South Florida Cancer Experts Make the Move to Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center

Four renowned oncologists who have been treating cancer patients in this region for many years are joining Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System, and South Florida’s only cancer center to achieve the prestigious National Cancer Institute designation. 

“We have been focused on building multidisciplinary teams of oncologists who can provide the highest level of care for our patients. These four stellar oncologists bring decades of experience working with our unique South Florida patient population and I’m thrilled that they’re now on our growing team,” said Sylvester Director Stephen D. Nimer, M.D., the Oscar de la Renta Endowed Chair in Cancer Research.

This highly regarded group of cancer specialists, all board certified in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine, will see patients at an all-new Sylvester location opening in Aventura.

Jose Lutzky, M.D., a renowned expert in melanoma, is the new director of cutaneous oncology services at Sylvester and associate director of clinical research services. He has authored more than 120 articles and abstracts in medical and scientific publications.

“Florida has the second highest incidence of melanoma in the country. As the new director of cutaneous oncology at Sylvester, my goal will be to integrate all the great resources the center has at its disposal to create the best skin cancer program in the state,” Dr. Lutzky said. “This will mean getting basic scientists and clinicians working together to discover approaches that will lead to new paradigm-changing treatments in this area.”

Elisa Krill-Jackson, M.D., has been treating breast cancer patients in South Florida for 23 years and has authored numerous research articles. She is now the associate director of community outreach for women’s health for Sylvester at Aventura.

“I am proud to join Sylvester’s strong breast medical oncology team and provide my patients with the most cutting-edge clinical trials,” said Dr. Krill-Jackson. “I am passionate about taking care of women’s health issues, including treatment of breast cancer and related women’s cancers.”

Joseph Pizzolato, M.D., specializes in gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers and has extensive clinical research experience. He is the medical director for Sylvester at Aventura.

“This new facility aims for a superior patient experience and quality-first approach,” Dr. Pizzolato said. “This is very exciting for the Aventura community to now have reputable physicians backed by the only NCI-designated cancer center in South Florida.”

Estelamari Rodriguez, M.D., specializes in lung cancer and has a special interest in early detection. She is a published researcher and the new associate director of community outreach for thoracic oncology.

“I am particularly interested in the inclusion of underrepresented groups in clinical trials and research on how lung cancer affects women, and I am excited to continue this work at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center with all the resources available here,” said Dr. Rodriguez.

On December 4, Drs. Lutzky, Krill-Jackson, Pizzolato and Rodriguez will start at Sylvester, the only university-based cancer center in South Florida. They will be seeing patients at various Sylvester locations until Sylvester at Aventura opens in early 2020.

“It’s important to the University of Miami Health System to continue to grow and bring excellence in cancer care closer to patients in the north end of Miami-Dade and even south Broward County,” said Edward Abraham, M.D., executive vice president for health affairs and CEO of UHealth. “Having these four oncologists become the anchor of this latest expansion, Sylvester at Aventura, helps us achieve our mission of care delivery to the community.”

The new Aventura location at 2801 N.E. 213th Street will provide numerous cancer services including genetic testing, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and clinical trials. Patients interested in making an appointment with any of these oncologists should call 844-324-HOPE (4673).

Tags: Dr. Elisa Krill-Jackson, Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, Dr. Jose Lutzky, Dr. Joseph Pizzolato, Dr. Stephen Nimer, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center