For Adena Cancer Center oncologist Sara Singer, MD, some of the most meaningful moments in care come after the hardest conversations.
“Those first visits, when there’s uncertainty over a possible diagnosis, can be filled with anxiety,” Dr. Singer said. “But once there’s a plan, patients often show a remarkable ability to accept what’s ahead and focus on moving forward. There’s something truly special about cancer patients.”
That resilience is what continues to inspire Dr. Singer’s work in hematology and oncology. She treats patients with cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as those with non-cancerous blood disorders.
Now in her fourth year at Adena, Dr. Singer believes in treating the whole patient — physically, mentally, and emotionally. That means not only addressing their clinical needs, but becoming a real partner in their care by getting to know them, their families, and their support network personally.
The approach provides a sense of camaraderie and collaboration between staff and patients that contributes to successful treatment.
“We really have a close-knit, supportive feeling at Adena Cancer Center, and the people we serve are the kindest group of patients I’ve ever had the privilege to treat,” Dr. Singer said.
Family means a lot to Dr. Singer and was, in fact, part of the driving force behind her pursuit of a career in medicine. From a desire to help her twin sister through childhood health issues to being around family friends who were physicians to observing her mother and grandmother in their roles as clinical social workers, she found her way to medical school and, eventually, to Adena.
Now, she finds joy in her interactions with patients and staff and the collaboration that enhances both patient experience and results.
“Oncology care is truly a team effort,” Dr. Singer said. “Our nurses, infusion teams, pharmacists, and support staff all play such a big role in helping our patients successfully through treatment.”
Not all referrals to the Cancer Center are for cancer treatment. Dr. Singer says it’s important to remember that referrals may be for non-cancerous conditions as well, such as blood count abnormalities or blood clots.
“Patients can end up feeling anxiety unnecessarily sometimes,” Dr. Singer said. “They should feel comfortable asking their physician for clarity about why they are being referred to us, which can give them some peace of mind.”
Should a cancer diagnosis be made, however, Dr. Singer and her colleagues are ready to provide the support and care needed to tap into that resilience of their patients and get the results they want to achieve.
Learn more about Adena Cancer Center by visiting Adena.org/Cancer or by calling 740-542-3030.
FAST FACTS: Dr. Sara Singer
- ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Calling herself a casual runner, Dr. Singer said one of the highlights of her year is participating in The Buck Fifty team run across Ross County. Running, she said, helps reduce stress and anxiety, improves sleep, and provides her with an overall feeling of well-being.
- HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: Two of Dr. Singer’s true passions — love of spending time with family and cooking — come together perfectly during the holiday season. “I host all of the holidays for my immediate and extended family — that’s one of my favorite things to do is cooking for the holidays.”