Mary Elizabeth Novak, DO

I believe in utilizing a patient centered approach regarding patient care. I believe care starts with listening to a patient's specific complaints and understanding their insight into their complaints and symptoms. I believe it is important to meet patients where they are in terms of their understanding of their conditions and to explain diagnosis and treatment options in terms they understand.  

I believe honesty and transparency is always important in patient care. Patients deserve a trusting relationship with their physician, especially their surgeon. I feel it is important to deliver honest care especially when delivering difficult news like cancer diagnosis. 
 

I also believe that flexibility is important in patient care in that not every patient should receive the same treatment plan. Patients need personalized care plans that take into consideration their goals and lifestyle needs while also balancing evidence based medicine. Working together with patients to develop a personalized care plan provides better quality care and often times more compliant patients.