MEET THE DOCTOR
"Surgical oncology is changing in that we have an increasing
number of innovative technologies at our disposal."
can consult with another surgeon with-
At CTCA the access to innovative
lives have been enhanced by surviving
in a few feet, and the radiation oncolo-
treatment is so much more robust than
this tragedy and the experiences that
gist is 100 yards away. This access to the
any other place I have worked. In my
followed.
multidisciplinary team facilitates my
previous employment and practice,
ability to make timely, informed patient
the ability to perform cutting-edge
WHAT HOBBIES OR INTERESTS DO
management decisions, and I like that.
therapies was hindered by a lot of red
YOU PURSUE IN YOUR FREE TIME?
And there is a closeness with patients
tape and difficult hurdles, whereas here
I spend most of my free time with my
that is really nice.
the pathways to using these innovative
children. I like building things with my
technologies are much more clear—there
hands, and I recently built a tree house
HOW DO YOU SEE THE SPECIALTY
are fewer obstacles, and I can sense that
for my middle daughter. I also like
OF SURGICAL ONCOLOGY
we will continue to pursue these new
attending football games, and my oldest
CHANGING IN THE FUTURE?
treatments.
daughter and I attend University of
Surgical oncology is changing in that we
Oklahoma games.
have an increasing number of innovative
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY SURVIVED
technologies at our disposal: We use
THE 2011 TORNADO IN JOPLIN.
HIPEC, intraoperative radiation therapy
HOW DID THAT EXPERIENCE
(IORT), and multiple modalities. I think
AFFECT YOUR ONCOLOGY CAREER
that surgical oncology will continue to
AND YOU PERSONALLY?
use these and other new technologies,
Certainly, every day we are much more
which are increasingly robust and more
thankful about almost everything. We
advanced. Laparoscopic surgery is
are so grateful to have a home, to be
another one of those innovative surgical
safe, and to know that we're going to be
advances. All of these advanced strategies
fine from an employment standpoint—
really provide the patient with treatment
all those things you can take for granted.
opportunities that they've never been
We also appreciate our children and
offered before.
our faith more, and we find ourselves
grateful for the small things on a
regular basis. We definitely feel that our
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spring 2013 | cancer fighters thrive 21