Dr. Marisa Weiss, 51, Wynnewood
Oncologist, Lankenau Hospital; president and founder, BreastCancer.org
» Book on her nightstand: Living Downstream by Sandra Steingraber. It’s about the impact of the environment on the risk of cancer.
» iPod artist on repeat: Aretha Franklin, because I like strong, spirited women.
» Restaurant of the hour: Sang Kee Asian Bistro in Wynnewood. The food is great, it’s convenient to where I live, and the price is right.
» Personal heroes: I have three: Michael Pollan, an environmental journalist; Gary Hirshberg, head of Stonyfield Farm; and Meryl Streep.
» One thing she knows for sure: Your life and your health are your greatest gifts.
» Very own vici: First, I’m honored to be the doctor for many wonderful women confronted with breast cancer at Lankenau Hospital. Second, I’m proud to be president and founder of BreastCancer.org, the world’s No. 1 online resource for breast health and breast cancer.
» Zen destination: Woods Hole village in Cape Cod, Mass. It’s a beautiful place where I have friends and family, [and is home base for] a research project I’m doing on breast cancer prevention.
» If she had an extra hour each day, she would: Find some combination of exercise, yoga, great music and a chance to catch up with old friends.
» Life view: chance or fate? How about opportunity?
» Pet peeve: Noise at a concert or a disruption at a lecture.
» Most marked characteristics: Strength, compassion, determination and resourcefulness.
» Quality she admires most in others: Integrity. I value people who are good to their core and have strong character.
» Mantra: Be the best you can be, and be good to your word.
