Rajesh Naidu Kukunoor, MD
"One of the most important things I can give my patients is my time. Closeness is important. Humor can help lighten up the day a little bit. A hug can be very therapeutic."
Dr. Kukunoor received his post-graduate training at North Oakland Medical Centers in Pontiac, Michigan; Wayne State University in Detroit; and the prestigious Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio. Before coming to Southwest Hematology Oncology, he spent two years as an Oncology Hospitalist at the Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph, Missouri.
"I chose oncology as my specialty because the bond between physician and patient is the closest," Dr. Kukunoor says. "It’s also important to me that oncology is one of the most evidence-based subspecialties of medicine."
Dr. Kukunoor believes that there’s a lot of misinformation out there, especially online. "Many patients ask about nutritional supplements and non-traditional treatments," he says. "While there is no 'magic pill,' I’m a believer in anything that works. I help my patients promote good health practices."
Dr. Kukunoor’s teaching experiences at St. Joseph’s Hospital & Medical Center help keep him up to speed on the latest research. "You’ve got to keep up with the data," he says. "And that means reading the journals, attending meetings, and staying active and involved in the professional community."
Special Focus
- Breast Cancer
- Lung Cancer
- Colon Cancer
- Lymphoma
Outside Interests
- Traveling
- SCUBA Diving
- Food and Wine
Personal
- Married with two children
- Lives in Scottsdale
