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s oncologists Joe Muscato, MD, and Mary Muscato, MD, prepare to retire after more than three decades of serving Mid-Missouri, those close to them are celebrating the legacy they are leaving behind. “Dr. Joe” and “Dr. Mary,” as they are often called to avoid confusion, met in college at the University of Pennsylvania and were married after their first year of medical school. They moved to Columbia, Missouri, for their residency and were surprised at how much they liked the town. “We had to get a map out to see where it was, but we quickly grew to enjoy the community here,” says Dr. Joe. After residency, they went to Duke University for their fellowship but were drawn back to Columbia when looking for a place to start their careers. “We both taught at the University when we moved back. We love to teach. I have continued teaching all these years,” says Dr. Mary. After one year of teaching, Dr. Joe left his position as a faculty member to open his own practice. He got a loan from the bank and started what is now Missouri Cancer Associates (MCA). At the time, it was only him and a handful of employees, but over the years, MCA grew into the powerhouse that it now is. Dr. Mary joined the practice a couple years later. “She joined after our son and twins were born. We have worked between five and 10 feet from each other for about the entire three decades, but I wouldn’t have it any other way,” says Dr. Joe. Early in MCA’s existence, Dr. Joe secured a partnership with Boone Hospital Center that remains to this day. “There was a void there that I was able to fill, and we have grown together into a stellar oncology department,” says Dr. Joe. Dr. Joe spent the past several years as the Medical Director of Boone Hospital Center’s Stewart Cancer Center. “I have truly enjoyed working with Dr. Joe Muscato over the years. His medical knowledge, business perspectives, and compassion for others are like no other I have ever experienced. He is a wonderful resource for the oncology nursing staff and patients as well. He helps each person he interacts with gain knowledge and confidence during complicated illnesses. His laugh is contagious and one we cannot soon forget! Dr. Mary Muscato is also a wonderful doctor who is very dedicated to and loved by her patients,” says Andrea Fansler, Boone Hospital
Director of Patient Care and former Oncology Service Line Director. Dr. Joe has also served on the Boone Hospital Center Foundation board. “The Foundation is wonderful because it provides services that enhance patient care, whether that is providing comfort items for the patients or providing additional education for Boone’s staff,” says Dr. Joe. Boone Hospital Foundation Executive Director Barb Danuser says Dr. Joe was a valued member of the board. “The Foundation sincerely appreciates the years of service that Dr. Joe Muscato gave to the Foundation board. He would often race into meetings after driving back from Kirksville where he was seeing patients. Dr. Muscato provided valuable knowledge as a practicing physician on how the Foundation could best provide enhancements to patient care. His high energy and contagious laugh will be missed.” Dr. Joe and Dr. Mary are quick to tell you that the highlight of their respective careers has been getting to know and help their patients. “We treat such wonderful people who work so hard to get better and maintain such a good attitude through their illness. It is such an honor to get to help them,” says Dr. Mary. Dr. Joe and Dr. Mary plan on spending their retirement with their children and grandchildren, traveling, and skiing. Boone Hospital Center and the MidMissouri community will always be grateful for their years of service. By Madison Loethen
“We have worked between five and 10 feet from each other for about the entire three decades, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.” MyBooneHealth.org
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