When I was first introduced to MD evaluation sites 2 years ago, I intended to comment on several doctors, but as is so often the case, life kept getting in the way of my plans. Now, with the pandemic raging, I am taking the time to do so in order to express my deep gratitude and admiration, as every day, doctors and medical staff put themselves at risk to care for the sick.
Almost 8 years ago, I was a cancer patient at Dana Farber in Boston MA. Dana Farber’s particular team approach to treating cancer is highly effective; my sense is that the medical and administrative staff are allowed the space, time, and resources so that they can first and foremost offer excellent care.
During my treatment, out of sympathy, a nurse was trying to convince me of the necessity of taking oxycodone, given the severity of my cancer. I had had 2 bad experiences with the opioid, so my husband convinced me that we should at least talk with an expert in palliative medicine. Probably like many people, I felt ‘end stage,’ although I did intellectually know better – palliative medicine is also about pain management.
We met with Dr. Brandoff, who is, in a word, amazing. That initial encounter and every single one afterward left us respecting him even more than the encounter before.
He listened to me explain why I didn’t want to take the oxycodone. He asked questions. Then, he asked what I would do to manage the pain. When I had told him I was taking advantage of Yawkey Center’s acupuncture program (sure he was going to shake his head in disapproval), he actually nodded and told us that he thought acupuncture was often an excellent choice.
So, he monitored my therapy and supported our decision, giving us yet one more source of support and positive feedback in our long journey from cancer to complete remission. He is an amazing individual, with enormous knowledge and talents, both medical and otherwise.
SunHee Gertz

Submitted Sept. 9, 2020