From incredible minds to passionate determination, the individuals at the Knight Cancer Institute are innovators in targeted therapy, early detection and holistic care. Their interests and expertise take them to the OHSU campus and across Oregon’s communities, seeking answers, connection and new possibilities – all united by the common goal of ending cancer. Learn more about these incredible researchers, clinicians, program directors and faculty members’ professional dedication to their field and personal enthusiasm for Oregon.
Elizabeth Berry, M.D., Assistant Professor of Dermatology
What is your favorite part about working in your field?
“I have an amazing job. As a dermatologist at OHSU, I find skin cancers, treat skin diseases, participate in ground-breaking research, and teach medical students and residents. However, my favorite part of my daily practice is building a trusting relationship with each patient. I care for my patients as I would like my family members to be treated.”
What led you to specialize in melanoma?
“My mother died of metastatic melanoma when I was 13 years old. Witnessing her brave journey with the disease has fueled my passion for melanoma prevention and early detection. I dream of a future where no one will lose a loved one to melanoma.”
What do you do for fun?
“I love to run. Many days of the week, you can find me pushing my daughter in the jogging stroller or coaxing my senior dog for some easy miles. I also enjoy biking, baking, and finding any other excuse to spend time with my family in nature.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Oregon?
“My favorite thing to do in Oregon is to explore the state’s natural beauty with my husband, daughter, and dog. Little children have a way of slowing down the pace of life, so I’m savoring picking wildflowers, collecting moss, and turning over every rock. Experiencing the beauty in our backyard through my daughter’s eyes has truly been a gift.”
Olabisi Sanusi, M.D., Assistant Professor Department of Neurosurgery
What is your favorite part about working in your field?
“My favorite part about working in this field is the immediate impact we can have on a patient’s life. What inspired me to pursue it was my love for neuroanatomy.”
What led you to specialize in neurological surgery, especially in brain and spinal cord cancer?
“The immediate gratification and ability to have a lasting impact on someone else’s life. Also my love for the intricacies of neuroanatomy.”
What do you like to do for fun or as a hobby outside of work?
“Outside of work, I love to exercise and bake. And also try out new restaurants (pre-COVID).”
What is your favorite thing to do in Oregon?
“Visiting different farmer’s markets and going wine tasting.”
Reid F. Thompson, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Radiation Medicine, Assistant Professor of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine
What is your favorite part about working in your field?
“The nature and role of radiation in treating cancers is fast-evolving and I find this, as both a scientist and a clinician, to be a very exciting time with an even brighter future ahead.”
What led you to specialize in treating skin-based cancers, such as melanoma, with radiotherapy?
“Melanoma has/had a foundational role in the field of immunotherapy and this sparked my initial fascination with the disease, not to mention the history of melanoma in my family. However, skin cancers in general are extremely diverse and can present significant and complex challenges in the clinic.
Each patient I see is extremely different from another, and that keeps me on my toes clinically, and feeds my passion for research – I love it!”
What do you like to do for fun or as a hobby outside of work?
“I really enjoy spending time with my family – traveling, gardening, hiking, you name it.”
What is your favorite thing to do in Oregon?
“I have a serious sweet tooth, and am particularly fond of Twisted Croissant, Lauretta Jeans, and Salt and Straw.”
Discovery | Patient Care
A new era of cancer care
OHSU is leading us into a new age of understanding a disease that has afflicted humans from the very beginning.
Health Equity | Patient Care
Bridging gaps in cervical cancer care
Medical sociologist Cirila Estela Vasquez Guzman, Ph.D., promotes health equity through her research.
Patient Care
Doernbecher’s impact throughout the decades
We had the chance to catch up with a few former Doernbecher patients and their families, reflecting on how their experiences at the hospital changed their health and futures for the better.
