Dr. Larissa Nekhlyudov, MD, MPH | Inaugural Online Speaking Forum

Jacqueline Clemente

Biography

Dr. Larissa Nekhlyudov is a board-certified internal medicine physician currently

practicing for Brigham and Women's Hospital in Bostin, Massachusetts, a professor of

medicine at Havard Medical School, and the clinical director of internal medicine at the

Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she advocates on behalf of cancer survivors. In

1995, she received her MD from the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, and

then proceeded to complete residency as a preliminary at Yale in internal medicine.

Upon graduating as an internal medicine doctor, she then pursued a research fellowship

working with a general medicine research facility, focusing on cancer survivorship.

Afterward, she enrolled in the Harvard School of Public Health, where she received her

MPH at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

As an internal medicine physician, Dr. Larissa Nekhlyudov has led numerous

cancer survivorship programs to empower individuals to become advocates of cancer

research. Her work is through Survivor Journeys, George Washington Cancer Center,

National Cancer Survivorship Resource Center, and Asco eLearning, focusing on

educating communities about the needs and challenges facing survivors of cancer. In

2019, she published a proposal on Developing a Quality Cancer Survivorship Care

Framework for the National Cancer Institute with implications for bettering clinical care,

research, and policy. Her framework encompasses several domains of cancer

survivorship care, including management of physical and psychosocial effects, proactive

surveillance for chronic medical conditions, and strategies that will allow for the

prevention of recurrences in new cancers and diseases.

Career Path and Trajectory

An internal medicine physician is a public health professional who plays an

essential role in providing for patients facing multifaceted health challenges. They

specialize in caring for adults, primarily with a focus on disease (such as diabetes,

hypertension, and respiratory issues) prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Their

expertise handles managing complex medical issues that span multiple systems of the

human body by performing assessments, interpreting diagnostic tests, and developing

plans for treatment. They aid patients in maintaining optimal health and preventing

diseases from occurring through numerous means (such as conducting routine health

screenings and providing vaccinations). Some internists may also delve into specialized

areas, which narrows in on providing comprehensive care for more specific conditions,

covering both immediate health concerns and long-term wellness.

A career as an internal medicine physician begins with one pursuing a bachelor’s

degree (generally in biology, chemistry, or a related field of science), then applying to

medical school upon completion of the MCAT exam. They then have the opportunity to

gain first-hand experience in patient care through engaging in clinical rotations. Following

one graduation, they obtain their Doctor of Medicine degree (MD) in order to enter a

three-year residency program for internal medicine, where they partake in training to

diagnose and treat a wide range of illnesses affecting millions worldwide. As accredited

physicians, they can either choose to enter the workforce as general internists or further

specialize through fellowship programs in specific areas (such as cardiology and

gastroenterology) which offer a wide range of learning opportunities and the chance to

make an impact on patient health.

Dr. Larissa Nekhlyudov will be discussing her career as an internal medicine

physician devoted to the study of cancer survivorship where she will share her insights

and future goals in the field of cancer research. This presentation serves as a venue for

networking with others who share your commitment to bringing about cancer awareness

so that we can enhance our collaborative efforts to address its complexities. Dr.

Nekhlyudov emphasizes how going into a specific field of study may not be as

straightforward as you think it will be, and to always be open to new opportunities. “When

one door closes, […] another door will open”. SCORI invites all members to participate

for an invaluable opportunity to expand their understanding of cancer's underlying

causes and management strategies for prevention.