Ethan Wasserman, MD

About Ethan Wasserman, MD

Dr. Wasserman discovered his passion for oncology while in medical school. After experiencing the deep relationships that oncologists develop with patients, he realized that this was the field for him. “These relationships endure for years,” he says, even after a cure is achieved.

He also enjoys the opportunity to partner with other healthcare professionals. Cancer is a challenging diagnosis, and treatments are often complex, involving multiple phases. In addition, patients often have needs beyond the medical scope. Effective care requires teamwork between oncologists, nurses, mental health specialists, dieticians, pharmacists, therapists, and more to lend support and help patients cope with treatment. This coordinated approach to care is extremely rewarding for Dr. Wasserman.

Collaboration is not just gratifying; it is essential to Dr. Wasserman’s approach to care. “Treating patients is multi-faceted,” he explains. “Along with the patient’s underlying cancer diagnosis, we must take into consideration the practical aspects of their care, their goals for treatment, and their values.”

He begins the treatment process by setting expectations. He educates the patient on what lies ahead, including treatment options, their downsides, and projected outcomes. This enables patients to make informed decisions about their care. It also soothes anxieties. “Patients are often scared or conflicted about decisions to make regarding treatments,” says Dr. Wasserman. “As their oncologist, I have to guide them and advise them appropriately and compassionately.”

Fortunately, the treatment options are better than ever. New knowledge and modalities have made dramatic improvements in cancer care, leading to fewer harsh side effects and better outcomes for all patients. This fact should inspire confidence in patients dealing with a new diagnosis.

“Advances in cellular and molecular biology have been the basis to develop incredible new treatments,” says Dr. Wasserman. More precise knowledge of molecular pathways, for example, has led to the development of targeted therapies that attack cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. There is also immunotherapy, a modality that modifies the patient’s immune cells with instructions to seek and destroy cancer – thus giving their body the tools it needs to overcome disease.

“These have yielded unsurpassed benefits for cancer patients,” adds Dr. Wasserman. “They have increased a patient’s life expectancy while preserving quality of life, and I believe that they will only continue to improve.”