Krishna C. Alluri, M.D., hematologist and medical oncologist, is now seeing patients at Texas Oncology–San Antonio Northeast. Dr. Alluri discusses the future of cancer therapies and how his family influenced him to become a doctor early in life.
Did you always know you wanted to be a doctor, specifically specializing in hematology and oncology?
I always knew I wanted to be a doctor. In fact, a lot of my family members are physicians, so I was influenced at a pretty young age. However, my interest in hematology and oncology developed at the end of medical school. I was in awe of the field’s rapid progression and decided then I wanted to purse cancer care as my career.
What do you think the future of cancer treatment will look like?
Cancer therapies are getting more effective and less aggressive on the human body. We are well underway in transitioning to more nuanced, precise, and individualized treatments like immunotherapy or targeted molecular therapy. I think the future of cancer treatment looks very bright.
What inspires you most about the cancer patients you’ve worked with?
I am most inspired by my patients’ resilience and positive mindsets even in the face of extraordinary challenges that many encounter while fighting cancer.
How has your career shaped who you are?
My career in cancer care has definitely shaped who I am today. Being amongst my patients and watching them fight a disease, especially like cancer, with such grace and courage is truly inspirational. They have helped me to appreciate life that much more and live every day to the fullest.
What are your hobbies outside of work?
I like playing tennis outside of work and am currently trying to learn how to play the flute.
What about moving to Texas are you excited about?
I am excited to spend time with my family, try new food, and most of all, enjoy the Texas weather.
What is the number one item on your bucket list you’d like to achieve this year?
Exploring the great state of Texas is one of my top bucket list items for this year.