Making Waves in Science: Nancy Sicotte, MD Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog English English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Translation is unavailable for Internet Explorer Cedars-Sinai Home 1-800-CEDARS-1 1-800-CEDARS-1 Close Find a Doctor Locations Programs & Services Health Library Patient & Visitors Community My CS-Link RESEARCH clear Go Close Navigation Links Academics Faculty Development Community Engagement Calendar Research Research Areas Research Labs Departments & Institutes Find Clinical Trials Research Cores Research Administration Basic Science Research Clinical & Translational Research Center (CTRC) Technology & Innovations News & Breakthroughs Education Graduate Medical Education Continuing Medical Education Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences Professional Training Programs Medical Students Campus Life Office of the Dean Simulation Center Medical Library Program in the History of Medicine About Us All Education Programs Departments & Institutes Faculty Directory 2019 Research News Back to 2019 Research News Making Waves in Science Nancy Sicotte MD In honor of National Women's History Month in March, we are celebrating Cedars-Sinai's talented female leaders with a Q&A series, "Making Waves in Science." This week's interview is with Nancy Sicotte, MD, professor and interim chair of the Department of Neurology. She also directs the Multiple Sclerosis Program and the Neurology Residency Program. Nancy Sicotte, MD How are you making an impact on science I am researching multiple sclerosis and the mechanisms driving this disease's progression. I use advanced imaging techniques to better understand the symptoms, cognitive changes and depression related to multiple sclerosis. I also am testing new imaging biomarkers that may provide additional diagnostic and prognostic accuracy. This is important because instituting effective, individualized treatments early in the course of multiple sclerosis will lead to the best outcomes for the nearly 1 million people nationwide living with this debilitating neurological condition. Building the future workforce in neurology in general, and in neuroimmunology in particular, is my other passion. My aim is to spark interest in the field among the medical students and residents who rotate through our clinic. While we now have many more effective multiple sclerosis therapies, there is a need for expertise in using them appropriately. I also am impacting science by providing young women trainees with living proof that women can hold leadership positions in academic institutions. What leadership advice would you give to your younger self I would have told her to relax and realize there are many different leadership styles and that over time you will develop a style that suits you. When you're young, you often feel as if you're standing still and not accomplishing enough; in reality, though, you're learning important lessons. I also would have told myself to expect both difficulties and accomplishments. It is these experiences—good and bad—that fuel your future growth. In fact, all of your experiences as a young person will inform the future leader you'll become. Who is your favorite science heroine from history and why My science heroines aren't from history. They're my contemporaries—my colleagues and role models. Sarah Kilpatrick, MD, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, certainly comes to mind. She is not only an exceptional clinician who has conducted groundbreaking research, but also a trailblazing role model for many, myself included. When I first came to Cedars-Sinai, she reached out to me and was very supportive. She has raised awareness institution-wide about the importance of diversity and equality. Role models can have a powerful impact. My three daughters grew up knowing women can be doctors and scientists. The oldest is now in medical school, surrounded by female students who may well be the science heroines of the future. Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility