For more than 40 years, Virginia Oncology Associates has practiced cancer and hematology care in the greater Hampton Roads region. The practice offers comprehensive programs including hematology, oncology, radiation oncology, GYN oncology, diagnostics, clinical research, stem cell transplant, cellular therapy, genetic counseling and psychosocial oncology with palliative care. Its mission is to improve the lives of those in the community impacted by cancer and blood diseases by providing compassionate personalized, state-of-the-art care. Though the practice began exclusively in Virginia, Virginia Oncology Associates now has locations spanning southeast Virginia and northeast North Carolina.
David Kobulnicky, MD is one of the many skilled physicians practicing at Virginia Oncology Associates. Kobulnicky earned his medical degree and completed his residency and hematology and oncology fellowship at the Medical College of Virginia at Virginia Commonwealth University. He was awarded the Arnold P. Gold award, an honor that recognizes champions of humanistic, compassionate healthcare. Locally, he has been recognized by his peers as a “Top Doc” for the last four years.
Kobulnicky chose to specialize in oncology because the field is at the nexus of science and relationships. “There have been profound advancements in the understanding of cancer, which have translated to many new and more effective treatments,” he says. “Oncologists remain as the patient’s doctor during a long and stressful period. Those long-term relationships help make the work meaningful.”
Virginia Oncology employs several doctors who are national experts and specialists in several common cancers. The practice provides care for almost all types of cancer, with the exception of rare types of bone marrow transplant. Continued education is a priority at the practice. Doctors regularly attend national conferences and seminars. Virginia Oncology hosts several conferences and programs for physicians to learn more about cancer care and new treatments. The practice also participates in tumor boards of nearly every cancer where the latest treatments and protocols are discussed and operationalized.
Patients can choose their doctor and treatment site across a wide array of locations in greater Hampton Roads and northeast North Carolina. The practice is the largest provider of cancer services in Hampton Roads, and it also offers the largest selection of clinical trials in the area. Clinical trials are available for patients who are not an appropriate fit for standard therapy or opt for something other than standard therapy.
Virginia Oncology’s team works hard to overcome barriers on patient’s behalf, so patients can receive optimal treatment. In a recent example, the team organized transportation, counseling resources and free cancer medications for a patient who recently moved to the area with no family assistance, transportation or insurance. The team worked to care for the patient until insurance was secured. Team members across departments contribute to a combined effort to provide the best care for patients.
The future continues to brighten for oncology patients as well. Cancer care has rapidly changed over the last 40 years of Virginia Oncology’s lifetime. “Approximately half of what we do in oncology has changed over the past five years,” says Kobulnicky. “Emerging research into the mechanisms of cancers is quickly translating to new immunotherapies and targeted therapies, which is quickly and progressively improving cancer care. We still have a long way to go, but we are making great progress.”
TO THE POINT
Company: Virginia Oncology Associates
Address: 1051 Loftis Blvd., Ste. 100, Newport News, VA 23606
Phone: 757-873-9400
Email: christie.davenport@usoncology.com
Contact: Christie Davenport, marketing and liaison manager
Website: www.virginiacancer.com
