3 minute read

THAT'S WHAT HE SAID

that's what SaidHE

DR. WILLIAM R. MITCHELL, SOUTHERN ONCOLOGY SPECIALISTS

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THE POWER OF LOVE, THE POWER OF US My love story begins when I was an undergraduate at Marshall University. I guess you could say that cupid’s arrow struck at a football game because that’s where, on a blind date, I met my wife, Jane. She was — and is — a strong, independent, and honest woman. We got engaged three months after that rst date, and we’ve been together ever since. We now have two sons and most recently two grandsons. I like to think we’re a “happily ever after” couple, but I’ve also learned a ton of lessons along the way, like being willing to admit you are wrong and apologize. I also know how important it is to compromise.

Men and women are different. Ok, so maybe that fact didn’t really surprise you. After all, it’s been 28 years since John Gray popularized the idea that men are from Mars and women are from Venus. And as much as we love sharing women’s stories, we decided it was time to lend the Martians of LKN our ear, too. This month we share the perspectives of Dr. William R. Mitchell of Southern Oncology Specialists.

LISTEN, HEAL,

REPEAT As a physician, I know speaking with patients about what is important to them in their lives is so bene cial to both of us; and the talk is not just about cancer and treatments and prognoses. If I talk about the journey we are going to take together as patient and physician in a meaningful and personal way — and if patients share what shapes their thinking and their way of life with me — we believe in each other’s stories and connect with one another. at’s powerful medicine … for both of us. Of course, I’m doing everything I can to help my patients beat cancer, but I’m also listening and sharing in their stories. It’s therapy. Everyone has a story to tell, you just have to listen.

EARLY DAYS

AND INSPIRED

BEGINNINGS

I grew up in Portsmouth, Ohio. As a teenager, I actually hung out in this steel mill town’s emergency rooms — tagging along with the medical teams and watching them in action. When I graduated college, I attended medical school at the University of Louisville, and it was there that I learned the story of an architect who was just diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was a de ning moment in my life. When he was diagnosed, none of the physicians knew how to help him, but then the oncologist came in and knew exactly what to say and do. at is when I knew I wanted to be an oncologist.

THE SWEET SONGS OF CHRISTMAS I’m passionate about all genres of music. You might say I’m a music connoisseur! is holiday season, I’m looking forward to listening to holiday favorites with my two grandsons and starting Christmas traditions with them. When it comes to decorating, Jane is in charge of the inside décor, and I get the outside. I love lighting up the trees in our yard with bright mistletoe and festive balls. We’ve done it for years and it makes the holidays extra special and extra memorable. w

Dr. William R. Mitchell founded Southern Oncology Specialists in 2010 and is a board-certifi ed physician in medical oncology. He completed both his internal medicine residency and fellowship at Wake Forest University’s Bowman Gray School of Medicine. With fi ve area locations, connect with Dr. Mitchell and his team at www.southernoncology.com.

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