Oncologist Near Me – Nagashree Seetharamu: A Journey of Healing, Mentorship, and Leadership

Welcome to OncoDaily‘s special section, “Oncologist Near Me,” where we introduce prominent oncologists worldwide.

Here, you can get to know the leading cancer specialists in your area, including personal and professional details you won’t find in their research articles.

Interested solely in research? We’ve got that covered, too! Discover top research articles by the author, learn about their academic achievements, awards, and honors, watch their interviews, and memorize some quotes for much-needed inspiration!

Nagashree Seetharamu, MD, MBBS

Dr. Nagashree Seetharamu is a medical oncologist specializing in head and neck, as well as thoracic oncology. She is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. She serves as the Director of Thoracic and Head and Neck Medical Oncology at Northwell Health, where she also holds several other key leadership roles. She is also a Board Member of OncoDaily, contributing her expertise to the broader oncology community.

Early Life and Path to Oncology

Dr. Nagashree Seetharamu’s path to medicine began with a deeply personal experience at the age of 14. As a first-generation physician, she was driven by a life-altering moment when she witnessed her grandmother suffer a stroke and felt powerless to help.

“That moment stayed with me. I knew then that I wanted to be in a position where I could help in situations like that.”

This realization led Dr. Seetharamu to pursue medicine, and she earned her degree from the Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences in Bellary, India, a highly competitive and merit-based institution. Initially, she was drawn to pediatrics, but during a rotation at the Kidwai Memorial Cancer Centre, her focus shifted. Spending time in both pediatric and adult oncology, she found a new calling.

“I realized I was emotionally too young for pediatric oncology, but I was deeply drawn to the field of hematology and oncology.”

Her journey then took her to the United States, where she worked in a nephrology transplant lab at Weill Cornell and completed her internal medicine residency at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. She later pursued a fellowship in hematology and oncology at NYU. By her second year of residency, her interest in thoracic and head and neck cancers solidified. “That passion only deepened during fellowship,” she reflects, “and I’ve never looked back since.”

Career

Dr. Nagashree Seetharamu is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and serves as the Director of Thoracic and Head and Neck Medical Oncology at Northwell Health, where she holds several key leadership roles.  Additionally, Dr. Seetharamu is the Associate Program Director of the Medical Oncology and Hematology Fellowship Program at Northwell Health Cancer Institute, where she plays an active role in the recruitment, education, and mentorship of future physicians.

Dr. Seetharamu is actively involved in shaping national cancer care as a member of several committees, including those for cancer prevention, healthcare disparities, and respiratory health within Alliance Oncology for Clinical Research. She is also a member of the publications and mentorship committees at the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) and part of the endocrine cancer committee of the American Head and Neck Society.

Dr. Seetharamu serves on the editorial board of OncoDaily. She is also deeply involved in educating future oncologists as the Associate Program Director for the Hematology and Oncology Fellowship Program at Northwell Health and a member of the ASCO Virtual Mentorship Committee.

One of the most pivotal moments in Dr. Seetharamu’s career came during her fellowship. She recalls meeting a patient diagnosed with brain metastases in the late 1980s, which was later confirmed as lung cancer. The patient underwent surgery and chemotherapy, initially remaining disease-free for nearly two decades.

However, when the cancer returned, it had spread systemically. Thanks to advances in molecular testing, the patient’s tumor was found to harbor an EGFR mutation, just as EGFR-targeted therapies were emerging. The patient enrolled in a clinical trial, and the results were extraordinary: the patient regained strength, returned to her daily routine, and even attended her daughter’s wedding and witnessed the birth of her grandchild.

“Her disease responded dramatically. This was a powerful reminder of how far science had come, from a time when we could barely identify the cancer’s origin to an era where targeted therapies could offer real hope.”

This experience reinforced Dr. Seetharamu’s unwavering belief in the importance of clinical trials, translational research, and the relentless pursuit of better, more personalized cancer treatments. It was a turning point that shaped her approach to oncology, driving her forward in the fight for better outcomes and patient care.

Research

Dr. Nagashree Seetharamu’s research focuses on cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and biomarker discovery, with a particular emphasis on lung and head/neck cancers. She is exploring predictive and prognostic biomarkers to help guide treatment decisions and improve patient outcomes. Dr. Seetharamu serves as the institutional principal investigator for more than 10 clinical trials. Additionally, her work in immunotherapy and precision medicine aims to develop more targeted and effective cancer treatments based on genetic and molecular profiling. Dr. Seetharamu is the Editor-in-Chief of the AME Case Reports Journal.

