Dignity Health Merced | helloHealthy | Summer 2018

HelloHealthy | Summer 2018 5 Give a warm welcome to Dr. Jain Just a phone call away To speak to oncology social worker Brittany Cotta, call 209.564.3669 . out about housing or food or things like that,” Cotta says. “It’s just really important to have someone there to help them through this, so they can be as mentally and physically healthy as possible.” Redefining a ‘win’ Ask Cotta about one of her most difficult cases, and she’s quick to mention a homeless man she’s been working with since she started her role as an oncology social worker. “I was very concerned about him,” she says. “His living situation was not ideal for someone going through chemo. I kept talking to him about housing. He kept saying, ‘If I can make it through the winter, we’ll talk about it.’ “Then it was spring. So I asked him again if I could help him with housing. And he said, ‘If I can make it through the summer.’” That’s when Cotta realized he didn’t want to spend time and money on housing. He was fine with his living situation. “I didn’t get the resolution I wanted, but I was able to meet him where he was and understand he’s doing OK,” Cotta says. “In the meantime, he knows I’m here for him. If he changes his mind tomorrow, I’d help him.” Being an oncology social worker can be emotionally taxing, Cotta allows. “But at the end of the day, I know this is where I’m supposed to be,” she says. “And when I have a ‘win,’ even if it’s realizing my homeless patient is never going to choose an apartment, it gives me a great sense of pride to know I’m doing my best for someone.” CANCER CARE Expertise. Experience. Effectiveness. That’s what you want when someone is treating you for cancer. And that’s what you’ll get with Prachi Jain, MD, the new radiation oncologist at the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center. Here are a few things to know about Dr. Jain. Q. Where did you go to medical school? I grew up in the Twin Cities and went to medical school at the University of Minnesota. I also went to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) for my undergraduate studies and majored in chemical engineering. Q. How did you decide you wanted to work in radiation oncology? For me, as an engineer, radiation oncology was a natural fit. I confirmed my decision to pursue radiation oncology after a family member was diagnosed with cancer. It is incredibly rewarding to treat a person during the most difficult time in their life. Q. What are your goals for radiation oncology treatments at the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center? I plan to implement advanced treatment methods that I’ve learned in my training at Northwell Health in New York, as well as during my fellowship at Yale, to provide quality patient care in this community. Q. Do you have family with you? My husband, Priyank, works nearby in finance. We are enjoying the natural beauty California has to offer. To learn more about the Mercy UC Davis Cancer Center, visit MercyMercedCares.org. * #