enes Erul

    In this episode of the Open Doors Podcast, Dr. Ioanna Nixon and Dr. Vilma Pacheco-Barcia are joined by Dr. Enes Erul, a medical oncologist and researcher, to explore the complex world of imposter syndrome and resilience in the medical field. Dr. Erul shares his personal journey and insights into how high-achieving professionals often grapple with self-doubt and the pressure to be perfect. The conversation delves into the structural and individual factors contributing to burnout and imposter syndrome, offering listeners a deeper understanding of these pervasive issues. Key highlights include discussions on the importance of mentorship, the role of self-compassion, and strategies for building resilience. Tune in to discover how embracing vulnerability and fostering supportive environments can lead to personal and professional growth.

    1h 1m

  6. 12/15/2025

    EPISODE 12, Part 2 - From Algeria to Global Oncology: Dr. Imène Hadji’s Early Career Journey

    In this episode of the Open Doors Podcast, Dr. Ioanna Nixon and Dr. Vilma Pacheco-Barcia welcome Dr. Imene Hadji, a pioneering medical oncologist from Algeria. Dr. Hadji shares her journey of navigating the global oncology landscape, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, mental health, and multiculturalism. Discover how she balances local roots with a global perspective to drive innovation and change in oncology. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that highlights the resilience and leadership of young oncologists worldwide. Join Dr. Ioanna Nixon and Dr. Vilma Pacheco-Barcia as they explore the inspiring journey of Dr. Imene Hadji, a medical oncologist from Algeria. Discover how Dr. Hadji navigates the challenges of global oncology, balancing local roots with a global perspective. This episode delves into the importance of mentorship, mental health, and the power of multiculturalism in shaping the future of oncology. Keywords Dr. Imene Hadji, global oncology, mentorship, mental health, multiculturalism, oncology challenges, young oncologists, Algeria, professional wellbeing, oncology innovation Takeaways Oncology is a field where compassion and science meet.Cross-border learning transforms perspectives.Local roots and global curiosity shape a unique outlook.Simplification of care pathways reduces delays in oncology.Empowering primary care improves early cancer detection.Community trust is crucial in public health.System-level thinking enhances patient care.Multiculturalism enriches global oncology partnerships.Setting boundaries is essential for mental health.Young oncologists can drive meaningful change.

    24 min
  7. EPISODE 12, Part 1 - From Algeria to Global Oncology: Dr. Imène Hadji’s Early Career Journey

    12/08/2025

    EPISODE 12, Part 1 - From Algeria to Global Oncology: Dr. Imène Hadji’s Early Career Journey

    Keywords oncology, global health, early career oncologists, resource-limited settings, medical education, patient care, multiculturalism, innovation, mentorship, cancer care Summary In this episode of Open Doors Podcast, Dr. Ioanna Nixon and Dr. Vilma Pacheco-Barcia engage with Dr. Imène Hadji, a medical oncologist from Algeria, discussing the unique challenges and opportunities faced by early career oncologists in resource-limited settings. The conversation explores Dr. Hadji's journey into oncology, the importance of mentorship, the role of innovation in patient care, and how multilingualism enhances communication and trust in clinical practice. The episode emphasizes the need for a global perspective in oncology and the potential for young oncologists to reshape the field through their diverse experiences and insights. Takeaways The journey to becoming a medical oncologist can be influenced by mentors. Global perspectives in oncology are shaped by local experiences. Human-centered innovations can significantly improve patient care. Building trust in healthcare is essential for effective patient engagement. Multilingualism enhances communication and patient relationships. Early career oncologists have a unique perspective on systemic challenges. Change in healthcare can start with small, actionable steps. Cultural humility is crucial in global health partnerships. Collaboration among diverse oncologists can lead to better patient outcomes. The future of oncology relies on the integration of local and global knowledge. Titles Empowering Early Career Oncologists Global Perspectives in Oncology Sound bites "I always wanted to become a doctor." "You just need to start." "Language is a tool for equity."

    24 min
  8. EPISODE 11 - Dr. Yago Garitaonaindía Beyond Borders: A Young Oncologist’s Fellowship Journey

    11/24/2025

    EPISODE 11 - Dr. Yago Garitaonaindía Beyond Borders: A Young Oncologist’s Fellowship Journey

    Join us on the Open Doors Podcast as we dive into the world of international research fellowships with Dr. Yago Garitaonaindia Diaz. Discover the challenges and triumphs of transitioning into a new academic culture, the intricacies of balancing clinical and translational research, and the importance of mentorship and resilience in the face of burnout. Whether you're a clinician, researcher, or someone curious about the journey of medical professionals, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in to explore how Dr. Yago Garitonaindia navigates the complexities of language barriers, cultural shifts, and the pursuit of groundbreaking cancer research. Highlights: Transitioning into a new academic culture can be challenging.Balancing clinical and translational research requires careful planning.Mentorship plays a crucial role in professional development.Resilience is key to overcoming burnout.Language barriers can impact professional interactions.Cultural shifts require adaptability and openness.Groundbreaking cancer research is a collaborative effort.International fellowships offer unique learning opportunities.Navigating administrative processes can be complex.Support systems are essential for success in new environments.Keywords: International research fellowshipsAcademic cultureClinical researchTranslational researchMentorshipResilienceBurnoutLanguage barriersCultural shiftsCancer research

    25 min
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About

We are Drs. Ioanna Nixon and Vilma P. Barcia and this is Open Doors Podcast: two women oncologists, scientists driven by curiosity, evidence and compassion.

Information

  • Creator
    Drs. Ioanna Nixon and Vilma P. Barcia, Oncologists
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Drs. Ioanna Nixon and Vilma P. Barcia, Oncologists
  • Show Website
    Open Doors, Drs. Ioanna and Vilma Podcast