Name:
Linda Keller Wobeck, M.D., D.V.M.
Email:
Undergrad Institution; Degree and Major:
Tulane University; Bachelor of Science
Medical School:
Emory University School of Medicine -1993
Virginia- Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine - 1987
In practice since:
1997
Your Specialty:
Radiation Oncology
Where and for how many years did you train AFTER medical school:
Residency, Radiation Oncology
- Emory University Affiliated Hospitals
- Atlanta, GA, July 1994 to August 1997
- Chief Resident
Radiation Oncology Board Certification, June 1998 (initial 10 year)
- Recertification 2008 completed
Transitional Internship
- Atlanta Medical Center (Georgia Baptist Medical Center)
- Atlanta, Georgia, July 1993 to June 1994
How did you choose your specialty?
I wanted a specialty that allowed a lot of patient interaction as well as technology. I liked that the doctor was an integral part of the patient’s cancer management. I liked that new treatments and techniques to make the side effects of radiation are always ongoing.
What do you like MOST, and like LEAST, about your specialty?
Most - I like working with the patients and helping guide them at a difficult time of their life. I like giving hope and encouragement and when possible palliating the pain. I like when early and sometimes not so early cancers are cured and patients live the rest of their lives, hopefully with not too much sequlea from the cancer as well as the treatments. I like the interactions with the other oncologic specialists (medical oncologist, surgeon etc.) on the patient’s team and the multidisciplinary approach with tumors boards. I like .while the hours can be long, there is not much call and it also allowed me to be with my family and raise children
Least - I dislike the sadness; some patients can’t be cured and sometimes not adequately palliated as their cancer progress. It is especially hard when younger patients succumb to their disease. I dislike that some patients continue to smoke or drink and their cancer then returns and /or they get another cancer.
I dislike that it can be difficult to find a position in a certain location post residency or job change for some, as the field is very small and may be limited by CON (certificate on Need) to have the necessary machines for treatment.
In your opinion, what attributes are important in anyone choosing this specialty?
- Compassion
- Patience
- Perseverance
- Must like to study a lot; as there is a lot of material to learn during residency and for passing boards!
Hobbies/special interests:
- Veterinary degree- not actively practicing but big animal lover and active equestrian, volunteer at Horse rescues
- Fluent in Spanish, 54 years old 2 sons one who graduated from UGA Honors in technology and another at Georgia Tech in finance/international business, 3 dogs and 3 horses