UAB Women in Medicine: Gabrielle Rocque, M.D.

 Dr. Gabrielle Rocque completed her medical doctorate at the University of Wisconsin in Madison in 2007, followed by residency training in Internal Medicine and fellowship in Hematology and Oncology, also at the University of Wisconsin. She serves as the medical director for the UAB Health System Cancer Community Network and the network’s patient navigator program, Patient Care Connect.  

What inspired you to become a doctor?

Several things. I had a lot of medical exposure.  My dad is an oncologist as well. He loved his patients. During medical school I loved making connections with patients as they go through their difficult time.

Did your father have anything to do with your decision?

My father didn’t pressure me to do medicine, but I saw how much he loved it and that’s where my interest began. He definitely encouraged me, but I never felt pressure. 

Did you see any differences in how you were treated going through medical school as opposed to your male peers?

As a medical student I saw no major differences between how I was treated versus male students. But I had my child during residency and that was a whole other ballgame. While it was a challenge, I think being a mother gave me a different perspective on many of my patients. I treat people with breast cancer, so I see a lot of women with young children. They have to find balance too. I relate a lot to them.

I understand you wear many hats!

I enjoy being busy.  I am an Assistant Professor in Hematology & Oncology, specializing in breast cancer. I also am the medical director of the Patient Care Connect Program (navigation program) and the UAB Health System Cancer Community Network. I also am a volunteer for the ASCO Quality of Care Committee and the Chair of the Measures Task Force.

What do you like about working for the UAB Cancer Center?

We have such a unique interdisciplinary medical team. I work with so many and the ability to cross between disciplines to do amazing research is, well, amazing! I just work with great people who love what they’re doing.

Do you have any advice for young women interested in medicine?

Follow what you love! There are so many more opportunities if you’re pursuing what you love. It’s so easy to get caught up in what others want you to do.

UAB and Clinical Trials - Every Step of the Way

Do you know what is available for you in a clinical trial?

A clinical trial is a medical research study that may potentially improve patient health outcomes. The goal of a clinical trial is to find better and safer ways to prevent, screen for, diagnose, or treat disease. A clinical trial may also look for ways to improve patients’ quality of life.

Patient navigators, like a nurse, play an important role in patient care. They also have an important role in helping patients join clinical trials. Part of the patient navigator’s role is to provide information about clinical trials. They help patients understand what a clinical trial is and how it works. They also support patients as they decide whether a clinical trial is right for them. 

The Patient Navigator Program at the UAB Comprehensive Cancer Center is a free service available to help patients and their family members navigate their health care. A personal navigator will be assigned to help you with any questions, concerns or difficulties you may face along the way.  The Patient Navigator can:

                                         –Guide you through the health care system
–Help you get to your appointments
–Support you throughout your cancer treatment
–Find answers to your questions
–Locate community and social services to meet your needs
–Assist in completing insurance forms
–Help you find information on health care
–Direct you to local resources and support
–Provide assistance with financial concerns
–Encourage and inform you and your family
–Access your unique concerns and needs

Another way UAB commits to treating the patient through their whole journey is through cancer support groups. Other support services include: planning for survivorship, financial and legal planning, mindfulness meditation, and
spirituality group sessions. In addition to emotional support, we also offer physical support through restorative yoga and yoga dance. For questions or more information, contact Teri Hoenemeyer at (205) 934-5772.

Why Give Wednesday - The Patient and Family Resource Center at UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center

Support Cancer Patient Resources

The Patient and Family Resource Center at UAB’s Comprehensive Cancer Center provides a comfortable place to find support. If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer, the Patient and Family Resource Center staff can answer your questions about the illness, treatment options, and available support services. 

The Patient and Family Resource Center provides information on prevention, early detection, disease- specific cancers, treatments, side effects, clinical trials, complementary therapies, stress management, fatigue, spirituality, grief, financial and employment support, emotional care, children’s concerns and end-of-life care. We have free computer access and personal assistance available to help you find reliable information. We also offer roundtable discussions, support groups, one-on-on support, self-advocacy support, patient navigation, creative and complementary programs and Living with Cancer seminars with cancer experts. 

Your donation can be directed to the Patient and Family Resource Center. It's donations like these that are important to keep programs like this alive for the benefit of those in need. For more information, visit our website or contact the Director of Education and Support Services, Teri Hoenemeyer, at (205) 934-5772.