Benjamin Schmidt, MD

Biography

A teammate in the fight against cancer

Dr. Benjamin Schmidt lives for the moment when he can tell a family that their loved one is safely out of surgery and their cancer was removed successfully. He enjoys working closely with patients following surgery to make sure they get the best ongoing care they need to stay healthy.

Dr. Schmidt is a surgical oncologist with VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center. He removes skin cancer as well as growths in the thyroid and adrenal glands, often as a same-day or overnight procedure. His surgical expertise comes from decades of training and firsthand experience, but according to Dr. Schmidt, the time in the operating room is the easiest part of the job.

“True success comes from the time spent educating patients, so they can choose the best plan and outcome for themselves. This is especially important in treating skin cancers and thyroid nodules where new developments may mean there is more than one ‘right choice’.”

He understands how overwhelming a cancer diagnosis can be, and he is there to help patients process the fear and anxiety that come with it. When it comes to offering patients guidance he says, “I try to break things down into understandable pieces and talk to patients like I would talk to my own family.”

“I am eager to provide cancer treatments that are both life-saving and pose the least amount of hardship for patients,” he says. “Staying on the leading edge of surgery also requires understanding non-surgical treatments, and discussing those options with other doctors in order to provide patients the best care.” 

Dr. Schmidt stays abreast of the latest clinical trials particularly the new generation of immune system based treatments for skin cancers that have been major game changers for patients in this decade.

In the end, he wants to hear patients tell him in their own words what they think about their diagnosis before weighing treatment options.

“Every patient is unique and needs a teammate to smooth obstacles and to help make sure their plan is as thoughtful as possible” he says.

Advice to Patients:

“Take a deep breath and keep an open mind, especially before you have a chance to meet all the members of your oncology team. It is easy to get overwhelmed or to focus on negative experiences you may have heard from others, particularly for situations that may not be similar to yours or may have happened decades ago. Cancer care gets better every year, and there is always room for hope.”

Research Interests:

Clinical trials for melanoma, thyroid cancer, adrenal cancer and other cancers of skin, soft tissue and endocrine organs.