My City Wellness Spring 2021

My Wellness

PRACTITIONER PROFILE Amy Calati, DO Medical Hematologist/Oncologist Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute BY PETER HINTERMAN PHOTOS PROVIDED BY BRETT ROGERS

The newest member of the medical staff at Genesys Hurley Cancer Institute, (GHCI), Dr. Calati was born and raised in Michigan. After earn ing her undergraduate degree fromWayne State University and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine fromMichigan State University, she completed her residency at St. John’s Ascension Providence Hospital in Novi, where she served as chief resident and chief hematology/oncology fellow. She started at GHCI in September 2020 and with her zest and posi tive outlook, has made an impact on its culture, staff and patients. Dr. Calati recently spoke to My City Magazine about her decision WR MRLQ WKH ˉ HOG RI RQFRORJ\ KHU goals and medical philosophy. MCM: Dr. C, first I would like to say thanks for taking the time to speak with us today and for bringing your expertise to Flint and Genesee County. Dr. C: Thanks for having me! I am born and raised in Michi gan, mostly from the Detroit area, so coming to Flint was a natural choice. Dr. Paul Adams at GHCI suggested I join the staff and I jumped at the chance. MCM: We know about your educational voyage to your

current profession as medi cal hematologist/oncologist at GHCI, but how did your voyage begin? What made you want to become a doctor and oncologist, specifically? Dr. C: It was something I fig ured out very early. I come from a family of doctors, and growing up watching my father and uncles led me to want to take care of pa tients and help them live healthier lives. I chose oncology because I always thought there was some thing unique about the field. A lot of it is very difficult, especially

when informing patients about a critical or difficult diagnosis; but, when I am able to cure the disease and help a person get their life back, it is all worth it. I chose hematology for the balance and challenge. As a hematologist, I get to deal with non-cancer and benign conditions. It keeps me on my toes and forces me to be up to-date on all the latest research. MCM: What is the hardest thing about your job? Dr. C: Trying to help people diagnosed with a terminal illness

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