Introducing Larissa Nekhlyudov, MD, MPH, former resident and chief resident of Yale Department of Internal Medicine. Nekhlyudov completed residency training in 1999.
Where are you now?
I’m a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and general internist at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital. I’m also the Clinical Director, Internal Medicine for Cancer Survivors at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where we offer clinical care for long-term survivors of childhood and adult cancers.
Much of my academic career has been focused on improving the care of cancer survivors by raising awareness of survivorship in primary care settings and educating primary care and oncology providers about the needs of this growing patient population. I’ve been at the forefront of the field of cancer survivorship by leading and participating in the development of survivorship care policies and clinical guidelines, educational programs and research.
Many of my publications (including journal articles, book chapters and two books) and educational programs have promoted awareness among health care providers about the ongoing needs of patients across the cancer care continuum. Throughout my career, I’ve dedicated myself to teaching and education of students, residents, fellows and faculty and the commitment to empowering cancer survivors and caregivers through educational programs.
What do you love about your career?
Mainly love that I’ve been able to craft a career in academic medicine that includes clinical care, research, teaching and advocacy.
How did Yale prepare you for your career?
Whether during rounds, resident report or clinic, there was a real focus on evidence-based medicine, reading and critically appraising clinical research.
Describe your experience at Yale IMed in 3 words.
Inspiring, enriching, rewarding.
What surprised you most about your field/area of expertise?
When I started, cancer survivorship was not often heard of, even in oncology and especially not in primary care, but now the area is growing, in both research and clinical practice. There is so much more that needs to be done to improve the care of patients living with and beyond cancer.
One piece of advice you’ll never forget?
As a general internist, "find your niche."
What’s a fun fact about you?
At the age of 41, I decided to run a marathon, even though I never ran and hated running, but I did it!
The DIM spotlight is a feature as part of the DIM Digest, highlighting alumni, former trainees, and faculty of the Department of Internal Medicine.