From student doctor to patient

Sally Rohan, a second-year medical student at Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, always aspired to become a doctor and help others. She never expected that a lesson in the classroom would lead to her own cancer diagnosis, which would also teach her how to cope as a patient.

During a class in November 2022, Rohan and her classmates were learning how to use an ultrasound machine for the first time. While scanning their own thyroid glands for practice, Rohan discovered hers looked different and appeared to be bumpy when compared to others. Although nodules are common on the thyroid, Rohan’s instructor advised her to follow up with her doctor.

Rohan had no other symptoms, and her bloodwork and hormone levels were normal. With her primary doctor in California and a temporary lapse in health insurance, she didn’t get a professional ultrasound until October 2023. When she received the results, Rohan knew the prognosis and that a biopsy was needed for further diagnosis.

The medical student immediately reached out to doctors at Rowan-Virtua SOM for insight and for help with scheduling the biopsy. While thyroid cancer is treatable, Rohan prepared herself for the worst-case scenario which became reality when results showed cancer in her thyroid and lymph nodes. 

This past December, Rohan underwent surgery to remove her thyroid and affected lymph nodes, followed by radioactive iodine treatment. She credits the support of doctors and classmates, along with the osteopathic approach of taking care of yourself physically and mentally, in aiding her recovery.

Her advice to others going through similar medical journeys is “to give yourself grace, take support of others when it’s offered, and make sure you prioritize preventative health measures and screenings to help catch issues early when they’re likely more treatable.” She’s using this as a positive experience, adding that “knowing the little details that helped make me feel better and sharing that with others will also help other patients.” She looks forward to using that knowledge to be a more empathetic doctor in the future.

January is Thyroid Disease Awareness Month, dedicated to raising awareness about thyroid disorders and their impact on overall health. The thyroid, a small yet influential gland in the neck, plays a key role in regulating metabolism and overall well-being. This month serves as a reminder to prioritize thyroid health, learn about common disorders, encourage early detection, and take proactive steps for a healthier thyroid.