We are proud to help bring awareness to World Cancer Day by introducing you to two of our Hampton Roads cancer care providers who are helping our patients fight the good fight.
Joseph Frenkel, MD
Dr. Frenkel, a colon and rectal surgeon with Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, (pictured above, right) first decided to pursue a career in medicine because he wanted to spend his workday helping people. He also wanted a career that was challenging and engaging.
The majority of the surgeries Dr. Frenkel performs are minimally invasive.
“It is wonderful to see how quickly and easily patients can recover from even the largest procedures,” he shares.
Despite the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has created, Dr. Frenkel proudly shares that “we have kept cancer surgery a top priority and have not had to delay these cases at Maryview Medical Center.”
Tien Do, MD
Dr. Do, with Bon Secours Medical Oncology, (pictured above, left) is passionate about medical oncology because it “exists at the intersection of cutting-edge science and basic human interpersonal relationships.”
He adds that “medicine requires a lifelong commitment to learning, improving and growing as both a diagnostician and clinician.”
When we spoke with him about what World Cancer Day means to him, he shares that it helps to raise awareness about cancer and encourage people on cancer prevention through early detection and treatment.
As for what has changed regarding his approach to medicine following the COVID-19 pandemic, he says “oncology teams are working hard to make sure that cancer diagnosis and treatment can continue appropriately. We all follow strict infection control measures to ensure we are keeping our cancer patients as safe as possible.”
And when asked what he enjoys most about his job, he simply replies, “my patients.”
This year’s World Cancer Day’s theme, “Close the Care Gap,” is about understanding and recognizing the inequities in cancer care around the globe. It’s about having an open mind, challenging assumptions and looking at the hard fact that inequity in cancer care costs lives.
Find out how Bon Secours is striving to build a fairer, healthier world each and every day through our commitment with the Catholic Health Association.
Also, learn more about the cancer care and oncology services we offer at Bon Secours.
