Bart Posnik, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist, is now seeing patients at Texas Oncology–Bastrop. He reflects on his career to date and discusses what excites him about the future of cancer treatment.
Did you always want to be a doctor, specifically studying oncology?
Being raised by parents who are physical therapists and always being interested in science and social studies growing up, I knew quite early that I would pursue a career in health and medicine. Halfway through college, I decided to become a medical doctor after working as an English-Spanish interpreter at a free medical clinic in St. Louis.
From the beginning of medical school, I gravitated toward internal medicine so I could make a real connection with my patients and help them through difficult diagnoses. I value that the field of oncology is evolving rapidly and requires continued learning so that I can provide the best care possible.
What are you most proud of when you reflect on your medical career to date?
I am most proud of completing my hematology and oncology fellowship at the famous John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County in downtown Chicago. I also had the honor of being the chief fellow during my final year there. It’s one of the busiest hospitals in the country due to its location and commitment to providing care to anyone in need. The clinical experience I received there, though sometimes overwhelming, was second to none, and gave me an upper hand in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of hematological and oncological issues.
Secondly, I am very proud to become a part of Texas Oncology, which is well known and respected for providing top-quality cancer care close to the comfort of a patient’s home and family.
I am inspired by my patients and their families, along with my colleagues and support staff. Their appreciation, determination, and hard work motivates me to do my best every day."
What do you think the future of cancer treatment will look like?
The most exciting thing about cancer treatment is the pace at which it is evolving. Many cancers once considered fatal are now managed as chronic medical conditions. Cancer treatment is becoming more individualized. It is possible to have multiple patients with the exact same cancer all treated very differently based on their individual cancer characteristics and personal goals. The future of cancer treatment will no longer be based solely on the type of cancer, but on patients’ unique cancer cells. This will lead to more personalized treatment options and a decrease in potential side effects.
Who inspires you?
I am inspired by my patients and their families, along with my colleagues and support staff. Their appreciation, determination, and hard work motivate me to do my best every day. I'm also inspired by cancer researchers who are at the forefront of medicine. They are getting us one step closer to new cancer treatment options and giving me new tools to provide better care for my patients.
If you had to listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That’s a difficult question. I really enjoy music and have a broad music preference. My current playlist is largely based on what I am doing and how I am feeling at the moment. If I absolutely had to choose one song, a good option may be “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes. This song has become a hallmark. You hear it at almost every soccer match around the world, along with many other sports. I am a big international soccer fan and attended multiple games during the 2012 UEFA European Championship.