Dr. Robert Drapkin, MD is an Oncology medical oncologist practicing at his clinic in Tampa, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, Dr. Drapkin practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and his expertise extends to common cancers 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. Prospective patients should call (813) 203-2052 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Robert Drapkin, MD is a medical oncologist in Tampa, FL, with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Wayne State University in 1971 and brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine ensures that patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He is Board Certified in Internal Medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, and Board Certified in Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. Dr. Drapkin offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Robert Drapkin is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Drapkin is a compassionate oncologist dedicated to providing comprehensive, person-centered care for seniors facing oncological challenges. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans for common cancers, prioritizing the unique needs and goals of each patient. His approach emphasizes not only the medical aspects of care but also the emotional and practical support necessary for a positive patient journey.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Robert Drapkin can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Robert Drapkin 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:
- Multiple Myeloma: Multiple myeloma affects the bone marrow, producing abnormal plasma cells which can cause bone pain and other issues, but thankfully, with modern treatments, many people can live comfortably with the condition for many years.
- 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.
- Stomach Cancer: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with stomach cancer, know that many treatment options exist to improve symptoms, such as nausea and pain, and enhance your overall comfort and well-being while prioritizing your independence.
- Myelodysplastic Syndromes: If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS), know that it's a blood disorder impacting blood cell formation, potentially causing weakness and increased susceptibility to infections; treatment options like medication and supportive care aim to improve comfort and extend life expectancy.
- Mycosis Fungoides: This specific skin cancer, called mycosis fungoides, often progresses gradually, allowing for treatments focused on managing symptoms and preserving your independence.
- Lung Cancer: Lung cancer affects the lungs and may cause coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain, but various treatments including targeted therapies can help control symptoms and improve your quality of life.
- Small Intestine Cancer: Cancer in the small intestine is less common than other cancers, but treatment options such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy can help extend life and maintain independence for older adults.
- Oral Cancer: Oral cancer, a cancer of the mouth or throat, may impact eating and speaking, but treatment options such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy aim to improve these functions and enhance overall quality of life for seniors.
- Meningiomas: A meningioma is a benign (non-cancerous) growth on the membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord, often manageable with close monitoring and sometimes surgery to improve quality of life.
- Nodular Lymphoma: For seniors diagnosed with nodular lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting lymphocytes (white blood cells) that may present as lumps, treatments like targeted therapies or chemotherapy work to control the cancer's growth and minimize any disruption to daily living, allowing for comfortable aging.
- Myeloproliferative Disorders: These disorders involve the overproduction of blood cells in your bone marrow, potentially causing issues like tiredness or bleeding, however, treatment options like medication and regular monitoring can help manage symptoms and improve your comfort.
- Esophageal Cancer: Esophageal cancer is a disease where cancerous cells develop in the esophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach, and treatment, which may include surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation, aims to remove or shrink the tumor and improve your ability to swallow and eat.
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. Robert Drapkin offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy is a small procedure that helps doctors check for signs of blood cancers like leukemia and lymphoma, guiding treatment decisions and ensuring the best possible care plan for you.
- Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT): Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) uses imaging scans to precisely target cancerous tumors, ensuring the radiation dose is focused on the tumor while sparing surrounding healthy tissue, a key part of a comprehensive cancer treatment plan for seniors.
- Excision or Destruction of Palate or Uvula Lesion: To ensure accurate diagnosis and appropriate management, this procedure is used to remove a lesion from the palate or uvula, which may be cancerous.
- Prostate Radioactive Seed Implants: Radioactive seed implants are a localized treatment approach that can be used in the management of prostate cancer in older adults, offering a potential alternative to surgery.
- Endocrine Surgical Procedure: Endocrine surgery helps address hormonal imbalances that can impact cancer treatment effectiveness and overall health and quality of life for seniors.
- Mastectomy: A mastectomy is a surgical procedure to remove all or part of a breast, often used as a treatment option for breast cancer in older adults.
- Hepatobiliary Surgery: For seniors diagnosed with cancers affecting the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts, hepatobiliary surgery can play a crucial role in tumor removal and improving their health.
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. Robert Drapkin 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 the oncology's guidance, a senior with multiple myeloma felt significant relief from bone pain, allowing them to return to their beloved hobby of painting again.
- With careful treatment for brain cancer, the patient regained the ability to enjoy conversations with loved ones, a cherished aspect of daily life. The family felt a profound sense of peace knowing the patient's comfort and quality of life were prioritized.
- A senior with stomach cancer found relief from persistent nausea and pain, allowing them to enjoy meals and reconnect with loved ones. Their family felt a renewed sense of peace knowing their loved one was more comfortable and able to participate in daily life.
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
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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Robert Drapkin:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Drapkin and our team are medical oncologists, specializing in diagnosing and treating cancer with medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Surgical and radiation oncologists also play vital roles, working together to create a comprehensive treatment plan for each patient.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Drapkin 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. Drapkin will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all of your questions with care and compassion, partnering with you to create the best possible care plan.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is a factor, Dr. Drapkin considers your overall health, fitness level, and personal goals more significant when determining the best 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 does it mean if my prostate cancer is managed with 'active surveillance'?
- Active surveillance is a safe and standard approach for slow-growing, low-risk prostate cancer. It involves regular monitoring with PSA tests and biopsies, instead of immediate treatment, to avoid treatment side effects if the cancer never causes problems.
- 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 often be effectively managed with medications and supportive care strategies to maintain quality of life.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to precisely target and destroy cancer cells, while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, meaning it only affects the area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, similar to getting an X-ray.
- What is the difference between palliative care and hospice care?
- Palliative care, offered by Dr. Drapkin's practice, focuses on symptom relief and stress reduction for serious illnesses like cancer, and can be provided alongside curative treatment at any stage. Hospice care, on the other hand, is comfort care focused on quality of life when curative treatment is no longer pursued.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, based on the cancer type and the patient's overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are frequently well-tolerated. Dr. Drapkin works with a team to create the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
502 S Dale Mabry Hwy
Tampa FL 33609
Phone: (813) 203-2052
Dr. Robert Drapkin, 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): 1851399778
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. Robert Drapkin 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.