Lauren Krill, MD

What inspired you to become a cancer specialist?

As a medical student, I travelled to East Africa to do research and help women with HIV. I found myself working with a great organization called Hospice Africa Uganda that cared for HIV and Oncology patients. My very first patient at Mulago Hospital was a young woman with advanced cervical cancer, and I realized after meeting her that I could never do anything else with my life. I dedicated my career to helping women like her with gynecologic cancers.

What is your essential patient care philosophy?

I treat everyone with respect and as a partner in their care.  I am a strong believer in patient-centered care and using the specialized knowledge that I have to help women with cancer and together we determine the best treatment option.

The World Health Organization contends that health is not just the absence of disease or infirmity. Globally, I believe a crucial part of our responsibility as doctors is to promote health through social justice. The words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. resonate with me: injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. All physicians and health care providers should strive to identify and eliminate inequality and health-care disparities; ensuring that everyone has a right to pursue complete physical, mental, sexual, and social well-being.

What do you hope your patients say about you to their family and friends?

Dr. Krill explained everything I need to know moving forward with my treatment and to maintain my quality of life. She listened to and addressed all my questions and concerns. She was warm, genuine, open minded and respectful; and I feel secure and certain that she will do whatever it takes to give me the best possible care.