They call him Dr. Alan, the cancer slayer.
Nationally acclaimed cancer gladiator Dr. Alan Astrow — a Yaliet who loves to battle malevolent molecules in the trenches, and leave “no stone unturned” to cure his patients — is New York Methodist Hospital latest high-tech weapon in its anti-cancer arsenal.
The new chief of hematology and medical oncology — a breast and gynecologic cancer expert — will join a squadron of specialists, and oversee services related to all non-surgical and non-radiologic treatments, including attacking proteins fast-tracking breast cancer in some patients with exciting new targeted therapies.
The physician is psyched.
“Hematology-medical oncology is a field where you really get to know your patients, you are with them for the long haul,” he said. “You want to leave no stone unturned on a patient’s behalf.”
The new chief will team up with clinicians and administrators to help develop a clinical cancer center at the Center for Community Health, providing infusion services, clinical research, psychosocial care, medical education, and community outreach.
Astrow played a key role in developing a cancer program at Maimonides Medical Center, and was associate medical director, chief of clinical oncology, and fellowship program director at St. Vincent’s Hospital prior to that.
His colleagues are thrilled to have the high-class physician aboard.
“Dr. Astrow’s reputation in cancer treatment precedes him,” said Dr. Stephen Peterson, chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine. “But just as important, he is dedicated to the belief that cancer treatment should be centered on the whole patient, and not simply the illness he or she is confronting.”
