Richard T. Lee, M.D.

We don’t always have to think about a prescription as the first option. There’s a lot of things that we can do through mind-body approaches that have very few side effects but really profound effects on how patients feel. When we help them feel better or sleep better, they’ll have a lot less stress and it improves their quality of life.

Richard T. Lee, M.D., is a third-generation physician who was inspired by seeing the positive impact that good health care can have on a community. His philosophy as an oncologist is all about treating the whole patient — centering care on who they are and what they need. His practice brings together the best of Western medicine with integrative therapies such as mind-body techniques and acupuncture backed by research findings.

Dr. Lee earned his medical degree at George Washington University, then pursued a residency in internal medicine at Stanford University. Next, a Fulbright Scholarship brought him to China Medical University in Taiwan, where he learned traditional medicine, focusing on acupuncture. At the University of Chicago, he was a fellow in oncology/hematology, including a stint as chief fellow, and in medical ethics, while also training in clinical research. This was followed by a palliative medicine fellowship at Northwestern University.

In his practice, Dr. Lee augments the latest in cancer care with options such as acupuncture, which has been shown to help alleviate pain, nausea and symptoms of nerve damage; meditation, shown to help with pain and insomnia; and yoga, also shown to help with insomnia.

In his role as medical director of the Integrative Medicine Program, he works closely with his colleagues in supportive care to ensure a unified program with a comprehensive approach. This includes everything from the mind-body techniques and acupuncture, to the basics of nutrition and physical activity, to specialists in treating pain, to support from psychologists and social workers.

In his research, Dr. Lee aims to push forward the field of integrative medicine by searching for new cancer drugs based on plants such as European mistletoe, mushrooms and other plants. He hopes to introduce clinical trials into mind-body approaches such as yoga, meditation, tai chi, acupuncture and massage, as well as evaluating the cancer-fighting potential of herbs and supplements, including ones he learns about through his patients.

Dr. Lee maintains board certifications in medical oncology, hospice and palliative medicine, and internal medicine. He has received multiple awards from the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Prior to joining City of Hope, he was on the faculty at Case Western Reserve University and MD Anderson Cancer Center.