Grateful Patients

FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER, GRATEFUL PATIENT, CANCER SURVIVOR Here in South Florida, we are fortunate to have access to Miami Cancer Institute – a state-of-the-art cancer treatment facility, bringing Baptist Health’s outpatient cancer services together under one roof. I was shocked and scared when I was first diagnosed with prostate cancer in January of 2019. Two days later, I walked into Miami Cancer Institute for follow-up exams and to meet with my physicians to create a treatment plan. The welcoming environment created by the caring and compassionate staff immediately reduced my anxiety. Two treatment options were presented and together with Maria Amelia Rodrigues, M.D., we decided to move forward with TrueBeam radiation, designed to treat targets with enhanced speed and accuracy. Having the power to not only treat quickly, but also deliver highly precise dose rates are hallmarks of the TrueBeam system. I underwent this radiation twice a week for five weeks. During those five weeks, my relationship with the team at Miami Cancer Institute grew very close and their support through this journey was outstanding. From the very beginning, I was aware that Miami Cancer Institute offers one of the world’s most comprehensive and advanced radiation oncology programs, but the quality of the treatment and the human interaction exceeded my expectations. On week five, it was time to ring the Bell of Hope, signaling the end of active treatment and the beginning of a cancer-free life. Because I was so grateful for the level of care I received and the support I felt from everyone at Miami Cancer Institute, I decided that I wanted to give back. I was so moved by my experience that my wife, Rosita, and I made a donation in support of Miami Cancer Institute to name one of the Bells of Hope. As a member of the Baptist Health Foundation Board of Directors, I have always believed in what Baptist Health stands for and the work they do to better our community and bring the highest level of healthcare to everyone they serve. But when you become the patient and you experience what I did, you come to recognize the true impact that Baptist Health can have on one’s life. I am forever grateful to not only have been treated by world-class physicians who saved my life, but that I also get to share my story with the community and shed light on how this organization makes a difference every day. Giving back to Miami Cancer Institute has been one of the proudest moments of my life. Knowing that my contribution will help Miami Cancer Institute continue to thrive and have a positive impact for other individuals going through what I went through brings me immense honor – generosity can change lives.

Marcos Perez

Just like Marcos, many before him have come forward to support Miami Cancer Institute in helping create opportunities to enhance patient experience, which can have a direct impact on lives like Dr. Kulkarni. Philanthropy at the Institute has made

it possible for Integrative Medicine, for example, to play a role during one’s treatment by seeking nutrition counseling,

art and music therapy, physical activity and exercise training, massage therapy and acupuncture. Funded in part by the generosity of donors, the Integrative Medicine Program promotes lifestyle changes that work together with traditional medical treatments to enhance a patient’s health and wellness. Generosity through philanthropy helps shape patients’ experiences. Because of the support and dedication shown by the many who support Miami Cancer Institute, patients just like Marcos and Dr. Kulkarni will be positively impacted by additional resources made available by philanthropy.

TWIST OF FATE: How a Cancer Diagnosis Made Me a Better Physician The Monday after Thanksgiving will never be forgotten. On this day, I was told I had the one diagnosis both physicians and patients dread – cancer. Even though I have been an anesthesiologist for 30 years, I found myself feeling very alone and unprepared after learning of my tongue cancer diagnosis. In a twist of fate, I would now experience the hospitals, clinics and dealing with insurance companies from a perspective that was rather foreign to me – the physician had just become the patient. The range of emotions I experienced that day were unlike any I have ever felt before. I started to immediately put together a plan to determine the next steps after I gathered myself emotionally and mentally from the shock. My first call was to Siddhartha Venkatappa, M.D., an oncologist at Miami Cancer Institute and a personal friend. His compassion, knowledge and understanding of cancer helped greatly alleviate my anxiety. My next call was to Minesh Mehta, M.D., a radiation oncologist and deputy director of the Institute who again, was incredibly kind and understood what I was going through. He explained the disease to me in great detail and we discussed the different treatment options. I feel fortunate to have these two wonderful physicians as friends, but even more fortunate to be able to call on them as a patient. Both Drs. Venkatappa and Mehta strongly recommended Geoffrey Young, M.D., an oncologic head and neck surgeon.

My wife and I went to Miami Cancer Institute to meet with Dr. Young and I was thoroughly impressed with the professionalism and compassion shown by the staff every step of the way. While waiting, I was regularly approached by someone asking me if I was OK or if they could do something for me – I felt understood. As soon as I met Dr. Young, I knew he was the right surgeon to help me through this. His understanding of the disease, knowledge of the latest research and kind bedside manner put my wife and me at ease. He thoroughly, and patiently, answered all questions and even provided us with medical opinions from Memorial Sloan Kettering. Two very painful surgeries and five weeks later, Dr. Young finally gave me and my family the news we had been praying for - I was cancer free! As a patient going through this journey, there were many things that stood out in my mind that will stay with me forever. I am dedicated to help increase cancer awareness by reaching out to as many people as possible in hopes of making even a small difference in someone’s life. Vigilance is important, but it’s even more important to keep going back to your physician to ask questions, advocate for yourself and trust your gut feeling if you suspect something is wrong. Since becoming a physician, I have always been careful not to personalize patients’ problems, but as a patient, it was becoming more and more clear to me that I wanted the medical staff to personalize me and treat me as someone more than just a patient. Keeping this in mind, as a physician, I hope to become better at communicating with patients and showing more empathy and compassion. Samir Kulkarni, M.D.

Medical Director, Anesthesiology Homestead Hospital President, HH Foundation Council