Selected Publications

• Runcie K, Budman DR, John V, Seetharamu N. Bi-specific and tri-specific antibodies- the next big thing in solid tumor therapeutics. Mol Med. 2018 Sep 24;24(1):50. doi: 10.1186/s10020-018-0051-4. PMID: 30249178; PMCID: PMC6154901.
• Seetharamu N, Ott PA, Pavlick AC. Mucosal melanomas: a case-based review of the literature. Oncologist. 2010;15(7):772-81. doi: 10.1634/theoncologist.2010-0067. Epub 2010 Jun 22. PMID: 20571149; PMCID: PMC3228004.
• Seetharamu N, Iqbal U, Weiner JS. Determinants of trust in the patient-oncologist relationship. Palliat Support Care. 2007 Dec;5(4):405-9. doi: 10.1017/s1478951507000600. PMID: 18044418.
• McGovern K, Ghaly M, Esposito M, Barnaby K, Seetharamu N. Radiation recall pneumonitis in the setting of immunotherapy and radiation: a focused review. Future Sci OA. 2019 Apr 10;5(5):FSO378. doi: 10.2144/fsoa-2018-0123. PMID: 31245041; PMCID: PMC6554692.
• Lee CS, Milone M, Seetharamu N. Osimertinib in EGFR-Mutated Lung Cancer: A Review of the Existing and Emerging Clinical Data. Onco Targets Ther. 2021 Aug 26;14:4579-4597. doi: 10.2147/OTT.S227032. PMID: 34471361; PMCID: PMC8405228.

Interviews with Nagashree Seetharamu

OncoInfluencers: Dialogue with Nagashree Seetharamu, hosted by Gevorg Tamamyan – OncoDaily

Dr. Nagashree Seetharamu – Northwell Health

HCP Roundtable: Overcoming Practice Barriers to Enhance Small Cell Lung Cancer Care –
Patient Empowerment Network

Doctors Get Cancer, Too: When I found myself on the other side of the consultation table – The Well by Northwell

Behind the White Coat

Dr. Nagashree Seetharamu’s personal experience with cancer deeply impacted her both as a physician and as a patient. After being diagnosed with breast cancer several years into her oncology career, Dr. Seetharamu found herself navigating the uncertainties she had previously witnessed in her patients. The emotional and physical challenges of her journey, including chemotherapy and the loss of her hair, gave her a new perspective on the patient experience.

“It was a very unique education and I’m a better doctor and a better person for it.”

Read the full story here: Doctors Get Cancer Too/The Well by Northwell

When Dr. Nagashree Seetharamu isn’t working, she finds peace and inspiration in art. While she doesn’t consider herself an artist, she’s drawn to the colors and creativity that art brings. Her office is filled with artwork, each piece offering a sense of calm and helping her express emotions that can be hard to put into words.

“Engaging in creative outlets, spending time with family, and nurturing personal passions helps me stay centered. That balance is what allows me to show up fully for my patients, my team, and myself.”

Gardening is another of her passions. She helps maintain a community garden, finding it incredibly grounding to work with soil and watch things grow. It’s a reminder of patience and the beauty of renewal. Dr. Seetharamu also enjoys spending time with her children and getting involved in their activities, which brings joy and balance to her life. She believes that creativity isn’t just for personal outlets but also plays a role in leadership.

“Deeply rooted in our soil and close to our hearts, the white ribbons symbolize our passion and resolve to spread lung cancer awareness and march towards curing lung cancer.” – Nagashree Seetharamu/X

In addition to her hobbies, Dr. Seetharamu loves reading and watching movies. She recommended a few of her favorites:

Books:

• The Emperor of All Maladies by Siddhartha Mukherjee – A beautifully written “biography” of cancer that blends history, science, and personal narrative. It deepened my appreciation for oncology and the long, complex journey of cancer treatment.
• When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi – A profoundly moving memoir by a neurosurgeon facing terminal cancer, it’s a reflection on life, purpose, and what it means to be both a doctor and a patient.
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen – A childhood favorite that still holds a special place in my heart. It’s a reminder of the power of wit, character, and emotional intelligence

Movies:

Awakenings by Penny Marshall

The Theory of Everything by James Marsh

The Midnight Sky by George Clooney

In her Words

When asked what advice she would give to someone starting their journey in oncology, Dr. Seetharamu emphasizes the power of curiosity and collaboration:

“Pursue your dreams with confidence, and never be afraid to ask questions. Curiosity is one of your greatest assets in this field. Use every tool at your disposal, including social media, to connect with others, seek guidance, and stay informed. Don’t hesitate to think outside the box or collaborate beyond the four walls of your institution. Some of the most meaningful progress in oncology comes from interdisciplinary and cross-institutional partnerships.”

She also stresses the importance of mentorship, both in finding it and paying it forward:

“Find mentors who resonate with your values and goals, and as you grow, make it a point to mentor others. Sharing knowledge and lifting others up is one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.”

In 2022, Dr. Seetharamu was honored with the “Mentor of the Year” award by Northwell Health, recognizing her dedication to guiding and inspiring the next generation of oncologists.

As for what keeps her motivated every day, Dr. Seetharamu draws energy from both the intellectual stimulation and the human connections in oncology:

“The science is dynamic, and there’s always something new to learn, whether it’s a breakthrough in targeted therapy, a novel biomarker, or a fresh perspective on patient care. That intellectual stimulation is incredibly energizing. But beyond the science, it’s the human connection that truly fuels my passion. The joy I see on a patient’s face,or in their family’s eyes,when treatment works, when hope is restored, or when they get to celebrate a milestone they feared they might miss, is indescribable.”

How to contact her?

Email: [email protected]
Location:  500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY 11549, United States

Read the previous articles in the “Oncologist Near Me” series to explore insights into the lives and careers of leading oncologists worldwide.

We’ve curated the internet to find the most important information about them. If you have more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us at [email protected]

Written by Vahe Grigoryan