Jorge Darcourt, M.D., MHCM, hematologist and medical oncologist, is now seeing patients at Texas Oncology–Houston Medical Center and Sugar Land. Dr. Darcourt tells us about his passions for cancer research and patient-centered care.
What excites you most about joining an organization like Texas Oncology?
I am excited about joining one of the largest cancer care organizations in Texas and working with a team of professionals who care for more cancer patients and in more locations that any other organization. Texas Oncology physicians are not only dedicated to patient care, but they are also active participants in cancer research that has led to the FDA approval of several of the drugs that have contributed to an era of lower cancer mortality rates than ever before. I’m excited to join this organization that is 100% patient-centered and where the concepts of high-quality care, treatment efficiency, and compassion are part of our daily activities.
We are helping more patients achieve remission from their cancers than ever before, and this is just the beginning of a bright era in cancer care."
In your opinion, what is one of the single most important breakthroughs in cancer research to date and how have you seen it change the course of treatment?
Targeted therapies including immunotherapy, which has allowed us to decrease the toxicity of the prior cancer treatments and improved survival rates and quality of life for many patients. We are helping more patients achieve remission from their cancers than ever before, and this is just the beginning of a bright era in cancer care.
What are you most proud of when you reflect on your medical career to date?
I am very proud of being able to participate and lead clinical cancer research in the communities of Houston, which allowed patients to receive the best possible clinical care close to their homes. Texas Oncology is the right place to continue these efforts and grow this mission.
What advice would you give someone who is aspiring to be a doctor?
Patients are at the center of everything that we do. Your daily job satisfaction is dependent on your patient interactions. Like they say, if you love what you do you will not work one day in your life.
Where is your favorite place you’ve ever visited?
Italy feels like home. When you are there, you can see the history of humankind in one place. It is an amazing place if you like history, art, human interactions and, of course, good food and wine.