Oncology / Hematology

HAS THE AVAILABILITY OF HEALTH-RELATED INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET HELPED OR HARMED THE WAY PATIENTS SEEK CARE? Reliable sources of information can be empowering for patients as they manage their health. My goal is to help patients understand their options and to support them in making informed decisions about their care. #1 PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR 30’S REGARDING YOUR SPECIALTY? Reduce your risk of cancer by improving metabolic health by exercising five times a week, eating a healthy diet, and getting at least 7 hours of sleep. #1 PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR 50’S? As we age, it is important to prioritize cancer screening to increase the chances of early detection and successful treatment. Getting recommended screenings such as colonoscopies, mammograms, and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests can help catch cancer at an early stage when it is most likely to be curable. MOST MEMORABLE MEDICAL SITUATION? I was a ringside physician for boxing and UFC-style fights! It was a great experience, but nothing compares to being in my patients’ corner when they beat cancer! THE SO-CALLED FAUCI EFFECT (MORE INTEREST IN HEALTHCARE CAREERS, SPURRED BY COVID-19) SAW AN 18 PERCENT INCREASE IN MEDICAL SCHOOL APPLICANTS IN 2021. WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR FUTURE PATIENTS? It is my hope that the increase in doctors will result in improved access to medical care in underserved communities in New Mexico. When patients have better access to quality healthcare, it leads to better health outcomes for individuals and for the community as a whole.

HAS THE AVAILABILITY OF HEALTH-RELATED INFORMATION ON THE INTERNET HELPED OR HARMED THE WAY PATIENTS SEEK CARE? I am a big fan of patient education. If you understand your diagnosis, you will have a better appreciation of the treatment plan and goals. I encourage patients to discuss what they have read online with myself or another physician. There is no substitute for the patient-doctor relationship and communication. STAYING HYDRATED IS OBVIOUSLY IMPORTANT FOR GOOD HEALTH. WITH SO MANY WATER CHOICES (MINERAL, SPRING, SPARKLING, FILTERED, ALKALINE, PURIFIED, TAP), ARE THERE ANY GUIDELINES YOU WOULD RECOMMEND? Everyone has heard the quote “the human body is 70% water.” While the actual percentage varies, appropriate water intake plays an important role in health. Dry eye disease and some age-related retinal diseases have been suggested to worsen with dehydration. #1 PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR 30’S OR YOUNGER REGARDING YOUR SPECIALTY? Get outside and away from your screen time as much as possible! #1 PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE FOR PEOPLE IN THEIR 50’S? Some age-related eye diseases can present as early as your 50’s. Many may be asymptomatic. Getting a complete eye exam annually may detect asymptomatic conditions that are threatening your future vision. STUDYING MEDICINE THEN VS. NOW: WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE? I entered medical school in 2004. Our healthcare system has changed and so has medical education. Today’s physicians need to be proficient in value-based care. We do the right thing for our patients with awareness of the system within which we are practicing. Cost mitigation constraints can be frustrating, but I always advocate for my patients to receive the best treatments. WHAT FORTHCOMING TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT IN YOUR AREA OF SPECIALTY ARE YOU EXCITED ABOUT THAT WILL BENEFIT FUTURE PATIENTS? Gene therapy is being studied in ophthalmology to potentially allow retinal cells to produce therapeutic proteins. In the future, gene therapy may significantly reduce the treatment burden of regular injections that are currently used in macular and retinal diseases. IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME 25 YEARS AND GIVE YOURSELF ONE PIECE OF HEALTH ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Take Spanish instead of French in high school and college! Hablo Español on a daily basis in my clinic, but I can imagine I would be better with formal training. COMPLETE YOUR OWN ENDING TO THE OLD SAYING, “AN APPLE A DAY….” An apple a day needs peanut butter! MOST REALISTIC MEDICAL SHOW ON TELEVISION, PAST OR PRESENT? None of them! ARTIST WHOSE MUSIC WE’D HEAR THE MOST IN YOUR WAITING ROOM: I like a wide variety of music. In medical school I started making a digital playlist called “surgery,” which I play in the operating room. I add to it yearly, and it spans from Adele to Zac Brown Band, and many genres in between! ALSO IN THE TOP 3 FOR OPTHALMOLOGY: Arthur Weinstein, Kevin Sitko