Hope Engelbrecht, M.D., palliative medicine physician, is now seeing patients at Texas Oncology–Cedar Park and Round Rock North. Dr. Engelbrecht shares when she decided to specialize in palliative medicine and what she would like her legacy as a physician to be.
Did you always know you wanted to be a doctor, specifically specializing in palliative medicine?
I always knew I wanted to work in the medical field. I started down this path when I elected to go to a high school tailored for students interested in going into the health field. I initially worked in banking and finance but came back to medicine because that was where my heart was.
It was during my internal medicine residency training that I gravitated towards the specialty of palliative medicine. The experiences I had working with patients who had serious or life limiting illnesses was unlike any other area I worked in. Being able to provide guidance and support with the focus of improving quality of life through some of the toughest health journeys was, and still is, extremely rewarding work.
What has working with cancer patients taught you?
Cancer patients experience a very tough journey and working with them has taught me to treat patients as people, not a diagnosis. As a palliative medicine physician, I get to know my patients for who they are. This personal connection allows me to better provide a pillar of support and contribute to improving their quality of life no matter the outcome.
What would you like your legacy as a physician to be?
I endeavor to leave a favorable impression of thoughtful and compassionate care to every patient I treat through their cancer journey.
How do you get involved within your community?
I enjoy working with and mentoring resident physicians. I am involved with a local ethics committee and participate in a special interest group that promotes physician self-care.
What would the title of your autobiography be?
“Live for Today, Hope for Tomorrow”
I have learned to value each day we are given and live it to the fullest. No one is guaranteed tomorrow, but we can certainly hope for it.
If you were stranded on a deserted island, what is the one thing you could not live without?
Lip balm would be the one item I could not live without!
What is your favorite thing to do in Round Rock?
I’m a bit of a foodie and like to try new restaurants. I especially enjoy patio dining when the Texas heat is not so brutal.