Cancer Fighters Thrive is a quarterly print and online magazine bringing readers practical, innovative and inspirational information about cancer treatment and survivorship.
Issue link: http://cancerfightersthrive.epubxp.com/i/259111
34 cancer fighters thrive | spring 2014 cf thrive. com BRADFORD TAN, MD Lead Chief of Staf and National Director for Pathology and Laboratory Medicine Cancer Treatment Centers of America® Zion, Illinois W hen patients meet with Bradford Tan, MD, in his role as a patholo- gist, he often asks them, "Have you ever met a pathologist?" The standard response: "Nine times out of 10, the answer is no," Dr. Tan says. And yet the work that Dr. Tan and other pathologists carry out is an essential aspect of patient care. Pathologists are responsible for studying specimens, or samples, of pa- tients' cells and tissues to create detailed reports that describe the cancer and the specific diagnosis. Dr. Tan likes to relate the role that pa- thologists play in patients' care to that of an air traffic controller at an airport: Even though you aren't able to see the control- lers working, they are responsible for en- suring that you take off and land safely. In the same way, though patients don't often interact with pathologists, it is the careful work of creating accurate diagnoses that allows the treatment team to identify the best-possible, most-targeted therapies to treat the cancer—and ultimately provide the "safe landing." A typical day for Dr. Tan includes close interaction with his surgical colleagues in the operating room, as he collects speci- mens and provides feedback during sur- gery. Collaboration with the surgical staff is essential, he says: "At CTCA we interact closely with our clinical colleagues. We are inside the operating room, where we are able to receive the specimen directly; we see the operating field and the orientation of the specimen, and we discuss the case one-on-one with the surgeon, so there is clear communication; it's critical for our patients." In addition to his time on surgical rota- tion, Dr. Tan spends time in the lab, analyz- ing specimens and writing reports. "We're really proud of the reports we write," he BEHIND THE SCENES It takes a village to diagnose and treat cancer and then help patients manage survivorship. Though many patients and families become familiar with the physicians and the nurses they see regularly, they may not always be aware of the essential role of the many other professionals—clinicians, integrative care providers, administrative and support staf—who play a role in their story. The "Behind the Scenes in Cancer Care" profles collected here ofer a glimpse of some of the many dedicated team members who contribute to caring for patients during treatment. says. "They're very, very detailed." Time in the lab might also mean meeting with a pa- tient who wants to see his or her specimen firsthand, and Dr. Tan is always happy to connect with patients. "I have sat down with a teacher, with an engineer, with a farmer— just to name a few," he says. "Some patients are just more visual; they want to see what the cancer, the 'enemy,' looks like. And each time I make sure that when I review the slides with them I walk them through it. My door is open to all patients." After 20 years at CTCA, Dr. Tan contin- ues to be inspired by the opportunity to work together with other members of the care team to provide patients with whole- person care. "I want patients to be aware that we are on their side," he says. "I appreciate working together with clinical colleagues and ultimately seeing that our patients are being taken care of. It is so rewarding to see patients respond to treatment and to know that you played a role in their care." Behind the Scenes in Cancer Care cftSp#23vky.indd 34 2/4/14 11:19 AM