Fan Zhang, MD, PhD

Bio

Born and grown up in Southern China, I finished my Medicine training in Sun Yat Sen University of Medical Sciences. I became a Cardiologist for 5 years. In 1991, I entered University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey (UMDNJ), starting my doctorate training in Immunology. Soon I turned my interest to Cancer research, working with Dr. George P. Studzinski, a well-known physician scientist who, also like a father, led me to the success of my career. After my Residency in Long Island, New York, I continued my Oncology/Hematology fellowship in MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. The training was a wonderful experience and a turning point in my life. In 2003, I joined Kaiser Permanente as a specialist in Medical Oncology and Hematology.

Besides my work, I am family oriented. My family loves nature and people, so we fell in love with Santa Rosa. I used to be a outstanding left wing in Soccer. Now I turn more of my interest in traveling, skiing, photographing, and others, such as bridge.

My Medical Specialty

More details about my specialty:

Cancer is a leading cause of death in adults. Although cancer therapy has gained dramatic improvement in the past 20 years, there are still many blank areas needing more investigations; there are still many incurable cancer diseases requiring help and care from physicians and other health care staff.

With my extensive cancer research background and great interest in tumor biology, I chose to be an oncologist. I truly believe my previous experience allows me to understand more about tumor genesis, and to provide appropriate treatment to cancer patients.

After my fellowship, I chose to be a practicing oncologist instead of academic faculty. I feel more valuable to stay front facing patients and providing immediate help.

Several issues are important in now-a-day oncology cares. 1. Improve cancer prevention. 2. Develop more targeted anti-cancer therapy (more effective, less toxic). 3. Maintain good quality of life in cancer patients while controlling their cancers.

My specialty interests and affiliations within my field:

As a general oncologist/hematologist, I treat all kinds of cancer diseases. I have close contact with academic cancer centers such as MD Anderson Cancer Center, Stanford University, UCSF and other resource.

Current projects or research:

Co-chair monthly tumor board. Member in hospital Breast cancer committee. Co-investigator in many nationwide clinical trials such as ECOG, SWOG, NSABP, and Int-group.

Great health resources that I refer to:

National Cancer Institute (NCI). NCCN website. Uptodate, JCO, etc.

An interesting story from my training:

Training in MDACC (MD Anderson Cancer Center) was a wonderful experience, and a turning point of my life. MDACC has been acclaimed the No. 1 cancer center in the United States in the past several years with it's outstanding, superb performance in cancer research, treatment, and patient care. It has its own 600 bed pure cancer inpatient hospital that provides trainees extensive opportunity to learn about all kinds of cancers, including some extremely rare types of cancer diseases. Besides the regular training, I was able to work in a large, unique cancer critical care unit as an inpatient physician. I also gained extensive outpatient experience through center clinic and from LBJ hospital. Besides, the institute provides tremendous research and academic resources to fellows.

Interests

Currently reading:
Journal of Clinical Oncology, ASCO News and other medical journals, publication, professional webpages.

Hobby Photos & Links:

Travel

Family & Friends

People in my life:

I love my family, they are part of my life.

My children and people I care about:

I am a father of two children. I enjoy family life. Sharing time with kids after work, and watching them growing healthily are one of the most important things in my life.

Travel

An adventure I've had:

I had successfully resuscitated a young boy in a skiing field w/ their first aid team.

I feel the most exciting thing is the moment when you see your patients smiling to you, enjoying the cure or good control of their cancer diseases.