To provide the information your oncologist is not telling you or doesn't have the time to!
As an oncologist and medical reviewer, I’ve had the unique opportunity to evaluate more than a hundred disability-related cases over the past six months. These cases span a wide range of cancer types, treatment timelines, and patient recovery experiences. What’s become abundantly clear is the disconnect that can sometimes occur between well-meaning clinical advocacy and …
I was recently asked to write a letter of recommendation for one of my former clinical research coordinators—a young professional I had the privilege of working with for nearly two years. What I expected to be a routine task turned into something much more meaningful. It was an opportunity to pause, reflect, and appreciate the …
As clinicians, we’re taught to advocate fiercely for our patients—but far less is said about advocating for ourselves. This week, I learned just how valuable that can be. For the first time in my career, I engaged a healthcare law firm—not because of a lawsuit, malpractice case, or legal battle, but simply to make sure …
As I wrap up my recent assignment in Montana, I’m excited to begin a new locum role closer to home on the East Coast—working a Monday through Wednesday schedule, with weekends off and time to recharge. It’s a thoughtful balance that supports the type of sustainable, high-quality care I aim to deliver, and I’m fortunate …
As a medical oncologist practicing across various healthcare settings nationwide, I often reflect on the deeply human side of medicine—the day-to-day challenges, emotional complexities, and clinical decision-making that shape patient care. One of the ways I’ve found to process and share those insights is through storytelling—offering blog readers a glimpse into the world of oncology …
Ok… here’s the drawback of doing locum work as a generalist coming after 14 years of specialty focus practice: I may see things I haven’t seen since I was fellow! Like this case below… enjoy my stress on call! Also, great news! I am close to signing a new contract with a new hospital system …
Just got back from family spring break vacation and sincerely appreciative of the great feedback I was getting after changing the format of the blog to personal stories from the clinic and every day life as a medical oncologist. I’ll still include updates with FDA approvals or interesting topics from the current news every so …
The Patient’s Story Yesterday, I met a patient whose story was both heartbreaking and inspiring. A young woman, recently diagnosed with an aggressive form of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), sat alone in the exam room. Typically, younger patients come with a support system—spouses, parents, friends—but she was alone. It was my first clue that her journey …
This week, I encountered a situation that weighs heavily on me as a nurse but raises an important question in the oncology world. As a clinical trial nurse, we typically only see our patients at research-specific visits. It’s likely that several weeks can go by without any contact, making each visit a critical touchpoint. Imagine …
As healthcare providers, we often encounter patients who have strong beliefs about their health and treatment options. Today’s case was a perfect example of how a balanced conversation and patience can lead to an unexpected, but positive, outcome. The Patient’s Story An elderly but otherwise independent and healthy lady presented with a basal cell carcinoma …