December 1, 2007
SA Medical Journal
Interview with Dr. Marta Dahiya of Oncology San Antonio
Dr. Marta Dahiya Sheds Light on the Often Dark World of Oncology
by Kelly Hamilton
After completing two years of training in Internal Medicine followed by fours years of training in Radiation Oncology at the UTHSC, Dr. Dahiya joined her husband, also a radiation oncologist, and the physician group at Oncology SA (formerlly Radiation Oncology of San Antonio). Dr. Phillip Voltz, Jr. formed Radiation Oncology of San Antonio, P.A. over 30 years ago. "The practice is now the largest and oldest group comprised solely of board certified cancer specialist serving the South Texas region,” Dr. Dahiya says.
Dr. Dahiya discovered her love for oncology and its patients during her internal medicine research at the Health Science Center. Due to the nature of her studies she interacted with various patients and found herself drawn to those receiving radiation treatments. Because the treatments typically take six months or more Dr. Dahiya was able to establish a rapport with them.
Through her desire to provide effective treatment she not only helped change their lives in a physical way, she was also able to help them emotionally by providing a light at the end of the tunnel. "Being able to provide hope and help bring families back together is what makes this a rewarding career". The fact that she is instrumental in making a life-changing event a bit easier is something she prides herself in. Many times when a family member is diagnosed, their family surrounds them and supports them. It is during these times that Dr. Dahiya feels most fulfilled and validated in her work.
Working along side her husband, Dr. Dahiya services the Radiation Oncology department through Oncology SA at Baptist, Live Oak and Methodist Cancer Centers. Given both of their aggressive work ethics and practicing habits, they are able to co-exist professionally without interacting on a personal level. “It is reassuring to know that the person I trust most in the world is not only my husband but also a professional partner with whom I can consult.’
Dr. Dahiya grew up knowing she would be a doctor. From a family of six, her parents always encouraged and expected advanced education from their children. Her biggest conflict was deciding whether to be a mathematician, physicist or a physician. By taking the route of radiation oncology she has been able to merge the three into one. Every case presented to her receives equal enthusiasm and effort although she expresses affinity toward working with female patients who have been diagnosed with gynelogical and breast cancers.
Dealing daily with what would seem difficult for most people is not the most challenging aspect of her work as a radiation oncologist. Gently guiding patients who have a diagnosis of cancer would seem less that inspirational for the majority of us. Dr. Dahiya takes this challenge head on and relishes in the knowledge that she is able to directly affect lives through her professional abilities as well as her ability to remain calm and in control of her emotions. Whether providing quality of live for a terminal patient or serving instrumentally in the process that adds years to a life who has received a diagnosis of cancer, Dr. Dahiya stresses the importance of staying emotionally and mentally collected in an often time challenging environment. “Being stressed and exhibiting signs of stress is not an option in my field. Staying calm and collected enables us to make the best decisions possible in every aspect of our lives.”
The knowledge at the end of each day that she has given 100 percent to each patient enables her to go home and enjoy her husband and three children while remaining inspired about the next work day to come. Committing herself to the field of medicine at the early age of 18 enabled Dr. Dahiya to learn early on that there is definite line between work and personal life. “I love professional challenges and staying busy but I’ve learned that going with that flow and being patient with myself is a key piece to staying in control.”
Dr. Dahiya and her husband love their work in San Antonio and are doing an impressive job of establishing roots with such a prestigious medical facility. Oncology San Antonio is a well respected medical facility in South Texas and it is her desire to grow their practice by continuing to do what she does best; give a dignified and hopeful face where there is not one.
