Aileen L. Chen, MD

About Aileen L. Chen, MD

Dr. Chen always wanted a career in medicine. “Even as a young child,” she says, “I was interested in becoming a doctor.” In high school and college, her favorite subjects of study were biology, anatomy, and physiology. This passion further confirmed her aspirations and gave her extra confidence in her chosen career path.

After graduating from medical school and completing her residency, Dr. Chen spent two years practicing internal medicine. During this time, she worked with many patients who had hematological problems or cancer diagnoses. A desire to better help these patients inspired her to complete additional training. She became board-certified in hematology and medical oncology and began a new leg of her career as a community oncologist with RCCA.

Dr. Chen’s approach to patient care emphasizes precision medicine. Treatment options for most types of cancer include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other methodologies that are personalized to a specific cancer type. As a result, they deliver positive results with fewer adverse effects. “In the past, it was just traditional chemo where people would get nausea, vomiting, and all these side effects,” she says, “but cancer treatment now is not what it used to be.”

New treatments are also more effective in addressing cancer, even in its latest stages. Cures are now possible for diagnoses that were previously terminal, and even Stage IV cancers have become more manageable. “There are so many options available for treatment,” Dr. Chen adds. “Patients are living longer and with better quality of life.”

This, to Dr. Chen, is the most rewarding part of work as an oncologist. It is exceptionally gratifying to watch patients improve after treatment, potentially finding a cure and going into full remission. She also enjoys helping patients with Stage IV cancers achieve their goals.

Patients also have plenty to teach her in return. Dr. Chen has learned that everyone is unique. Not only do patients have different diagnoses, but they also have their own life circumstances and challenges while undergoing cancer treatment. For this reason, a personalized approach to care is crucial. “I have learned to listen to my patients,” says Dr. Chen, “to hear their concerns, and to address them at each visit.”

By listening, Dr. Chen fosters relationships. She lives in the Holmdel area and often sees patients while running errands. She gets to know their everyday lives, and they have an opportunity to build familiarity with her. “It makes a difference, I think,” she says.