Inspiring Lyrics Help Fight Childhood Cancer
Dr. Rayne Rouce is not your “classic” physician. Her patients and their families are glad that’s the case.
Dr. Rouce first connected with ASH through the Harold Amos AMFDP Scholar Award. Being afforded protected time and grant funding to support her research endeavors played a pivotal role in her career and success.
“I am not sure if I would be where I am today without this program, and the relationships I continue to cultivate and benefit from today (with ASH members and staff) are some of my most cherished," she said. A multi-talented physician, who leads several first-in-human clinical trials of CAR T and other cell therapies, Dr. Rouce is known to leverage her love for rap and hip hop to communicate everything from science to empowerment. Her lyrics teach and inspire many and pay forward her own experiences being mentored by leaders who truly contributed to her professional and personal achievements.
“I’ve benefited greatly by my experiences within ASH, on committees and working groups as a member, and later as a leader. I’ve learned that the strength of our voices comes from the diversity of our experiences, and that different situations may require slightly modified leadership styles,” said Dr. Rouce. As a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and physician scientist at Texas Children’s Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Rouce understands that representation extends far beyond race and ethnicity. Although she still remembers the first time she met a black female doctor, a doctor with a southern accent, and a researcher who listened to the same type of music she did; she longs for the day when specific task forces to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in medicine and science are no longer needed, and everyone feels like they belong in every room they enter.
I’ve benefited greatly from my experiences within ASH, on committees and working groups as a member, and later as a leader. I’ve learned that the strength of our voices comes from the diversity of our experiences, and that different situations may require slightly modified leadership styles.
Rayne Rouce, MD
Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Section of Hematology-Oncology, Baylor College of Medicine, Associate Director, Community Engagement, Office of Diversity, Baylor College of Medicine
Dr. Rouce first connected with ASH through the Harold Amos AMFDP Scholar Award. Being afforded protected time and grant funding to support her research endeavors played a pivotal role in her career and success.
“I am not sure if I would be where I am today without this program, and the relationships I continue to cultivate and benefit from today (with ASH members and staff) are some of my most cherished," she said. A multi-talented physician, who leads several first-in-human clinical trials of CAR T and other cell therapies, Dr. Rouce is known to leverage her love for rap and hip hop to communicate everything from science to empowerment. Her lyrics teach and inspire many and pay forward her own experiences being mentored by leaders who truly contributed to her professional and personal achievements.
“I’ve benefited greatly by my experiences within ASH, on committees and working groups as a member, and later as a leader. I’ve learned that the strength of our voices comes from the diversity of our experiences, and that different situations may require slightly modified leadership styles,” said Dr. Rouce. As a pediatric hematologist-oncologist and physician scientist at Texas Children’s Cancer Center and Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Rouce understands that representation extends far beyond race and ethnicity. Although she still remembers the first time she met a black female doctor, a doctor with a southern accent, and a researcher who listened to the same type of music she did; she longs for the day when specific task forces to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in medicine and science are no longer needed, and everyone feels like they belong in every room they enter.
ASH remains committed to building and nurturing a global hematology community and workforce inclusive of diverse perspectives, talents, and experiences. Learn more.