Q: What does it mean for you to be a Black woman, specifically in oncology?

A: There’s just not enough women in medicine. But then, when you start talking about surgical specialties, that number just continues to dwindle. When you really think about health and surgical disparities, Blacks and Hispanics are the ones that suffer the most. So, to be in a position where I get to take care of everybody, more importantly, Black women, on this level, when they see somebody that they trust, they see somebody who can advocate for them. It’s very humbling. I don’t take it lightly. I don’t take it for granted. It brings me so much joy being able to contribute to the field in that manner, even if it’s me just touching one person. To be a little girl and then to see your career kind of blossom in this way that you initially didn’t imagine is an amazing feeling.

Q: What keeps you motivated and inspired to continue doing the work you do?

A: When you have a patient that does well, it’s personal because you get to know them, their families, their story, then they start following up with you. So you can see people over seasons of their lives. That’s one reason why I love breast cancer in particular, because cancer sucks in general, but at least you know, 90.95% of the time, the patient is going want to do well. So I get to see my patient on the other side. I [also] love what I do. I truly believe that it’s been God and the support of my family that’s allowed me to do what I do, and to keep going, even when I thought I couldn’t keep going. And so, I approach every single patient, or case, I approach it with gratitude.

Q: What would you say is your superpower?

A: I would say resilience and empathy. Being able to bounce back, compassionate to others, and compassionate to myself, even when it gets hard. It’s the human touch. It’s trying to bring my best self to the table every time.

Q: What is your biggest dream or aspiration in your life?

A: I can’t wait to have my own building that dots the Atlanta skyline. I really want it to be a safe haven for women along with women going through breast cancer. I also want it to be a safe haven for other physicians who want to work and take good care of patients, without all the corporate shenanigans; without all the things that they put doctors through. So I have a whole vision of how I can continue to help make Atlanta’s women better, stronger and healed.

Q: If you could give your younger self any piece of advice, what would it be?

A: I would tell myself to continue being who you are. Don’t feel like you have to conform to other people’s ideas of what a person should be or what a person should look like. Continue to be inquisitive. Continue to push towards your dreams and continue to honor yourself and stay true to yourself.

To stay connected with Dr. Ryland Gore:

Website: RylandGoreMD.com 

Instagram: @rylandgoremd

Twitter: @rylandgoremd

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