B10 • September 2021
280 Living
FALL MEDICAL GUIDE
GRANDVIEW MEDICAL CENTER 3690 Grandview Parkway, Birmingham, AL 35243 Q: What is Cardio-Oncology? A: Cardio-Oncology is a relatively new field that has evolved rapidly over the last decade. The field focuses on new or developing cardiovascular disease occurring during or after cancer treatment therapy. The goal of a cardio-oncologist is to assist and advise the oncology team so that we can work together to get the patient through his or her treatment while protecting the heart and cardiovascular system. Q: What is your mission at Grandview Medical Center? A: I have an opportunity to use my knowledge and experience to help people every day. That doesn’t always mean through medicine. Sometimes it’s just being there for people — the patients and their families. That's probably even more true for cardio-oncology, because you're dealing with people who have either already gone through cancer treatment, who are preparing to go through cancer treatment, or who are currently undergoing treatment. Q: How did Cardio-Oncology become your specialty? A: I have always steered towards cardiology because in many ways my mind processes similar to an engineer or a mechanic. I have been drawn towards machines and understanding how they work. The human body and, in particular the heart, is the most amazing machine that I couldn’t help but want to learn more about. Even though my focus has been primarily on cardiology, I have also had a lot of exposure to oncology throughout my training and career. In medical school I participated in basic research involving cancer cells. When I was at Duke University completing my residency, we had the opportunity to work with and learn from their excellent oncology program. During my
205-971-1000
grandviewhealth.com
fellowship at the Baylor Texas Heart Institute in Houston, I was able to spend time learning from the experts at MD Anderson. Because of my educational background, I was asked to start a Cardio-Oncology program at my previous practice in Baton Rouge, and now I will be assisting Grandview as we develop a program here in the Birmingham area. Q: Why is it important for oncology patients to have a Cardio-Oncology specialist? A: Cancer and heart disease are the two leading causes of death nationwide. Caring for patients with cancer can be very complex because they are receiving different agents that affect the heart and the cardiovascular system in many different ways. Cardiology is just one small part of oncologic care. It really takes a whole team that includes medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, pharmacist and all the nursing and ancillary staff that goes along with a comprehensive cancer care team. Q: Do all oncology patients need a Cardio-Oncologist? A: These patients can be identified by their oncologists as needing a referral to a Cardio-Oncologist. The oncologist will make the referral when necessary. Q: Will you provide other medical services at Grandview? A: Yes. I am a general cardiologist, and it’s my privilege to take care of any general cardiology needs. I perform diagnostic cardiac catheterizations and have advanced training in echocardiography. I am board certified in cardiovascular disease, echocardiography, nuclear cardiology and cardiac CT.
DR. LEON CANNIZZARO
14 PRIMARY CARE LOCATIONS. SAME-DAY APPOINTMENTS. 205-971-DOCS.
Grandview Medical Group makes it easier to see a primary care provider in Birmingham – quickly. Just call 205-971-DOCS. Most calls will result in a same-day appointment with a physician or a nurse practitioner at one of our 14 primary care locations. Walk-ins are welcome, too. If you or a family member age five or older needs to see a doctor fast, think Grandview Medical Group.
Visit GrandviewMedicalGroup.com or call 205-971-DOCS to schedule your same-day appointment.
Chelsea • Columbiana • Grandview Physicians Plaza • Greystone • Homewood Hoover • Lee Branch • Liberty Park • Springville • Trussville • Vestavia Hills
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Look Forward. 7/30/21 5:20 PM