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“Our goal is to deliver the highest quality, comprehensive cancer care in a community setting that is close to the patient’s home,” said Dr. Michelle Boyar, a medical oncologist who specializes in gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers at the Cancer Center and is an Assistant Professor of Medicine at Columbia University Medical Center. “Our oncologists work very closely with cancer and supportive care specialists to address a patient’s unique physical, emotional and psychological needs throughout his or her cancer experience.”
A champion of effective patient-provider communication, Dr. Boyar brings her passion, training and experience in this field to the Cancer Center. “Effective communication between patients and providers helps patients feel more informed, more involved and more in control of their own care, which makes them more likely to follow through with treatment and will lead to better outcomes,” said Dr. Boyar, who has facilitated patient-provider communication workshops for oncologists as well as the patient and caregiver communities. “Cancer patients have very special needs, so we do everything possible to optimize communication between the patient and the caregiving team. We encourage patients to come to us with their questions or concerns at any time.”
To help patients contend with the physical, psychological and emotional symptoms and side effects of cancer and cancer treatment, Dr. Boyar is spearheading an outpatient palliative care program in the NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Cancer Center. “Palliative care means symptom-based care,” she explained. “Recent studies show that palliative care introduced early in a patient’s cancer experience improves quality of life. Contrary to what many people believe, palliative care is not only reserved for people at the end of life, but is extremely beneficial for patients who are undergoing curative treatment.”
“Our palliative care program is fairly unique for a smaller, community hospital like NYP Lawrence,” added Dr. Boyar. “We are happy to be able to offer this service to patients at any point along the course of their treatment.”
Dr. Boyar is eager to bring comprehensive cancer care to patients living in Westchester County. “The Cancer Center is a special place because our providers function as a very close-knit team. Thanks to our strong relationship with the NCI-Designated Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center at NYP/Columbia University Medical Center, we are able to give our patients access to clinical trials and groundbreaking, novel therapies.”
Dr. Boyar practices with NewYork-Presbyterian Medical Group Westchester. To make an appointment, call 914-787-3100.
To learn more about the comprehensive cancer program at NewYork-Presbyterian Lawrence Hospital, visit our website.
