Combining the latest treatments with research for the best patient outcomes

Kelly Lynn Robbins MillerIn the continually expanding fields of hematology and medical oncology, Dayton Physicians Network offers the most comprehensive treatments available. At DPN, the best technology and research is combined with highly trained and experienced physicians who consistently demonstrate unwavering personal commitment to patient care.

Joining DPN in September of 2017, Kelly Lynn Robbins Miller, MS, MD, PhD, is one of the newest additions to the oncology team of physicians. A Dayton native, Dr. Miller grew up in Franklin, Ohio, and earned her medical degree from the Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. She completed her residency and fellowship training at Wright State, as well. Although based at Good Samaritan North, Dr. Miller also cares for patients in the DPN office in Greenville and at the Greater Dayton Cancer Center location.

Her interest in research was part of what led her to a career in hematology and oncology. “Working in the oncology department allows me to do cancer research while practicing medicine. It’s the best of both worlds,” she said.

Dr. Miller shared that a close family member had a cancer diagnosis when she was younger, and that also helped to spur her interest in the field.

Dayton Physicians Network offers a wide range of the latest cancer treatments from targeted therapies and radiation to advanced immunotherapy. According to Dr. Miller, however, some of the best innovations come in the carefully calculated combinations of those methods.

“Some types of cancer may require a multimodality approach of treatment,” she explained. “To treat breast cancer, for example, a patient is likely to have surgery, potentially chemotherapy, and hormone treatment, as well as radiation therapy. This equates to four different types of treatment, handled by three different specialists, for one cancer.”

Dr MillerThe combined experience of our doctors is one of the best advantages patients have, because the team knows how to best coordinate the various treatment options, tailored to the needs of each patient’s particular situation. Dr. Miller also noted that, while she has only been with DPN for a short period, most of her partners have been in practice for many years. The team is highly experienced and is constantly exploring ground-breaking cancer treatment.

Dr. Miller’s research background is reassuring to patients — they know she and her team are doing everything possible to stay on the forefront of the most advanced treatments available. “Patients tend to come to me because of the research and our work with clinical trials, as well as my desire to stay on the cutting-edge of the latest treatment options,” she said.

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Some patients believe they have to go outside of the Dayton area to get the latest treatment, but that’s not the case. Dayton Physicians Network provides the most current treatment options right here, locally, either through the physician’s recommendation or in a clinical trial opened by DPN.

Even with all of the advanced technology and expertise available to patients, one side of treatment that is not often mentioned is the emotional support provided by the physicians, nurses and staff. A cancer diagnosis is a life-changing experience for each patient.

It’s all a frightening unknown: the pathology; the treatment; overwhelming, and sometimes disheartening, statistics on survival rates – all of these can have a traumatic effect psychologically and emotionally. The personal approach and relationship that patients build with their treatment team is unique to the type of care provided by DPN.

“At Dayton Physicians Network, as an organization, we try to do the best job we can in caring for the patient emotionally, as well,” Dr. Miller said. “We take into account how they’re dealing with the diagnosis and treatment plan, and we provide whatever additional support is needed.”

Click here to learn more about DPN’s hematology and oncology services, or you can call (937) 293-1622.(937) 293-1622.

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