Permission to Be Human

Halfway through a busy clinic day, illness overtook me. Apologizing, I rescheduled patients and sought care, feeling I had failed as a doctor and teacher. The next day, my medical student emailed: “You taught me doctors are human. You modeled self-care.” Her words transformed guilt into grace. In my weakness, I had given her strength.

Heloisa Soares, MD, PhD

Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine

Heloisa is a medical oncologist who focuses on neuroendocrine cancers. She is Medical Director for the Clinical Trials Office and
a passionate advocate for patients.

Voices from the Faculty:
2025, "Permission to Be Human" View more for Heloisa Soares, MD, PhD