SquamousCellCarcinomaofSkin near Blacksburg, VA

Biography: One of the hardest things anyone can do is face a cancer diagnosis. \n While I was in medical school, a close friend learned he had cancer. With most current treatment modalities unavailable in our country - Nepal - at the time, the disease took its toll. I witnessed the physical suffering and emotional turmoil he endured. I saw the far-reaching consequences cancer can have on people's lives, their work, their relationships. \n But at the same time, I was learning about new and promising treatment options that were giving hope to millions. This, I realized, was an area of medicine that would allow me to have an impact on patients' quality of life and their very survival. \n The following year, I began my residency with a mission statement: "To practice medicine with vigor and enthusiasm, serve the ideals of goodness and beauty through medicine and to love what I do, for it shall enrich patients' lives as well as my own." \n There were such exciting advancements being made in hematology and oncology. I wanted to be part of that work, so I embarked on a challenging, yet rewarding, career as a hematologist and oncologist. \n Delivering compassionate care and developing long-term relationships with patients are as rewarding as I thought they'd be when I was a medical student. I love to take the complexity of cancer and try to simplify it so my patients understand their disease and treatment plan. \n I appreciate being part of Novant Health, because we believe in taking care of the whole patient, not just an organ. And not just their disease. And we practice the art, as well as the science, of medicine. \n My wife, who's also originally from Nepal, and I and have two daughters, and we love spending time together as a family. I enjoy all manner of outdoor activities, especially playing tennis.

Biography: Dr. Jacks attributes her decision to work in oncology to her mentors in basic science labs and clinical units. They introduced her to promising advances in oncology research and deepened her appreciation for the oncologist-patient relationship. She has a clinical focus in head, neck and thoracic cancers, including lung and esophageal diseases. Dr. Jacks believes the best way to fight these and other forms of cancer is through prevention. She helps patients choose a healthy lifestyle that decreases cancer risks. Dr. Jacks is a Charleston native and is happy to be back in the Carolinas with her husband, Sam Jacks, a cardiothoracic surgeon, and their son, George. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, cooking and traveling.