As a New Mexican, the NCI designation for the Cancer Research and Treatment Center was all the more important. “Being designated as an NCI cancer center means all New Mexicans will have access to state of the art care and technologies in their home state, surrounded by their friends and family members who support and love them.” Surprisingly, Willman was not immediately attracted to the medical field. “When I started college, I thought I would become an attorney, as I was very involved in the political and civil rights issues of the time (late 1960s and early 1970s), but my love of science won out and I chose instead to apply to medical school. I put all of my ‘radical’ passion into medicine instead of law and politics.” Her grandmother was an important inspiration—a powerful woman who had always wanted to be a physician. Since her grandmother’s time, women’s contributions to science and medicine have increased exponentially. However, there is still room to grow. Willman says, “There are very few women in our country who rise to the top in science. In many of my roles, I find I am one of the few women. Of the 60 NCI-designated cancer centers in the U.S., only three are directed by women.” Research is challenging at times, but Willman is up to the task. “I have always had a ‘good nose’ for science and am very intuitive, so the path to discovery is the most exciting for me. I loved clinical medicine and my patients as well, so my choice to do research was not one in which I was avoiding patient contact. But I felt that I could have a far greater impact on a greater number of people through research.” Leukemia was particularly intriguing to Willman. “Twenty years ago, virtually all patients with leukemia died. Clearly, the only way that lives could be saved would be through research and discovery of cures and causes of leukemia,” states Willman. Today, nearly 70 percent of children diagnosed with leukemia survive. “Still,” she says, “only 20 percent of older adults survive. Huge challenges remain and my research laboratory is dedicated to those challenges.” With her numerous academic and professional achievements, Willman’s talents would be welcome anywhere. But she’s in no rush to leave New Mexico. A native Midwesterner, she’s called New Mexico home for over 20 years. At first, Willman’s friends thought she was nuts to move to New Mexico instead of working at a more prestigious medical center on the East Coast. “But,” as she remembers her first visit, “when I stepped off the airplane, I remember the quality of the air and the beauty of the landscape. I felt an instant, very spiritual connection to the land and the place.” Since then, Willman has been recruited to many positions at medical centers across the country. “However,” she says, “I have never wanted to leave New Mexico. And I never have. I consider myself a New Mexican.” Staying on top of new research requires long work hours, traveling to speaking engagements and conferences, and bringing work home on weekends or staying up long after her husband and son have gone to bed. Miraculously, Willman makes time for her family, and even finds a little for herself. She says, “I have a very supportive husband, who is not threatened by my work—which is essential.” Daily routines are treasured family moments. “My greatest treat is to take my son to school or pick him up.” During less hectic times at work, Willman’s family plays tennis, skis, and cooks or reads together. While relaxation may not seem like a word in her vocabulary, house rules force her to take a break every day. “Our family has a rule. We eat dinner together and usually spend time cooking together. We all love to cook and I find the time preparing dinner gives us all a chance to talk about our day and enjoy being together.” At the end of a long day, Willman relaxes with a good book. A strong believer in holistic approaches to healing, she practices yoga twice a week. “Yoga has been a wonderful addition to my life and helps me reduce stress, remain centered, and remember why I am here, what is important, and what I am trying to do.” Willman’s work is tough. But she acknowledges, “I have a wonderful life and am very blessed to have both a wonderful family and a successful career.” University of New Mexico |
But that isn’t all. On September 26, 2005, the
UNM Cancer Research and Treatment Center
became an officially designated cancer center
by the NCI and has joined the ranks as one of
60 elite cancer centers. Thanks to Willman’s
arduous work over the past five years, UNM CRTC has become the first new center designated by the NCI in six years. Willman says, “It was a huge challenge to achieve NCI designation and many institutions have failed.” Willman marks this achievement as one of the biggest of her professional accomplishments. 
Dana Herrera is the editor of abqArts magazine. She is a Lena M. Todd award recipient for her creative non-fiction short story, “Super Genius.” She is a graduate student at UNM.