How to find a good oncologist

notthrilled

So how do you go about finding an oncologist who actually thinks about AI and doesn't just do the one size fits all "regimen"? My existing one actually plugs things into a computer program to justify the prescription. She may be perfectly fine with active cancer, but adjuvant therapy gets short shrift.

Rosanne7

Great question --

santabarbarian

I think word of mouth is one good way... I found a great MO through another friend who had used him for her BC. He thinks like a strategist and will go outside the box. I like that he said, "I would prescribe X to you off label if you needed it." He chose a less typical chemo for me, had really good reasons for it, and it was very effective.

Another is to look at which MDs are working on your particular kind of cancer. If you look at those taped Onco-live events online for your particular cancer you will see which clinicians are considered experts. You can look for those doing work with later stage people with your diagnosis.

My second opinion doc I chose because she was a relative of my dermatologist! I happened to go in to the dermatologist the day after my diagnosis... and her sister in law just happened to be *head of breast oncology at UCLA*, and I was thrilled for the referral. She agreed with my MO and it was nice to have his plan confirmed by a top flight doctor.

ShetlandPony

If you can attend a local in-person support group meeting, you can ask the other patients about their oncs.