M. Sung Lee, MD

M. Sung Lee, MD, is a medical oncologist who focuses on hematology, which is the study of blood disorders. Dr. Lee treats both nonmalignant (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) conditions.

“The vast majority of blood disorders are noncancerous and include bleeding and clotting tendencies or people who have too few or too many blood cells,” Dr. Lee explains.

Dr. Lee says he was drawn to oncology because of the promising gains that have been made in the field. “Out of all the different medical specialties, the greatest and most exciting advances in the last 25 years have been in oncology,” he says. “It used to be that when someone was told they had cancer, the gut reaction was ‘How long do you have?’ Now, we have different treatments that are more effective, less toxic, and have minimized risks. And, we cure patients at a higher rate.”

Clear communication with patients is important, Dr. Lee notes. “You need to talk with patients realistically and be honest,” he says. “But, because of the great number of strides that have been made in cancer care, we can offer our them a plan, and often, hope.”