Dr. Ellsworth R. Grant, M.D., C.B.E., is a board-certified Hematologist and Medical Oncologist that has been practicing in the heart of Los Angeles with his colleague, Dr. Leo E. Orr, for nearly 25 years.
Dr. Grant recently joined The Oncology Institute’s network of over 50 locations and growing in late November 2021 – however, his interest in medicine dates back to his childhood. Dr. Grant wanted to find a cure for his brother’s medical illnesses and was inspired to pursue his career in Oncology.
Dr. Grant received his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine. He then went on to complete his Internal Medicine Residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in LA. Soon after, he completed his fellowship at the City of Hope, National Medical Center in Duarte, CA. Thereafter, he opened his own practice in LA and has been serving patients in the local community while also making a difference in the lives of patients in Central America.
Commitment to Making Cancer Care Accessible
The people of Belize hold a special place in Dr. Grant’s heart as he is of Belizean descent. Together with his cousin in 2008, Dr. Grant founded the Belize Cancer Center Dangriga with a mission to provide access to cancer care for patients in Belize. Prior to 2008, Dr. Grant treated cancer patients from Belize at his office in LA, free of charge. While this was a great opportunity for some, traveling to LA was not an option for most Belizeans.
“I felt that it was a crime that patients would die from diseases which were considered curable. This was the impetus to start the cancer center in Belize,” said Dr. Grant. “I recall Barack Obama saying that “we are the ones we have been waiting for…”
The primary purpose of the cancer center is to improve lives and restore hope through holistic oncology services to all people seeking care, no matter their socioeconomic status. Through the work at his cancer center, Dr. Grant and his cousin, Dellone M. Pascascio, have made an impact in reducing the number of cancer-related deaths. By cutting treatment costs and removing barriers to accessible care, Dr. Grant has provided thousands of families with hope and dignity in their path towards healing for almost 15 years.
Legacy in Hematology
In addition to Oncology, Dr. Grant has done extensive work and research in the field of Hematology – which also extends to patients in Belize who face even greater challenges in accessing care. Dr. Grant and his team have provided a number of hematological services including consultations for adults and children, offering preventive screenings to diagnose and treat disease earlier. The proactive measures taken by Dr. Grant and his team in Belize, have changed the way care is accessed in these underserved areas. As a result of his work and research, Dr. Grant has been named, “Super Doctor Southern California” in the specialty of Hematology.
Representation in Medicine
In his years of practice, both at home and abroad, the delivery of medical care has changed but his approach to treating patients has not – he still aspires to provide the best possible care to his patients.
Dr. Grant notes that representation in medicine is an integral part of care for patients and works to break down stigmas within the Black community:
“I treat quite a few patients with sickle cell anemia, which primarily affects African American patients. The pain associated with this disease is treated with opiates. This has led to patients experiencing challenges when interacting with health care providers, as they are viewed as drug abusers. My willingness to gain additional expertise to see and treat these patients without bias has improved the quality of lives,” said Dr. Grant. “Walking in to see a provider who understands the disease, respects you, and does not judge you makes a difference for these patients.”
Living Life to the Fullest
Outside of medicine, Dr. Grant enjoys life to the fullest. He is a certified scuba diver and enjoys kayaking. His legacy and impact have even been recognized by the Queen of England – In 2014, he was bestowed as the Commander of the British Empire (CBE) for his contributions to medicine.
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