16 Comments
User's avatar
Cheryl Kloscak's avatar

I knew within the first 5 minutes of meeting him that my Oncologist was the right man for the job. His care, attitude and knowledge are the reasons I’m here today. You can tell an awful lot about an office by the attitude of the workers. For all they deal with on the daily, his office is a happy place even on days when you can see the weight of what they do pressing in. Clearly, you offer the same to your patients and they are as blessed to have you as I am to have Dr. Vargas and the Cleveland Clinic! God bless the Healers who practice with their hearts and their heads. 💖 you are needed and more appreciated than you will ever know!

Expand full comment
Daniel Flora, MD, PharmD's avatar

Thank you Cheryl for your comments and support. I love hearing the patient perspective and am glad you have found a great team.

Expand full comment
Dr Rachel Molloy's avatar

I loved this and have restacked - I have just tagged you in a new article of mine, and would love you to join the conversation if you felt able.

Expand full comment
Whitney Inkrott's avatar

Thank you for taking the time to write this. ❤️

This absolutely should be sent to every person, newly diagnosed!! What a wonderful approach to top notch patient care! Thank you!

Expand full comment
Mark Stevenson's avatar

Amazing!

Expand full comment
Stephanie Baker's avatar

Wow. This is perfect. It addresses every fear and consideration of a newly diagnosed patient. Thank you!

❤️

Expand full comment
Jenny Peterson's avatar

I told my oncologist on Thursday, “If I had to have an oncologist, I’m glad I have you!” Sounds like you are a gift to your patients, too.

Expand full comment
Jenee Mohler's avatar

You, sir, are a true gem.

Having someone with your understanding and compassion by our side means everything when we are facing this diagnosis. It is a scary road to walk if you feel alone, unseen, or unheard.

Expand full comment
Daniel Flora, MD, PharmD's avatar

Thank you, Jenee, that means a lot.

Expand full comment
BJHK's avatar

If only my husband’s oncology journey, brief though it was, had started similarly. The care, communication clarity, concern and commitment to the “whole patient” conveyed in this welcome letter should be the mantra of every oncologist and care partner in the “cancer journey”. Sadly, it is not nor is it what we experienced. KUDOS Dr. Flora; for your humanity and for instilling trust early on in your relationship with oncology patients and their families.

Expand full comment
Daniel Flora, MD, PharmD's avatar

I am deeply sorry that your husband’s oncology journey did not begin with the kind of care every patient deserves. That experience is still far too common, and it is something I think about often.

I believe we can change the future of cancer care through teaching, mentoring, and setting an example for the next generation. Your message is a powerful reminder of why that work is so important. Thank you for sharing.

Expand full comment
Laura T RN BSN's avatar

Thank you so much. Your plan should be the Hallmark plan for every patient. Also I love your articles on nutrition. My mom had lymphoma and I lost my best friend to breast cancer so your articles are so helpful. As a nurse I met so many young women diagnosed with cancer who had to be induced so they can start treatment. I know so many fighting it right now. If I can help in any way let me know! I do share your articles. I myself try to prevent. I’ve had some health issues caught early but it’s all stressful for everyone

Thank you again for being an MD to all of us!!!

Expand full comment
Tim Baker's avatar

This is so beautifully written, it captures everything I’d like to see in cancer care and have been advocating for over ten years living with metastatic prostate cancer. Thank you.

Expand full comment
Daniel Flora, MD, PharmD's avatar

Thank you, Tim, for those kind words.

Expand full comment
Victoria's avatar

Thank you, Daniel, you are role-modelling the kind of care patients/caregivers and whole families (chosen/by blood) need at an emotionally charged time when they may not know what they need.

I truly appreciate how you've explained what folks may need and why, and encouraged partnership here. You're not telling us or pushing us to take more actions, at a time when we don't know what we don't know. You're highlighting why something is important—mutual goals, and taking the majority ownership of the action upon yourself. You set the groundwork for a productive relationship.

You have 53 'likes' today, suggesting strong agreement with this doctor-patient code you've laid out. Perhaps it's something more oncologists need to read. I recently had a text discussion with Dr Rachel Molloy about this—I'll share more via DM to you.

We are blessed that we have oncologists like yourself who are excellent at what they do AND build trust by partnering with us.

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment removed
May 8
Comment removed
Expand full comment
Daniel Flora, MD, PharmD's avatar

Thanks Anna! Emotional support is huge in our field and I’m glad you highlighted that!

Expand full comment