David Iglesias, M.D., serves as the chief of the division of gynecologic oncology at UF Health and the Nell Bryant Kibler Professor in Ovarian Cancer Research. He is passionate about forming strong relationships with his patients and their families, as well as pursuing research in clinical trial development and implementation.
A proud gator, he attended UF for his undergraduate studies, medical school and residency in obstetrics and gynecology. After residency, he completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas, where he also earned a Master of Science in biomedical sciences. Prior to UF Health, he was an associate professor of gynecologic oncology at Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. He is board certified in both obstetrics and gynecology and gynecologic oncology. He is also an active member of the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists, the Mid-Atlantic Gynecologic Oncology Society and the Felix Rutledge Society.
Q: Why did you choose to pursue a career in medicine?
A: I have always been attracted to science and the opportunity to apply science in a tangible way to help other people. I can honestly say I have never really considered another profession. I volunteered in nursing facilities and other service organization while attending a health care-related magnet program in high school. The relationships I developed with patients and their families during this time and the way health care providers modeled compassionate care really solidified my interest. Even as a young volunteer, I could see how various members of a health care team, from physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and other allied health professionals, worked together with patients and their families to provide personalized care, and I wanted to be a part of this.
Q: Why did you decide to focus on cancer?
A: As I entered medical school, I really was not entirely sure which direction I was going to go with my career. I had a vague interest in cancer care in that I understood this challenging disease affected many individuals and required a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Similar to my interest in medicine in general, I was interested in the science and what seemed to be the rapid advances in cancer care options and how these could be offered to patients in a personalized way.
In my clinical years of medical school, I sought out rotations that would expose me to cancer care. I rotated on pediatric oncology, hematology/oncology, surgical oncology and gynecologic oncology. I absolutely fell in love with gynecologic oncology, as it combined the surgical treatment of cancer with chemotherapy and coordination of radiation treatment. I had superb mentors who modeled performing highly complex surgical procedures, had an understanding of chemotherapeutic and other targeted therapy options, considered palliative and supportive care approaches, and were able to develop strong and lasting relationships with their families during a vulnerable time.
Q: What are your current research interests?
A: My current focus is on clinical trial development and implementation. Over the last 20 to 25 years, the field of gynecologic oncology has evolved rapidly. Surgically, we have gone from large, potentially morbid procedures to an increasing percentage of surgeries being performed minimally invasively. While there will likely always be a role for complex abdominal and pelvic surgery through a traditional laparotomy incision for some cancers, we are seeing more procedures being completed through smaller incisions and patients recovering faster, going home sooner and having fewer complications and delays in treatment.
Similarly, as we have gained a better understanding of genetic and molecular characteristics of tumors and what drives tumor growth in some patients, novel therapies targeting specific mutations and/or molecular pathways have opened up a new era of more personalized cancer care. All of these advances come from the development and implementation of well-designed and thoughtful clinical trials based on compelling preclinical data and the willingness of patients and their caregivers to participate. Earlier in my career, I focused on the basic and translational sciences to identify and exploit some of the molecular pathways causing cancer. Now my current focus is bringing some of these advances to the bedside by working with colleagues at University of Florida and internationally on clinical trials.
“All of these advances come from the development and implementation of well-designed and thoughtful clinical trials based on compelling preclinical data and the willingness of patients and their caregivers to participate.”
David Iglesias, M.D.
Q: What makes you most passionate about your work?
A: Hands down, I am most passionate about developing relationships with my patients and helping them and their families through often very difficult situations and decisions. This is something that definitely attracted me to a career in medicine and specifically oncology. I enjoy spending time and listening to my patients and I am fortunate to be a in a position that I can help them navigate treatment decisions.
“Hands down, I am most passionate about developing relationships with my patients and helping them and their families through often very difficult situations and decisions.”
David Iglesias, M.D.
Q: What do you hope to achieve with your work?
A: I hope to continue to bring awareness of gynecologic cancers, expand our knowledge of treatment of these malignancies, and provide patients with personalized cancer care, all directed toward helping patients achieve their care and life goals and what they value.
Q: What encouragement or advice do you have for students pursuing a future career in medicine?
A: We have the privilege of being present for others at often their greatest time of need and being a source of comfort, knowledge and hope. It is incredibly rewarding knowing you are making a difference in the lives of so many others. We often lose sight of this in our busy lives, but I encourage you to reflect on this often throughout your careers.
Also, make sure to take care of yourself. As you progress in your career, you will experience increasing demands on your time. Learn how to create balance in your life, cherish moments and be present with family and loved ones and find something (an activity or practice) or someone who allows you to decompress. Seek out supportive mentors that challenge you and, when you are ready, be a good mentor to others.