Rashad Khan, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist, recently joined Texas Oncology–Longview Cancer Center. Dr. Khan shares what inspires him about cancer care and what excites him about joining Texas Oncology.
Do you have any family members in the medical field?
Yes, I do. I have one brother who is a neurosurgeon in Hackensack, New Jersey, and another brother who is a dentist in Irving, Texas. Both have served as exceptional role models for me in providing high-quality patient care through compassion and empathy.
What inspired you to specialize in cancer care?
Despite how complex and challenging it can be to treat cancer and blood disorders, our patients and their support systems are some of the most resilient, kind, and grateful people I have ever met. They are what inspire me and make this a very rewarding and fulfilling career. Not to mention, they also often have a sense of humor that perfectly balances reality with optimism, which is refreshing!
What excites you most about joining an organization like Texas Oncology?
I am excited to join Texas Oncology for its decades-long reputation of providing leading-edge treatments, multidisciplinary care, and access to clinical trials – all in a community setting. Instead of patients having to travel hundreds of miles to get the best available treatment, Texas Oncology brings all the essential resources to the patients and their support systems! This allows them to spend more time with their loved ones and less time trying to coordinate their care away from the comforts of their home.
Ultimately, I want my patients to know that I will be there for them through each step of the process, remaining transparent, empathetic, and committed throughout their care.”
What do you want your patients to know about you?
I want my patients to know that first and foremost: they are in charge. I try to prioritize their wishes and provide as individualized of a treatment plan as possible. Furthermore, I also understand that a cancer diagnosis has a huge impact on a patient’s support system. As such, I also welcome any one of my patients’ loved ones to be part of the decision-making process and we will only move forward when all questions and concerns are addressed. Ultimately, I want my patients to know that I will be there for them through each step of the process, remaining transparent, empathetic, and committed throughout their care.
What podcast, shows, or books are you regularly tuning into right now?
With two young daughters at home, I’d be lying if I said I’ve been watching anything other than “Cocomelon,” “Baby Shark’s Big Show,” and Disney movies! Previously, however, my leisure time was spent watching or playing sports, enjoying TV shows and movies, or reading books. More recently on my commutes to work, though, I try to sneak in an episode of the podcast “Hidden Brain.”