Racha Halawi, M.D., M.S., hematologist and medical oncologist, is now seeing patients at Texas Oncology–Baylor Charles A. Sammons Cancer Center. Dr. Halawi shares what she looks forward to in the field and advice for patients to take an active role in their treatment plans.
What do you think the future of cancer treatment will look like?
With revolutionary treatments such as targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and cellular therapy, we are transitioning toward non-chemotherapy-based treatments. This is already the case for some blood cancers. With these new treatment approaches, we are helping prolong patients' lives and providing advanced stage cancers with effective therapies. The cancer field will continue to evolve, and we will hopefully have other new promising treatment approaches that will provide better disease control.
I believe that patient education leads to improved outcomes; therefore, I always advise my patients to ask me questions and to not hesitate at all."
What do you want your patients to know about you?
My main focus when I practice medicine is patient education. I believe that patient education leads to improved outcomes; therefore, I always advise my patients to ask me questions and to not hesitate at all. In addition, I encourage patients to raise their concerns and participate in shared decision making with their oncologist. They need to be comfortable with their treatment plan to follow it well.
What advice would you give someone who is aspiring to be a doctor?
First, I would tell them I am very proud of them for considering this option. Being a doctor means dedicating decades of one's life to a noble cause. I would reassure them that all the hard work they will invest in their studies and training will be rewarding, as they will be significantly impacting their patients' lives. They will need to know that dedication and patience are essential to practicing medicine.
Where is your favorite place you’ve ever visited?
I am an avid traveler and have enjoyed visiting many countries and learning more about their people and their traditions. I’m very interested in the history of ancient Egypt, and it truly felt like I went back in time when I visited the pyramids of Giza. The pyramids were majestic and how the sophisticated structures were built is truly a fascinating mystery.