Employee Spotlight: Andrew McDonald, M.D.
Q: How or why did you choose this career?
A: I was naturally drawn to the oncology field. As a medical student, I found an outstanding mentorship group in the UAB Department of Radiation Oncology that fostered that interest and helped me develop a vision to grow into a radiation oncologist.
Q: What is the most challenging part of your job?
A: Finding balance between all of the things I want to do.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your job?
A: Feeling like I’m making a difference and making the world a better place, through patient care, educating future oncologists, and research to learn how we can take better care of patients with cancer moving forward.
Q: Favorite quote to live by:
A: “What else can I do for you?”
Q: For someone seeking a career like yours, what would you tell them makes O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center special?
A: The people who make the work environment a great place and help me achieve my goals. The longstanding commitment to having cutting-edge facilities reassures me that I will always be able to utilize advancing technologies to take care of patients and innovate.
Q: How have you grown your career at O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center?
A: Cancer therapy is a team sport. Learning how to bring people together to address bigger challenges has been a huge area of growth for me.
Q: What or who inspires you?
A: I have a friendly competition with my wife about scientific progress. She always wins, but it keeps it fun when the work gets tough. My mentor, Dr. Smita Bhatia, continually teaches me how to hold myself to a higher standard.
Q: What do you do on a typical day off?
A: I enjoy relaxing with my family and cooking great food.
Q: What is one accomplishment you are especially proud of?
A: Watching how my research is actively shaping the way we provide care at UAB is enormously satisfying. A series of small improvements can add up to a significant difference for a patient with cancer.
Q: Is there any memorable experience at O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center you would like to share?
A: Every day is memorable, but having fun with my colleagues at the ArtBLINK Gala is always a highlight.
Q: Are there any O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center members you would like to recognize?
A: Dr. John Fiveash for bringing me into oncology and for over 10 years of mentorship, and Dr. Smita Bhatia for continually being a champion for me and helping me hold myself to a high standard.