The Kind of Doctor You Hope For, the Team You Need

Walking into Coastal Cancer Center, I expected a stressful, tense environment—but what I found was the opposite. The staff were welcoming, people were smiling and chatting, and my mother (the patient) and I both felt remarkably at ease, even as we navigated the emotional roller coaster of a cancer diagnosis. Cancer doesn’t just impact the person diagnosed; it affects everyone around them. From our first visit, it was clear that everyone at Coastal truly understands that.

Dr. Touloukian is an absolute rockstar. She has the warmest bedside manner and a rare ability to make complicated information about the diagnosis, cancer itself, and the treatment plan precise, clear, and compassionate. During my mother’s appointment, Dr. T truly took the time to talk with my mother, not just at her. She tailored her explanations perfectly, paused to answer questions in several different ways, and made sure my mom felt safe, heard, and understood. Dr. T even checked in with me, ensuring I was processing everything and inviting me to ask questions as well. Even though our visit covered difficult, heavy topics, Dr. T delivered everything with such empathy and reassurance. She is exactly the type of person you want leading your care team during this journey.

Being on this path with my mom is never easy, but I feel confident and reassured knowing that we are in Dr. Touloukian’s care. I truly believe we’ll receive the best treatment possible. Cancer is awful, but if I ever meet someone else facing it, I will enthusiastically recommend Dr. T and the whole team at Coastal Cancer Center. Thank you for making a tough situation a little bit brighter.

– David Sturm on behalf of Connie Sturm