Spotlight: Virginia Seery of the KCA’s Clinical Advisory Board

Virginia Seery, RN, MSN, is a member of the KCA’s Clinical Advisory Board and sees patients at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. We spoke to Virginia about her work in the KCA and in medicine. 

How long have you been working with the KCA and what motivated you to get involved?

I have been involved with the KCA for three years. I heard about the KCA nursing advisory board (now the clinical advisory board) through word of mouth and thought it would be a great way to help more kidney cancer patients and families. I also looked forward to networking with and learning from other colleagues in the kidney cancer field.

What prompted/inspired you to go into the medical field? 

I chose nursing because I liked science and the caretaking role. Once I became a nurse practitioner, I was drawn to oncology because of the need for strong clinical skills, advocacy and compassion with that patient population.

What is meaningful about your role as a healthcare professional?  

I get a lot of satisfaction out of helping patients and families during a very difficult time.  It is also gratifying to know that the clinical trials we participate in pave the way for new therapies for kidney cancer and offer many patients more hope for the future. 

What is your favorite travel destination and why?

It is tough to pick one place. I love to ski so skiing anywhere is great. I enjoy it because it is outdoors and very freeing to float down the slopes. 

What do you like to do in your free time?

 I enjoy spending free time with my families and friends, biking and cooking.