Page 23 - Best of the Best 2020

ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • SUNDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2020 FINALISTS: BEST ONCOLOGIST
Lawrence Mendelsohn, M.D.; Diane Wilder, M.D. >>
BEST OF THE BEST • 23N
Compassionate care garners honors for two CARTI doctors
Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a frightening time in any patient’s life, but the care of a trusted oncologist can make all the difference. This year, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette readers showed their appreciation for Dr. Lawrence Mendelsohn and Dr. Diane Wilder of CARTI by voting them finalists for Best Oncologists in the Best of the Best contest.
“It is a great honor to be named a finalist simply because there are so many excellent oncologists practicing in central Arkansas,” Mendelsohn said. “Over my 35-year career, it has been incredible to be part of such an amazing community of cancer-care providers.”
Mendelsohn sees patients at the Little Rock, North Little Rock and Conway cancer centers. Personalized care is CARTI’s top priority, he said, adding that he and other staff members work to provide a familylike support system for every patient.
“CARTI fosters a culture of love and respect that permeates everything we do,” he said.
Wilder, who has been in practice 18 years and sees patients in Little Rock and North Little Rock, said she was humbled to be named a finalist. Both doctors agreed that the entire team at CARTI helps create a loving, respectful atmosphere for patients.
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Dr. Diane Wilder and Dr. Lawrence Mendelsohn of CARTI were named finalists for Best Oncologist in the 2020 Best of the Best contest.
“My core staff and I are committed to be excellent, accessible, attentive and proficient members of a patient’s health care team,” Wilder said. “We have determined that when failures or challenges disrupt our purpose, we will respond with honest dialogue, humor and an unwavering commitment to bringing out the best in each other.”
Mendelsohn said he feels successful if his patients and their families view him as an integral part of their support systems, but his favorite moments are the patients’ success stories.
“The best part of my job is sharing the joy of a complete remission with a patient who has been through a hardship of treatments,” Mendelsohn said. “It’s amazing to watch one of your patients you’ve invested so much in celebrate their one-year, two-year and [other] milestones.”
Wilder added that she feels honored any time she makes a difference in a patient’s life.
“Thank you to our patients. They do not always realize how valuable they are to us,” Wilder said. “We are humbly aware of what an esteemed position we hold as witnesses to their inner sanctums and journeys. The strength, resilience, perseverance and courage they portray imprint on our hearts and lives.”