Award: Physician — Radiation Oncology
Dr. Michele Nedelka, medical director for oncology services for Bon Secours Hampton Roads, works to advance her field while advocating for patients’ rights and safety in Virginia.
The board-certified radiation oncologist with Bon Secours Oncology Specialists recently began her tenure as speaker of the House of Delegates for the Medical Society of Virginia — the first woman to serve in the role. As part of the society’s executive committee, Nedelka champions initiatives aimed at improving health care accessibility and affordability and advocates for integrated health care teams to include physicians, advanced practice providers and allied health professionals to deliver the best care possible to patients in Virginia.
Nedelka specializes in using radiation to treat patients with cancer, including breast, prostate, head and neck, lung, gastrointestinal, gynecological, brain/nervous system, urological cancers and palliative care. She also nurtures the next generation of health care professionals and advances the field of radiation oncology through her extensive publication in various peer-reviewed journals.
Nedelka shared career insights with Inside Business.
Why do you do what you do? I have always been driven by a desire to help others and alleviate suffering. My passion for helping cancer patients began in elementary school when a classmate was diagnosed with leukemia. I wanted to help children and adults with cancer, so I pursued a career in radiation oncology, which allows me to treat all ages. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see my patients improve and to be able to support them through their most challenging times.
What keeps you motivated? My motivation comes from my patients and their resilience. It is incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact of treatment on their lives. At home, my family and our four rescue dogs bring immense joy and motivation into my life. They remind me every day of the importance of compassion and support.
How do you cope with challenges? Challenges are an inevitable part of health care. I cope by focusing on the positive outcomes and the progress we make with each patient. I also rely on the support of my family and colleagues, who help me maintain perspective and stay resilient. I also am a firm believer in the importance of advocacy. Through my work with the Medical Society of Virginia and the American Medical Association, I have learned how to advocate for patients’ rights, and I enjoy working toward solving health care issues with our Virginian legislators.
What are you most proud of? I am most proud of the compassionate care our team provides to our patients. Daily, patients tell me how wonderful our team members are and what a difference these fantastic health care providers make in their cancer treatment journey. This team cares for patients the way they would treat family members, and I am so proud to watch them in action. We have an in-office food pantry to help those who either need food or don’t have time and energy to stop at the grocery store during treatment, and this initiative is dear to me. It’s an honor to walk with my patients through their journeys and to make a difference in their lives.
How do you measure success? I think the best success metric in oncology is the well-being of my patients and their satisfaction with the care they receive. Seeing them feel better, recover and regain their quality of life is the ultimate measure of success for me. Sometimes, our patients do not survive their disease. I believe success for these patients is the knowledge that I have contributed to alleviating their suffering, helping their families and, hopefully, making their lives a little better — as my life is absolutely enhanced by having the privilege of knowing each of them.
What lessons have you learned? I have learned that empathy and compassion are as critical as clinical expertise in health care. Every patient is unique, and it’s essential to provide personalized care that addresses their specific needs. I’ve also learned the importance of resilience and the power of a supportive community.
Any advice for aspiring health care leaders? My advice is to always lead with empathy and integrity. Stay committed to your passion for helping others and seek ways to improve the care you provide. Building strong, supportive relationships with your team and your patients is key to making a lasting impact in health care. Above all, practice the Golden Rule and remain focused on the patients you are privileged to serve. This career path is more than a job and a calling. It is an honor.
