Dr. Don Dizon, Medical Oncologist

Dr. Don Dizon, Esteemed Professor of Medicine, Professor of Surgery, and Oncology Specialist.

With a name synonymous with excellence in the world of medical oncology, Dr. Don Dizon , Professor of Medicine and Surgery, stands tall as a luminary. His profound knowledge extends from innovative therapeutics to hands-on translational research, particularly in the specialized areas of breast and pelvic cancers. A staunch advocate of integrating modern communication technologies into healthcare, Dr. Dizon envisions a future where social media bridges gaps, ensuring enhanced patient access and transforming the landscape of clinical trials.

Education and Training:

  • College: Embarking on his academic journey, Dr. Dizon began at the University of Portland in Portland, OR.
  • Bachelor’s Degree: He pursued a Bachelor’s in Biology from the esteemed University of Rochester, Rochester, NY.
  • Medical School: His medical aspirations took flight at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.
  • Residency: Dr. Dizon underwent rigorous training in Internal Medicine at the Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT.
  • Fellowship: Culminating his formal education, he undertook a fellowship in Medical Oncology at the globally-renowned Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, NY.

Honors:

  • 2021 NCI Director’s Service Award, National Cancer Institute
  • 2019 Visiting Professor, University of Hawaii Cancer Center
  • 2018 Director’s Service Award, National Cancer Institute
  • 2017 Fellow, American Society of Clinical Oncology
  • 2014 APEX Award, Best Single Blog Entry, Communications Concepts

Contributions to the Field:

A trailblazer in oncology, Dr. Dizon’s contributions are immeasurable. He has been at the forefront of integrating social media into healthcare, recognizing its potential to democratize access to clinical trials and improve patient engagement. His advocacy extends to championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, with a keen focus on ensuring equitable access to cancer care for sexual and gender minorities. At the heart of his mission is a holistic approach to cancer survivorship, one that commences at diagnosis and emphasizes comprehensive care.

  1. Clinical Treatment for Gynecologic Cancers:
    • Phase II trial of ixabepilone as second-line treatment in advanced endometrial cancer.
    • Phase II Randomized Trial of Nivolumab +/- Ipilimumab for Ovarian and Extrarenal Clear Cell Carcinomas.
  2. Sexual Health and Intimacy after Cancer:
    • Survivorship care planning in gynecologic oncology.
    • Addressing Barriers to Clinical Trial Participation for Transgender People With Cancer.
  3. Professional Use of Social Media in Medicine:
    • Investigator Use of Social Media for Recruitment of Patients for Cancer Clinical Trials.
    • Implementation of patient-reported outcomes for symptom management in oncology practice through the SIMPRO research consortium.
  4. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Oncology:
    • Addressing Barriers to Clinical Trial Participation for Transgender People With Cancer.
    • Crisis of the Clinical Trials Staff Attrition After the COVID-19 Pandemic.
  5. Implementation Sciences in Oncology:
    • Predictors and impact of survivorship care plans and survivorship care visits.
    • eSyM: An Electronic Health Record-Integrated Patient-Reported Outcomes-Based Cancer Symptom Management Program.

Complete List of Published Work: Bibliography

Personal Life and Philosophy:

More than a physician, Dr. Dizon is a healer in the truest sense. He believes healthcare should address the entirety of a patient’s experience, encompassing both physical and emotional realms. This belief has propelled his advocacy for services focused on sexual health and intimacy post a cancer diagnosis. Beyond his professional commitments, Dr. Dizon’s approach to patient care is deeply personal. He recognizes the profound impact of a cancer diagnosis on an individual’s quality of life and champions a definition of survivorship that begins at diagnosis, rather than the end of curative treatment. His work in the realm of sexual health and intimacy post-diagnosis, founding multiple programs and mentoring those who share his passion, underscores his commitment to addressing the holistic needs of cancer patients. Dr. Dizon’s philosophy emphasizes the importance of living a full and meaningful life irrespective of one’s cancer status, whether in the throes of active treatment or in the stages of recovery.

Joining Learn Look Locate:

Dr. Dizon’s association with Learn Look Locate is a testament to shared values and visions. Embracing the organization’s unwavering commitment to breast health, he views this collaboration as an opportunity to amplify his impact. With Learn Look Locate, Dr. Dizon is poised to empower individuals with knowledge, support, and resources essential for their health journey.

His unmatched dedication, combined with his visionary approach to oncology and unwavering belief in patient-centric care, solidifies Dr. Dizon’s position as a cornerstone in the Learn Look Locate Team of Medical Advisors.