7 Quick Questions With Surgical Oncologist Simon Telian

Simon Telian, MD, is a surgical oncologist — or cancer surgeon — at UVA Health. He treats people with various types of cancer, including breast, melanoma, endocrine, and gastrointestinal cancers.

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We asked Telian seven quick questions to get to know him better.

1. What has most inspired and shaped your approach to patient care?

My approach was shaped by my mentors and their focus on providing good information to patients and truly listening. Appointments are getting shorter, and there is often not enough time to hear everything the patient has to say.

When you take the time to listen and ask open-ended questions, patients often provide clues that help you understand what’s really going on. Listening also helps us empathize and guides multidisciplinary care that provides the best service to each patient.

2. What is your favorite part of your job?

Seeing patients after they have finished treatment and are doing well. It is wonderful to watch them transition to the surveillance phase of care after their cancer journey has been successful.

3. What is your biggest fear as a patient?

Will I have enough insurance coverage. I have always appreciated the multidisciplinary approach – many doctors working together to cover every aspect of care. If I face a medical issue, I expect the same collaborative team to support me.

4. What do you do to relieve stress?

Basketball, scuba diving — and sometimes skydiving.

5. Dog or cat?

Definitely a dog.

6. Last show you watched? Do you like it up or down?

The last series I watched was Severance. It is very thought-provoking, exploring what consciousness really means. Thumbs up.

7. Best advice you’ve ever heard?

Never take your foot off the accelerator — and not just while driving.