Doctor-Patient Chaos in Cancer Care
By Jeannine Walston
Since 1998, I have met many extraordinary individuals connected to the brain tumor community, and my experiences have shown that doctor-patient chaos is not always the norm. However, it is an important issue to recognize because it can and does occur. In 2025, I created a video titled “Doctor-Patient Chaos: My Story” by Jeannine Walston to shed light on this topic. Specifically, my interactions with Mark Malkin, MD—a neuro-oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City from 1999 to 2003 and now at the Cleveland Clinic—and Robert Gorter, MD of a clinic in Cologne, Germany, exemplify doctor-patient chaos due to their unprofessional and inappropriate conduct.
Be your own advocate. If you find it challenging to manage everything on your own or need additional support, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Navigating cancer can often feel like a full-time commitment. When you feel overwhelmed or stressed, prioritize finding moments of calm amidst the chaos. If you encounter questions, concerns, or uncertainties along your journey, take an active role: conduct research, consult your physicians and other healthcare professionals, and remain open to exploring new strategies. Remember, even the most reputable hospitals, oncologists, and practitioners—and their staff—are not immune to making mistakes or providing inaccurate information. While some experiences may be difficult, you deserve compassionate, high-quality excellence. Always seek out the care for best supports care. You are worth it.