Student Stories

‘Never be satisfied with your knowledge base, always be inquisitive’

Renowned cancer researcher and 2020 Class Day speaker Otis Brawley, SB'81, MD'85, looks back on his time at UChicago

Before becoming a cancer researcher and physician, Dr. Otis Brawley, SB’81, MD’85, was an undergraduate in the College majoring in chemistry and living in Chamberlin House in Burton-Judson. He later went on to graduate from the Pritzker School of Medicine.

Brawley will help kick off Convocation Weekend as the keynote speaker at the 2020 Class Day ceremony, a student-orchestrated event that honors the graduating class, its achievements and its unique contributions to the UChicago community. Brawley’s speech will touch on the importance of mentors and of continuous learning and inquisitiveness.

Ahead of this weekend’s events, graduating senior and media editor Zola Yi spoke with Brawley about his own graduation, career and advice for new graduates.

Zola Yi: How does it feel to be a part of Class Day for the Class of 2020? While this particular Class Day is a bit nontraditional, does this invoke any memories for you of your Convocation?

Otis Brawley: It is a thrill to give the Class Day talk and humbling to be invited. Of course, I wish the graduate could have a final quarter at the college and a traditional graduation, but graduation still marks a significant transition. I still remember the significant life transition that my graduation marked.

ZY: You were a member of the class of ‘81– What was your major and House at UChicago?

OB: I majored in chemistry and lived for four years in Chamberlin House in Burton-Judson Courts.

ZY: What is your favorite UChicago memory?

OB: I have many good memories. George Stigler often came to BJ and would take meals with undergraduates. I remember the many conversations. He won the Nobel Prize in Economics the year after I graduated.

ZY: What was on your mind during your own graduation?

OB: The transition, the fact that I for some reason was in a hurry to get to medical school and beyond.

ZY: How do you feel the unique atmosphere of UChicago impacted you in your life and career?

OB: The unique value of curiosity and the desire to learn has always impressed me. I was heavily influenced on practical things like study habits by my first resident heads, Tim and Chris Gay, as well as our resident master (now known as resident dean) Jonathan Fanton. I have classmates that positively influenced me and are still friends almost 40 years later.

ZY: You lead a research effort focused on how to close racial, economic and social disparities in the prevention, detection and treatment of cancer. Did you always know you wanted to do this type of work?

OB: I really evolved into my current focus over a period of 15 years. I will say that common factors throughout [that time] were mentors who counseled and opened doors, creating opportunities for me.

ZY: What is something you wish you knew when you graduated from the College?

OB: One should stop occasionally and examine oneself. Empathy and caring are incredibly important. Never be satisfied with your knowledge base, always be inquisitive.

This year’s Class Day ceremony will take place virtually on Friday, June 12, 2020 at 2 p.m. CT. This event will feature student speeches from members of the Class of 2020 Greer Baxter, Annie Geng and Emily Stevens, a “Well Wishes” video and a musical performance from Dirt Red Brass Band.