My journey into surgical oncology, as well as my approach to practice, has been profoundly influenced by my parents’ battles with cancer. My father’s fight against rectal cancer opened my eyes to the critical importance of a strong physician-patient relationship. As a caregiver, I was deeply moved by the compassionate care he received, which fostered immense respect for his physician’s ability to communicate both hopeful and challenging news with honesty and empathy. Witnessing my father’s struggles made me acutely aware of the profound impact a physician can have on the lives of patients and their families. Each patient interaction evokes memories of my father’s courageous fight against cancer, motivating me to pursue excellence in my practice and honor his legacy while creating new memories for the thousands of patients I serve.

The loss of my mother to metastatic lung cancer just six weeks after her diagnosis further deepened my understanding of end-of-life care. It taught me to balance the desire to do everything possible to save a life with the acceptance of our mortality, embracing loss with compassion and dignity. With that said, my practice is deeply rooted in faith, drawing strength from my beliefs that guide me not only in my personal life but also in navigating the complexities that a cancer diagnosis presents for my patients. I feel truly blessed to have the opportunity and trust to care for patients from the beginning of their cancer journey until the very end.