Behind the Stethoscope is a new series from the team at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper, introducing you to the men and women at your side in your fight against cancer.
Lauren Krill, MD
Lauren Krill, MD
Department of Gynecologic Oncology
MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper
What was your first job?
Victoria’s Secret Beauty—at the makeup counter.
Tell us something about you that people wouldn’t expect.
That I was a makeup artist for Victoria’s Secret.
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
I love San Diego because I am a California girl at heart, but I also like discovering new vacation spots all over the country and the world—anywhere you can ski or surf.
Tell us your favorite book, movie or song – and why.
My favorite song is “Fields of Gold” by Sting because my father used to play it on road-trips when I was young and we danced to it at my wedding.
What inspired you to become a cancer specialist?
As a medical student, I traveled 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.
What three words best describe you?
Knowledgeable, confident, and trustworthy.
Outside of your family and your work, what are your passions (pets, music, travel, history, etc.)?
I am passionate about fine art, cultivating long-term friendships, and playing with my enormous goofy dogs.
If you could have dinner with any three persons living or deceased, who would they be and why?
My grandmother, my great aunt, and their friends when they were the age I am now. They were such amazing strong female role models and I wish I could understand their journey better.
September is Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month. The Gynecologic Cancer Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is the regional leader in advanced, innovative cancer treatment for women with cancer and pre-cancerous diseases of the ovaries, uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, vulva and vagina. Here, doctors like Dr. Krill take a multidisciplinary approach to cancer care that puts an entire team of experts to work on behalf of each patient. Learn more by clicking here.