Shruti Sharma, D.O., hematologist and medical oncologist, is now accepting patients at Texas Oncology–San Antonio Medical Center. Dr. Sharma shares how she plans to get involved in the San Antonio community and an important lesson on never giving up.
Did you always know you wanted to be a doctor? What led you to oncology specifically?
The human body has always fascinated me. In fact, my curiosity is what eventually led me to my career in medicine. I love that medicine allows me to educate my patients about their disease and create a collaborative treatment plan together. My oncology rotation during residency was what drew me specifically toward cancer care. Cancer can be a tough diagnosis for anyone, and I wanted to be a physician who lets my patients know they are not alone in their fight and that together we can create a treatment plan unique to them.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learned in your medical education?
The most valuable lesson I learned in my medical training was to never give up. The minute you give up on your goals, you let failure win.
Looking forward, what excites you most about your career in medicine?
Medicine is constantly evolving. As we continue to study cancer, we will be able to use these findings to create robust treatment plans and therapies that can potentially outsmart the disease itself. In oncology, we learn a tremendous amount from cancer research and clinical trials, which translates into providing the best possible care for our patients.
What about returning to Texas are you most excited about?
I am most excited to be closer to my family in Texas! I look forward to being reunited with them and continuing to follow my passion of cancer care.
Where is your favorite place you’ve ever traveled to?
My favorite place I have traveled to is Kashmir, India. This region is very rich in culture and surrounded by many beautiful mountains, valleys, and bodies of water.
How do you get involved within your community?
I get involved within my community by seeking projects or philanthropies about which I am passionate. I look forward to finding organizations and groups focused on cancer prevention in the San Antonio community. A personal career goal of mine in joining Texas Oncology is to increase awareness of the importance of cancer screenings in the city.
What is your favorite podcast series ?
My favorite podcast series is “Project Oncology.” It keeps me informed on the most up-to-date information around hematology and medical oncology overall.