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Originally published November 18, 2025
Last updated November 18, 2025
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It’s increasingly common for patients to receive medical advice from multiple sources: friends, family, social media, the internet and even artificial intelligence. Umair U. Ghani, MD, a medical oncologist with Keck Medicine of USC, offers guidance to physicians facing this dynamic: “Hear your patients out.”
“You should never dismiss a patient’s thoughts or ideas about their care, regardless of where those ideas come from, because that can damage the trust and openness essential to the patient-doctor relationship,” says Ghani, who treats patients at Keck Medicine of USC – Irvine and Keck Medicine of USC – Newport Beach in Orange County, both part of the USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center and Keck Medicine.
As an oncologist, Ghani emphasizes that caring for a patient often means caring for their loved ones, too. “You’re not just treating the patient; you’re treating the family,” he says. This is why it’s important to make everyone feel heard and to answer questions from all parties involved, including family members who might be part of a patient’s caregiving team.
“A family provides emotional support around the clock, while I may only see a patient for 30 minutes a week or a month,” he says. “That’s why I believe in being receptive to family input and accommodating their wishes when they’re reasonable and medically appropriate.”
One way to foster clear communication is to invite all relevant family members to a designated appointment during which you can answer everyone’s questions at once, Ghani says.
“With cancer, it’s always helpful when family members attend appointments with the patient, ensuring there’s another set of ears to hear the treatment plan,” Ghani says. “Family members often ask questions the patient might forget to ask in the moment. And if a family member has a request about the patient’s treatment that doesn’t align with my recommendations, I ask them to elaborate so we can clarify their concerns. Usually, we can have an open discussion and reach a solution everyone is comfortable with.”
For example, patients or their families often inquire about taking dietary supplements during cancer treatment. “I personally review every supplement a patient wants to take to ensure nothing interferes with their cancer medications or causes harm,” Ghani says. “When we can meet in the middle on these types of requests, and patients understand the reasoning behind my recommendations, they tend to feel more satisfied and reassured.”
Family meetings can also be especially valuable when navigating end-of-life care decisions, Ghani notes.
“Decisions about whether to continue or stop treatment require time, patience and empathy,” he says. Family members have their opinions; doctors have their own. But ultimately, the choice belongs to the patient. If the physician feels comfortable leading a family meeting about end-of-life options, they should do so, since they know the patient and their case best. However, if those conversations become overwhelming, other specialists can help facilitate them. Social workers, case managers and palliative care specialists can all assist physicians in supporting patients and families during these discussions.
“Therapists are also extremely valuable during these times to help patients and families cope with the emotional stress that comes with cancer,” Ghani adds.
Ultimately, maintaining open communication with patients is key, Ghani emphasizes.
Even when disagreements arise, encouraging second or third opinions can help patients feel heard and confident in their care.
“I’m not the type to dismiss anything,” he says. “I always take the time to listen to my patients and then discuss what the research supports. From there, I work with them to create a treatment plan that respects their preferences while staying grounded in evidence-based medicine.”
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