The KishHealth System Cancer Center welcomes a new physician in hematology and oncology, Habib A. Shaikh, DO. Dr. Shaikh is board certified in medical oncology and internal medicine.
For three and a half years, Dr. Shaikh cared for hematology and oncology patients at RiverBend Medical Group/Mercy Oncology Services, Springfield, Mass. He also practiced as a hospitalist for two years at Swedish American Hospital, Rockford. Dr. Shaikh received his Doctor of Osteopathy degree from Midwestern University, Downers Grove, Ill. He completed a fellowship in hematology-oncology and an internal medicine residency at University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Shaikh said, “My approach to cancer care is one of both personalized treatment as well as personal treatment. It is the age of personalized medicine, which means that medical decisions and treatments are customized to the individual patient’s characteristics and on various characteristics of their disease. For example, you can have two patients with lung cancer who appear to have similar disease, but with specialized testing, we can determine that one patient will benefit from one form of treatment while the other will do better with a completely different treatment. However, in my opinion, we need to take that approach one step further and also practice personal medicine. That, to me, means taking time to get to know a patient, understand his or her goals and aspirations, help them understand their disease and discuss the various treatment options. I believe that communication is key in the doctor-patient relationship, especially when it comes to cancer care, as there are so many emotions and questions that need to be addressed.”
Dr. Shaikh added, “I am happy to be part of the KishHealth Cancer Center because it is important for patients to have options when it comes to cancer care. KishHealth System patients have access to a comprehensive cancer center right in their community where they can receive high-quality care with a personal touch. KishHealth System Cancer Center also has a partnership with Loyola University Medical Center, allowing for access to cutting edge treatments, while still being close to home.”
To make an appointment with Dr. Shaikh, call the KishHealth System Cancer Center at 815.756.5255. For more information, visit www.kishcancercare.org.
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