The Pink Agenda is proud to honor Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky with The Pink Agenda Icon Award at our Annual New York Gala on October 9 th at the Tribeca Rooftop. A renowned breast and gynecologic oncologist, educator, and advocate, Dr. Teplinsky is committed not only to advancing cancer care but also to ensuring that patients, families, and communities can access and understand the science that shapes their lives.

Dr. Teplinsky is the Head of Breast and Gynecologic Medical Oncology at Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care in Paramus, NJ and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In her clinical practice, she specializes in breast and gynecologic cancers, providing expert, compassionate care to patients navigating some of life’s most difficult challenges.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Teplinsky is deeply committed to making complex medical information accessible and empowering. Through her writing, speaking, and social media presence, she translates scientific findings into clear, understandable language—equipping patients, families, advocates, and the broader public with knowledge that is both actionable and hopeful.

She is also the host of the INTERLUDE podcast, which amplifies the voices and stories of women affected by cancer. By sharing experiences of resilience, vulnerability, and strength, the podcast provides support and connection for those facing similar journeys. Dr. Teplinsky’s influence extends far beyond the exam room. A trusted voice in the breast cancer community, she bridges the gap between research and real life, science and story—work that embodies the values at the heart of The Pink Agenda’s mission.

In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Teplinsky has been an inspiring partner in advancing The Pink Agenda’s vision. She has laced up her running shoes as a member of Team TPA, completing the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon and the 2025 United Airlines NYC Half to raise funds and awareness for breast cancer research. She also joined us as a featured speaker at TPA Talks 2024, our health and wellness symposium that brings together diverse voices to explore the multi-faceted nature of breast cancer and highlight how young professionals can make a difference.

This October, we are honored to celebrate Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky’s extraordinary contributions to oncology, advocacy, and The Pink Agenda’s mission with the Icon Award.

In Her Own Words: Dr. Eleonora Teplinsky on Care, Advocacy, and Inspiration

As we prepare to honor Dr. Teplinsky at our Annual New York Gala, we asked her to share her reflections on her work, her inspiration, and what this recognition means to her.

What inspired you to specialize in breast and gynecologic oncology?

My grandmother was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2000 when I was 16. This was before the time of routine genetic testing, PARP inhibitors and other personalized therapies, and certainly before supportive therapies and survivorship care were prioritized in treatment. She passed away in 2005 two weeks after I started medical school. I have been driven since to advance the care of breast and gynecologic cancers, to push for patient-centered care and improve quality of life in survivors and thrivers.

You’ve built such a strong platform for sharing information with patients, families, and advocates. Why is it important to you to make science accessible and understandable?

Making science accessible and understandable is about empowerment and trust. It has always been important to me that patients and their loved ones have access to knowledge that is presented in a way that they can use to make decisions about their health. My goal is for people to understand the reasons and evidence behind medical recommendations so they can become active participants in their care, know what questions to ask, and advocate for themselves to make choices that are best for them. At a time when medical misinformation is at an all-time high, this is more important than ever.

What do you think are some of the biggest misconceptions about breast cancer, and how do you work to address them?

There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding breast cancer starting from risk factors and diagnosis to treatment. There is a lot of misinformation online about breast cancer screening, what can increase breast cancer risk, benefits and side effects of treatment and more. The challenge is that anyone can call themselves an “expert” online and it can be hard to know who to trust. Headlines are often sensational, causing fear and anxiety. My goal is to consistently share evidence-based information, backed up with the facts and research, to hopefully dispel fears and help people start to understand how to break down the headlines and data and apply the information.

What have you learned from the conversations you’ve had with the women impacted by cancer on your podcast the INTERLUDE?

I’ve always known how transformative and life changing a cancer diagnosis and treatment truly is but I didn’t really understand it until I started having the conversations on the Interlude Podcast. I initially wanted to create a space for women to share their experiences in an effort to provide support and encouragement to others navigating their own diagnosis and treatment. It became so much more than that. The power of storytelling is transformative. I truly became a better doctor, understanding what patients endure, and am committed to improving the life of cancer previvors, survivors and thrivers.

Has there been a moment from the podcast that’s stayed with you in a powerful way?

I am always humbled by the vulnerability of women who share their stories – opening up from everything about sexual health, relationships, mental health challenges and more – all with the simple and selfless goal of helping others. I am so grateful for the opportunity to hear and share their stories.

When you think about the future of breast cancer research and care, what gives you the most hope?

We are making incredible strides in advancing treatment and improving outcomes with new therapies but we still have a long way to go. I am encouraged by the growing recognition that treatment is only one part of cancer care. There is a stronger focus than ever before on equity and access, patient-centered care and survivorship, addressing the physical and mental challenges during and beyond cancer. The integration of precision medicine, supportive care, and survivorship research gives me hope that the future of breast cancer care will be more personalized, equitable, and empowering than ever before.

What advice do you give to patients and families who are just beginning their cancer journey?

It can feel incredibly overwhelming, and you don’t have to do everything all at once. Start by building a team you trust and creating a plan. That plan might be as simple as identifying the next step in your work-up, or it may be more comprehensive, mapping out the treatments ahead. What matters most is that your team takes the time to answer your questions and support you through each decision. Don’t forget: it is always okay and encouraged to seek a second opinion.

What does receiving The Pink Agenda Icon Award mean to you personally and professionally?

When I first started educating on social media, I had no idea just how many people I could reach. What began as a way to share information and connect with a small community has grown into something so much bigger: an opportunity to break down complex science, dispel myths, and provide support to people who might otherwise feel alone or overwhelmed. Social media has become not just a platform for education, but also a space for empowerment, advocacy, and community. Receiving this award is an acknowledgement that this work truly matters. I am humbled to stand among leaders in the breast cancer community that have received the Icon Award previously and incredibly grateful to be a trusted voice, to continue to learn from the community, and to continue working together toward greater advocacy and empowerment.

We are grateful to Dr. Teplinsky for sharing her insights—and for her extraordinary commitment to patients, advocacy, awareness, and TPA’s mission. We can’t wait to celebrate her and her inspiring work at this year’s Annual New York Gala.

Follow Dr. Teplinsky on Instagram @drteplinsky and listen to the INTERLUDE podcast to learn more about her inspiring work.