Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Dr. Keyur B. Thakar, MD, MPH, Medical Director of Hematology and Medical Oncology at Northwell’s Phelps Hospital
Oct 31, 2025
Dr. Keyur B. Thakar, a board-certified hematologist and medical oncologist at Northwell’s Phelps Hospital, discusses his mission to enhance access to advanced cancer treatments in Westchester. He dives into lifestyle medicine's role in cancer care, highlighting the benefits of plant-based diets for prevention and wellness. Dr. Thakar also emphasizes sustainable healthcare practices, such as reducing single-use plastics. With a focus on long-term health, he inspires emerging physician leaders to prioritize clinical excellence alongside lifestyle education.
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Career, Clinical Focus And Teaching
- Dr. Keyur B. Thakar describes his roles at Phelps Hospital, including oncology director and lifestyle medicine lead.
- He explains his clinical focus on GI, thoracic, GYN, breast cancers and some hematologic malignancies and his teaching duties.
Bringing Advanced Cancer Care Locally
- Phelps Hospital brought advanced prostate radio-ligand therapy to Westchester, reducing patient travel to Albany or Bronx.
- Dr. Thakar links expanding local cutting-edge care with broader goals to integrate lifestyle medicine and sustainability.
Implement The Six Pillars Of Lifestyle Medicine
- Educate patients and staff on six lifestyle pillars: nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management, avoiding risky substances, and social connections.
- Use evidence-based lifestyle medicine to improve quality of life and productivity.