I study how treatment decisions are made during clinical encounters between patients newly diagnosed with cancer and their clinicians. My research pinpoints the factors that drive patient treatment decisions. I also study the factors that influence clinician recommendations and how clinicians navigate the decision-making and communication process. My research has a strong population and health systems perspective. I also develop and evaluate interventions to improve decision- making and accelerate the pace and impact of research dissemination. Great science requires inspiration, creativity, gumption, perspicacity, and perseverance. High impact medical science requires a team effort. The Cancer Surveillance and Outcomes Research Team (www.cansort.org) centered at the University of Michigan generates pace-setting research in communication, decision-making, and quality of care for patients with cancer. The goal of this research is to improve the patient experience and maximize health outcomes of treatment and care support into survivorship. The key to the fountain of youth is life-long learning. I am grateful to colleagues, staff, and the patients and clinicians who participate in our research for the opportunity to stay young.
Featured Commentaries
Reducing Overtreatment of Cancer With Precision Medicine: Just What the Doctor Ordered
Katz SJ, Jagsi R, Morrow M. JAMA 20 March
Addressing Overtreatment in DCIS: What Should Physicians Do Now?
Morrow M, Katz SJ. J Natl Cancer Inst 2015 Sep 30; 107(12):djv290.
Treatment Decision Making and Genetic Testing for Breast Cancer: Mainstreaming Mutations
Katz SJ, Kurian A, Morrow M. JAMA 2015 Sep 8; 314(10):997-8.
Cancer Care Delivery Research and the National Cancer Institute SEER Program Challenges and Opportunities.
Katz SJ. JAMA Oncol 2015 Aug 1. 1(5):677-8.
The value of sharing treatment decision-making with patients: are we expecting too much?
Katz SJ, Hawley ST. JAMA 2013; 310(15): 1559-1560.