Associate Director of the Hematology-Oncology Fellowship Training Program and Professor in the Division of Oncology at the University of Washington; Director of the University of Washington/Seattle Cancer Care Alliance clinical research program in melanoma and kidney cancer; and the 2014-2015 Chair-Elect of the ASCO Nominating Committee

AC: What led you to oncology?

Dr. Margolin: There was no specific event. My interest in oncology essentially occurred subconsciously as my exposure to the excitement of cell and molecular biology and immunology became apparent during undergraduate and medical school.

AC: What's the last book you read?

Dr. Margolin: I read fiction for escape during the normal workweek and during (the rare) downtime at meetings. On vacation, I bring some work to read in a relaxing environment. Often my reading is dictated by what my book clubs have on their list (unless I don't enjoy it). The most recent was Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, which I read for my "flaky" book club made up of other academic health sciences women who have as little time as I do for serious reading. My "serious" book club is mostly retired women who worked in literature, law, and the arts. Gone Girl was a creepy but brilliantly crafted thriller that was difficult to put down once started. Really great for reading while walking on the treadmill!

AC: What hobbies do you enjoy?

Dr. Margolin: I thrive on travel (that doesn't involve meetings), speaking foreign languages, showing overseas visitors around Seattle, hiking, photography, and going to the symphony and ballet; I also now have a baby grandson!

AC: Do you have a personal motto?

Dr. Margolin: Nope, but I am a stickler for honesty and integrity. I try to impart those principles to my offspring and "students," who are mainly the fellows in my program.

AC: What is your fondest memory?

Dr. Margolin: My late husband's (too short) life on this earth.

AC: Who is the person you most admire?

Dr. Margolin: Tied for first place are Jim Doroshow, MD, of the Center for Cancer Research, and Nora Disis, MD, of the University of Washington Medicine group. Dr. Doroshow is the epitome of passion for oncology, integrity, and modesty, and he has a healthy sense of humor. He is the ideal "chief" and really got me started on this road. Dr. Disis is a super person, focused on cancer immunology but also responsible for broad collaborations across all health sciences. She balances her responsibilities seemingly effortlessly but accomplishes the work of several people. She is an inspiration and the person I want to be when I grow up.

AC: What career could you see yourself in if you weren't an oncologist?

Dr. Margolin: As a travel specialist or doing something in linguistics.

AC: What changes do you envision for the field in the next 10 years?

Dr. Margolin: Digitalization of all knowledge (which is quickly approaching) and eventually moving toward molecularly defined disease diagnoses with a wide variety of epidemiologic, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications.

AC: What would you say to a young physician thinking about entering the field of oncology?

Dr. Margolin: Go for it! I don't see anything in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, with the sequester, or related changes in the socioeconomic landscape to overcome the sheer delight of working in this field. Oncology has unparalleled opportunities.