Who We Are
Everyone deserves a healthcare advocate. Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be especially challenging, and having someone by your side who genuinely understands the journey and is dedicated to supporting you can make an invaluable difference. The Cancer Care Concierge team approaches cancer support with compassion and personal insight. We are deeply aware that having support, advocacy, and guidance can ease the burden, providing a steady hand through a challenging time.
What We Do
We understand firsthand how overwhelming and life-altering a cancer diagnosis can be not only for the individual, but also for their loved ones. That is why we serve as your dedicated partner, offering comprehensive support as you navigate a cancer diagnosis and treatment. Our mission is to provide timely access to a treatment team of your choosing, empowering you with the advocacy, direction, and guidance needed to make informed decisions throughout your journey.
Our Philosophy
We recognize that each person’s experience with cancer is unique, even with similar diagnoses. That’s why we personalize our services to meet your specific needs, anticipating each step and guiding you through your treatment plan. While your specialist team remains at the heart of your medical treatment, we work in harmony with them to enhance your care experience. Selecting the best support team is central to our mission, and while Cancer Care Concierge does not offer direct medical treatment, we stand by your team’s expertise to provide the highest quality of care.
Our Story
Cancer Care Concierge was born out of a deep commitment to support and guide those facing one of life’s greatest challenges. Over many years, we’ve helped family and friends of all ages navigate the complexities of cancer care, offering advocacy, comfort, and a shoulder to lean on. Through personal experience, we witnessed firsthand the powerful relief that comes from having someone knowledgeable by your side after a difficult diagnosis. For many, the reassurance of having “someone in the know” to help was invaluable. However, not everyone has access to a trusted person who can make a difference in such a time of need.
The Need for Guidance
Cancer treatment today is a constantly evolving landscape, with new breakthroughs, genetic insights, and medications emerging at a rapid pace. Navigating these advancements is challenging, even for medical professionals. Most patients see a range of specialists for their various needs, but they often lack a central “quarterback” to coordinate care and ensure everyone is aligned on their treatment plan. Family doctors and internists are well-positioned to fill this role, but with heavy caseloads and time constraints, it’s often impossible for them to provide the cohesive support that patients need.
Addressing the Complexities
Beyond medical treatments, cancer care involves countless logistical hurdles: securing appointments, transferring records, following up on messages, comprehending complex information discussed at appointments, and managing the constant feeling of being a “bother” to medical providers. We are here to ease these burdens and simplify the journey, ensuring that patients and their families feel empowered, supported, and truly cared for every step of the way.
A Personalized Approach
The creation of Cancer Care Concierge stems from the realization of how overwhelming the logistical aspects of cancer care can be for patients and their families. This service is specifically designed for those with a cancer diagnosis and is provided by a physician with decades of experience in the field. Additionally, we offer consultations on cancer genetics, providing guidance on the next steps in screening and testing, whether for the patient or their family members.
A Continued Commitment to Medicine
While we are currently focusing on cancer care coordination, Dr. Castiel doesn’t consider CCC to have stepped away from practicing medicine. Though our founder is not directly treating patients, our founder’s role as a physician with a limited practice allows us to focus on the critical, yet often overlooked, aspects of care that extend beyond the cancer treatment plan. Our goal is to address the gaps in care and referrals to ensure a holistic approach to cancer care. We see our role as supporting oncologists so they can focus on their specialized work while ensuring the patient receives comprehensive care.
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Care
We believe cancer care, and medical care in general, is best served through a multidisciplinary approach. This includes the collaboration of medical and surgical oncologists, nurses, psychologists, internists, physical therapists, and a coordinator. Dr. Castiel limits her case load ensuring that care is highly individualized and the patient is not lost in an overwhelmed system.
A Legacy of Excellence in Medicine
Throughout her career, our founder has built and maintained successful, busy practices, cultivating strong, loyal relationships with patients. Beyond clinical work, she has a deep passion for teaching and continuous learning. She had the privilege of teaching medical students, residents, and fellows, as well as arranging and delivering lectures both locally and nationally. She also strives to continue her education in this rapidly evolving field, holding certifications in cancer risk genetics.
Contributing to the Broader Medical Community
In addition to her clinical and educational work, Dr. Castiel serves on national committees, including the Menopause Society Education Committee and served on ASCO’s Health Equity and Outcomes Committee. She continues to serve of ASCO's cancer survivor task force. These platforms allow her to learn from fellow experts and contribute her knowledge to the broader medical community. She is also on the board for Friends of New York Nurse Family Network(NFC).
