Indian American Oncologist from Stanford University earns nationally recognition

Parikh_Divya Ahuja_570px
Parikh_Divya Ahuja_570px

Dr. Divya Parikh was nationally recognized at the American Society of Clinical Oncology meeting held in Boston in September 2021 for her research helping improve advanced care planning for patients with cancers. She was also featured on the prestigious ASCO news TV.

Dr. Parikh’s research showed that a lay person with no medical background could work to understand care preferences for cancer patients and improve their quality of care.

In this study, within 15 months of enrolment, almost all patients assigned to a lay health worker (93.3%) had documentation of goals of care in the medical record compared with about one-quarter in the control group (24.1%), a staggering 70% difference improvement.

This research helps to ensure that people who have advanced stage cancer can receive care throughout their journey that is consistent with their personal preferences, no matter what setting.

Dr. Divya Parikh currently practices Oncology at Stanford University and the Palo Alto Veteran’s Hospital.