The dedication of Rachel Clark Sisodia, MD, to her patients and students serves as a constant inspiration to pursue clinical and academic excellence in the fight against cancer.
As an intern, Dr. Clark gained national attention in both the New York Times and on the CBS Early Show for saving a woman’s life after making a rare and difficult diagnosis known as anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis as related to ovarian teratoma. Since that time, she has published more than 33 articles covering a diverse range of topics related to gynecological cancers. Currently, she is an assistant professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology at Harvard Medical School and a gynecologic oncologist at Mass General.
Known for being a rigorous, exacting but kind teacher, Dr. Clark’s focus on clinical and academic excellence inspires students, residents and fellows as they pursue their future in medicine. She has received more than seven teaching awards from Harvard Medical School for her teaching and continues to mold new physicians by demonstrating the bedside manner and emotional intelligence skills required to be an exemplary oncologist.
One of her fellows used the following words: “Rachel exudes integrity. Her leadership style is motivational and she identifies strengths and weaknesses in her staff and empowers them accordingly. She is empathetic to everyone in the room.” Researcher Celeste DiGloria shadowed Dr. Clark in her clinic: “I learned a tremendous amount from Dr. Clark, and saw how she met the unique challenges demanded from the gynecologic oncology world. Cancer is not only a physical disease but it is also an emotional battle, and knowing there are amazing physicians like Dr. Clark to help patients and families along the way is not only comforting, but inspiring.”
