Owning success By Nishita Kothary, MD, FSIR
SIR Gold Medalists share their paths to success
state of mind was described as one of “unapologetic excellence.” It’s a wonderful term that brings to mind luminaries and mentors and role models within our field. But as we reflect on those luminaries, our unconscious bias may default to men, with women almost an afterthought.
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The new “Owning success” column flips the narrative by compiling IR panels predominantly comprised of women and underrepresented minorities. The series will focus on panelists’ successes, rather than their struggles, to celebrate individual effort and recognize the tremendous impact that each has had on the field—and to show younger IRs that there is more than one path to success.
The SIR Gold Medal is the highest honor that an SIR member can receive—the IR embodiment of unapologetic excellence. Since 1996, the award recognized IRs who have dedicated themselves to the advancement of IR and celebrated their achievements. For many IRs, it is the ultimate mark of success. We asked four SIR Gold Medalists about their career paths, their inspirations and how they own their success.
Anne C. Roberts, MD, FSIR (2015 Gold Medalist) My inspiration is my parents, who instilled in me in the importance of service. My father used to say, “What have you done for your country today?” He meant my community, the building blocks of a country—family, school, sports and organizations. He was a role model, involved in the local, national and international scene to advance science. Likewise, my mother sowed the seeds of humanity and would ask us how we had been kind to someone or helped someone. These influences helped my brothers and me excel in careers that combine science and service.
Concentrating on how one can make things better is a form of success. Even if it doesn’t lead to wide recognition, it is good for your soul. Mentoring young trainees is one such example: It advances the field and paves the way for new techniques and procedures. Our trainees have provided outstanding service to their communities, and I am incredibly proud of them.
I have been fortunate to work with colleagues who encouraged me, provided opportunities, and modeled kind and
18 IRQ | FALL 2021
fter the U.S. women’s national soccer team won the World Cup, team captain Megan Rapinoe’s
approachable behavior despite their own success. They were service orientated— not for their own aggrandizement, but because they wanted to contribute to the nascent field.
While I was honored to be a Gold Medalist, it is a group effort. I share the award with my University of California San Diego colleagues who allowed me time to participate in SIR, my staff and trainees, my family, and the SIR committees and staff who have helped me over the years. All I did was show up!
Katharine L. Krol, MD, FSIR (2017 Gold Medalist) Being awarded the SIR Gold Medal was truly an unexpected highlight of my career. I worked in private practice, did not pursue an IR fellowship and worked at a time when few women chose IR. But my deep love for the field was my inspiration. In my medical school interview, I was informed that I took a deserving male’s position, that I should not marry or have children, and that any diversion would close the door for future women applicants. This early interchange motivated me to work harder than my male counterparts and
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