Mersiha Hadziahmetovic, MD

Biography

I trained at The Ohio State University James Cancer Center. In my first year of residency, I went to MD Anderson in Houston, Texas. I then returned to OSU to complete my residency program. After training, I worked at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, Tennessee.

I knew in medical school that I wanted to do oncology, but I thought I wanted to do pediatric oncology. In my third year of medical school, I learned about radiation oncology. I also learned that I could treat children affected by cancer by specializing in radiation oncology.

I also like this specialty because it combines arts and science. I like that radiation oncology marries the continuum of care with the scientific precision of treatment. I often have to identify so many areas of the body and of the tumors themselves with different colors on a CT scan. Then, I look at what areas need the highest dosages and how to treat the patient most effectively, while sparing the surrounding organs and tissues from damage. It is a highly precise, unique, challenging and yet incredibly rewarding specialty.

My husband and I wanted to move back to Ohio to raise our children in the Midwest. I thought that I could make a difference for the under-served population in this area. People here are so appreciative of the care they receive. I love the lake and the amenities of living in a medium-sized town like Sandusky. We have found this area is family-centric and a tight-knit community. I love the beauty of the Cancer Center and Firelands. I interviewed in the Atrium and loved how airy and natural it was. I am a firm believer in the idea that surroundings make a difference in healing. Coming from academic institutions, I was used to being in a basement working with the heavy equipment in radiation oncology. Firelands offers a healing, airy, light environment for patients. I also could see that everyone at Firelands took a patient-centered approach to medicine. For me, it begins and ends with the patients every day. I think that we have such a caring team here. I truly believe that compassion and caring are so important. Our staff here is always looking for ways to help patients. I am really proud to be part of a group that has such a profound impact on patients.