Kavitha M. Prezzano, M.D.

I first became interested in oncology as a junior at Williams College. I was taking a course about the biochemical underpinnings of cancer at the same time as my uncle was diagnosed with small cell lung cancer. As I heard daily updates about his struggles, I was learning about principles of DNA repair and carcinogenesis.  It was this intersection of compelling biology and stark human suffering that prompted my interest in treating cancer patients.

During medical school here in Syracuse at SUNY Upstate, I pursued my interest in oncology, receiving a research fellowship to work with the radiation oncology department. While I was originally drawn to the emotional and humanistic side of oncology, I also began to appreciate the technical aspects of a radiation practice. I learned more about the oncologic sub-specialities during my clinical training, and realized that radiation oncology combined my favorite aspects of the other fields. I enjoyed the anatomic knowledge required to treat tumors and lymph node regions, akin to that needed for surgical fields, as well as the intimate understanding of molecular and cancer biology advanced in fields like medical oncology.

After my internship at Upstate, I went on to complete a four-year residency training program in radiation medicine at Roswell Park in Buffalo, NY, where I was privileged to work in an NCI-designated comprehensive cancer center with outstanding oncologists who became close mentors. I received an extensive education on radiation physics and biology as well as specific training in the curative and palliative treatment of malignant disease with radiotherapy. During this time, I also authored multiple peer-reviewed manuscripts, wrote and accrued patients on a prospective clinical radiation trial, served as Chief Resident, and was elected into the Gold Humanism Honor Society.

I am excited to return to Central NY to pursue the HOA mission of providing the best quality oncologic care in a patient-centered and compassionate manner. I look forward to providing my expertise in radiation oncology in order for patients to pursue their goals during their cancer treatment journey. While I am not working, I enjoy playing tennis, squash and golf, skiing, hiking, and traveling with my husband.

Phone: 315.472.7504
Fax: 315.479.8639