Introduction
Dr. Robert Pfeffer is a radiation oncologist who specializes in the use of radiotherapy to treat benign and malignant disorders. He takes a personal approach to care, closely involving the patient and their family at each step of the way.
“Each patient is more than a patient – they are someone’s family,” he explains. “Sometimes the health care environment can be so impersonal, and I can counteract that by keeping in mind the importance of the patient to all their family.”
Dr. Pfeffer was drawn to medicine because of his dual interests in science and in impacting the lives of people. He says, “I have always been interested in science, but I didn’t want a career based in a laboratory. I thought medicine would allow me to use my understanding of science to directly help people.”
His greatest satisfaction is from improving the lives of those he treats. He says, “I enjoy knowing that I personally have helped a specific person – either that I have cured their cancer, or if the cancer is far advanced, that I have relieved their pain or other suffering.”
Outside of the office, Dr. Pfeffer enjoys spending time with and spoiling his four grandchildren and three small dogs.
Education
Medical School
MD, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
Residency
Department of Radiation Oncology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Oregon