Student groups collaborate to honor Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Women’s Health
The Obstetrics & Gynecology Interest Group and Oncology Interest Group hosted a Cancer and Women’s Health Panel discussion in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Women’s Health, and to educate students about cancer-related fellowship opportunities after residency. The physician panel consisted of a gynecologic oncologist, a medical oncologist, and a breast surgical oncologist. Panelists spoke of their training pathways, the work they currently do and the collaborative nature of their work in support of women’s health.
Sarah Crafton, M.D. (’11), is a gynecologic oncologist with the Allegheny Health Network based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Gynecologic oncology is a three-year fellowship option after an OB/GYN residency for specialization in the diagnosis and surgical management of cancerous and noncancerous conditions of the female reproductive system. Dr. Crafton reflected how, “good old-fashioned communication and multidisciplinary care is always the right plan… It works out better for patients that way.”
Mehool Patel, M.D. (’98), M.B.A., is a medical hematologist-oncologist with Western Reserve Hospital. He also serves as chair and clinical professor for the Department of Internal Medicine at NEOMED. A hematology-oncology fellowship is three years long and can be pursued after several different residencies including internal medicine or pediatrics. A hematologist-oncologist evaluates and manages patients with a diagnosis of cancer and/or hematologic disorders. Dr. Patel enjoys that his job affords him the opportunity to “get to know the patients, their families, and their life stories,” he said. Looking ahead, he is excited that “new advancements in genomics are pushing us to cutting-edge treatments on the medical and chemotherapy side.”
Dean Mayors, M.D., is a general surgeon specializing in breast surgical oncology. He currently serves as a faculty member and reflective practice leader as part of the longitudinal “Patient, Physician and Community” course in the College of Medicine. In talking about the most rewarding part of his work, Dr. Mayors reflects, “You can make an immediate difference in the life of another person. And to be at their bedside before, during and after the surgery and see that effect, and work with them through that, is a wonderful thing, and I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world.”
Thank you to the physician panel members for sharing their career paths and experiences with us.
-submitted by Zachary Stahl, M2