Chitra Kumar, MD

About Chitra Kumar, MD

After over 30 years of treating patients for cancer, Dr. Kumar has come to understand the importance of trust. She encourages open communication between patients, family members, and the healthcare team to foster an environment where everybody feels heard and supported. “While a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming,” she says, “it’s crucial to remember that you are not alone. Together, we can navigate this journey.”

The first factor in building trust is acknowledgement of the individual. Dr. Kumar believes that each patient is unique, bringing their own story, fears, and dreams into their treatment. Her role is to educate patients while ensuring that their voice is heard in return. This fosters a collaborative approach to planning where the patient and physician work together to develop a personalized plan.

Dr. Kumar also facilitates trust by focusing on the patient’s well-being. Her treatment approach does not aim solely to eliminate disease; she also strives to improve the patient’s comfort at every stage of the care process. “I look to find moments of joy amidst the challenges,” she explains, “and to celebrate small victories” to foster hope and enhance the patient’s quality of life.

Those moments of hope are what keep Dr. Kumar motivated in her practice. To her, the most rewarding aspect of practicing oncology is the opportunity to watch patients regain their strength and joy for living. “Those moments – when they share their hopes for the future and express gratitude for the care they’ve received – remind me of the profound impact we can have,” says Dr. Kumar. “These smiles symbolize not just an improvement in their condition, but also a renewed sense of hope.”

Patients’ smiles also teach her the importance of perspective. “Many patients demonstrate incredible strength in the face of adversity,” she says. “Hope can thrive even in the toughest circumstances.”

Hope is also becoming easier. Now is an exciting time to practice medical oncology. Dr. Kumar sees new advances daily. Chemotherapy regimens are becoming more effective with fewer side effects, while immunotherapy offers a revolutionary approach that harnesses the body’s own immune system. Targeted therapies, meanwhile, focus on specific molecular alterations to precisely attack and eliminate cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. These developments have all led to improved responses for patients, including positive outcomes for cancers that were previously hard to treat.

“Moreover,” she adds, “an increasing emphasis on quality of life is shaping our treatment strategies.” Oncologists now place greater priority on the patient’s ability to enjoy a meaningful life with easier treatments and more comprehensive support services. “This holistic approach, combined with ongoing research and clinical trials, fosters hope and opens new possibilities,” concludes Dr. Kumar. “Every day brings the potential for breakthroughs that can change lives.”