Mariette Austin, MD, PhD

Philosophy of care

As a medical oncologist, I try to empower my patients as much as possible – I will give you information, make recommendations, and encourage you to make informed decisions. Many of my patients initially (with newly-diagnosed cancer) have significant internal chaos. Providing information and orientation is often very calming – it is like shining a flashlight in a dark cave, so that one can see what is there, and understand everything better. When I meet you for the first time, sometimes the most important thing that I can do is to restore order to that internal chaos.

Why I entered medicine

I grew up with significant allergies, asthma and eczema during a time when there were no bronchodilators, and allergies were poorly understood. Due to sparse knowledge, I was constantly exposed to allergens from dogs, cats, feather pillows, etc. Due to sparse medical remedies (only prednisone available at that time), I was seemingly always ill. This engendered a desire to become a doctor and somehow exert some control. I was also interested in working in a field that would enable me to serve people in need. Medical oncology interested me in particular, because its research questions closely aligned with my research interests in graduate school.

Community involvement

In the past, I was a volunteer for WOAR (Women Organized Against Rape) in Philadelphia, and acted as a rape crisis counselor at one of the designated intake ERs in the city. I also participated in developing a Safe Touch program in the Philadelphia school system. As a WOAR volunteer, I conducted workshops with parents and teachers about teaching Safe Touch to children, in order to help children recognize sexual abuse and feel empowered to report it.

Personal interests

My favorite thing in the whole world now is to spend time with my (grown) children and other family members. In a "previous life", I used to enjoy tent camping, ballroom dancing, playing the piano, crocheting, and reading (Sci Fi books).