Author: Dr. David Rice Lung Cancer Awareness: Prevention & Treatment Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death among men and women in the United States and worldwide. With approximately 9 out of 10 lung cancer diagnoses linked to cigarette smoking, the best way to prevent the disease is to never smoke or quit. …
Board-certified radiation oncologist Dr. Mary Koshy has joined Advocate Radiation Oncology, a locally owned practice with eight locations in South Florida. Koshy, who is certified in radiation oncology through the American Board of Radiology, has been a practicing physician for more than two decades, including the last 15 years in Florida. She is treating patients …
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Advocate Radiation Oncology has established a new cancer treatment center in West Palm Beach. This is the practice’s second location on the east coast of Florida that will provide residents of the surrounding counties with access to world-class physicians and state-of-the-art cancer treatment technology. Advocate is the region’s premier radiation oncology practice and features an …
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At Advocate Radiation Oncology, Pezzi treats patients for a variety of cancers including breast, prostate, lung, head and neck, skin, gastrointestinal, lymphoma, brain, sarcoma and various benign diseases. Pezzi uses his experience to create individualized patient treatment plans using the most modern radiation techniques and advanced technology, including IMRT/VMAT, SBRT, IGRT, brachytherapy and proton therapy. …
A Lakewood Ranch resident ends up with a brain tumor after noticing some memory loss and brain fuzziness. “I thought I had COVID brain, I was having trouble for about two weeks remembering things,” Brain cancer patient Rick Barton said. About a month ago, Rick Barton noticed something was off with his memory. “I …
By Dr. Graciela Garton According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. With more than 5 million cases diagnosed annually, skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S. Even more sobering is the widespread misconception that breast, prostate, lung, brain …
When patients receive a cancer diagnosis, they typically ask how it developed. Pinpointing a cause can be difficult. Risk factors for head and neck cancer can often be attributed to use of tobacco products and alcohol, viral infections, genetics or exposure to occupational hazards like sawdust, asbestos or radiation, among other factors. April is Head …
Advocate Radiation Oncology has established a new cancer treatment center in Bradenton that provides residents of Manatee and Sarasota counties with access to world-class physicians and state-of-the-art technology. The new cancer treatment center, located at 5325 S.R. 64 in Bradenton, is Advocate’s sixth location on Florida’s west coast. Advocate is the region’s premier radiation oncology …
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March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month. This initiative began in 2000 and has become a rallying point for thousands of colorectal cancer patients, survivors, caregivers and advocates across the country. Awareness around this illness is important due to the impact this cancer has as one of the most common malignancies in our country. The …
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In 2021, the American Cancer Society estimated 14,480 new cases of cervical cancer, which ranked 20th among all cancer types. That was well below the estimated 284,200 newly diagnosed cases of breast cancer. Although cervical cancer is far down the list, any case above zero is one too many. January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month …
World-class doctors, cutting-edge technology defeat cervical cancer Read More »
Dr. Mary Koshy is a firm believer in approaching medicine as both a science and an art and believes that healing is rooted in compassion, empathy, and forming a human connection with each of her patients. Drawn to the evolving field of radiation oncology, Dr. Koshy has a passion for understanding and delivering cutting-edge precision treatments that are curative and able to preserve the quality of life of cancer patients.
Dr. Koshy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Cornell University before attending the College of Medicine at the University of Florida. After earning her medical degree, Dr. Koshy completed her internship and residency at Emory University, where she graduated as Chief Resident. For two years, Dr. Koshy served as an academic professor at Emory University and Baylor College of Medicine before moving into private practice in Florida in 2007. With over 18 years of radiation oncology experience, Dr. Koshy’s areas of expertise include IMRT , brachytherapy , Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS) and Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT).
Named every year as a ‘Top Doctor’ since 2011, Dr. Koshy has been honored to receive numerous awards including the Stephen Goldman Keystone Award, recognizing her significant efforts to fight against cancer. Dr. Koshy has authored and published numerous articles focusing on IMRT and PET imaging. She is an active member of several professional organizations, including the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Association of Women in Radiology and the American College of Radiology.
