Arif Kamal: I agree wholeheartedly with Dr Schuchter on we in oncology should serve to cure often, and comfort, always

Arif Kamal, Chief Patient Officer at American Cancer Society, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Sitting in the plenary hall of ASCO24, I was reminded of a 32-year old woman with advanced breast cancer I cared for in palliative care clinic a few years ago. Our treatments had failed her, and recognizing we were in a different place, asked the question I often ask my patients –

“When you think about the future, what do you hope for the most?”

Having been taught by some of the best in healthcare communications – Anthony Back, James Tulsky, Keith Swetz, MD MA FAAHPM HMDC, Toby Campbell MD, MS, FAAHPM, Elise Carey, Vicki Jackson, this question is an effective method to get past overlying issues down to underlying motivations and emotions.

My patient knew she was dying. And thus holding two truths at the same time – hopefulness for peace for herself and her family, and anticipatory grief of leaving her physical body, was needed but nonetheless difficult.

Oftentimes, the time and skills to address these situations with compassion and finesse takes the integration of a palliative care specialist. Which, for the first time I’ve seen at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), was the theme of the Presidential address in front of 44,000+ attendees.

I agree wholeheartedly with Dr Schuchter: We in oncology should serve to cure often, and comfort, always.”

Source: Arif Kamal/LinkedIn

Arif Kamal is the first-ever Chief Patient Officer for the American Cancer Society and drives efforts to advance cancer care. With experience at Duke University and the Duke Cancer Institute, he is an Associate Professor of Medicine and Population Health. He is also a Co-Founder of Prepped Health. Dr. Kamal’s expertise lies in oncology quality assessment, palliative care, and innovative technology solutions for patient engagement.