Erin Whalen, APN
Staff Education:
Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, IL Bachelor’s in Physiology
Parkland College – Associates degree in Nursing
Saint Francis Medical Center College of Nursing- Masters in Nursing- Family Nurse Practitioner
When did you join Illinois CancerCare?
June 2018
Hobbies / Interests:
The majority of my time is spent watching our children participate in their athletic activities. I also enjoy traveling and spoiling our favorite child, our dog Oliver.
What medical change has impacted the field of cancer the most since you began practicing medicine?
The treatments. It is amazing to see all the new targeted therapies and immunotherapies that are being approved to treat cancer. The advancements in these treatments have added years to some of our patient’s lives.
Why did you choose your field?
Both of my parents had cancer and were patients of Illinois Cancer Care, where they received excellent care. Oncology interests me because it is a field of medicine that is constantly changing. It is exciting to see the advances in cancer care!
Do you have any advice to give patients after they have been diagnosed with cancer?
Take it one day at a time, as it is easy to get overwhelmed with all the testing, appointments, and treatments. Cancer is a scary diagnosis, but just remember we are here to get you through this.