Dr Drake

[podsart]

Wondering if anyone else heard of Dr Drake making changes to his practice?

Not sure how many Dr Drake patients are members of HealthUnlocked.

[tarhoosier]

Yes, there has been a change. I had a call from his office changing my appointment date (remote video) because he has taken a new position (their words) and reduced his clinic time. Now Fridays rather than Tuesdays. Some patients were referred to other doctors. I am still with him. I wonder why, and may ask him during consultation.

[podsart in reply to tarhoosier]

Thanks

[Don_1213 in reply to tarhoosier]

I also had my video appointment changed to a Friday.. but no word about being dropped. I'm fairly low maintenance. We usually get the medical stuff done in about 5 minutes then spend a few more minutes discussing mutual interests.

Great MD, nice guy IMHO.

[cesces]

He was not taking patients.

Then opened up to take Myers patients.

Looks like he is closing back up.

[podsart in reply to cesces]

Thanks, assume you are still with him as a patient

[cesces in reply to podsart]

Nope. I contacted him early, when Myers was just starting talk about retiring.

At that time Drake was too busy with research. He was not even maintaining a practice. Or he was not taking patients, even though I came with a Myers referral.

I was a bit irritated then. Now I feel glad I didn't end up with him.

I think it is a bit rude and self absorbed to just drop patients. Probably injurious to them in some manner.

It is not easy to be cut off and have to look for a new top tier Doc on short notice.

There are not that many of them.

Sort of like being told by your spouse, they are not that into you any more, so they are going to divorce you. Take your time leaving, even a few months if necessary.

And then having to re-enter the dating pool, etc.

Leaves not a good taste in my mouth.

[podsart in reply to cesces]

Thanks fo your kind reply

Sorry forgot, who are you seeing now?

[Don_1213 in reply to cesces]

Since I haven't been dropped I can't say for sure - but I suspect Columbia/Presbyterian has other leading oncologists who you would likely be referred to. A good friend goes there because an excellent oncologist moved from Rutgers Cancer center to Columbia, and is very happy with his treatment.

[podsart in reply to Don_1213]

Probably, it’s a challenging project with hi stakes

[curious-mind1]

My Dad used to see Drake. But he also saw another great oncologist, Dr. Ferrari (was also recommended to us by Myers), she's now at Montefiore in the Bronx. Ferrari worked better for us, much more personable and easy to get a hold of - we had direct access to her nurse, who always made sure Ferrari called us back within a day, and a kind and highly patient and intelligent listener to our various questions. I'd recommend Dr. Ferrari as an alternative to Dr. Drake, for patients who are being dropped by Drake's practice.

Art

[Fuzzman77 in reply to curious-mind1]

Dr. Ferrari saved my life.

[curious-mind1 in reply to Fuzzman77]

She's incredible! When my dad died, she found out, and immediately called, offered support - she's one of those truly elevated human beings who happen to be also doctors, an amazing person.

[podsart in reply to Fuzzman77]

Always happy to hear good news; much luck

[podsart in reply to podsart]

A good soul is especially important and not so prevalent in a potential life threatening situation in advanced Pca.

So thankful to have all you in my life, feel so blessed

[podsart in reply to curious-mind1]

Yes, I remember Dr Myers speaking highly of dr Ferrari

Glad to hear your Dad has a good caring Dr

[KeyboardGuy]

I was also a patient of Dr. Drake who was referred to another oncologist at Columbia/Presbyterian. However when I looked up the new doctor's credentials, it says that she (Dr. Hawley) is Dr. Drake's protege. So I'm thinking that she would still have direct access to him when needed for consultation. Anyway I have an appointment with her this coming Friday so we'll see.

[j-o-h-n in reply to KeyboardGuy]

Okay pound that Keyboard Guy. Tell us abour yourself (please). Age? Location? Scores Psa/Gleason? Treatments to date? Treatment Center(s)? Doctor's names? Thank you!!! All information is voluntary but it helps us help you and helps us too. Post here lots of good information...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 09/14/2020 7:35 PM DST

[podsart]

Makes sense, please let us know how it goes

[podsart]

Thanks to all

[podsart]

I wonder what criteria they used to decide who stayed and who was transferred?

[j-o-h-n in reply to podsart]

They transfer the guys who userID begins with podsart.......

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Monday 09/14/2020 7:37 PM DST

[podsart]

Also , why the need for such a short warning time , as there isn’t an obvious emergency situation?

[Tkwham]

Dr Drake has taken a position at Janssen, div of J & J, as VP of research. His mission is to CURE prostate cancer, therefore I wish him all the best!

[podsart in reply to Tkwham]

Do you think he’s preparing to leave or intends to do both functions, perhaps as an advisor?

[Tkwham in reply to podsart]

Possibly advise, but fully committed to this very important project.

[podsart]

Interesting, do you think there is a particular trial or set of trials, or perhaps a new angle of research re prostate cancer?

For example, there is the following:

“A complex signaling network of intracellular ‘crosstalk’ surrounds tumor cells, and researchers like Dr. Drake are working to direct that crosstalk to recognize and eliminate cancer. In a recent study, researchers in Dr. Drake’s lab found that blocking a protein called IL-8 that is over-expressed in some cancer types, suppressing the immune response against cancer, might be key to enhancing the effectiveness of immunotherapies for prostate cancer.

“When we treated mice with prostate tumors using a combination of an immune checkpoint inhibitor and a new drug that blocks IL-8 signaling, some mice were actually cured in the long-run,” says Dr. Drake.””

Perhaps this is one promising drug approach they hope will lead to enhancing their bottom line, amongst others.

[Mazdaguy]

I was a Myer’s patient as well and referred to Drake and Ferrari. Went to see both, but ended up with Drake. My appointments have also changed to Fridays. It is frustrating with Myers leaving and now the unknown with Drake. It’s a shame that Myers didn’t give us a better transition plan to his way of thinking about PC. He spent a lifetime researching PC and spent a lot of time with individualized treatments for his patients. You’d think with his career and all that he learned and practiced, that it would not have faded out and just stopped.

I really like Dr. Drake, but always got the sense he was more interested in his research vs. dealing with patients. His availability over the years vs. Myers was a lot less...Myers always answered my emails. Should be interesting moving forward.

[podsart]

I agree, especially as to frustration

[Mazdaguy]

This was on LinkedIn: “I’m thrilled to welcome Charles Drake, MD, PhD, to the Janssen Oncology R&D team as Vice President and Head of Immuno-Oncology. Chuck’s scientific creativity and his commitment to transforming the lives of patients with cancer will further boost our mission of eliminating #cancer. Welcome to The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson #Oncology team, Chuck! #MyCompany“

[podsart]

Good find!

So he’s in transition for a complete phaseout from hospital or hospital has aligned with Janssen oncology, or he’s going to maintain some minimal (consultant?) with Hosp — there should be some hospital staff announcements upcoming

What’s your take?

[Mazdaguy]

The professional thing to do would have been to notify all your patients if you were leaving...that leads me to believe he will still maintain patients at Columbia...but who knows...I emailed him on the portal and will let you know if he/they respond...thanks

[podsart]

Thanks, not sure portal works well

[Mazdaguy]

I called his office and they told me that he only sees patients half day on Fridays....and would not answer either way if he will eventually stay around to see some patients...I find it unprofessional and discourteous not to notify all of your patients up front.

[podsart]

How true, would never had guessed that of him based on how he presented himself as a person.

I assume you spoke to Latoya, if she’s even there still.

[Mazdaguy in reply to podsart]

Yes....that’s who I talked to...

[podsart]

Thanks; having trouble reaching her