University of Iowa Health Care’s strong subspecialty faculty is what drew Vijaya Kankanala, MD, to Iowa’s Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship Program in 2023. As her graduation nears, Kankanala reflected on how the program’s tailored structure far exceeded her expectations, supporting her growth from start to finish.
“Every person has their own strengths and ways they want to practice and develop their career,” Kankanala said. “The Hematology-Oncology program was tailored to what I wanted to learn and who I wanted to work with, and not a lot of programs provide that opportunity. I’m so grateful for how it supported what works best for my career development.”
With a flexible rotation and mentors who prioritize patient-centered care, Kankanala had the latitude to fully embrace her care philosophy. This approach, grounded in mindfulness and compassionatelistening, invites patients into a rapport where they are treated “as a family member would treat them.” Kankanala has left a lasting impression on many patients in the process.
Kankanala shared a moving example. While in her oncology rotation, she worked with a patient—“a friendly gentleman”—who always maintained a positive attitude during appointments. He later decided to discontinue chemotherapy and transitioned to hospice care at his home located two hours from Iowa City. Although Kankanala was no longer his doctor, he felt the connection was worth re-visiting.
This patient found a way to the hospital, traveling four hours both ways. He made the trip to thank Kankanala for being his provider. She recalls him saying that he “didn’t want to die without thanking her.” After seeing her one last time, this patient told her that he could now die in peace.
Channeling strength into a new specialty
Kankanala’s plans did not originally involve Hematology-Oncology. During her residency, she wanted a career focused on reproductive endocrinology, with the goal of eventually opening an OBGYN practice with her sister. This direction changed after her mom was diagnosed with aggressive gallbladder cancer two years into her training.
Kankanala was her primary caregiver through the final two months of her mother’s life. Before even fully processing this loss, Kankanala lost her husband as well.
A single parent navigating the loss of both her mom and spouse, Kankanala said she felt adrift and questioned where she could find meaning in medicine. But these very experiences of loss eventually provided direction.
“My experience with my mom shaped me as a physician,” she said. “I thought, ‘I am a doctor, and so I have to do something meaningful in my life.’ I think having firsthand experience being a caregiver for a person you love who is suffering with cancer has given me a special kind of compassion.”
Kankanala then set her sights on oncology. After completing her residency, she practiced primary care in New Mexico for three years, where she gained experience treating patients with cancer. Many of her patients told her they were sad about her departure for fellowship—a strong indication of the impact she would soon have on Iowa patients.
Mentor acknowledgements
While building meaningful connections with patients at UI Health Care, Kankanala also absorbed a great deal from her peers and attending faculty. She expresses gratitude to several faculty members for their support, guidance, and modeling of excellent patient care. Kankanala thanks Steven R. Lentz, MD, PhD, a professor in Hematology, Oncology, and Blood & Marrow Transplantation (HOBMT); GrerkSutamtewagul, MD, Hematology–Oncology Fellowship Program Director; Bilal Rahim, MD, an oncologist affiliated with UI Health Care and UnityPoint Health in Waterloo; and Naomi Fei, MD, MS, clinical assistant professor in HOBMT.
Next steps
After her program ends in June, Kankanala will re-establish roots across the country in a faculty position at Rochester Regional Health in Rochester, New York. There, she will focus on GI Oncology whileteaching in their education program and treating patients.
While excited for this upcoming step in her career, Kankanala is grateful for all Iowa has offered since her arrival in 2023—both inside and outside the clinic. She describes enjoying this work-life balance throughout her fellowship, which allowed her to make many new memories—a notable one being her first experience at a football game in Kinnick Stadium with her son, who is now thirteen years old. The two have enjoyed trying new restaurants together and checking out hiking spots.
“I don’t have any family here, and also with being a single mother, you are running to school, taking care of your kid’s appointments and commitments,” Kankanala said. “The whole time, the program was very accommodating with my schedule— I always felt supported. The simple things as a fellow can feel overwhelming, but I never felt that here.”
With hope and an open mind
Reflecting on her journey, Kankanala also offers meaningful guidance for trainees and physicians navigating transitions.
“Fifteen years ago, I wanted to do OBGYN and reproductive endocrinology. And here I am, fifteen years later, doing the complete opposite. I think it’s easy to get lost in tough moments and feel disheartened. I experienced that. But I took it a moment at a time and trusted that I could bring purpose to my work by providing care to cancer patients. With hope and an open mind, my life has changed.”