Vijay K. Damarla, M.D., MPH
Specialties
Medical Oncology/HematologyLocations
Bloomington,
OttawaBoard Certifications:
Hematology/Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine
Staff Education:
Dr. Damarla attended medical school at Rangaraya Medical College in India. He then completed a Master of Public Health (MPH), Epidemiology from East Tennessee State University and an Internal Medicine Residency at Saint Joseph Mercy Health System in Ann Abor, Michigan. He completed a fellowship in Experimental Therapeutics at Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, followed by a Hematology and Oncology Fellowship at the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit, Michigan.
Work History:
Dr. Damarla began his practice of hematology/oncology at Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois at their main office located in Decatur before joining Illinois Cancer Care in 2021.
When did you join Illinois CancerCare?
October 2021
Hobbies / Interests:
Biking, Hiking, and Travelling
What medical change has impacted the field of cancer the most since you began practicing medicine?
"The advances in immunotherapies, genomics and a better understanding of the biology of cancer lead to significant improvement in clinical outcomes for many patients with cancer."
Why did you choose your field?
"I chose oncology because it is one of the fields in medicine where you practice a combination of science and humanity. Treating patients with cancer is very rewarding and the science behind cancer research, the way it is evolving and transforming the lives of patients and families is fascinating."
Why did you choose Illinois CancerCare?
"I have been in the Midwest for the past decade and started my career in oncology in Illinois. I chose Illinois CancerCare because of the mission to provide comprehensive, compassionate care, commitment to research, and providing access to clinical trials for patients."
Do you have any advice to give patients after they have been diagnosed with cancer?
"I want my patients to understand that they are not alone, and ‘we’ are all in this together. I partner with them from the very beginning and through every step of their care. I help them understand the diagnosis, risks, and benefits of treatment options, and to choose what is best for them."
