Brandon Roane, M.D., gynecologic oncologist, is now seeing patients at Texas Oncology–Methodist Charlton Cancer Center and Methodist Dallas Cancer Center Gynecologic Oncology. Dr. Roane shares his patient-centered approach to cancer care and the outlook for the future of gynecologic oncology.
What inspired you to specialize in gynecologic oncology?
I have known I wanted to be a physician since I was a child, and always admired the relationship between doctors and their patients. When choosing a specialty, I was interested in surgery, but I wanted to do more than just operate. I wanted to build long- term connections with my patients, and gynecologic oncology
offered just that. It lets me support my patients and their families throughout their cancer journey, and I am very fortunate to do so every day.
What do you think the future of gynecologic oncology treatment will look like?
This is an exciting time for gynecologic oncology. Through molecular technologies, we have many new treatment and drug options, bringing substantially improved clinical outcomes. As we improve our understanding of cancer on a molecular level, we will be able to design patient-specific treatments that are tailored to the molecular and genetic make-up of each tumor. Additionally, new technology will continue allowing us to perform less invasive surgery while still achieving comparable clinical outcomes. This offers quicker recovery, fewer complications, and improved quality of life for our patients.
It would be easy to shut down in the face of a cancer diagnosis, but I’ve been amazed to see patients turn it into a motivating tool to improve their own and others’ lives."
What has working with cancer patients taught you about the resiliency of the human spirit?
As a gynecologic oncologist, I knew a key part of my job would be helping my patients through the traumatic experience that a cancer diagnosis may bring. However, what I didn't know was how resilient patients can be in spinning such a negative reality into a positive. I have seen former patients become caretakers and sources of support for others undergoing cancer treatment, from family members to complete strangers. It would be easy to shut down in the face of a cancer diagnosis, but I’ve been amazed to see patients turn it into a motivating tool to improve their own and others’ lives.
What would you like your legacy as a physician to be?
When people reflect on my work as a physician, I want them to think I took excellent care of my patients. At the heart of what we do is relationship-building with our patients. If I can go home each day knowing my patients received the best gynecologic oncology care possible, then every day is a success. If that care embodies my reputation as a physician, then I would retire happy.
If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
I've always loved weight-lifting and identified with the superheroes with super strength, so that would be the power I would choose. On top of showing off at the gym, performing extreme feats of heroic lifting would also be pretty cool.