Tammy Hshieh, MD, MPH, is the lead geriatrician for geriatric oncology at Dana-Farber, working with the programs for Older Adults with Hematologic Malignancy, Older Adults with Breast Cancer, and Older Adults with Gastrointestinal Cancers. As a physician-scientist, her research focuses on promoting healthier aging and improving cognition and function as well as understanding and preventing delirium and cognitive impairment in older adult patients.
Hshieh earned her medical degree from the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and a master’s in Public Health from the Harvard T.H.Chan School of Public Health. She completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, followed by the Multicampus Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at Harvard Medical School.
Tell us about what you do at Dana-Farber.
Hshieh: As a geriatrician at Dana-Farber, I am dedicated to improving care for older adult patients with blood cancers and certain solid tumors.
My colleagues and I work to identify the most effective treatments for each patient while also addressing other health and wellness needs that come with aging. I also care for patients in the Older Adult Hematologic Malignancy Program, which started in 2013 with a focus on patients with hematologic malignancies, such as leukemia and lymphoma. Since then, we’ve expanded to the Program for Older Adults With Breast Cancer, the Older Adults With Gastrointestinal Cancer Program, and the Lank Center for Genitourinary Oncology. Any older adult patient — regardless of cancer type — and their cancer team, however, may request a consultation through the program.
I care for adults ages 65 and older, the age first defined as “older adulthood” in the 1965 Social Security Amendments that created Medicare and Medicaid. Many of my patients are in their 70s and 80s, reflecting the fact that people are living longer and aging better today.
My colleagues in oncology focus on treating the cancer itself, while I address the broader health concerns that may affect an older patient’s care. There is naturally some overlap, but this division allows the oncology team to concentrate on cancer treatment while I focus on geriatric needs. For example, I often review complex medication lists and streamline prescriptions and consult on potential interactions with cancer therapies. I also assess medical, cognitive, social, and other needs that can influence outcomes. If a patient has memory or thinking challenges, I help ensure they have the right support to successfully navigate treatment.
What do you love most about your work?
Hshieh: I enjoy collaborating with my colleagues, patients, and their families. My patients have amazing stories and experiences, and through those, I learn what matters most to them and what they hope for in the future.
I also love the challenge of caring for older adults in all their complexity, approaching each person holistically and honoring who they are as individuals. I grew up in a retirement community in New Mexico where my brother and I were some of the only young children in the community. I remember our neighbor, who was a veteran of World War II and Pearl Harbor, and he had Parkinson’s disease. Every day, I saw him persevere through his challenges and walk around the neighborhood. There was also a neighbor who taught us how to fly kites, despite recovering from a heart attack. Older adults like those in my community who aged with grace and resiliency inspire me.
What are you most proud of?
Hshieh: I am proud of the geriatric workflow I have built so far at Dana-Farber with the help of my like-minded oncology colleagues. It has allowed us to reach a growing number of older adults with cancer and improve their care. I am also proud of every older adult patient whom I have been able to help in their medical and cancer journey.
What do you do in your free time?
Hshieh: I enjoy spending time with my family — whether it is kayaking, traveling, or eating Asian hot pot and barbecue. We also share a love of music. I am the piano accompaniment for my son on his cello, and my daughter plays piano. We enjoy going to concerts together.
My husband and our children also have a small mushroom farm, so I enjoy cooking the mushrooms they cultivate. It’s fun to see what dishes I can come up with!