Season 5, Episode 15: In conversation with Brendan James Clark

→ About Brendan: Brendan is a patient who had a Desmoid Tumor. He was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor in his  abdomen at the age of 19, following a car accident, extended hospital stays and major abdominal surgery to confirm the diagnosis. This experience has given him  a unique perspective, both as a patient and future doctor.

He is currently a third-year medical student with a strong passion, especially for surgery and oncology. His  journey has been shaped by his personal experience as a desmoid patient, which has shown him the value of improving patient care, raising awareness for rare diseases, and advocating for better overall understanding. He wants to use his experience as a patient to become the kind of doctor he wishes he had throughout his journey.

→ What is a Desmoid tumor? They are rare growths that derive from connective tissue. 

→ Resources Brendan shared?:

https://dtrf.org/

https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/desmoid-tumor/

https://www.cancer.gov/pediatric-adult-rare-tumor/rare-tumors/rare-soft-tissue-tumors/desmoid-tumor