Top Docs Q&A: Dr. Robin A. Lacour, MD, MPH

Gynecologic Oncologist

Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center at North Colorado Medical Center

Greeley

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EDUCATION: Louisiana State University Health Science Center School of Medicine

BOARD CERTIFICATIONS: GYN Oncology

American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 2014

TRAINING: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Fellowship, Gynecologic Oncology, 2010

Q: What interested you about gynecologic oncology versus other areas of medicine?

A: Gynecologic Oncology is a unique field in that we perform both  the surgery and manage the chemotherapy for our patients.   It is a privilege to be involved in the comprehensive care of these patients. 

Q: As you look back on medical school in Louisiana, as well as your residency and fellowship at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, did any single experience remain with you and help guide your career? If so, what?

A: I feel like the experiences that lead me to Gynecologic Oncology were those when I had the opportunity to take care of cancer patients while in residency.  The cancer patients were always so gracious and appreciative.  It was an honor to take care of those patients. Caring for oncology patients was the most rewarding part of my OB/ GYN residency. 

Q: You sometimes have to relay bad news to patients. How do you prepare yourself for that?

A: When I make a plan to give a patient bad news, I try to put myself in “the shoes” of my patient.  I always intend to deliver information to a patient in a way t hat I would want to receive it myself, or imagine them as a family member getting that information.  My mom passed away from breast cancer several years ago, so I have been on the other side and know how heartbreaking much of this information can be. 

Q: What treatment advances have you seen over your career? What innovations excite you the most?

A: In my career thus far, I have been able to see advancements in robotic surgery, allowing many cancer patients (specifically uterine cancer patients), to have outpatient surgery and rapid recoveries.  Also, immunotherapy has come in to play for the treatment of several gynecologic cancer.  It’s great to be able to offer patients treatment options beyond traditional chemotherapy.   There are new medications being studied every day, and this is the most exciting thing about cancer medicine.  

Q: Do you have relatives who have experienced cancer? If so, how has that influenced your relations with patients?

A: My mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, while I was a resident, and passed away a few years later.  Having had this experience, it allows me to have more upfront and personal conversations with patients.  I also feel that it gives me the opportunity to talk about “end -of -life” matters with my patients in a more comforting and personal way. 

Q: What kind of hobbies and interests do you have outside medicine?

A: I love to travel with my family.  I enjoy exploring new places, new cultures and new foods. 

Q: What are you watching on Netflix?

A: My sons are watching Stranger Things from start to finish for about the third time…so, it’s my second time watching it all the way through. 

Q: “If I wasn’t a doctor, I would be …”

A: … an interior designer or a party planner.