Joel Silver, MD
Board Certifications: Hematology, Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology
Languages: English
Locations: West Hartford, CT
Call West Hartford, CT: (860) 527-5803
Joel Silver, MD, is a hematologist and oncologist for Regional Cancer Care Associates (RCCA). Serving at our location in West Hartford, Connecticut, he treats a wide variety of cancer types and both benign and malignant hematology conditions. He believes in treating the whole person, building strong interpersonal relationships with patients and their families to provide the best possible care. Contact RCCA today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Silver.
Like many RCCA physicians, Dr. Silver has broad expertise. He is able to handle a range of malignant blood disorders, also known as blood cancers, and provides benign hematology services for non-cancerous conditions. In addition, he provides diagnosis and treatment for solid tumors including breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and prostate cancer. He works with a wide range of conditions ranging from common conditions to rare or complex diagnoses.
When treating cancer, Dr. Silver prioritizes the most advanced therapies available. He works with patients to develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include the following:
- Chemotherapy: This treatment uses powerful drugs to kill fast-growing, cancerous cells.
- Targeted therapy: The doctor uses medications that target certain cells, which show specific characteristics or mutations.
- Immunotherapy: This modality promotes healing by supporting the patient’s own immune system in the fight against cancer.
Dr. Silver also provides access to clinical trials, allowing patients to receive cutting-edge new therapies that are still in development. Clinical trials are performed in strict adherence to regulations, and Dr. Silver only proceeds with the patient’s fully informed consent.
Academic Appointments and Achievements
Dr. Silver has many years of experience in the oncology field. During this time, he has won awards for the quality of care he provides. Connecticut Magazine has named him Top Doctor annually since 2021. Connecticut Magazine Top Doctors are selected through a rigorous screening process in which they are nominated by peers, reviewed, and vetted by Castle Connolly. This list identifies the best healthcare professionals throughout the state.
Dr. Silver belongs to multiple medical organizations, including the American Society of Hematologists (ASH) and the American Society of Clinical Oncologists (ASCO). These memberships connect him with other top physicians and researchers around the globe, creating opportunities for collaboration. They also provide resources to help Dr. Silver stay current with the latest medical innovations and guidelines.
Education
Medical school: Thomas Jefferson University School of Medicine, 1984
Residency: University of Connecticut, 1987
Fellowship: University of Connecticut, Hematology/Oncology, 1990
Board certifications: Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology
Call West Hartford, CT: (860) 527-5803
About Joel Silver, MD
Dr. Silver chose a career in medicine for the opportunity to combine science and personal interaction. Medical oncology stood out as a field in which he could make a true difference in the lives of others. During cancer treatment, there is an opportunity to build strong and trusting relationships with patients and their loved ones. To Silver, this makes his chosen field uniquely rewarding.
“I enjoy getting to know my patients and their families,” says Dr. Silver. To him, this step is not only important but essential to delivering high-quality care. Open-mindedness, communication, and a focus on the individual are the best ways to provide effective relief for pain and other symptoms.
Connecting with so many patients gives Dr. Silver an appreciation for individuality. A cancer diagnosis is often overwhelming, and each patient demonstrates unique resilience. Every person has a different approach to navigating a difficult period in their life. This variety and determination continue to be inspirations for Dr. Silver.
When it comes to planning care, the options now are better than ever. “Oncology and hematology have seen tremendous advances in the past few years,” he says, “with significant improvements in overall patient outcomes.” There are many new treatment modalities, in addition to advances in known therapies, that lead to cures that were previously impossible. Even if Dr. Silver cannot provide a cure, modern treatments offer greater relief and longer survival.
“Ultimately, this is why I chose to go into this field,” he adds. “It was the opportunity to be a scientist, making significant advances while also caring for patients.”
To patients with a new diagnosis, Dr. Silver says, “We are there to help you. There are many options available, even in situations that sound very difficult – so, there is hope.”
Locations
Dr. Silver primarily treats patients at RCCA’s West Hartford, CT, location.
Ste 318
West Hartford CT 06117
Phone:
Fax:
Hospital Affiliations
He also maintains a hospital affiliation with Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center, which is part of the Trinity Health network of New England.
We are here for you
For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 844-346-7222. You can also schedule an appointment by calling the RCCA location nearest you.
Regional Cancer Care Associates is one of fewer than 200 medical practices in the country selected to participate in the Oncology Care Model (OCM); a recent Medicare initiative aimed at improving care coordination and access to and quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries undergoing chemotherapy treatment.