We are truly honored to welcome Dr. Sergio Cifuentes Canaval, American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) IDEA Awardee 2025, to the podcast. In this thoughtful conversation, we dive into the emotional and professional journey of an oncologist navigating residency and the early years of his career in Latin America.

In Medicine, challenges are often part of the path — not always chosen, not always fair, and not always with clear answers. But sometimes, simply facing them can lead to unexpected shifts in how we see ourselves and the world.

Dr. Cifuentes opens up about the intense pressures and burnout he faced during residency, what helped him find balance again, and how these experiences shaped his commitment to supporting both patients and fellow healthcare professionals across Latin America. As an ASCO IDEA Award recipient, he highlights the importance of staying proactive—opening doors, embracing challenges, and getting involved—as essential tools for both personal and professional growth.

Through a deeply personal lens, we explore how embracing challenges in Medicine and beyond can open space for learning, connection, and resilience.

He leaves us with a message that is simple yet deeply powerful:
“Take the challenge, face the challenge, and walk through the challenge.”

Tune in for a heartfelt, honest, and empowering conversation that reminds us all of the strength that can emerge when we choose to keep walking forward—one step at a time.

#Residency #ProfessionalWellbeing #Resilience #Oncology #LatinAmericaHealthcare #ASCOIDEA