Terri Parker, MD, is a hematologist and assistant medical director at the Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center in North Haven.
Dr. Parker treats patients with plasma cell dyscrasias, including multiple myeloma, and related diseases such as AL amyloidosis, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), plasma cell leukemia, smoldering multiple myeloma, and Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia.
“These are all disorders where the primary abnormality is in the plasma cell. Plasma cells are a type of white blood cell,” Dr. Parker explains. “I was drawn to hematology because it isn’t just one organ system involved. It touches on everything. And I love the continuity of care it provides as I get to know my patients.”
Dr. Parker says she is encouraged by the advances that have been made in recent years in terms of new therapies for conditions like multiple myeloma. “Right now, there isn’t a cure for multiple myeloma, but it’s very treatable,” she says.
She says she also enjoys the team aspect of her job. “It isn’t just me a patient sees but there is a whole team caring for the patient including advanced practice providers such as physician’s assistants, other myeloma specialists, a dedicated pharmacist, social worker, and a nutritionist. There is also a support group for patients,” she says.
Dr. Parker’s research interests focus on novel therapies and drug combinations to improve care for patients with AL amyloidosis, newly diagnosed and relapsed refractory multiple myeloma.