In her life outside of medicine, Dr. Koshy enjoys spending quality time with her husband and three children in her hometown of Sarasota. With deep roots in Florida, Dr. Koshy appreciates the expanded knowledge and insights found in traveling the world.
After more than a decade in radiation oncology, Dr. Georges Hobeika advocates an evidence-based approach that puts patients first. Acknowledging customized treatment plans as the most effective, he ensures that patients receive personalized treatment with an emphasis on minimizing side effects.
Originally from Lebanon, Dr. Hobeika obtained his medical degree with honors at the Lebanese University in Beirut. Next, he headed to the U.S for a radiation oncology residency at the University of Miami. Dr. Hobeika serves as assistant professor of radiation oncology at University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine.
A prolific researcher and medical presenter, this board-certified radiation oncologist holds memberships in the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO), American Radium Society and American College of Radiation Oncology. He is fluent in English, French, Arabic and Spanish.
Outside of work, Dr. Hobeika loves to travel, paint, work out, read and spend time with friends and family. A lifelong soccer fan, he also proudly roots for the Miami Heat basketball team. Over the years, he has participated in many cancer patient support groups, channeling his passion for improving the wellness of his own patients.
A skilled researcher and author of many scientific articles published in peer-reviewed journals, Dr. Dwight L. Fitch is a board-certified radiation oncologist who has been treating patients in the Bradenton-Sarasota area for 16 years. Dr. Fitch has been featured in Sarasota Magazine’s “Top Doctors” guide each year since 2016 and is an active member of the Manatee County Medical Society. He has maintained affiliations with six local hospitals, including Sarasota Memorial Hospital, Manatee Memorial Hospital, Doctors Hospital of Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, Venice Regional Bayfront Hospital and Blake Medical Center.
Dr. Fitch earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemical engineering at the University of Michigan and began his career at Dow Chemical and Proctor & Gamble, where he conducted research in material applications and fluid dynamics. However, he later decided to change paths and pursue a career in medicine, ultimately earning his Doctor of Medicine degree at the University of Michigan. Dr. Fitch completed his residency in radiation oncology at William Beaumont Hospital in Detroit, where he served as chief resident in his final year of training.
Empathy, compassion, and genuinely caring for people. These are the qualities that Dr. Fitch thinks are most important in cancer care, and what he strives to show his patients daily. Using first-in-class technology and techniques, Dr. Fitch delivers cutting-edge treatments to patients in the comfort of their local community. An avid reader, Dr. Fitch regularly attends national medical conferences to stay abreast of the latest clinical changes, trials and protocols. He is a member of the National Medical Association, American Cancer Society and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity.
Dr. Fitch doesn’t believe time is free, but rather it’s the most valuable thing we have. Therefore, he makes time for things that are important, like his lovely wife Jill and their six children. He has also been a volunteer for The Brotherhood of Men Mentor Group for 15 years and will continue to serve as a positive role model for the next generation of leaders. He is also an avid traveler, with a passion for learning about other people and cultures.
Dr. Todd Pezzi first became interested in oncology at a young age after seeing cancer impact his own family. He is passionate about delivering state-of-the-art oncologic care to the residents of Southwest Florida.
A Philadelphia native, Dr. Pezzi attended Pennsylvania State University, where he earned his bachelor’s degree with high distinction. In 2017, Dr. Pezzi obtained his doctorate degree with honors from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, and was elected to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. Additionally, he obtained his MBA from the Rice Jones Graduate School of Business and completed one year of residency in internal medicine.
Dr. Pezzi also completed a four-year residency program at the nation’s largest radiation oncology department: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas. During this time, he has published nearly 40 peer-reviewed manuscripts in prestigious journals such as JAMA Oncology and Lancet Oncology. He also served as the primary investigator for a prospective clinical trial investigating a novel indication of stereotactic radiation therapy.
