Peter Tothy Treats People, Not Cancer

Dr. Peter Tothy (hematology/oncology) has spent nearly two decades guiding patients through some of life's hardest moments, including navigating terminal cancer diagnoses. In this episode, he reflects on the experiences that have shaped him and made him such a compassionate caregiver and advisor. From attending and working at a rustic Adirondack summer camp to being a student and resident counselor at Amherst College to his clinic in northern Indiana, he has learned how to treat people with honesty and deep empathy. Or, as he puts so emphatically in the context of his life's calling, Peter treats people, not cancer. We also explore the role of clinical medical ethics in meeting patients where they are and the ways he helps some patients process and navigate devastating news toward an outcome that at first might seem like a contradiction in terms: a good death. To contact Peter, email him at [email protected].