Kenneth Gold, MD, is the interim deputy physician-in-chief of medical oncology for the Northwell Health Cancer Institute. In this role, he works to standardize optimal practices for cancer care throughout the health system. He regularly meets with multidisciplinary management teams to discuss the best clinical practices and medical therapies for various types of cancer, with the goal of improving patient care. A practicing physician for nearly 40 years, he is also a medical oncologist-hematologist who provides long-term follow-up care to patients he has seen over the years in his clinical practice. “I have had the privilege seeing them become cancer survivors, and go on to have careers and families,” he says. “My long career has been very rewarding.” Dr. Gold earned his medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston and then trained in internal medicine at George Washington University, where he also served as chief medical resident. During a rotation there, he saw the impact oncologists have on the lives of patients and families and decided to further his training. He went on to complete a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Columbia. During his career, Dr. Gold has treated a wide variety of cancers and blood disorders. He was previously chief of hematology and medical oncology at Good Samaritan Hospital in West Islip, and an attending physician at Northwell’s Southside University Hospital (SSUH). He also served for many years as the chair of the transfusion committees at both Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Center and SSUH. At Northwell, “I have an open-door policy for my younger colleagues to come in and discuss cases,” he says. His goal is to act as a mentor so new doctors can learn about the importance of patient communication and support. Dr. Gold is an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. For Dr. Gold, one of the most gratifying parts of his work is the relationship he has established with his patients. “You really have to learn about patients and their families,” he says. “What are their interests? How does their family life work? Then you can better help them navigate the emotional journey of cancer care.”