7 brief questions with radiation oncologist David Penberthy

As a radiation oncologist, David Penberthy, MD, uses radiation therapy to treat cancer. He specializes in helping patients with breast cancer, lymphoma, and central nervous system tumors.

Meet UVA Health Radiation Oncologist

We asked Penberthy 7 of our short questions to get to know him better.

1. What is the most inspiring and forming your approach to patient care?

Seeing the positive results of the patient’s experience in health care arrangements. I think this is based on individual interactions owned by patients with their health care teams. I feel that every day at work, I can learn something from my friends. I feel blessed surrounded by extraordinary faculty members at UVA Health.

2. What is your favorite part of your job?

Talk to people. I can talk all day. Every patient has a story and I like to hear their stories. I like to find out ways that we can do well affect the direction of their disease so that they can live their lives. Every day is an opportunity to help someone and I feel proud to be a part of it.

3. What is your biggest fear as a patient?

When I was personally in the doctor’s office, I continued to judge the environment and see how much attention to the details was given. When they pay attention to the small details in their own offices, I think they are more likely to pay attention to my details.

I think the environment is important and I try to give it in the arrangement of my own office – to be careful and diligent with every detail – so patients understand that they are considered and that their needs and concerns are being handled.

4. What do you do to get rid of stress?

I have a very supportive family, and to relieve stress, I like to exercise. My wife and I went on a bicycle. I like to travel. I like to visit my daughter as often as possible and spend a lot of time with family and people close to me.

5. Dogs or cats?

Both of them. Funny story. I really consider myself a dog. However, our old dog only died and we are now experiencing cats. We have this interesting relationship where I leave the cat alone, but when I leave them alone, they are now interested in me. So if I’m still in a chair or on the sofa, the cat seems interested in me at my house. I think I have become a cat’s father.

6. The last film you watch? Thumb up or down?

OPPENHEIMER – two thumbs up!

7. The best advice you have ever heard of?

The best advice I have ever heard of personal fulfillment is from my mother. He told me once and gave me a key chain that I still have to this day that said, “Do that.” If an opportunity arises, if you are given the opportunity to fly in F-14, why not do it?