Oncologist Near Me – Douglas Flora: Pioneering AI Integration in Cancer Care

Welcome to OncoDaily‘s special section “Oncologist Near Me” where we introduce prominent oncologists from around the world.

Here, you can get to know the leading cancer specialists in your area, including both personal and professional details that 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!

Douglas Flora, MD, LSSBB, FACC

Dr. Douglas Flora is a world-renowned medical oncologist and the Executive Medical Director of Oncology Services at The Yung Family Cancer Center at St. Elizabeth Healthcare. He holds The Robert and Dell Ann Sathe Endowed Chair in Oncology and serves as Editor-in-Chief of AI in Precision Oncology, the first peer-reviewed journal dedicated to AI in cancer care. Additionally, he is the co-founder of Tensor Black, a consulting firm that assists healthcare systems in integrating AI into oncology workflows.

Early Life and Education

Dr. Douglas Flora was born and raised in Cincinnati. He earned his bachelor’s degree from Miami University before going on to graduate from The Ohio State University College of Medicine in 1999.

His passion for medicine started early, driven by a love of science and a deep desire to help others. But it was his personal experience with cancer that truly shaped his career. His mother’s battle with breast cancer—and her passing—left a lasting impact, fueling his lifelong commitment to oncology.

At first, he tried to avoid specializing in cancer care, worried it would hit too close to home. However, during a medical school rotation in oncology, everything changed. He knew he had found his calling. Coincidentally, his brother took the same path and now works alongside him as an MD/PharmD oncologist at St. Elizabeth Healthcare.

Years later, Dr. Flora faced his cancer diagnosis, an experience that gave him a new perspective on what it means to be a patient. That challenge only strengthened his resolve to improve oncology care, ensuring that no one feels alone in their fight. With more than two decades in the field, his mission remains the same: to give every patient the best possible care and push the boundaries of what’s possible in cancer treatment.

Douglas B. Flora at the age of 17. Photo credit: Douglas Flora/LinkedIn

Career

Dr. Douglas Flora serves as the Executive Medical Director of Oncology Services at The Yung Family Cancer Center at St. Elizabeth Healthcare and holds The Robert and Dell Ann Sathe Endowed Chair in Oncology. Since taking on this role in 2017, he has helped shape cancer care across Kentucky, Indiana, and Ohio, leading efforts to expand oncology services, recruit top specialists, and integrate cutting-edge technologies into patient care.

In a conversation with OncoDaily Dr. Flora shared:

“With over twenty years in practice, I am more motivated than ever. We are seeing great strides today, given a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of cancers and defining real targets. The advances in personalized approaches to care and the giant leaps in outcomes we’re seeing with immunotherapies have me more excited than ever. There simply has never been a better day in human history to deliver or receive care for cancer.”

Beyond clinical leadership, Dr. Flora is the President-Elect of the Association of Cancer Care Centers (ACCC) and Vice-Chair of the American Cancer Society Regional Board. He is also the Editor-in-Chief of AI in Precision Oncology, the first peer-reviewed journal dedicated to artificial intelligence in cancer care. As a co-founder of Tensor Black, he helps healthcare systems integrate AI into oncology workflows, bridging cutting-edge technology with real-world clinical applications.

Photo credit: Douglas Flora/LinkedIn

“I am passionate about elevating care quality by integrating AI-driven innovations, ensuring equitable access to advanced treatments, and fostering a more human-centered approach to medicine,” he said. This mission extends beyond his institution—through his leadership with ACCC and the American Cancer Society, he actively works on shaping national policies to improve access to cancer care.

Now in the second half of his career, Dr. Flora is focused on advocacy, leadership, and innovation.

“I’m empowered by working at the national level, especially in this stage of my career—I see so much we can still do better.”

His work at the intersection of medicine, policy, and technology is redefining oncology, ensuring that the future of cancer care is not only more advanced but also more compassionate and accessible to all.

Honors and Awards

• “Top Doctors”- Cincinnati Magazine – (2005-present)
• American Cancer Society Person of the Year, Kentucky (2013)
• Cancer Family Care Unsung Hero (2015)
• Cincinnati Business Courier Health Care Hero Award (2021)

Interviews and Lectures with Douglas Flora

OncoInfluencers: Dialogue with Douglas Flora, hosted by Gevorg Tamamyan – OncoDaily

Meet Dr. Doug Flora: Oncologist at St. Elizabeth – St. Elizabeth Healthcare

From Access to AI: Cancer in America with Dr. Douglas Flora – Precision Medicine Podcast

Where is AI Going in Oncology? – Douglas Flora, MD – Total Health | Oncology

AI Will Allow Doctors to Reclaim Time With Patients – ASCO Daily News

Dr Doug Flora of St Elizabeth Healthcare On The 5 Things Everyone Needs To Know About Cancer – Medium

The Art of Precision and Intelligence: An Interview with Doug Flora – Inside Precision Medicine

Beyond the white coat

For Dr. Douglas Flora, being an oncologist isn’t just a job—it’s a calling. “I love my work and consider it a real privilege,” he says. Now that his kids are grown, he has more time to dedicate to his passion, both in and out of the clinic. “I read every day, and I truly value what it brings to my life, both personally and professionally.”

The family remains at the heart of everything he does. He cherishes time with his three adult children and his college sweetheart, Andrea. He also has a dog named Penny. While Cincinnati is home, he’s just as likely to be in Columbus, cheering on the Buckeyes, or in a European café, enjoying a cold beer with a thick book in hand.

Douglas Flora with his family. Photo credit: Douglas Flora/LinkedIn

When it comes to movies, Dr. Flora ranks The Shawshank Redemption and Saving Private Ryan as his all-time favorites. He’s also a big fan of Christopher Nolan’s work, favoring Dunkirk, Tenet, Interstellar, and The Prestige over The Dark Knight.

Books are even harder to choose. In fiction, Ender’s Game, The Emperor of All Maladies, and The Sword of Kaige top his list. But when it comes to nonfiction, Good to Great by Jim Collins stands alone. “I’ve revisited it several times a year since it was published,” he shares. “That’s by far the most impactful book for me. My teams are very tired of hearing Jim Collins quotes at the office!”

Dr. Flora is also an author. He is currently writing Ctrl+Alt+Cure: Rebooting Cancer Care, a book that explores the future of cancer treatment and the role of AI in transforming patient care. You can read his book here.

Whether he’s mentoring the next generation of oncologists, shaping national cancer policy, watching a great film, or getting lost in a book, Dr. Flora approaches life with the same passion and curiosity that define his career.

Quotes from Douglas Flora

When asked what advice he would give to someone just starting their journey in oncology, Dr. Flora offered a heartfelt response:

“Always remember why you chose oncology (or why it chose you). It is about the patients. They are terrified and desperate, and need us to help them carry these heavy burdens with them. The root word of Oncology, ‘Oncos,’ is translated from Ancient Greek for ‘burden’—and it’s our job to help them carry this heavy weight. Remember that no matter how stressed, tired, or late you are, your worst day is still better than your best. We need to be willing to go into the depths of their caves with them and to bring honesty, trust, and light into their darkness. If you keep this in mind every day, and the patient remains your North Star, you will do great things.”

On a lighter note, he added, “Pay better attention to Immunology in your second year of medical school. I sure wish I had!”

His advice reflects the core of his practice—compassion, empathy, and an unwavering commitment to patients. Keeping the patient at the center of everything is not just a guideline but a philosophy that has shaped his entire career.

How to contact him?

Email:  [email protected]
Location: 1 Medical Village Drive, Edgewood, KY, 41017, US

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