Yesterday I joined my friend, Dr. Susan Love, other breast cancer experts, and women who have been diagnosed with breast cancer for a discussion about some of the recent advances in breast cancer treatment. Most of the meeting centered around a new test for women with early-stage, node-negative, estrogen-receptor positive tumors who are unsure about whether adding traditional chemotherapy can improve cure rates. As usual, Susan explained the science, the dilemmas facing many women, and how doctors need to stay up to date with scientific advances.

The panel of experts was illustrious. But it was the seven women -- including an anthropologist, pilot, stay-at-home mom, art teacher, and nurse (women of different colors from all over the United States) -- who reminded the group that behind every statistic and behind every new advance, there is a human face. The common denominator was strength. Over and over we heard stories about how they partnered with their doctors, used their courage to speak up, and, in essence, led their health care teams.

I have always maintained that whenever we are the patient, we need to think about a wheel. As patients, we're the hub...and every doctor, nurse, social worker, dietician, physical therapist, and so on (you get the picture) make up the spokes. When this model exists, we are all ahead of the game.

I always walk away from meetings like this a little smarter and more sensitive. I love having Susan as a friend and am always a better person when I leave her company. But yesterday was different because the seven brave women who told their stories reminded both Susan and me why we became doctors in the first place.