The relationship between oncologists and their patients is labor-intensive and arouses great emotions. The specter of death is always in the shadows; as it waits patiently, it makes conversations poignant. Oncologists should be skilled in soothing the fears of their patients without appearing trite or patronizing.
We present a summer reading list of 15 must-reads that cover the history of genes and cancer, the link between so-called junk DNA and disease, uncertainty in medicine, and more.
Patients continue to say they want more information, so they can make informed decisions. But repeatedly, studies tell us that the patient and the family are not hearing us, not understanding us, or both.
Most metastatic cancer patients are still receiving aggressive methods of treatment near the end of life, and palliative/supportive measures are significantly underutilized.
I hope to see many of the exciting agents presented this year become available and affordable for my patients. But when the miracle isn’t happening we have an obligation to talk it out and be candidly compassionate. We need to know when to put the pedal to the metal and when to hit the brake.
I am inspired to finally see the increasing role of immuno-oncology agents in the treatment of cancer, and ASCO 2016 was loaded with fascinating updates on this subject.
We present a summer reading list of 15 must-reads that cover the history of genes and cancer, the link between so-called junk DNA and disease, uncertainty in medicine, and more.
This slide show presents tricks for surviving and thriving at the ASCO Annual Meeting in Chicago. Everything from transportation, McCormick Place, planning your days, using social media, which sessions to attend, how to network, where to eat, and how to be a tourist in Chicago.
No matter where you practice medicine, if your duties include patient care then you are going to interact with other oncologists. In some cases you may question the quality of their care. Help your peers to become better physicians by respecting them first, then relaying your concerns to them. Here are some examples of how not to do it, paired with kinder, gentler alternatives.
Over half of all US physicians will be sued for malpractice at some point in their career. Every goody two-shoes knows how to avoid that: be kind and compassionate, yada, yada, yada. Here we reverse the scenario and reveal 15 highly effective habits that, in the face of a bad outcome, might inspire patients to give a personal injury lawyer your address.
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