At Advocate Radiation Oncology, Dr. Pezzi treats patients for a variety of cancers including breast, prostate, lung, head and neck, skin, gastrointestinal, lymphoma, brain, sarcoma and also various benign diseases. All patients receive an individualized treatment plan based upon his experience using the most modern radiation techniques and advanced technology, including IMRT/VMAT, SBRT, IGRT, brachytherapy and proton therapy.
Outside of the clinic, he enjoys spending time with his wife Ashley. Together, they are raising their daughter Sloane, as well as their two dogs. Dr. Pezzi loves to travel, explore local restaurants, watch the Philadelphia Eagles and work on old cars.
Dr. Graciela Garton’s passion is to serve cancer patients and their families. She has a wealth of knowledge and experience having treated thousands of patients over the last several decades. She is known for her warmth, attention to detail, and her collegiality. She is fluent in both Spanish and French.
She earned her medical degree at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, where she graduated with honors at the top of her class. She completed her residency at the Mayo Graduate School of Medicine. She was chief resident and assistant professor of medicine at the Mayo Clinic, Department of Radiation Oncology, in Rochester, MN.
During her career, Dr. Garton was involved in the development and management of radiation oncology practices in Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida, as well as in North Carolina, New Jersey, and Maryland.
Dr. Garton has been an author and co-author of over 25 research projects published in peer-reviewed journals. She has written radiation oncology-related questions for the board examination for gynecology oncology fellows and has been a recognized national and international speaker at scientific conferences.
Dr. Garton enjoys spending time with her husband, John and her two daughters, Gaby and Vanessa. She is a world-traveler and enjoys studying foreign languages, philosophy, and art.
Kevin Kozak, M.D., Ph.D., is a board-certified radiation oncologist committed to improving cancer patient outcomes. An expert in the treatment of brain tumors and prostate, breast and lung cancers, Dr. Kozak holds seven patents and has authored 80 peer-reviewed academic journal articles.
Dr. Kozak graduated magna cum laude with highest honors from Harvard University on a Navy ROTC scholarship. As an Aviation Intelligence Officer, he received Navy Achievement and Navy Commendation medals. Next, Dr. Kozak earned an M.D. and Ph.D. in biochemistry at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine before returning to Harvard to complete his radiation oncology training and postgraduate studies in tumor vascular biology.
At the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Kozak directed a cancer biology laboratory. He then served as Mercy Health System’s chief of radiation oncology, and later its director of oncology services. Simultaneously, he also served as chief medical officer for two cancer-focused, bio-pharmaceutical companies and remains a scientific advisor for a radio-pharmaceutical startup.
Outside of work, Dr. Kozak enjoys fishing, traveling, and playing golf. Born and raised in Wisconsin, Dr. Kozak dedicates Sundays to his beloved Green Bay Packers.
Thomas J. Klein, M.D., Ph.D., FACRO is a board-certified radiation oncologist who provides world class cancer treatment in a caring community setting. He values the personal relationships he forms with each of his patients and is committed to helping them in their fight against cancer. Dr. Klein is an advocate for his patients both in and out of the clinic. He has raised awareness on news broadcasts, lobbied for cancer patients’ rights on Capitol Hill, and educated physicians around the country on making better treatment decisions for their patients.
Dr. Klein graduated with honors from Duke University and went on to earn both an M.D. and a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics from Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. After an internship year at Georgetown University Medical Center, Dr. Klein completed his radiation oncology training at the Yale School of Medicine where he was named Chief Resident and Yale’s first ever Leonard B. Holman Research Pathway Resident. Dr. Klein has been honored with numerous grants and awards, including induction into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He has been recognized as a “Top Doctor” by multiple publications.
Dr. Klein is an expert in the treatment of a wide variety of cancer types, including breast, prostate, lung, and skin cancers. He has published peer-reviewed research in a number of top academic journals and has presented at both national and international meetings. Dr. Klein is a member of the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO), the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), and the American Radium Society (ARS). He served as the Oncology Preceptor for the University of Miami’s Hospice and Palliative Medicine Fellowship Program and taught in courses at the Yale University School of Medicine, Florida Atlantic University, and at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine.
