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
spring 2014 | cancer fighters thrive 35 cf thrive. com ferent disciplines." In addition, Lam is inspired by the fact that he is encouraged to pursue research and professional de- velopment opportunities to continue to improve patient care: "The sense of free- dom to expand individual talent for the good of our patients in innovation and research is very stimulating." "Patients see only the frontline em- ployees who provide them the day-to- day care," he says, "but behind the scenes there are many professionals who ensure the safe, proper and accurate delivery of tests and treatments with the best avail- able equipment, calibrated to the exact manner for the optimal functioning day in and day out." NANCY HARRIS Retail Pharmacy Manager Cancer Treatment Centers of America Newnan, Georgia W hen Nancy Harris's grandfather was diagnosed with cancer and un- derwent treatment, Harris saw frsthand what cancer treatment looks like when patients are not fully supported. "My grandfather was only provided treatment of the disease but nothing further. That seemed so impersonal," Harris says. "I knew there was more. I knew there must be a place where caring for the patient was a higher priority than putting pills in a bottle. I knew that I wanted to be SIMON LAM, MSEE, DABR, DABMP Chief Medical Physicist and Radiation Safety Officer Cancer Treatment Centers of America Goodyear, Arizona A s Chief Medical Physicist, Simon Lam is responsible for the day-to- day administrative functions of the Phys- ics Department—staffng, testing equip- ment functions and ensuring accuracy— and for contributing his expertise in the feld through consultations with medi- cal clinicians on topics related to radia- tion treatment devices and techniques. His position as Radiation Safety Offcer places him in charge of ensuring safe ap- plication of radiation at the hospital. Though Lam's position generally sees him working behind the scenes, his work has a direct impact on patients because he is responsible for ensuring that those treated receive the highest quality of ra- diation therapy testing and treatment with minimal side effects. "Making sure we are providing patients with the best possible technology, applied properly, is most satisfying to me," Lam says. Lam says it is also gratifying to work closely with the clinicians and other staff to help patients. "My colleagues appreci- ate a collegial discussion for the beneft of our patients," he says. "There is so much to learn from others, and I appreciate interactions with professionals from dif- BEHIND THE SCENES part of a community that offered hope for healing and not just treated the dis- ease but the whole person." The road to her current role as Retail Pharmacy Manager, however, was a winding one. Harris completed degrees in business and chemistry before finally entering a four-year pharmacy program. Despite her extended journey, Harris knows that she has ended up in the right place: "God gave me the desire to serve people as a pharmacist, and I will do anything in my power to help make someone's day easier, better," she says. Harris's work involves flling prescrip- tions and supplement orders in the hos- pital's on-site pharmacy. As she serves patients and caregivers, Harris is in- spired by the personal connections she makes. "Getting to know patients and family members is what really energizes me," she says. "I want to learn about the circumstances of their lives. I want to be able to learn more about them in order to develop the relationship of trust, care and love with them." Harris's desire to connect extends be- yond the pharmacy as well, as she often fnds herself meeting up with patients as she makes her way around the hospital. "I feel like I am constantly walking all over the hospital, so I see people in the cafeteria, in the clinic, in the hall—ev- erywhere—and I love making direct contact with people with hugs and love." In all of her interactions with patients, Harris is inspired to share hope and com- passion. "I want patients and my fellow employees to know that my heart is gen- uine. I come to work every day, wanting to make a difference—to bring a smile to a sad face and heart, to give a hug when someone feels alone or to solve a problem for someone who feels they cannot." cftSp#23vky.indd 35 2/3/14 11:16 PM