Arielle Weiss, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, and Jason Conger, MD, Assistant Professor, Department of Surgery, both in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, came to Fox Chase Cancer Center shaped by different experiences, but ultimately each found the “right fit” in choosing a gynecologic oncology fellowship at Fox Chase and later joining its faculty.

Weiss’s interest in oncology began as an undergraduate, when she conducted breast cancer research at Fox Chase. In medical school, she considered additional training in medical oncology or surgery. But during her OB-GYN rotation, she realized that a gynecologic oncology fellowship at a place like Fox Chase could bring all her interests together, offering “a rare combination of high-level surgery, chemotherapy care, and the chance to care for patients over time and build lasting relationships,” Weiss said.

Conger’s path to Fox Chase began with a fascination for biology and science in college. After graduation, he remained curious about what “came next” and considered research and law. Then, his mother received a breast cancer diagnosis. “I felt shocked and powerless. Suddenly, having a direct impact on women’s health and oncology became a primary career interest,” said Conger.

As a first-year trainee, Weiss worked on ovarian cancer mouse models in the laboratory of Neil Johnson, PhD. Conger’s first year was rooted in the clinic, including work with patients on chemotherapy management.

During training, Conger, the fellow just below Weiss, often operated alongside her; when she became a first-year attending physician, he served as her senior fellow.

For Conger, the desire to join the faculty emerged early. “I wanted to become part of the faculty—attracted by the rigorous clinical and scientific culture, and the compassionate care of patients. It ticked all the boxes.”

Weiss said she, too, had long hoped to stay at Fox Chase and jumped at the opportunity when a faculty position opened. Now, as an attending, Weiss said that “a patient’s life and trajectory have become much more real—a heavy responsibility, but also a deeply meaningful one, especially when I can make a difference or support grateful patients even when outcomes do not go as planned.”

Looking ahead, Weiss said, she is excited about the growth of the gynecologic oncology division and wants to help strengthen its presence within the institution. Weiss is now helping shape the very program in which she trained, having been appointed Assistant Program Director for the Fox Chase Gynecologic Oncology Fellowship.

Today, as an attending, Conger sees gynecologic oncology at Fox Chase as defined by collaboration, rapid progress, and above all, teamwork. He is energized by advances in immunotherapy, antibody-drug conjugates, and increasingly personalized treatment guided by tumor biology.

For both Weiss and Conger, building a clinical career at Fox Chase was a natural next step after fellowship. They were drawn not only by its academic strength and breadth of practice, but also by its caring, community-minded culture within an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center.