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.
Catherine E. Loveland-Jones, MD, MS
Catherine Loveland-Jones, MD
Division of Breast Surgery
MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper
What was your first job?
I was a rhythmic gymnastics coach when I was 16. I became a rhythmic gymnast when I was about 8 years old and competed on a national level through high school. Rhythmic gymnastics is a sport that combines elements of ballet, gymnastics, and dance. It is a wonderful sport that helps develop strength, flexibility, dexterity, endurance, and hand-eye coordination. I believe this training helped me become a technically skilled surgeon.
Tell us something about you that people wouldn’t expect.
I have a major sweet tooth and maintain a huge container of jellybeans in my office. I eat one handful each day, along with a few pieces of chocolate. My secret indulgence!
Where is your favorite vacation spot?
Costa del Sol in Spain. This is a gorgeous area in the south of Spain. I was there for two summers in college – it was an amazing experience. The history in that region dates back almost 3,000 years. Along the coast behind the beach towns are incredible mountain ranges. I loved immersing myself in a different culture and language.
Tell us your favorite book, movie or song – and why.
Gone With The Wind – Scarlett O’Hara transformed into a woman of incredible grace and courage.
What inspired you to become a cancer specialist?
At each step of a patient’s journey with cancer, from diagnosis through treatment and recovery, there are tremendous opportunities to instill hope. It gives me great satisfaction to know that I am able to help patients through this difficult time.
What is your essential patient care philosophy?
To provide each patient with a surgeon who is both compassionate and clinically skilled.
What do you hope your patients say about you to their family and friends?
I would like them to say: “My outcome was excellent! I felt like she truly cared for me.”
What three words best describe you?
Hard-working, perfectionist, and kind.
Outside of your family and your work, what are your passions (pets, music, travel, history, etc.)?
Dance (mostly ballet and modern jazz) and running. I try to run twice a week and attend 2 dance classes each week. Running helps me clear my mind and dancing is my creative outlet. Both dance and running also help me stay fit, which I believe is important for surgeons.
If you could have dinner with any three persons living or deceased, who would they be and why?
Mother Theresa – to be able to learn from her selflessness in caring for the sick; Amy Goldberg, MD – because she is the best doctor I have ever known and inspires me to deliver top-notch indefatigable care to every patient; and my son – because he makes me smile and laugh.
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Janet Knowles Breast Cancer Center at MD Anderson Cancer Center at Cooper is one of the region’s leading providers of innovative prevention, detection and treatment for women with breast cancer. Here, doctors like Dr. Loveland-Jones can provide their patients with access to a full range of cancer care including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, reconstructive/ plastic surgery, genetic counseling and testing, post-surgical rehabilitation and lymphedema prevention and treatment, as well as access to important clinical research trials. Behavioral medicine, complementary medicine therapies and other support services are also available to assist women and their families in coping with their cancer. Learn more by clicking here.