Clinical Ethics Fellow passionate about improving patient care
Maureen Pontarelli, D.Be, describes her career path as a bit unconventional.
The Rochester, New York, native attended college in Rhode Island and graduated in May 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She then moved to Massachusetts, where she worked as a chemist while pursuing a master’s degree in Catholic clinical ethics. She worked during the daytime and took online classes at night.
Raised Catholic, Pontarelli...

Video producer’s storytelling supports MD Anderson’s mission to end cancer
Alex King came to MD Anderson after 20 years of working in TV production in Las Vegas. The work was fun, but it was a constant grind....
What is anal dysplasia? Causes, treatment and outlook
Anal dysplasia is a condition in which cells in the anal canal change and become abnormal. Anal dysplasia is not cancer. But it can turn into...
Understanding sarcoidosis: Symptoms, diagnosis and treatment
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory disease that causes the growth of lesions called granulomas. Although it is most commonly found in the lungs, it can develop almost anywhere in the body.
We spoke with pulmonologist Scott Evans, M.D., who’s treated many cancer patients with sarcoidosis. He shares who’s at risk for sarcoidosis, why it can be tricky to diagnose and when to treat it.
Besides the lungs, where else can sarcoidosis...
Breast cancer survivor’s mindset and trust in doctors got her through treatment
Kristy Mouton started getting annual mammograms at age 26 due to a family history of breast cancer. Her results had always been normal. But...
Understanding adult rhabdomyosarcoma: Types, prognosis and treatment
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a rare type of soft tissue sarcoma that develops in the skeletal muscles. The disease is most common in children and adolescents...
How to cope with cancer when you live alone
Finding out you have cancer can cause a whirlwind of emotions. Not to mention, you’ll also need to make important treatment decisions...
Patient access representative supports patients, team during hurricane
As a patient access representative for Lymphoma, Graciela “Grace” Chavez is the first point of contact for many new MD Anderson patients....
MD Anderson helps survivor through three cancer diagnoses
Diane White had bronchitis off and on for most of her adult life. But one case in late 2019 was hard to shake.
So, she saw her family...
Stage IV leiomyosarcoma survivor: Faith and quality care got me through cancer
Sheri Peters was diagnosed with stage IV leiomyosarcoma of the uterus in 2015. Her 17-year-old son, Zach, had died from stage IV Ewing’s sarcoma...