Richard C. Cherny, M.D.

As a kid, I dreamed of being a pro baseball player.  I loved playing shortstop – right in the middle of all the action.  By the time college rolled around, I realized my desire was greater than my ability!  So, onto plan B!

My parents, immigrants from Poland and Germany in the early 1950’s, instilled in me the value of education and working for oneself.  They encouraged me to excel in school and in both covert and overt ways suggested I think about becoming a doctor one day.

I went to the University of Rochester to study Chemistry.  I was accepted to the “Rochester Plan” and I was allowed to enter medical school two years early, but was still given time to complete my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry.  Subsequently, I ventured out West and completed my specialty training in Seattle.  I spent a great deal of time at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, world renowned for bone marrow transplants.  My role models were incredibly bright and energetic.  They were on the cutting edge of science and patient care.  I liked both the research aspect and patient care aspect.  I get to do both at HOA!

Our patients arrive at HOA under very stressful circumstances.  A cancer diagnosis strikes fear in most hearts.  Our patients are hurting physically and emotionally.  They are incredibly vulnerable and literally trust us with their lives.  My relationship with my patients quickly becomes emotionally and spiritually intimate.  It is personally challenging and fulfilling to touch lives and make a positive difference for my patients and their families.  It’s a special privilege.  Our patients are so appreciative of all we do and try to do for them.  I feel good that we can offer state-of-the-art treatment and clinical research opportunities without having patients travel far and wide.  That all important support network of family and friends are able to stay connected to their loved one during treatment!

HOA is a special place for many reasons, not the least of which is the commitment to compassionate care.  This philosophy is put into daily practice from top to bottom in the practice.  I was attracted to HOA for this reason and for the superb quality of doctors and nurses focused on doing what’s best for patients.  HOA is constantly evaluating new treatment approaches including less traditional therapies like Reiki, massage and reflexology.  These complementary, integrative medicine approaches can be helpful aids to dealing with a host of uncomfortable physical and emotional side effects often part of the cancer treatment.  It’s truly unique at HOA.

In my career, I have learned so many lessons from my patients.  I have learned the human spirit is resilient and that the will to live is extremely powerful.  I have learned it’s about relationships and small acts of kindness.  I have learned that it’s what you do for others that matters most.  I have come to embrace the “attitude of gratitude” and try to live it daily.

Phone: 315.472.7504
Fax: 315.479.8639