As a doctor, leader, researcher and teacher, Cheryl Lee, MD, provides cutting-edge bladder cancer care and education for patients, colleagues and students at The James. Get to know our December Physician of the Month: Many hats, one goal: A bladder cancer-free world “I wear many hats at The James. As chair of the Department of Urology for the Wexner Medical Center, I bring great care to patients with cancer in the urinary system. I’m also a teacher, so I bring residents and students to The James, so over time, they’ll help us create a cancer-free world. I’ve focused my entire professional career on bladder cancer — research that advances new treatments and therapies for bladder cancer is very important to me.” “A challenging disease” “Bladder cancer is a really challenging disease for patients, and it’s pretty common, with 80,000 people expected to be diagnosed this coming year. Many people don’t know that smoking is associated with bladder cancer. Quitting smoking is something that all people can do to reduce their risk. Patients should also know that blood in the urine is an important sign of the disease. Patients should see a urologist if they ever notice red urine.” A community of collaboration “The Ohio State University community is an incredibly collaborative environment. When I’m in the operating room or in the clinic, I’m never alone. Without this team — nurses, residents, students, all of my colleagues — I’d never be able to do what I do.” Groundbreaking research, patient-focused care “I feel extremely fortunate and proud to be a part of the OSUCCC – James. In addition to our research, we’re committed to providing truly individualized care that focuses on total wellness. Our facilities are phenomenal and allow me to provide state-of-the-art care.” “The driving force” “It’s a privilege to care for a patient. Every day, I learn from my patients, just as I learn from my students and residents. If I can make a difference in their lives, and in the lives of their families, well, that’s the driving force for me.”