I strive to create a true partnership with patients. Medicine is complex, and cancer care can be daunting with complicated treatments, lots of jargon, and frightening statistics. A critical part of my job is explaining medical information to my patients.
I want to be present along the cancer care journey and all it entails for my patients and their loved ones. Whether it is surgery, chemotherapy, or follow-up care, I aim to provide my patients with the most up-to-date, expert care. For this reason, I also run our gynecologic oncology clinical trials program, which allows me to extend treatment options to all the patients in our division.
I have done my job well when patients fully understand their condition and their options. There is no "one-size-fits-all" solution when it comes to medical care. I aim to get to know my patients so I can provide care that aligns with their goals. I strive to deliver LGBTQ-friendly care. My patients consistently tell me they:
Are happy with their surgical outcome
Love the amount of time I spend with them
Feel I am able to give them information in a way that they understood and help them navigate hard decisions
The most rewarding thing for me is extending my patient's survival so they can do things like see their children marry, become grandparents, and watch their grandchildren grow. I am so happy to hear from patients years later who still reach out to express their gratitude for the care that I provided to them or their loved ones.
The bond between an oncologist and her patients is unique. My patients allow me to take part in their most vulnerable experiences. I do not take this privilege for granted. One of my most cherished mentors used to say, "You should treat each patient how you would want your family member to be treated." I have made this a guiding principle in my practice.
