Diane M Hershock, MD, PhD

As a medical oncologist/hematologist, my practice philosophy has been to develop an integrated relationship with patients and their families because the diagnosis of cancer is such a life altering experience.  From the time of diagnosis, patients and their families are dealing with not only cancer and its implications but lifestyle changes, chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, tests, sickness from the side effects of treatment both during and long after therapy, employment/insurance issues, dynamic shifts in family structure, and the emotional/physical changes due to cancer.  Thus, cancer pervades not only the body, but the mind and soul.  My role as an oncologist is to see patients and their families through those changes so they trust that the treatment decisions made are the right ones for them. 

It is important that patients and their families understand their disease through long discussions and education.  This is particularly important as issues arise from treatment, leading to possible inpatient admissions.  As an inpatient, it is vital that our care teams take into account not only the acute problem but the physical and emotional needs of the patient and family, to keep them as informed as possible during this stressful time and to develop a level of understanding and trust so that patients and their families are comfortable with all decisions made in the inpatient setting and are vital participants in that decision-making process.  I myself have lived with a family member treated for cancer(s) over the past seven years, who has also had multiple hospital admissions for problems related to cancer treatment; therefore, I understand issues from both the medical and personal side.  I hope to bring this integrative approach to Fox Chase as an oncologist/internist caring for inpatients.

Previously, I specialized in the treatment head and neck cancers as well as lung cancer, melanoma and lymphoma as an attending physician at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania.  While at Penn, I worked closely with a multidisciplinary team of radiation oncologists, surgeons, nurse practitioners, nurses, physical therapists, nutritionists, social workers, psychologists ti improve the care of head/neck cancer patients.  I was also a medical director at Wissahickon Hospice, helping patients and families in the supportive care oncology/end of life area.  I practiced general oncology/hematology in a community setting in Montgomery/Bucks County and during that time, I became very aware of the needs of patients both at the community oncology level as well as what patients want and expect from academic centers such as Fox Chase.  I also have significant clinical trial experience, including the submission and approval of Taxotere for head and neck patients as a pharmaceutical physician representative to the FDA.  Through my experiences, I hope to contribute to a multi-team approach of caring for oncology patients with their medical and oncologic issues in the inpatient setting.

Video

Introductory Video of Dr. Hershock

Department of Medicine
Attending Physician,
Hospitalist Service

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Fox Chase Cancer Center
333 Cottman Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19111-2497

New patients can request an appointment online or call 215-728-2570.

Appointments for Returning Patients

For general information, call:
1-888-FOX CHASE (1-888-369-2427).
An oncology certified nurse will assist you.

Clinical Expertise:

Hospital Medicine

Medical Education:

MD, Jefferson Medical College,Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 1993
PhD, Pharmacology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 1989

Residency:

Internal Medicine, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, 1996

Fellowships:

Hematology/Oncology, Hospital of the University of PA, Philadelphia, PA, 1999;
Post-Doctoral Fellow, Dept. of Pharmacology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 1991

Certifications:

American Board of Internal Medicine;
Medical Oncology

Professional Societies:

American Society of Clinical Oncology;
American Society of Hematology

Publications:

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