Nancy J Tarbell

What inspires or motivates you in your role at HMS/HSDM?
I have always loved the academic and teaching environment. My career in medicine, most specifically Radiation Oncology, has provided me with so many opportunities to teach and inspire younger physicians. Working with a team devoted to providing the best possible care for our pediatric patients has always inspired me. suppose that by extension, I want that same optimism and hope for the people that I work with here at Harvard Medical School.

What is the significance of the object you brought with you to the photo shoot?
My stethoscope reminds me of my clinical roots, which have taught me some of the most valuable lessons in life. Seeing children and families face life threatening illness, and being involved in curing their disease, is a platform for my inspiration. There is not much that I don't believe can happen!

What are you most proud of about your work at HMS/HSDM?
Though I am most passionate and proud about what I have accomplished in the clinical world, I am also very moved to expand the role of women faculty in both the clinical and academic setting. As founding director of the Office for Women's Career and the Office of Faculty Development at the Massachusetts General Hospital, I want to inspire and educate women to fully engage and succeed in their chosen field of medicine, while maintaining the all-important (and sometimes complex balance with family and personal growth.

I had wonderful mentors when I was cutting my teeth as a resident. They invested in me and helped me get to where I am today. If I can lead by engaging and encouraging faculty as they navigate their own career paths, I hope to make an even greater contribution to patient care in the end-which brings me right back to the stethoscope, because that connects directly to our mission at HMS.