working with patients is a privilege

Developing and commercializing an innovative cancer therapy is hard work. Novocure employees face many challenges as we, together with patients, strive to extend survival in some of the most aggressive forms of cancer by developing and commercializing our innovative therapy, Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields).

In her first role at Novocure, Catherine “Caileigh” Olds provided technical support to patients on TTFields therapy as a Device Support Specialist (DSS).

At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Caileigh stepped up to be a virtual DSS. She provided critical feedback as the team figured out how to introduce the handling of the therapy to patients remotely, so as to minimize personal contact with patients, who as a group were vulnerable to COVID-19.

Additionally, she contributed to the rollout of MyLink, a pivotal software innovation enabling patients to transfer data from their device to Novocure without needing an in-person visit by a DSS.

Working directly with patients and caregivers, Caileigh said, is a privilege.

Her job as a DSS was focused on introducing and providing technical support for TTFields therapy. However, when Caileigh visits patients at their homes, they also invite her into their lives, introducing loved ones and confiding in her about their cancer diagnoses. They share minor news, like a photo of their new puppy, and major news, such as a clean MRI scan.

Early in her DSS career, Caileigh worked with a patient in her early 30s, about her age.

The patient, a mother of six, approached treatment with a resolve and sense of empowerment that moved Caileigh. She didn’t complain about shaving her head or how our therapy made childcare more challenging. She appreciated having some control over her treatment.

“Let’s do this,” she told Caileigh. “If this gives me a chance to live longer, then I’m all about it.”

The patient’s outlook had a lasting impact on Caileigh’s perspective and approach to her job.

Driving back from a patient’s Northern Michigan home in a late-night snow squall becomes a more surmountable challenge when you consider the challenges others go through.

“It was such a challenging situation for the patient, but she was so positive, and so determined not to be slowed down,” Caileigh said. “Her attitude was one of those reality checks that really sticks with you.”

In Caileigh’s current role as a DSS Regional Manager, she doesn’t interact directly with patients and caregivers in the same way she did as a DSS, but she is still inspired and motivated by patients every day.