Mass General medical oncologist Richard Lee, MD, PhD, is a cutting-edge researcher, but to his patients, Dr. Lee’s humanity is as large as his scientific expertise.
Dr. Lee is applying circulating tumor cell (CTC) technology to study prostate cancer under a Stand Up 2 Cancer Dream Team research grant. He also treats men with genitourinary cancers.
Moved by Dr. Lee’s compassionate care of her son Joaquin, Sonia Andujar inspired her loved ones to write letters of gratitude.
One friend writes, “Dr. Lee gives Joaquin and Sonia what all patients and their families need — hope.” Sonia’s nephew Armando adds, “Joaquin’s cancer strikes not just him but our whole family. Dr. Lee keeps my Aunt Sonia strong and positive.”
Another patient, Tim Quinn, writes, “Dr. Lee diagnosed my cancer and proposed aggressive treatment. I was scared to death, but he made me feel that I was going to be fine.”
A renowned makeup artist, Tim wanted to color his hair and go tanning before starting chemotherapy. “Noting that I’d lose my hair, Dr. Lee advised me to instead, ‘embrace interesting hats and bold fashion statements for a few months,’ reminding me that a sense of humor was going to carry me forward.
Dr. Lee helped me face cancer head on with strength, knowledge and a bit of irreverence.”
