Writings
Throughout her time as an oncology doctor and as a parent, Robin has chronicaled life’s difficult moments and the magic that often lies within in them.
Lessons in Medicine, Mortality, and Reflexive Verbs
Originally published in the New England Journal of MedicineEverywhere I turned during my clerkships and in-ternship at a county hospital in southern California, I heard Spanish. My classmates and I came from places like Long Island and Kentucky and often had terrible...
O Night Divine on the Cancer Unit
Originally published in The Healing MuseThis is how it happens: I am picking through produce at the grocery store, late in the evening, and my cell phone screeches, so loudly that people look over and watch while I fumble to find it, and hush its ringing, and lift it...
Cancer Clinic Meme
Originally published in Third Space1. The most common thing you will hear in the clinic is the sound of people laughing. 2. The second most common sound you will hear is computers. 3. You might think the carpet in front of the waiting room chairs would be worn down to...
Will He Hold Your Purse?
Originally published in the Boston GlobeI met Burt the Monday before Labor Day. As I walked into the room, he stood up--a sturdy, fifty-three-year-old guy with a direct, sky-blue gaze. Although he was a little etched around the eyes, he mostly looked the picture of...
Closing Up the Cabin
Originally published in Pulse and Readers DigestI met Burt the Monday before Labor Day. As I walked into the room, he stood up--a sturdy, fifty-three-year-old guy with a direct, sky-blue gaze. Although he was a little etched around the eyes, he mostly looked the...
The Grace Walk
Originally published in Worcester MedicineOver time she’s become accustomed, in a bemused sort of way, to the slam-shut silence that descends when she mentions to new acquaintances that she’s an oncologist. It seems it’s an occupational hazard for a lot of physicians;...
The Sound of Silence
Originally published in Wellsphere Diagnosis day, or D-Day in the words of Vicki Kennedy , is that pivotal moment when a patient learns the extent of his or her illness. This week’s post, written by medical oncologist Robin Schoenthaler, explores the lessons of D-day...
In Every Thank-You Card A Life Lesson, Then and Now
Originally published in The Boston Globe“Thank-you cards or the death penalty” is how my children describe our family philosophy about grati-tude, and yes, I guess that’s about right. In our house, most of December is about thank-you cards. The kids know they’ll be...