Biography
Thomas Regenbogen, M.D., is a medical oncologist/hematologist with MidMichigan Physicians Group and is a member of the comprehensive cancer care team at MidMichigan Health. This team includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, specialized surgeons, interventional radiologists, as well as breast and lung health nurse navigators.
Before coming to MidMichigan, Dr. Regenbogen served as a fellow of the Department of Medicine, Divisions of Hematology and Oncology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Additionally, from 2013-2014, he served on faculty as an Instructor in Medicine for the Division of Hospital Medicine at Washington University in St. Louis. In 2016 Dr. Regenbogen was awarded the Knowlton Incentive for Clinical Excellence by the Barnes-Jewish Foundation.
“My decision to work towards a career in medicine stemmed from a feeling that I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way to other people’s sense of wellbeing and health,” he said. “During my internal medicine residency I had the most rewarding experiences in treating oncology patients. I was further drawn in by the world class hematology and oncology faculty at Washington University in St. Louis, one of the top medical training programs in the country.”
Philosophy of Care
Dr. Regenbogen’s philosophy of care is to develop effective comprehensive treatment plans that respect quality of life. “To accomplish this, I listen carefully to what patients and their family members ask or tell me when formulating our plan,” he said. “I take time to explain the diagnosis and all treatment options in terms everyone can understand. Often I will write down important points for patients to keep as a reference because it is sometimes overwhelming to process the information. It is this part of patient care that I enjoy most, sitting and discussing important issues with my patients.”
Special Interests and Procedures
As a medical oncologist and hematologist, Dr. Regenbogen, is dedicated to the diagnosis, evaluation and treatment of various forms of cancer, as well as blood diseases. Common blood disorders include anemia, bleeding disorders, blood clots, and blood cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma. Additionally, Dr. Regenbogen has training in bone marrow biopsy and aspiration, as well as lumbar puncture and intrathecal chemotherapy administration.
According to Dr. Regenbogen, the biggest advancement in the field of oncology is immunotherapy. “These drugs attempt to allow one’s own immune system attack the cancer,” he said. “This field of study within medical oncology is rapidly developing, and we are seeing greater and greater success in many common types of cancer. Overall, we are achieving greater treatment effectiveness with fewer side effects and better quality of life for our patients. In the right situation these drugs can have a life changing impact.”
Dr. Regenbogen is looking forward to living in the Midland community with his wife Morgan and their son William. His free time is devoted to his family and enjoying the outdoors.
