Chapter 20: Accomplishments as Division Head and Observations about Leadership and Mentoring

Dr. Bast begins by noting that, as Head of the Division of Cancer Medicine, he was able to build connections between people across departmental lines. He credits Dr. Waun Ki Hong [Oral History Interview] for his leadership in building appreciation for administrative personnel and staff people. He comments on how a leader can be feared and loved. He notes that he has been inspired by the faculty and their contributions to patient care and research, but regrets the amount of time he had to spend on conflict resolution. He summarizes why he enjoyed his time as division head, specifically citing the opportunities he had to mentor people. Next Dr. Bast summarizes his approach to mentoring and sets it in the context of MD Anderson culture, where relationships with other people are a form of currency. He also notes how inspired he has been by fellows who see patients.https://openworks.mdanderson.org/mchv_interviewchapters/1454/thumbnail.jp