Dr. Vu Ho, MD is an Oncology specialist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive oncological care for older adults. He practices at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a general oncologist, Dr. Ho provides expert medical care for older adults (65+) facing cancer diagnoses, working collaboratively with your primary care physician and other specialists to manage complex conditions and create a personalized treatment plan. He focuses on common cancers like breast, prostate, lung, colorectal, lymphoma, and leukemia, recognizing the unique needs of this patient population.
Dr. Ho is a certified Oncologist and Hematologist at Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute in Pinellas County. His passion for oncology stems from a deep interest in science and a desire to foster close relationships with patients. He is a compassionate physician, known for his kindness and ease of communication. Dr. Ho earned his medical degree from the University of Florida College of Medicine, completed Internal Medicine residency training, and pursued a fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas. He is Board Certified in Hematology, Internal Medicine, and Medical Oncology by the American Board of Internal Medicine. He is fluent in Chinese and offers consultations in Vietnamese. He is currently welcoming new patients and encourages you to call (727) 821-0017 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Ho's care philosophy emphasizes patient experience and well-being, minimizing disruptions to daily life. He is committed to providing the latest and most advanced treatments, including access to clinical trials, to improve outcomes and extend lives. At Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute, you can expect experienced and compassionate doctors to provide personalized care for all forms of cancer and blood disorders.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Vu Ho is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Vu Ho is a compassionate oncologist dedicated to providing comprehensive and personalized care for seniors facing cancer. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and specialists to create a tailored treatment plan, focusing on the unique needs and goals of each patient. This approach ensures that older adults receive expert medical care while maintaining a high quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Vu Ho can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Cigna
Coventry Health Care
Mail Handlers Benefit Plan (MHBP)
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AWH Emory Northside Hospital System OAAS
- AvMed
- Blue Card
- Blue Choice
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Select
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Plus
- ChoiceCare Network
- EmblemHealth
- Empower
- Empower - Small Employer Groups
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Great West Healthcare-Cigna
- HealthSmart
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- LocalPlus
- MAPFRE Life Insurance Company of Puerto Rico
- Managed Choice (Open Access)
- Molina
- Molina Healthcare
- National
- Navigate
- Nexus Open Access
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice
- Options
- Preferred
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Vu Ho 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:
- Pancreatic Cancer: Pancreatic cancer develops in the pancreas, a vital organ for digestion, and although diagnosis can be difficult, treatment plans such as surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy aim to alleviate symptoms and help maintain independence for as long as possible.
- 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.
- Melanoma: Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is treatable, and with the right care, including surgery, medication, or radiation, you can remain comfortable and independent.
- Breast Cancer: Depending on the stage and type of breast cancer, treatment plans may focus on removing the cancer surgically, or using medication to slow or stop its growth, significantly improving life expectancy and wellbeing.
- Brain Cancer: While a brain cancer diagnosis can be challenging, advancements in medicine mean there are options for managing the disease, such as targeted therapies and supportive care, to help seniors live comfortably and maintain their independence.
- Cancer of Cerebral Meninges: Meningiomas are tumors that develop on the brain's protective layers; many are slow-growing, and treatment plans, ranging from watchful waiting to surgery and radiation, are tailored to individual needs, helping you to live as fully as possible.
- Colorectal Cancer: Developing colorectal cancer can be concerning, but today's treatments, including surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies, aim to control the disease and minimize disruptions to daily life for seniors.
- Stomach and Small Intestine Cancer: Stomach and small intestine cancers involve the growth of abnormal cells in these digestive areas, and while treatment might be complex, many therapies can help control the cancer and alleviate discomfort, allowing you to enjoy life's moments.
- Throat Cancer (Oropharyngeal): Managing oropharyngeal cancer in older adults often involves a multidisciplinary approach, combining therapies with supportive care to maintain independence and reduce discomfort.
- Head and Neck Cancer: For older adults, head and neck cancer treatment focuses not only on eliminating cancer cells but also on minimizing side effects and maximizing comfort, so you can continue enjoying your daily life.
- Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML): Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a cancer affecting white blood cells, but modern medicine offers effective treatments that can keep the disease in check and minimize its impact on your daily routines.
- Metastatic Breast Cancer: When breast cancer spreads, it's called metastatic breast cancer, and while it's a significant challenge, modern treatments can help you stay comfortable and maintain your independence for as long as possible.
