People often think oncologists are “chemotherapy doctors.”

Chemotherapy is part of what I do, but it’s honestly a small part of most days. I spend much more time talking. Explaining what a cancer diagnosis actually means, helping people make sense of the information, and then thinking through options that fit their goals and their lives. A lot of those conversations are about tradeoffs, and there’s rarely a single “right” answer.

Much of my work is supporting people through their illness, including those who decide not to pursue aggressive treatment. I talk with patients about when not to treat, and why stopping treatment can sometimes be the most caring thing we can do.

I spend time with families facing decisions they never imagined having to make. I also talk a lot about prevention—exercise, diet, and risk—long before cancer ever shows up.

I try to offer hope when it’s real. Sometimes that hope is a clinical trial. Other times it’s clarity, more time with family, or simply being comfortable. I treat pain, anxiety, and try to ease suffering that so often accompanies this disease. And when there are no treatment options left, I don’t disappear. I stay close as a resource.

Chemotherapy can save lives, but it’s only one part of what I do.

The most important part of my job is helping people navigate something incredibly hard. At the end of the day, that’s what gives me purpose and keeps me going.