Kirby I. Bland, M.D., FACS, MAMSE, chair emeritus of the Division of Breast & Endocrine Surgery at UAB, was recently interviewed for "Heroes and Legends in Surgical Oncology," a video article series produced by the Annals of Surgical Oncology.

The series features interviews with pioneers who have made a lasting impact on the field of surgical oncology, with a focus on the role of mentorship. Discussing his career and professional trajectory, Dr. Bland describes the influence of his own mentors and, in turn, how he has mentored hundreds of residents and students.

For the video series, Dr. Bland also interviewed Dr. Edward (Ted) Copeland III, distinguished professor emeritus at the University of Florida, who offers this advice to aspiring young leaders in the Society of Surgical Oncology: “Be a nice person, find the right faculty, [and remember] fairness is the key to success.”

About Kirby I. Bland, M.D., FACS, MAMSE

A sought-after speaker and widely published author and editor, Dr. Kirby Bland is professor emeritus of surgical oncology and Fay Fletcher Kerner chair emeritus of the UAB Department of Surgery. His influential research on targeted therapies and chemoprevention of breast cancer has been supported by the NIH Specialized Programs of Research Excellence and published in over 600 journal articles and books, including the largest-selling book on breast diseases, The Breast: Comprehensive Management of Benign and Malignant Diseases.

Written by: Nancy Abney