Medical Oncologist, Patricia Deisler, MD

Dr. Deisler is a member of the Maine Center for Cancer Medicine, the largest medical oncology practice in New England. In this interview, she talks about her commitment to cancer research and education.

“The Maine Center for Cancer Medicine, of which I am a member, offers integrated cancer care, palliative and hospice care, and genetic counseling. We have the resources to participate in virtually all the National Cancer Institute’s major clinical trials – and we even have our own dedicated research department staffed by PhD’s doing “bench-top” cancer research. Our practice is truly dedicated to both research and education, for the community as well as our patients.

“Patients who come here are quite impressed by the level of expertise we offer – especially when I explain that being here gives them access to the best minds not only in Maine but in Boston. We work tightly with cancer specialists throughout the northeast, sharing knowledge and referring patients when appropriate. The exciting thing about medical oncology as a specialty is how fast the field is changing. A lot of what we do here is to continually strive for excellence in oncologic care. Our aim is to always have the latest innovations available for our patients.

“Cancer can be very stressful for patients and their families – not only because of the disease itself but because of the other life pressures it can cause. We all work hard to make patients feel at home and comfortable sharing their problems. The nurses here go overboard to give really good care, and we make sure patients get follow-up calls the same day. This Center is very different from other oncology practices in terms of the personal service patients receive.”