A light for cancer patients
Physicians are used to providing the care, so when the physician becomes the patient, they have a unique perspective on the health care system and those working within it.
Recently, a physician found herself battling thyroid cancer and was referred to Dr. Shamir Chandarana, a surgeon with the section of Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery (U of C), for treatment. While the patient wishes to maintain her privacy, she was compelled to ensure Dr. Chandarana was recognized for the excellent care he provided.
Here are some excerpts from her nomination letter:
“Dr. Chandarana is skilled at his work as he has performed a complex surgery with utmost diligence, precision and competence. Not only is his technical knowledge commendable, his kind and empathic bedside manner really is the icing on top. He has always taken the time to listen, provided his professional opinion, been open to hearing my thoughts, showed empathy in my situation and treated me like I matter. He brings humanness in surgery by relating at the level of the patient. Dr. Chandarana explained the risks and benefits of the surgery he performed and then followed up closely, addressing things as they came along. He was diligent in setting up follow up and physiotherapy post surgery and did not rush me out despite the capacity pressures in our overburdened healthcare system. He adjusted his schedule to provide me with care that best suited my needs. Dr. Chandarana put me before anything else and that’s what made all the difference for me. He embodies the attributes of a great physician - an empathic communicator, an advocate, a leader, a collaborator, and a medical expert.”
Continue reading Dr. Chandarana's Shine A Light profile (Alberta Doctors' Digest, July-August 2022)