Outside of the clinic, Dr. Klein loves spending time with his three children, Ethan, Jared, and Rachel, as well as his dog Calvin. He enjoys cooking for friends, travelling the world, and cheering for Duke Basketball.
Dr. Daniel Dosoretz has been practicing medicine for over 30 years. As one of the area’s first Spanish-speaking radiation oncologists, he has been an advocate for Hispanic patients since moving to Southwest Florida in 1982. He is known for his dedication to patient care and has treated thousands of cancer patients. He takes pride in treating every patient as if they were a family member.
Dr. Dosoretz earned his medical degree in Argentina, where he graduated with honors as the top medical student in his class. He completed his residency at the Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, after which he practiced as an assistant professor in the hospital’s prestigious radiation oncology department. Dr. Daniel Dosoretz founded one of the country’s leading radiation oncology practices and served as the company’s CEO for over three decades.
Dr. Dosoretz has published research on many topics, ranging from head and neck cancer to gynecologic malignancies, and has been published in over 50 articles in peer-reviewed publications. He has also served on multiple boards and committees, including the board of trustees of the American Cancer Society as program director of the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology, as well as on several committees of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. He has received multiple prestigious awards and honors for his service to cancer patients, and has been a visiting professor at Duke University, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. He is currently a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and is a fellow of the American College of Radiation Oncology.
In his free time, Dr. Dosoretz enjoys traveling with his wife, Chely, and spending time with his three children and eleven grandchildren. He has run several marathons and is a passionate soccer fan.
Over the last two decades, Dr. David Rice has dedicated his life to patient care and advancing the field of radiation oncology. Dr. Rice regularly reviews the newest developments and literature and ensures that patients are treated according to the highest academic standards.
Dr. Rice graduated from the College of William and Mary in Virginia with a degree in chemistry. He attended the University of Michigan Medical School, followed by an internship at the University of Hawaii. During his residency in radiation oncology in Ann Arbor, MI, he was active in head and neck cancer gene therapy research. He has been in Port Charlotte since 1999.
Dr. Rice is involved in several research areas, including stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT), stereotactic radiosurgery, hypofractionation, and high-dose-rate brachytherapy for prostate cancer.
He has served as the president of the Association of Freestanding Radiation Oncology Centers, as well as the Chief of Staff at Fawcett Memorial Hospital in Port Charlotte. He is also active in the American Cancer Society locally, and has been on the board of directors for the Florida Society of Clinical Oncology for several years, serving as the radiation oncology representative. He has also been a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology.
Dr. Rice enjoys golfing and attending sporting events. He is also a knowledgeable car enthusiast.
Following training in internal medicine, Michael Katin specialized in Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Radiation Oncology at Roswell Park Memorial Institute, the National Cancer Institute/NIH, and Massachusetts General Hospital before relocating to Southwest Florida.
His primary dedication has been to patient care, but he has also been involved in clinical research and teaching. He is particularly interested in innovative treatment techniques and coordinating multimodality holistic approaches to take advantage of new discoveries regarding the biology of cancer and the body’s own innate response.
He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania for both college and medical school and began his postgraduate training at Lankenau Medical Center. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Geriatric Medicine in addition to Radiation Oncology. He is president of the Association of Freestanding Radiation Oncology, and is involved in projects to maximize access to cancer care to patients throughout the country, particularly in underserved areas.
When not at work, Dr. Katin is interested in the preservation of the environment, including animal rights, but knows that nothing is more valuable than his family, for whom he is extremely grateful.
Dr. James Rubenstein has been a part of the Southwest Florida oncology community for three decades and has dedicated his work to offering quality care to the Fort Myers community and surrounding areas. He considers working to take care of cancer patients an honor and a collaborative effort, as he works closely in conjunction with each patient’s entire care team.
