When I think of TeamOncology, Life lessons, teamwork, dedication and friendship are just some of the words that come to mind. My involvement with TeamOncology has shaped and enriched my career, while also influencing other areas of my life. It’s far more than something practiced once a year at the workshop or during JME; it’s a way of viewing the world.

I had the advantage of first participating in JTOP early in my career, initially as a mentor, in 2007, and later as a workshop co-chair. The skills I’ve acquired have been applied to all aspects of my work including providing compassionate, evidence-based multidisciplinary care for patients and their families; mentoring new pharmacists; thinking critically; having self-awareness; being more confident taking on leadership roles in all areas of my practice; and using proven team building skills to enhance my own work and that of my colleagues. Now, when faced with any kind of problem-whether in daily work, my career, or my personal life-I frequently think of the lessons I’ve learned throughout my years with the TeamOncology team.

There have been many times, for example, when I’ve gone back to the early days of learning how to critically analyze a problem within a team, actively listen to others, voice my opinion, and work collaboratively for the greater good. In both the workshops and JME, I’ve watched my Japanese colleagues tackle obstacles through the safety net of a strong group that might otherwise be daunting for individuals-especially with language and cultural differences-redefining what perseverance, professionalism and teamwork mean to me. Participating on various JTOP teams has reinforced to me the importance of defining mission and vision, career development and continued self-assessment in order to achieve both team goals and personal goals.

These are just some of the many experiences that have made my involvement over the past ten years as a member of the TeamOncology program rich and rewarding. TeamOncology has shaped my practice professionally - giving me a framework within which to understand the collaborative nature of optimal cancer care, and helping me use that framework to teach and lead in clinical pharmacy, now and into the future.

I am forever thankful for the opportunities to participate as a member of as well as to lead teams within the JTOP community, and for the lifelong friendships made over the years.