10 Questions With Cancer Surgeon Jacqueline Oxenberg, DO

Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute is excited to welcome cancer surgeon Jacqueline Oxenberg, DO, to LVPG Surgical Oncology–Pocono.

As a board-certified surgeon who completed a surgical oncology fellowship, Dr. Oxenberg treats a wide range of cancer types, with a focus on caring for patients diagnosed with breast, endocrine, gastrointestinal and thyroid cancers as well as melanoma and sarcoma.

“Facing a cancer diagnosis is extremely tough for patients and their families,” Dr. Oxenberg says. “I am dedicated to supporting my patients throughout their care journey by offering high-quality care close to their homes.”

I was originally interested in a career in research because I wanted to work on advancing cancer care. However, I am a very hands-on person, and I quickly realized that practicing medicine and becoming a surgeon would allow me to not only conduct research, but also implement the latest findings into my practice.

I like to be innovative and constantly look to enhance the level of care I provide to my patients. I also Iike to look back on changes in the field and how they have made a difference in patient outcomes over time.

I want my patients to know that I am not just their surgeon – I’m also their ally. I’m dedicated to providing them with the best care, and I am always going to be part of their team, fighting alongside them.

The best part of my job is working with a multidisciplinary team of specialists who are all dedicated to taking care of cancer patients and helping them feel better. I also love that I get to meet new people every day!

The hardest part of my job is when I am unable to cure a person’s cancer or there is a complication with someone’s treatment. As medicine advances, I hope cancer cure rates improve and the need for invasive treatments decreases.

The best part of my job is getting the chance to cure cancer and help people through very vulnerable times in their lives.

I am motivated by challenges. I like to find solutions for problems and overcome difficult situations in both my personal and professional life.

It’s important to choose a career you love that motivates you to get out of bed every morning. The path to a career in medicine can be very rewarding, but it is also challenging. Even after you cross the educational finish line, the challenges don’t go away. The key to success is using those challenges to motivate yourself.

With a husband who is also a surgeon, two young kids and no family close by, it can be very tough. Luckily, I have a great support system of friends and long-distance family members. Over the years, I’ve also learned how to optimize the quality of my work and family time, which has helped keep things balanced.

I enjoy spending time with my family, playing piano, visiting new places and swimming.

I had never binge-watched TV shows until I was off this past summer. During that time, I binge-watched “Suits.” I was impressed by the characters’ quick thinking, decision-making skills and negotiation abilities!