Rabia Suzanne, India

I chose the field of oncology after seeing my grandfather suffer from colonic cancer and my grandmother survive breast cancer. This made me understand the importance of having and being an exceptional oncologist- in order to be able to allay the fears of patients and their caregivers as well as highlight the importance of Cancer prevention and early detection.

Some of the challenges I face in providing people centered care are:
1. High inflow of patients with fewer specialists
2. Navigating the health care system (especially for insurance queries)
3. Practical constraints

Many people visit the hospital with almost no knowledge about cancer- they automatically assume that it's a death warrant and visit hospitals as a last ditch effort.
I base my practice on providing standardised oncological treatment as well as catering to the psychological needs of the patient and caregivers. "Heal with compassion and science " has always been my motto.

In order to support patients and their caregivers we need to have adequate training in delivering bad news, have better Healthcare infrastructure and preferably have a centralised health care policy. Many of my patients are from the impoverished sections of the society and require both social and financial help. Due to the stigma against people living with cancer, many of them find themselves destitute or unable to access adequate health care due to familial and societal norms. We need to have a robust plan in place for community outreach programmes to facilitate better education on the same and to decrease, if not eradicate these problems.

To the healthcare system and organiziations invoveled i would say- have more aweness programs, especially about csncer being curable. Provide more funding for better infrastructure development and patient care. Focus on research options to further better cancer care.
To practitioners i would like to quote my parents- "Always put yourselves in the shoes of those consulting you. You never know the trials and tribulations that they might have gone through just to reach you." Speak to them and treat them with the same respect and knowledge that you would, if you or your family were on the other side of the consulting table.