10 Questions With Hematologist Oncologist Andrea Rivera, MD

Inside a terrarium, a microenvironment of soil, mosses, pebbles and charcoal creates ideal conditions for plants to thrive. Similarly, the body’s immune system helps establish a balance that can both prevent infection and detect and repel cancer. A fascination with this incredible part of human biology inspired hematologist oncologist Andrea Rivera, MD, with Lehigh Valley Topper Cancer Institute, in her pursuit of medicine. No wonder she loves to build terrariums in her free time.  

As a practitioner with LVH Hematology Oncology, Dr. Rivera puts a priority on helping her patients understand whatever disease they may be facing. This makes it possible for everyone – patients, their families and physicians – to find the treatments that are most suitable and effective. 

I was inspired to go into medicine to learn more about how the human body uses the immune system to balance infection prevention and cancer detection with the risk for damaging healthy cells and organs. A better understanding of how the immune system works, and anticipating the ways it can malfunction, guides me in choosing the best treatments that offer the most benefit while causing the least harm. Most importantly, this insight allows me to help patients and their families better understand the disease processes affecting their lives and choose the best treatment approach that matches their goals and lifestyle.

I hope that patients come away feeling empowered to make informed decisions about their care and path forward. One of the most difficult aspects of cancer diagnoses is the overwhelming nature of the diseases and treatments. So much new information and so many things happening all at once can make people feel they have little control about what happens to their bodies and their life course. By helping patients understand their disease and treatments better, I hope to give them the power to take back some of that lost control.

The best part of my job is connecting with patients and their families. It is a privilege and a joy to be a part of the team caring for them during such difficult times.

The hardest part of my job will always be telling patients bad news. However, as difficult as that is, I consider it a privilege to be able to help guide patients and their families through these incredibly difficult times, thus helping them through the grieving and decision-making process.

I love adding to my collection of terrariums. If anyone has suggestions for weird or interesting plants to add to my collection, I’d love to hear them. 

My family has a handsome (but somewhat brainless) orange tabby cat named Indiana Jones. He has been with us since I was in medical school and has been a huge fan of snuggles and belly rubs since the day we brought him home.

Eagles all the way!

You can’t beat a good chocolate chip cookie when it comes to feel-good treats.

Caramel macchiato. It’s not the healthiest, but it sure is delicious. 

I love Thanksgiving. It’s always a warm holiday filled with food, laughter, joy and friends.