Dr. Timothy A. O’Connor had the opportunity to work with grief expert and author Elisabeth Kübler Ross. His experience with her during the time she started her London hospice program led him toward the field of oncology. Her compassionate care for cancer patients inspired him, and he credits her with helping him to understand the relationship between life and death.
According to Dr. O’Connor, having that understanding is critical to effectively treating his cancer patients. “As an oncology physician who wants to be useful beyond just my technical skills, it’s important to work through these types of issues for myself. Having empathy for what my patients are going through, and expressing that to them, is a vital part of their treatment.”
Dr. O’Connor is Chairman of the Cancer Program at St. John’s Regional Medical Center and has been listed as one of the “Best Doctors in America: Pacific Region”. A specialist in linear accelerator-based radiosurgery, Dr. O’Connor is committed to advanced technological treatment and giving compassionate care.
Dr. O’Connor earned his Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Emory University in Georgia and his M.D. from the University of South Florida School of Medicine. His post-graduate training included a transitional internship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and residency at the UCLA Department of Radiation Oncology.
Current professional appointments include:
Licenses/certifications include:
Dr. O’Connor is a member of the American Medical Association, the California Medical Association, the Ventura County Medical Society, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the Association of Freestanding Radiation Oncology Centers, the American College of Radiology and the Association of Community Cancer Centers.
“Having empathy for what my patients are going through, and expressing that to them, is a vital part of their treatment.” – Dr. O’Connor