For Henry S. Park, MD, MPH, building deep and long-lasting relationships with his patients is his favorite part of being a radiation oncologist in the Department of Therapeutic Radiology.
“Even during our first consultation visits, I appreciate how my patients and their families are brave enough to show me the most vulnerable side of themselves,” says Dr. Park. “It's important for me to understand their goals, fears and hopes before I begin to work with them on creating a personalized treatment plan,” he says. “I take this level of trust seriously.”
Dr. Park specializes in treating cancer of the lung and the head and neck. He sees patients at the Smilow Cancer Hospital in New Haven, where he uses advanced radiation techniques like stereotactic body radiation therapy, image-guided radiation therapy, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy to treat patients.
“I try my best to provide high-quality and compassionate care to my patients during this difficult period in their lives,” he says. “And it can be incredibly satisfying.”
As an associate professor of therapeutic radiology and vice chair for clinical research at Yale School of Medicine, he is passionate about being involved in research that may lead to further improvements in cancer care. “My goal for every patient is to use radiation in a customized manner in order to maximize the damage we can do to the cancer and minimize side effects that can affect quality of life,” he says.
