Rachel Jimenez, MD, has an intensely personal and dedicated approach to caring for her radiation patients, and it has left an impression that will never be forgotten.
As a working mother of ten-year-old twins, Jenifer Agosti’s diagnosis of breast cancer catapulted her into a life-changing blur of biopsies, appointments and surgeries. Before she was even ready for radiation, she was contacted by Dr. Jimenez, who assured Jenifer that she’d be waiting for her.
Together, they decided on proton therapy, but this posed a challenge for Jenifer’s insurance provider. Assuming she’d be hearing from administrative staff, Jenifer was shocked to get a call from Dr. Jimenez herself, explaining the entire process and plan for appeal. What’s more, when the insurance company finally did approve the therapy, they specifically lauded Dr. Jimenez for going to bat for her patient.
Jenifer then discovered she needed two more surgeries. Dr. Jimenez was there for her again, explaining the pathology reports, laying out the time frames, and discussing the pros and cons of each. The news of these surgeries was a crushing disappointment, yet Jenifer found comfort in the way in which Dr. Jimenez made her feel like her only patient.
In fact, when Jenifer met other patients during her proton therapy treatment, the discussion turned to what they had in common: Dr. Jimenez. “Every single one of us felt as if we were her only patient. If the care she provided to me was unique, that would have been noteworthy. But the fact that this is clearly the care she delivers to all of her patients is extraordinary.”
