I shadowed Dr. David Nanus, Dr. Shannon Halloway, and Dr. Ana Molina during clinic hours this week and observed them as they interacted with cancer patients for follow-ups or to address symptom concerns. Patients had been diagnosed with either prostate, kidney, bladder, or testicular cancer and were in different stages of treatment. During the clinic hours, I watched as the doctors asked their patients questions and more importantly, I learned more about how treatments were being tailored to the patients. I was surprised when I had learned that patients were taking over 10 prescribed drugs for a variety of symptoms (sometimes over 20!), as I had always imagined people to be taking no more than a handful of prescribed medicine at a time. I also learned that taking a chemotherapeutic is not the first treatment that patients get, as early-stage cancer patients get hormonal treatment or anti-VEGF treatments first - and can continue working while getting the necessary treatment. Clearly I am much more naive than I thought. In addition, I also realized the importance of patience - as progress is monitored over the course of months (as much as 6 months) for patients getting treatments. I always assumed that treatments for cancers were monitored constantly regardless of what stage a patient is in.
Outside of clinic hours, I also attended Heme-Onc Educational meetings where I learned about Radiation Surgery for targeting spine and brain metastasis through Dr. Panullo, and attended a Tumor Board Meeting for precision medicine. I also enjoyed the city and traveled to Time Square, Wall Street, Staten Island, Queens, and a lot of other destinations in the first week. I love NYC as there is a lot to see and do but on Saturday mornings, I just wish construction was bit more quiet outside my window.
Overall - I've learned a lot and can't wait for the coming week!
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