Meet the 2018/2019 KACF Surgical Fellow, Philip M. Spanheimer, M.D.

Dr. Spanheimer will study phyllodes tumors which are a rare sarcomatous tumors of the breast. Due to the rarity phyllodes tumors are not well described in the literature. He aim to identify patterns of recurrence based on clinical and pathologic variables. This will allow the identification of factors that place patients at greater risk for recurrence, which will facilitate a better understanding of biologic determinates of recurrence, and although rare, death from disease. Based on these factors patients can be identified that are at risk for recurrence and death, and future investigation can focus on novel treatment strategies for these patients.

A graduate of Duke University, Dr. Spanheimer received his Medical Doctorate from the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine. From 2009 – 2016, he completed 2 Residencies and a Surgical Oncology Fellowship at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics before becoming a Staff Surgeon at the VA Medical Center in Iowa City in 2016. He came to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in August 2017 and was named the KACF Surgical Fellow the following year.