Every day, our doctors go above and beyond to help our communities heal. On March 30, we celebrate Doctors’ Day, expressing our appreciation to those who care for us and guide us to maintain a healthy lifestyle all year.
Elias Moussaly, MD, hematology/oncology physician with Our Lady of Lourdes Health and the JD Moncus Cancer Center, has been part of our ministry for two and a half years and shared his thoughts on being a doctor.
1. What inspired you to pursue a career in medicine/healthcare? Why did you choose your specialty?
I was most interested in health sciences at school, and I wanted to use that knowledge to help people during difficult times. I chose hematology and oncology because cancer care and research has benefited from major leaps over the past two decades. I wanted to be part of that progress. I have many family members and friends who battled cancer. I witnessed the deep impact oncologists can have on patients’ lives during their battle on a physical, spiritual, and emotional level.
2. Have there been any challenges you’ve faced and overcome in your career journey?
Getting accepted into a medical oncology fellowship was a challenging process requiring a lot of hard work, research and sacrifice. Thankfully, I was able to achieve my goal. I was influenced by a lot of great mentors at my fellowship program. They significantly shaped the way I practice oncology and hematology and have provided me with a lot of invaluable guidance and advice during this journey.
3. What do you like most about being a doctor?
I really like being at the frontlines of the fight against cancer and trying to help our patients with their cancer battles. I am very grateful and privileged for the trust that our patients put in us. This gives me great motivation.
4. If you weren’t a doctor, what would you do?
I probably would have chosen a career in technology.
5. Why did you choose Our Lady of Lourdes Physician Group?
The Physician Group is a collegiate and professional practice that has a multispecialty group of physicians with different backgrounds and experience. It is very rewarding to be able to collaborate with world-class physicians that are experts in their fields, humble and extremely dedicated.
6. How do you ensure your patients feel heard during their visit?
I always make sure to sit and listen carefully to the patients and their families at the beginning of every visit for concerns and questions. I try to address every concern they might have to the best of my ability. I also ask throughout the encounter if new questions have come up, so I can answer as they come along.
7. What is something that people may be surprised to know about you?
I really enjoy traveling to new cities and places with my family. I am a big soccer and basketball fan.
