Oncologist Dr. Chirag Jani named Phoebe 2015 Physician of the Year

ALBANY — Dr. Chirag Jani, an oncologist at the Phoebe Cancer Center, was named the 2015 Phoebe Physician Group Physician of the Year on Thursday with his family and colleagues present.

The announcement was made Thursday afternoon at the Phoebe Centennial Museum on the second floor of Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital.

Before the winner’s name was revealed, an introduction was given by Dr. Michael Edwards, an obstetrician and gynecologist who is a member of the Phoebe Physician Group Executive Committee as well as one of the award’s nominees, that described the oncologist as someone who does well with combining science and compassion and staying up to date on the latest research.

“The patient knows he (Dr. Jani) will be in the trenches with them,” the introduction read.

As the honoree, Jani received a handcrafted vase made by Charles Wells, an associate professor of art from Georgia Southwestern State University that specializes in sculpture and glass.

Jani, a 13-year member of Phoebe’s medical staff, said being selected for the award was “extremely gratifying and humbling,” and that there is still a collaborative effort needed to push ahead in providing a path toward optimal care for the cancer patients of Southwest Georgia.

“It feels very special. (Given) the sacrifice of time with family, it means a lot,” he said. “In our institution, there is a group of more than 250 physicians whose priority is to take care of patients the best way that we can.

“When in the hospital, it is all about the patients, and when we are home it is all about family. Cancer is a very difficult situation to deal with … It is a team approach; it’s not just me. (Without that) I could not have this (the award).”

Having completed medical school in India at age 22, Jani brought his knowledge to the United States. He went on to earn board certifications in internal medicine, geriatrics, hospice and palliative care and hematology and oncology. He serves as the medical director of Phoebe Cancer Center. He is a clinical assistant professor with the Medical College of Georgia, co-director of the Willson Hospice House, principal investigator and co-investigator on a number of national cooperative group cancer trials and the chair of Phoebe’s cancer committee, multidisciplinary tumor board, multidisciplinary breast committee and physician leadership board, an available biography on him states.

He sees an average of 35 patients a day, maintaining an insistence to explore every option that, officials say, provides hope to patients and families fueled with the belief that most cancers are curable.

“He believes there is never a situation where there is no hope and vows to give that person as good a quality of life as possible in whatever amount of time they have,” according to a statement released by Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital. “He bases his optimism on the rapid advancements being made in the battle against cancer. Improved medications, research and clinical trials that help researchers understand more about the illness are some of his reasons for increased hope across the spectrum. And the renowned oncologist acknowledges that there is also room for good old-fashioned miracles.”

Officials at Phoebe said there were about 50 nominations put in for the honor, with the winner being chosen by a committee formed for the purposes of recognizing the hospital’s doctors. The award presentation on Thursday was an inaugural event which is expected to be done annually.