On Movember, a month dedicated to raising awareness of men’s health issues, it’s crucial to highlight the significant strides being made toward improving outcomes for those affected. Movember’s mission to “change the face of men…
Category: Oncology/Hematology
Why every physician craves a break from daily chaos
In today’s medical world, cancer treatment guidelines are constantly evolving. CME events are held worldwide to help health care professionals become more familiar with new treatments. They can be live events held at specific locations or online …
What Chadwick Boseman’s death reveals about cancer prevention and risk factors
We lost a very talented actor and director, Chadwick Boseman, way too early to colorectal cancer in 2023. When I recently became aware of his enormous talent, I resolved to examine his premature death as best I could with the hope of sparing others suc…
Why a football legend’s prostate cancer advice sparked controversy
I didn’t know who Emmitt Smith was. I didn’t know September was Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. I didn’t know what was going on in the weekend football game my husband was watching next to me on the couch. I was typing a clinic note …
How my father taught me the true meaning of generosity
I enjoy buying gifts for people I adore. It’s my love language. I enjoy seeing the smile, joy, or surprise in the eyes of those who receive my gifts. I live for these moments. There were times when people did not express how much they appreciated…
How life’s biggest lessons shape us: a journey through struggle, loss, and resilience
Life has a way of teaching us through the most unexpected experiences, often in moments that feel daunting. I reflect on this often, especially when I consider my own journey—a journey shaped by illness, loss, inspiration, and a constant hunger for kno…
Navigating patient transitions following the withdrawal of Oxbryta
The withdrawal of Oxbryta (voxelotor) from global markets, announced by Pfizer after a recent data review revealed a rise in deaths and complications, has left sickle cell disease (SCD) patients in a precarious situation. The sudden nature of the annou…
How a chief resident’s battle with stress and toxic politics revealed an untold story of resilience
Almost three years ago, I was the chief resident of our training program. The chief resident was primarily responsible for designing curricular activities in collaboration with the faculty, attending and representing the department and the residency pr…
Why rethinking cancer risk is critical to addressing rising cancer rates in young adults
I recently encountered a new patient, a seemingly healthy 25-year-old man who had just graduated from college and was working his first job. He was not a tobacco user and had no medical diagnoses, but shoulder and abdominal pain brought him to Mass Gen…
How this young physician’s job search uncovered hidden sexism in health care
Sometimes in life, we experience feelings of desperation, uncertainty, confusion, or curiosity. I was desperate and wanted to explore my options regarding employment after completing two fellowships, one in oncology and the second one in palliative car…
