Eric P. Anderson, MD

What is your practice philosophy? I believe in a patient-centered and team approach to cancer care. I hope to provide the patient’s with an understanding of their disease process, the reasons for the current work-up and treatment plan, and that the treatment plan we are recommending is based on clinical science and national guidelines. I also believe in a multidisciplinary approach and the presentation of patient’s cases at multidisciplinary care conferences whenever possible. I hope that the patient is then able to make a well-informed decision on their treatment course based on the patient’s personal goals, the feeling that they are well informed, and that the recommendations are coming from a team of medical professionals in multiple fields of cancer care. 

What are you passionate about? And why? I’m passionate about being the best physician, husband, and father I can be because there is nothing more important than those things.  

If I wasn’t a provider, I would be a: Small Business Owner/Entrepreneur  

Why did you become a provider? When did you know this was the career for you? I wanted to become a thoracic surgeon because I love working with people and with my hands. I could not image sitting at a desk all day or be in meetings constantly. I knew I wanted to be a surgeon after my 10th grade biology class  

Something I have learned from my patients is: I have learned that every patient’s experience with their diagnosis and their medical decision making process is unique.  

One of the challenges of this career that I enjoy is (and why): Trying to constantly improve the care and outcomes in the field known that I will never reach perfection because I leads to better outcomes with lower complication rates for patients over time.  

My personal health goal is: To live as many high functioning, high quality years as possible.  

What is the best thing you’ve done for your health or the best health advice you’ve received? Adjusting my diet. I grew up eating meals with large amounts of carbohydrates and meats. My family’s meals now focus are large portions of salads, soups, and meatless meals.  

What are you most proud of? 
Attaining the goal of becoming a board-certified thoracic surgeon that I set when I was in high school.