Maria Shriver

Dr. Susan Love, MD - President, Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation & Author, Dr. Susan Love’s Breast Book

By MariaShriver.com

Follow @DrSusanLove Follow @ArmyofWomen

1. What are your three words to live by? Why do these words guide your life?

Better, Why, Try

My parents taught me early that my job was to make the world a better place. I try to apply this standard to everything I undertake. How can I be better? My family says that my answer to everything is why, which is the basis of scientific inquiry but also of relationships. Why is she acting that way? Why do we get breast cancer? Finally, I find too many people just accept the status quo. Why? I think we have to try to make it better! I may not find the cause of breast cancer but it won’t be because I didn’t try!

2. What does being an "architect of change" mean to you?

I think that we get mired in the status quo, in science, in medicine, and in life. It is very important to me that I take the role of iconoclast, the one who is willing to point out that the emperor has no clothes. Doing this does not make you popular, but without someone who is willing to take on that role no change will ever happen.

3. Who do you consider to be an Architect of Change in your life? Why?

Ines Maissanes, my junior high school science teacher who taught with such enthusiasm I fell in love with research. Gloria Steinem, who in launching the women’s movement opened my eyes to my unlimited potential as a woman. Laura Schrock, MD, the first woman surgeon I ever met, who showed me it was possible. My first breast cancer patient who taught me that listening was as important as operating! My wife, Helen Cooksey, and our daughter, Katie, who continue to be Architects of Change in my life!

4. What's the most important lesson you've learned in life?

That nothing is impossible! Scientists told me they had to do research in rats and mice because it was impossible to find women who would participate in research! I said nothing is impossible and we have recruited an Army of 370,000 Women with and without breast cancer who are willing to receive emails about studies and participate when needed! Nothing is impossible!

5. What is one thing you are working on right now that you feel especially passionate about?

Finding the cause of breast cancer, so that we can stop it once and for all. During my professional career I have seen cancer of the cervix go from being treated by removing normal body parts (total hysterectomy) to having a vaccine. Yet in breast cancer, despite all the money and activism, we are still removing normal body parts as mastectomies to prevent cancer. We need to refocus from the cure to the cause and stop it once and for all.

Learn more about Dr. Susan Love's work by visiting The Dr. Susan Love Research Foundation.