Dr. Amer Rassam, MD is an Oncology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Oncological care for older adults at his clinic in Tallahassee, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a general oncologist, Dr. Rassam provides expert medical care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, such as breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia. He works collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan, ensuring that each patient receives the most appropriate and supportive care. Dr. Rassam is committed to building partnerships with his patients and their families, fostering open communication and education throughout the journey.
With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Oncological care, Dr. Rassam brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of Mosul College Of Medicine in 1983 and completed his training in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Medical Oncology at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC) and affiliated institutions. He is Board Certified in Hematology and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and has extensive experience treating various cancers including hematologic disorders and oncologic malignancies. He is an affiliate of H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida and a consultant at several local hospitals. He is also an assistant professor at Florida State University (FSU), College of Medicine, and actively contributes to the medical community. Dr. Rassam currently welcomes new patients and encourages you to call (850) 972-0956 to schedule an appointment. He offers consultations in Arabic.
Tallahassee Cancer Institute, where Dr. Rassam practices, is dedicated to providing optimal care. As your healthcare provider, Dr. Rassam and his team recognize the unique needs of each patient. You can trust their clinicians and staff to meet those needs and provide the best care available in a comprehensive and compassionate setting. Dr. Rassam believes that cancer requires close interaction between the patient, their support system, and healthcare providers. His approach is guided by active listening, open discussion, and education to ensure a supportive and collaborative experience for all patients.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Amer Rassam is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rassam is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive oncological care. He expertly manages cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and specialists to create personalized treatment plans. His approach prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, ensuring comfort and maintaining independence throughout their care.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Amer Rassam can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
AARP
Aetna
Beech Street (Multiplan)
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Curative
Humana
Staywell (Wellcare)
Vista Health Plan
WellCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- BlueOptions
- BlueOptions HMO
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus
- Choice Plus POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- ChoiceCare Network
- Cigna PPO
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- GA Employee Cigna + Oscar Open Access Plus EPO
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthSmart
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- MAPFRE Life Insurance Company of Puerto Rico
- Managed Choice (Open Access)
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Medica Choice
- Medicaid
- Medicare
- Midwest Health Plan
- National
- National POS
- Navigate
- Navigate HMO
- Navigate POS
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice
- Open Choice PPO
- Options
- Options PPO
- Oscar Health
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Amer Rassam provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Biliary Tract Cancer: For older adults diagnosed with biliary tract cancer, located in the system that drains the liver, treatment plans are tailored to their overall health and aim to improve their comfort and well-being, enhancing quality of life.
- Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma: Primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) is a rare type of cancer that starts in the brain or spinal cord, and treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy can help manage symptoms and extend life.
- Penile Cancer: Penile cancer develops in the skin of the penis and may require surgery, radiation, or other treatments to remove or control the cancer cells, helping maintain comfort and well-being.
- Illeum Cancer: Ileum cancer, a rare cancer in the lower part of your small intestine, may require surgery to remove the tumor and potentially chemotherapy or radiation therapy to prevent its return, enhancing your long-term health.
- Duodenal Cancer: If diagnosed with duodenal cancer, a personalized treatment plan, which often involves a multidisciplinary team, will address your specific needs and help maintain your independence as much as possible.
- Bladder Cancer: Bladder cancer is a type of cancer that affects the bladder, but with the right medical care including options such as surgery, medication, or radiation you can receive effective treatment and manage its symptoms.
- Mycosis Fungoides: Mycosis fungoides is a slow-growing skin cancer that may be treated with topical creams, radiation therapy, or other methods to improve skin appearance and overall comfort.
- Vertebral Column Tumors: For seniors with spinal tumors, a collaborative approach involving oncologists, pain specialists and rehabilitation professionals ensures that the treatment plan is optimized for symptom relief and improved well-being.
- Brain Cancer: Treatment for brain cancer in older adults is carefully planned to balance effectiveness with the individual's overall health, aiming to improve comfort and maintain the highest possible quality of life.
- Acute Lymphoid Leukemia: While ALL can be challenging, advancements in medical care offer hope, providing options to manage symptoms, improve strength, and help older adults facing this diagnosis live as fully as possible.
- Skin Cancer: Many skin cancers are successfully treated through simple procedures like excision, helping seniors stay active and enjoy their daily lives.
- Testicular Cancer: Modern medicine provides effective approaches for managing testicular cancer, regardless of age, often allowing for successful treatment and a return to a fulfilling lifestyle.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Amer Rassam offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Marrow Aspiration: Bone marrow aspiration helps doctors monitor the effectiveness of cancer treatments in seniors, allowing for adjustments to the care plan as needed.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: As part of your overall cancer care, a bone marrow biopsy provides valuable information about the health of your blood-forming tissues, informing decisions about treatment and ongoing monitoring.
- Cancer Treatment: Through various methods like surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy, cancer treatment offers seniors options tailored to their individual cancer type and stage.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can be incorporated into a senior's treatment plan to relieve symptoms and improve their comfort, particularly in managing advanced cancers.
- Lung Cancer Treatment: Diagnosing lung cancer early through screening and tests is crucial, and treatment plans follow to address the identified cancer type and stage.
- Cranial Stereotactic Radiosurgery: For seniors diagnosed with brain metastases (cancer spread to the brain), SRS can help reduce tumor size and relieve symptoms like headaches or neurological problems.
- Cervical Lymph Node Dissection: Cervical lymph node dissection is a surgical procedure that helps doctors determine if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes in the neck, providing crucial information for treatment planning.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Oncology in Florida.
Dr. Amer Rassam is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior with biliary tract cancer experienced significant symptom relief, allowing them to return to their beloved hobby of painting, a cherished activity they had put aside due to discomfort.
- With ongoing oncology guidance, a senior felt a renewed sense of security and peace at home, no longer burdened by the debilitating symptoms of Primary Central Nervous System Lymphoma. The family was grateful for the improved quality of life and the ability to enjoy cherished moments together.
- A senior man, facing penile cancer, found comfort and reassurance through a personalized treatment plan, enabling him to resume his beloved hobby of woodworking, a source of joy and connection.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Hematology)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Amer Rassam:
- What is an Oncologist?
- An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in cancer. Medical oncologists, like Dr. Amer Rassam, use medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Surgical and radiation oncologists also play important roles, often working together to create a personalized treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Rassam will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin forming a personalized treatment plan. This will involve a detailed review of your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. Dr. Rassam will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all your questions with care and compassion, establishing a partnership for your care.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Rassam considers your overall health, fitness level, and personal goals more important when determining your cancer treatment plan. He specializes in creating personalized treatment plans for seniors, adapted to be just as effective while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms and stress from serious illnesses like cancer, and can be provided alongside curative treatment at any stage. Hospice care is comfort care provided when curative treatment is no longer pursued.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that harnesses the body's own immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy "unleashes" the immune system to do the work, often with good results and well-tolerated by many patients.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Side effects are a major concern, but common ones like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss can be effectively managed with medications and supportive care strategies to maintain quality of life.
- What does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard way to manage slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves close monitoring with regular PSA tests and biopsies, rather than immediate treatment, to avoid potential side effects if the cancer is unlikely to cause problems.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, while sparing healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, meaning it only affects the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to an X-ray.
1653 Mahan Center Blvd
Tallahassee FL 32308
Phone: (850) 972-0956
Dr. Amer Rassam, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1952370769
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Oncology like Dr. Amer Rassam are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.