Gynecologic Oncology: Where Compassion and Continuity of Care Meet

Based at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Herrick campus in Berkeley, Calif., Sutter gynecologic oncologist Pamela Peters, M.D.’s goal is to serve as an accessible resource for both referring physicians and patients within the East Bay footprint.

Gynecologic oncologists see patients with diagnosed gynecologic cancers, and those at high risk of gynecologic malignancy. Dr. Peters sees patients with genetic conditions increasing risk of gynecologic cancer such as BRCA and Lynch syndromes, as well as and those with an inconclusive finding, such as an ovarian mass that is possibly malignant.

“There’s an overlap between what a gynecologist and what a gynecologic oncologist can do, and I am happy to help clinicians identify the best place for the patient to go. I can see patients in the office or virtually.”

Peters considers herself lucky to have been exposed to the studying cancer biology early on in her medical studies while she shadowed the principal investigator at the Ovarian Cancer Laboratory at the University of Chicago. She loved the operating room, but she also loved the long-term connection she saw between gynecologic oncologists and that formed during and after cancer treatment. She knew she wanted to be a gynecologic oncologist.

Caring for the caregivers

“Gynecologic oncology stood out as a really unique field,” she remembers. “I love caring for women, many who spent much of their life as a caregiver for others. Guiding women through cancer treatment and making them feel heard and valued is a great privilege, too.”

Likewise, Peters calls it “an amazing opportunity” to be both a surgeon and the clinician who administers treatments like chemotherapy. She enjoys her role as a specialist with a specific skill set while also maintaining a unique continuity of care. She knew gynecologic oncology was the right fit because she didn’t want say goodbye to her patients after their surgery.

“As gynecologic oncologists, we are able to perform surgery but also counsel patients on the adjuvant treatment they may need and then be the one to administer those therapies. We see patients through surveillance and survivorship. We treat recurrent and metastatic disease and work closely with palliative care.”

Treatment in line with patients’ goals, priorities and values

One element of care that is challenging for many clinicians—having potentially difficult conversations around diagnoses and treatment—is an area where Dr. Peters shines.

“I feel the most fulfilled in my work when I can engage with people on difficult topics. It takes time to understand a person and build trust, and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to do that in this field.”

Her treatment philosophy is to combine compassion with honesty when it comes to discussions around prognosis and the cancer experience, because she wants her patients to have a clear understanding of what’s going on inside their bodies and what they can expect at each stage of treatment.

Dr. Peters acknowledges that there are many sensitive topics in her field—including fertility for younger patients—and she feels it’s her job “to give patients my knowledge and recommendations, but also to make these recommendations not in a vacuum but while keeping in mind the patient’s goals, priorities and values.”

Access matters

Half the battle for people needing care is knowing the service exists. For instance, many people, patients and clinicians alike, may not know there’s a gynecologic oncology practice in the East Bay.

The other key element is access.

“I think getting cancer care in your own community is important whenever it is possible. A particular challenge is that 98% of counties in the U.S. don’t have a gynecologic oncologist. There was a need in this urban area of Berkeley, but there is also need for better access throughout the Bay Area and particularly in more rural areas of California.”

For that reason, she is looking forward to obtaining surgical privileges at both Sutter Delta Medical Center in Antioch and Eden Medical Center in Castro Valley where she hopes to offer surgical services once a month.

“I want patients to be able to receive cancer care as close to home as possible. I hope that by offering surgical services at multiple hospitals, and through collaboration with medical oncologists, patients can receive high quality cancer care within their communities.”

Peters also is proud to say she has a strong team behind her, including Nurse Practitioner Melissa Mark and the dedicated and compassionate nurse schedulers who work with patients to make their appointments.

“When you call the office, you won’t get sent down a phone tree rabbit hole. You’ll speak to one of our gynecologic oncology team directly who knows you, and treats you like a person, not a number.”

To schedule an appointment, call 510-204-5770. The office is located at Alta Bates Summit Medical Center’s Herrick Campus at 2001 Dwight Way in Berkeley.

Pictured above left to right: Back row: Medical Assistant Carmen Jenkins; Administrative Assistant Shirlee Roper, RN Allison Gervis and RN Nicole Snow. Front row: Nurse Practitioner Melissa Mark and Pamela Peters, M.D.