Board-certified in plastic and reconstructive surgery and medical acupuncture, Dr. Ray has decades of experience in caring for patients with cancer, specializing in oncology surgery and reconstruction of the breast, head and neck, skin, and soft tissue. He helped develop the Breast Cancer Center at City of Hope® Chicago and served as medical director for 17 years.
Dr. Ray is committed to efforts that combine evidence-based conventional cancer treatment with supportive and integrative therapies that prioritize physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual well-being. For over 40 years, Dr. Ray has taught in university, community and private-practice settings on integrative approaches in caring for patients with cancer, including medical acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, logotherapy (meaning-centered therapy), journaling, medical hypnosis, rituals and applications of a person’s spiritual and belief systems to facilitate healing. He has a special interest in assisting patients and families with the challenging decisions associated with all aspects of cancer, treatment options, progression, and end of life issues.
In Dr. Ray’s current role, he aims to maximize the quality of life for patients and families throughout their cancer journey. He is part of a multidisciplinary supportive care team which encompasses psychiatry, behavioral health, spiritual support, naturopathic support, nutritional support, physical and occupational therapy, sexual wellness and intimacy support, medical social work, acupuncture, chiropractic care, Reiki, massage therapy, mindfulness meditation, art therapy and yoga. The team’s mission is to support patients via a combination of in-person appointments, patient/family appointments, telemedicine, and digital and printed resources while collaborating closely with patients’ oncologists, treatment teams and home primary physicians.