Dr. Rubenstein received his bachelor’s degree from Yale University and his medical degree from New York University School of Medicine. He completed his residencies at Beth Israel Hospital in Boston and at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, where he served as Chief Resident in Radiation Oncology.
Dr. Rubenstein has received multiple awards and acknowledgments highlighting his work, including the Key to the Cure Humanitarian Award, FMA Alliance Pride in Partnership Award, and America’s Top Doctors by Castle Connelly from 2011 to 2020. He is an active fellow of the American College of Radiology Oncology.
Dr. Rubenstein is a member of several medical organizations, including the Florida Medical Association, Florida Radiological Society, and Lee County Medical Society, among others. He has served as president of the American College of Radiation Oncology and on the board of directors of the Florida Medical Association.
He is a world-traveler with his wife, Betty, and takes great pride in his five children and eight grandchildren. Dr. Rubenstein is a longtime NY Giants fan and is also a distance-runner.
Dr. Arie Dosoretz is proud to provide top-tier patient care and significant management expertise to Advocate Radiation Oncology. He considers it critical for experts in the community to continuously stay up to date with developments in the oncology world so patients have access to the best care. He enjoys using his Spanish fluency to communicate with and fulfill the needs of the Hispanic community.
Dr. Dosoretz earned a joint MD/MBA degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Wharton School of Business. He completed his residency at Yale University’s New Haven Hospital, Department of Therapeutic Radiology in New Haven, CT. He returned to his hometown of Fort Myers in 2015 where he has practiced as a physician and worked in clinical administration, directing physician recruitment and overseeing clinical operations and quality.
He is a widely published researcher in nationally recognized peer-reviewed journals, and is a member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He maintains a close relationship with many academic researchers including the Yale COPPER center.
Away from the medical practice, he spends time with his wife, Jane and three children, Evan, Lydia, and Naomi. He is an avid runner, and enjoys the outdoors and fly-fishing trips.
Dr. Alan Brown’s passion for treating cancer was inspired by the loss of both of his grandmothers to cancer, as well as his mother’s journey in becoming a breast cancer survivor. He understands the emotional and physical anguish that patients and their families endure throughout the journey. He chose to be a radiation oncologist because he wants to find a cure for cancer.
Dr. Brown uses state-of-the-art technology and a multidisciplinary approach to offer his patients the best treatment with a compassionate heart and acute attention to preservation of lifestyle and overall wellness. He also encourages integration of alternative medicine in combination with traditional cancer treatments.
Dr. Brown earned his medical degree from the University of Michigan, where he graduated at the top of his class with the distinction of Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. He completed his residency in Radiation Oncology at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School where he also served as Chief Resident of the Harvard Combined Radiation Oncology Program.
He has been recognized on a national level for his community involvement and cancer research with multiple publications and presentations. Dr. Brown currently serves as chairman of the Regional Cancer Center’s Multidisciplinary Breast Clinic. He is a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiation Oncology, the American Medical Association, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He is a former board member of the diversity committee at Massachusetts General Hospital.
In his free time, Dr. Brown enjoys spending time with his wife, Rahel, his daughters, Liya and Alana, and dogs, Brutus and Lucky. He is an avid traveler and loves giving back to the community through volunteer work and philanthropy.
Throughout her career, Dr. Amy Fox has worked to raise awareness about the importance of cancer screening and to provide insight to her patients on the newest treatments and technology. She is bilingual and passionate about advocating for and educating underserved communities. She has also participated in numerous cancer presentations within the Hispanic community.
Dr. Fox has more than a decade of oncology experience. She received her education at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York, graduating with several honors, including the Harold Elster Memorial Prize for highest academic standing. She completed her residency at the Harvard Radiation Oncology Program in Boston before returning to her hometown of Fort Myers.
She has presented and published research on a variety of topics in oncology, including head and neck cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphoma. Dr. Fox is a member of the American College of Radiation Oncology, the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the American Medical Association, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
In her free time, she enjoys reading and spending time with her husband, Brian and their three children, Sophia, Josh, and Carina.