Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaledition.com/i/753672
Q &A Dedicated to Finding Solutions A L A N A S T R O W , M . D . DR. ASTROW, CHIEF OF MEDICAL ONCOLOGY AND HEMATOLOGY AT NEW YORK METHODIST HOSPITAL, OFFERS HOPE TO HIS PATIENTS. Q What are your strengths as a doctor? A I have an excellent memory for facts, a good understanding of science and logic, and can keep a whole range of treatment options for patients in my head. But I also like to step into the other person's shoes, understand things from the other's point of view. What's best for the individual patient always comes first. I take special satisfaction in synthesizing a lot of information and complicated concepts to make sense of it all in a way that people can relate to and understand. Doctors need to show that they care about their patients and then help patients make decisions that are right for them. Q Why did hematology and medical oncology appeal to you? A When I was a medical resident looking to choose an area of focus, I had a very dynamic teacher who influenced me. I was also drawn to the field because I felt that it was an area of need. With all the publicity now associated with cancer fund raising, research and new treatments, we tend to forget that not long ago there was much stigma associated with a cancer diagnosis. I wanted to be part of efforts to be sure that cancer patients were not treated differently from others and received the best possible care. Q What area of oncology interests you most? A My practice now focuses on the medical treatment of breast cancer and gynecologic cancers, though I am broadly experienced in treating the full range of cancers and blood diseases. As division director, I am eager to recruit more top physicians involved in medical oncology and hematology. We are continuously enhancing the services we provide as new therapies and research studies become available. I am also very interested in the psychosocial issues surrounding cancer treatment: finding ways to improve communication between doctors and patients and to reduce patient fear and anxiety. Q What do you enjoy most about Brooklyn? A My dad was from Brooklyn so I've always identified with the borough, even though I was born in Queens. I think that Brooklyn is the most energetic of all the boroughs. The range of people is extraordinary and there is tremendous drive, creativity, and enthusiasm for hard work. Many of the best people in our country are from or got their start in Brooklyn. There are no false airs here: people are direct and will tell you exactly what they think. It's a great place to be. Q What do you love to do when you're not working? A I love reading—novels, history, philosophy, even theology sometimes—and I enjoy intelligent conversation and a good argument. I am a bit of newspaper addict; I wish more people would read print newspapers so that they won't disappear from the scene. I like going to the theater. I know all the old songs from the '30s, 40's, and '50s—I'm a bit retrograde in that regard. I've written essays on a range of topics related to the human side of medical practice that have been published in medical and general interest journals. I enjoy Jewish study and am an active member of a liberal synagogue. I play golf, poorly. And I'm a long-suffering New York Jets fan. Q What would change about yourself if you could? A I'm a worrier, which tends to be in the interest of patients, but it can drive my wife and kids a little crazy. WIN T ER 2 017/ / W W W.N Y M.O RG 28 G E T A N S W E R S