Drs. Randolph

Father’s Day has a particular resonance for two radiation oncologists known as David Randolph, recognized for their dedicated and compassionate care for patients.

The son, David Randolph II, decided to pursue a career in medicine after watching his father interact with patients. Now, the Randolph duo not only work in the same field, but they’re in the same office at HCA Virginia’s Sarah Cannon Cancer Institute at Johnston-Willis Hospital. They collaborate on patient care and are the perfect blend of experience and cutting-edge science, the younger Randolph said.

“From a young age, I saw my dad and the impact he had on patients and the way he was able to either cure or greatly improve their quality of life,” he said. “To see the way he interacted with them and their gratitude … [he showed that] it is a wholesome and worthwhile endeavor to restore someone’s health.”

The elder Randolph grew up in Charlotte County, Va., and was one of 13 children. He was told to become a brick mason, his son said, but was able to establish himself as a nationally-renowned physician and leader in his field.

“As a Black man, you don’t see [that] in a field in medicine in general, but that was the norm for me,” he said. “Also, my mom is a dentist. Having two models of Black excellence made it a lot easier to kind of normalize it and make it an achievable goal. It helped to center me and helped give me the focus and drive that if they can do it and excel, I can do it, too.”

Neither of Randolph II’s parents pushed him into medicine. Instead, they encouraged him to be the best at whatever he pursued and to be happy.

“I never put any pressure on him to be a physician,” Randolph Sr. said. “He’s always been gentle, kind, and compassionate. He’s a really good doctor on top of being a really good son.”

The younger Randolph is a new dad to a baby boy and said he hopes to be the same kind of role model for his son.

“I hope I can be the kind of example to my son that my dad was for me,” he said.