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. Vu Ho offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Biopsy of Breast: A breast biopsy aids in creating a personalized care plan by providing crucial information about the type and extent of any breast cancer present.
- Bone Marrow Biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy helps doctors understand the extent of certain cancers, such as multiple myeloma, allowing for more precise treatment planning and better management of your condition.
- Cancer Screening: Regular cancer screenings are a key part of a proactive healthcare plan for seniors, allowing for early detection and management of potential cancers.
- Liver Biopsy: A liver biopsy is a small procedure to take a tissue sample from your liver, helping doctors understand if there's cancer or other liver problems.
- Plasmapheresis: Plasmapheresis acts as a supportive therapy, removing excess proteins or antibodies from the blood that may be causing problems, allowing other treatments to be more effective.
- Tumor Ablation: As part of a comprehensive cancer care plan, tumor ablation targets and eliminates cancerous growths, improving a senior's quality of life.
- Mammotome® Breast Biopsy: As part of your comprehensive breast health assessment, a Mammotome® biopsy provides a precise diagnosis by removing a small amount of tissue for examination, guiding decisions about necessary next steps in your care.
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. Vu Ho 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 was able to enjoy a delicious meal with family again, a cherished activity previously hampered by pancreatic cancer symptoms. The family felt a profound sense of relief knowing their loved one was regaining a better quality of life.
- Following a personalized treatment plan, a senior with biliary tract cancer experienced reduced discomfort and was able to enjoy a delicious meal with her family, a cherished activity.
- A senior with melanoma found renewed energy and confidence in their daily life, thanks to the skilled guidance provided. With treatment and ongoing care, they regained their independence and were able to enjoy their favorite hobbies once again.
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 (Internal Medicine)
- American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology)
Here are answers to some common questions about Oncological care with Dr. Vu Ho:
- What is an Oncologist?
- Dr. Vu Ho is a medical oncologist, a doctor specializing in treating cancer with medications like chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Other cancer specialists, such as surgical and radiation oncologists, may also be part of your care team, working together to create the best possible treatment plan.
- What can I expect at my first visit with an oncologist?
- Your first visit with Dr. Vu Ho will be a comprehensive consultation to gather information and begin forming a personalized treatment plan. We will review your medical records, pathology reports, and imaging scans. This is the first step in a partnership where Dr. Ho will explain the diagnosis, discuss potential treatment options, and answer all of your questions with care and compassion.
- Is age a factor in deciding on cancer treatment?
- While age is considered, Dr. Vu Ho prioritizes a patient's overall health, fitness level, and personal goals when determining the best cancer treatment. Personalized treatment plans are created to be as effective as possible while minimizing side effects and preserving independence.
- How is breast cancer treated in older women?
- Treatment for breast cancer in older women is highly personalized, considering the cancer type and overall health. Options often include surgery, radiation, and hormone therapy pills, which are usually well-tolerated. Dr. Vu Ho works with a team to recommend the most effective and least disruptive treatment plan.
- What is chemotherapy and what are the side effects?
- Chemotherapy is a powerful medication used to kill cancer cells throughout the body. While side effects like fatigue, nausea, and hair loss are a concern, there are many excellent medications and supportive care strategies available today to effectively manage them and maintain quality of life during treatment.
- 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 given at any stage of the disease, alongside treatment to cure it. Hospice care, on the other hand, is comfort care provided when curative treatment is no longer pursued.
- What is immunotherapy?
- Immunotherapy is an advanced cancer treatment that uses your body's own immune system to find and fight cancer cells. Unlike chemotherapy, which directly kills cancer cells, immunotherapy "unleashes" your immune system to do the work. It's a groundbreaking approach, often well-tolerated, and can be a valuable part of your cancer care plan.
- What is radiation therapy?
- Radiation therapy uses high-energy beams to target and destroy cancer cells, while minimizing harm to healthy tissue. It's a localized treatment, meaning it only affects the specific area being treated. The procedure itself is painless, much like an X-ray.
Florida Cancer Specialists & Research Institute
1201 5th Ave N
St Petersburg FL 33705
Phone: (727) 821-0017
Dr. Vu Ho, 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): 1871574871
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. Vu Ho 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.