By Donna Linn, Healthy Planet Columnist
Photo Dr. Jason Edwards
JASON EDWARDS, MD, PhD
Medical Director of Radiation Oncology, St. Luke’s Hospital, Chesterfield, MO.
MOVING FORWARD WITH STRENGTH, COMPASSION, AND DIGNITY
The first thing you observe about Dr. Jason Edwards is his warm, welcoming smile. With a natural gift for putting you at ease, he understands the significance of empathy and compassion when communicating with his patients.
A board-certified radiation oncologist at the Center for Cancer Care at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chesterfield, Missouri, Dr. Edwards’ expertise focuses on integrating sophisticated technology into successful treatments for cancer patients. Dr. Edwards gravitated to radiation oncology because of its serious subject matter.
“Conversation about cancer is about as real as you can get. You have to be tough, but honest with the patient,” he stressed.
The goal of the Center for Cancer Care is to serve the patient. Each patient is on a personal journey, and may have understandable misconceptions about cancer.
“We’re here for the patient before, during, and after treatment to ensure all their questions and concerns are addressed. We know the journey isn’t always an easy one.”
Dr. Edwards encourages his patients to stay positive, but realistic about their experience. “I want them to move forward from a place of strength. Bad times don’t last,” he emphasized.
The Center for Cancer Care treats and cures cancers such as breast, prostate, thyroid, head and neck, anal/rectal, lymphomas, sarcomas, and skin cancers, as well as early stage lung and brain cancers. St. Luke’s have long been at the forefront of breast cancer surgery and treatment. For the eighth straight year, they have earned the Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Hospitals, and one of America’s Best Mammogram Imaging Centers.
Dr. Edwards received his medical degree at the University of Missouri, and completed his surgical internship and radiation oncology residency at the University of Kentucky’s Chandler Medical Center. He earned his PhD in Cellular and Integrated Physiology at Indiana University. He has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, and is a co-author of multiple chapters in various oncology texts. Additionally, he has been invited to give numerous lectures and presentations throughout the United States. With a keen interest in the human condition, he has studied and researched pain and human suffering.
Despite the serious nature of his work, Dr. Edwards has maintained a sense of humor, and projects a lightheartedness that is both endearing and contagious. He’s a sterling example of living in the moment while entertaining new adventures and challenges.
One of his latest adventures is hosting the Doc Discussions podcastat St. Luke’s where he interviews fellow doctors. He’s discovered that it’s easier answering questions from his patients than it is asking questions in this different role.
“Maybe I should listen more and talk less, he rhapsodized.
As his patients move forward from a place of strength, Dr. Edwards remains humble, and is authentically grateful for the respectful and dignified communication with his patients who continue to move and inspire him.
“I’ve learned so much from my patients — precisely how (and how not to) handle suffering,” he said.
When I observed Dr. Edwards as a learn-it-all, not a know-it-all, he paused for a moment.
“I still have more to learn,” he said, smiling.
Meanwhile, he moves forward with strength, compassion, and dignity, one patient at a time.
Dr. Edwards is currently accepting new patients. For more information on Dr. Jason Edwards and the Center for Cancer Care, call 314-542-4998. To schedule a mammogram, contact the St. Luke’s Women’s Center at 314-205-6267. The Center for Cancer Care is located at 232 S. Woods Mill Road, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017.
Donna Linn, MA is a communication specialist, educator, and interviewer. Contact Donna at Showmetalkradio@gmail.com.