Janna Andrews

Assistant Clinical Professor of Radiation Oncology, SUNY Stony Brook Winthrop University Hospital, Mineola, N.Y.
Age: 37

The first physician in her family, Janna Andrews is an assistant clinical professor of radiation oncology at Stony Brook University and attending physician at Winthrop University Hospital. She has a bachelor’s degree in molecular biology from Princeton University, a medical degree from Temple University School of Medicine, and takes career cues from fellow physician and mentor Mack Roach III, chairman of radiation oncology at the University of California, San Francisco. “I’ve watched what he’s done with his career and for his community. If I could model my career after anybody it would be his,” she explains.

Dr. Andrews’ career changed profoundly when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. “Being on the side of the patient really opened my eyes to the role doctors play and the disconnect they can have with their patients.” she remarks. That made her a fighter. “My goal is to end health-care disparities in cancer care. I’ve been working with different community organizations to increase health literacy and access to care in the underinsured and uninsured,” she explains. That’s not the only battle Andrews chose. She has also “committed to increasing the number of minority physicians in the field of oncology.” As a member of the residency committee at Indiana University, she demanded that women and minority applicants be fairly assessed for acceptance into the program. She also mentors minority students to get into college and medical school.

Oncology has a unique challenge, Andrews notes. “Being an oncologist is very rewarding but it’s also very emotional. When your patients do well, you’re elated. When your patients don’t do well, you take it personally.” She winds down by staying physical and considers horseback riding true therapy.

Fun Facts
First job: Lifeguard
Sports team: N.Y Giants
Favorite food: Thai