A Conversation with a Health Care Champion: Hematologist Oncologist Elie Dib, MD

At Trinity Health Michigan, cancer care is a true team effort. Dr. Elie Dib, a hematologist oncologist with Trinity Health IHA Medical Group in Ann Arbor, works alongside a dedicated team of health care professionals focused on delivering personalized, compassionate care.

"Our care is truly multidisciplinary," Dr. Dib says. "Everyone, including the patient, brings insights to the table."

Beyond caring for patients, Dr. Dib is committed to advancing cancer research. As a co-principal investigator with the Michigan Cancer Research Consortium, he's helping drive innovations in cancer treatments. He also teaches cancer genomics as an adjunct faculty member at Johns Hopkins University.

In this Q&A, we explore how Dr. Dib and his Oncology team provide hope while shaping the future of cancer care.

What do you find most rewarding about working in cancer care?

Dr. Dib: As oncologists, we care for patients facing some of the hardest battles of their lives. I've always been inspired by Mother Teresa of Calcutta and her commitment to the poorest of the poor. In a similar way, we're here for people facing some of the toughest diseases. We connect with our patients, sharing their struggles and hopes. Our goals are many: to cure when we can, to ease symptoms, and to improve their quality of life. It’s very rewarding to support people during such a challenging time.

What advancements in hematology and oncology do you find exciting?

Dr. Dib: The field has evolved so much. With genomic medicine, we can profile each tumor and identify its unique signature. This allows us to tailor treatment plans for each patient's needs and opens new possibilities for targeted therapies.

At the same time, immunotherapy allows us to use the patient's own immune system to fight cancer instead of relying only on traditional approaches like chemotherapy. These treatments show promising results and will only become more advanced and effective in the future.

What sets Trinity Health Michigan apart in terms of cancer care?

Dr. Dib: We're a strong community cancer program with a solid academic orientation and a welcoming atmosphere. This means our patients get the best of both worlds. We're also very accessible. If a primary care doctor refers a patient, we usually see them within days, not weeks, as is the case at some other centers.

In addition, we have a strong culture of multidisciplinary care. We discuss all our patients in specialty tumor boards for various cancers like lung, gastrointestinal, breast, melanomas, head and neck, leukemias, and lymphomas. These boards bring together oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, radiation doctors, pathologists, genetic counselors, nurse navigators, and nutritionists. This means that when I see a patient, I've already discussed their case with a team of experts. It's as if the patient has seen ten providers without needing multiple appointments.

What role do clinical trials play in your practice?

Dr. Dib: While all our patients receive high-quality, personalized medical care, we also offer access to national and international clinical trials. This access is made possible through the Michigan Cancer Research Consortium NCORP, which is supported by the National Cancer Institute. Clinical trials often become the standard of care for tomorrow, so it's exciting to offer our patients these innovative options right in our community.

How do you approach patient care?

Dr. Dib: Our approach is holistic. We consider the patient's morale, psychological state, social determinants of health, family support, and financial situation, and our providers and navigators work together to care for the whole person. The goal is to meet patients where they are and guide them so they feel comfortable on their journey.

Partnership in Healing

When asked what advice he has for those facing cancer, Dr. Dib says, "Find a cancer center that offers a wide range of support services and make the most of them. Trust your care team and approach this journey as a partnership. We're here to support you every step of the way.”

Learn more about how our team is transforming cancer care at trinityhealthmichigan.org/cancer or by calling Dr. Dib's office at (734) 712-1000.