Heroes Health Care Award The Center for Cancer & Blood Disorders
DeEtte Vasques does battle with the cancers that affect women. The native of Bozeman, Mont., came to Fort Worth via an eight-year stint in the Navy, undergraduate work at the University of Maryland, medical school at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and two years at an obstetrics and gynecology practice in New York. After a three-year fellowship in gynecologic oncology, she moved to Fort Worth and The Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders. She is the first board-certified female gynecologic oncologist in North Texas, according to citations in her nomination. “She is dedicated to providing quality care to patients in a warm, understanding environment and is an intensely competitive person when it comes to fighting cancer,” said Gail McCleary, a patient. Vasques started life in modest circumstances: the daughter of a dog groomer and office assistant. She made it a mission to discover what opportunities would be available to her beyond her own experience, she said. Her life since has been a series of changes and recognition of her efforts. In order to afford college, she joined the Navy out of high school, completing eight years of service in the branch. During her time in military service, she was awarded a Navy Achievement Medal and a Meritorious Unit Commendation as a result of her leadership skills. She was named chief intern during her internship at Osteopathic Medical School. During her years in practice as an ob-gyn, she discovered she had a passion for treating women with uterine, cervical, endometrial, ovarian and other cancers. That sent her back to a fellowship and, ultimately, the job in Fort Worth. Vasques is also starting a new adventure in the retail world, opening a Flip Flop Shop in The Parks Mall in Arlington. She says her new retail venture offers an excellent opportunity to young people interested in retail sales and management. Vasques says her life’s journey has given her a well-rounded perspective. “I have had the great fortune of being the first person to touch a newborn and the last to hold the hand of a dying patient…indescribable,” Vasques says. What drew you to the health care field? Originally, I injured my leg and had to have surgery on my right knee. I have had nine total now and in the midst of half of those treatments, I grew curious about the medical field. Who is your biggest inspiration? My biggest inspiration is drawn from people who are driven and passionate about something that gives them the determination to succeed and overcome, even when a success seems unlikely. What is your advice for people getting into the health care field? Working in the medical field is not a job. It’s a way of life. I am so passionate about my patients getting what they need and deserve. Be prepared to be overwhelmed with the power and influence you have. – Bill Bowen
