We are happy to welcome Dr. Alexander Hnatov, also known as Dr. Alex, to the 21st Century Oncology team. He joins us as a Board Certified Radiation Oncologist and brings extensive history with him in radiation oncology. He is excited to be a part of this highly-regarded group of medical professionals and is looking forward to offering his patients state-of-the-art technology and expertise.
We caught up with Dr. Hnatov to find out more about his patient care.
“I believe that just like each individual is unique, each cancer is also unique. I would never treat a patient strictly by standard protocol or what’s mandated in a template because it’s not a one-size-fits-all process,” said Dr. Hnatov. “Cancer is a very delicate disease, as are the patients’ lives, and I always put them first and map out a tailored plan that’s the most optimal for their treatment and recovery. As with any disorder, the earlier it is diagnosed, the less invasive it is to treat, and there are usually better outcomes.”
Dr. Hnatov on the stigma associated with radiation therapy: “Technology has evolved drastically over the past 20 years,” he said. “Many people are misguided or have preconceived notions that radiation therapy is dangerous to their surrounding tissues, but that is incorrect. We utilize advanced equipment that provides the best treatment with minimal to no direct damage to anything other than the tumors we are treating.”
“At 21st Century Oncology, we use Vision RT, which tracks the patient’s movements,” explained Dr. Hnatov. “For example, with breast cancer, a patient is breathing during the procedure, so the Vision RT technology intricately tracks the breathes and measure those; it self-guides and directs us only to treat the parameters of the tumor. This is planned around the volume, and if the target moves out of that specific volume, it automatically doesn’t treat the area. It’s an amazing technology that not many other radiation centers offer.”
About Alex Hnatov, MD, FRCPC
Dr. Hnatov received his Bachelor of Science with great distinction at the University of Saskatchewan. He continued at the University of Saskatchewan, College of Medicine, where he received the Physician Distinction award. Dr. Hnatov successfully completed his radiation oncology residency at the University of Manitoba in Canada where he received his FRCPC certification. He has participated in many research projects and co- authored several publications. Dr. Hnatov has received multiple honors, awards and recognition. With 15 years of clinical experience treating adult solid malignancies, and over 10 years as a solo practitioner as well as 5 years as Medical Director, Dr. Hnatov takes an individualized approach to provide exceptional patient care while treating all cancer diagnosis’s, whether it be breast cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer or others. As a result of his compassion, Dr. Hnatov won The Patient Choice Award for The Best Radiation Oncologist 2018 in Natchitoches, LA.
Dr. Hnatov, is trilingual, speaking fluent Ukrainian, Russian and English. He considers himself a foodie and in his spare time enjoys home restoration & design projects, horticulture and being on the water or at the local sandy beaches.
Clinical Experience Radiation Oncology
Accreditations and Certificates
FRCPC – Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada in Radiation Oncology.
American Board of Radiology, Radiation Oncology.
Honors and Awards
Patient choice Best Radiation Oncologist 2018 in Natchitoches, LA
University of Saskatchewan Alumni Award for academic achievement (2000)
University of Saskatchewan Open A and B Bursaries (1998, 1999)
Victor and Letha Colleaux Bursary, recognition of academic achievement (1997)
DionysiScholdra Scholarship for a great academic achievement (1996)
Drs. Peter and Stephanie Potoski Bursary awarded to the top of the class entering student (1996)
21st Century Oncology is the premier provider of cancer care services across multiple modalities, the largest radiation oncology provider and has one of the largest groups of urologists in the U.S. For more than 30 years, 21st Century Oncology has been committed to providing state-of-the-art, academic quality radiation therapy and other cancer treatments in a patient-centric setting focused on continuous innovation.
Headquartered in Fort Myers, Florida, the physiciancentric company operates 165 treatment centers, including 129 centers located in 15 U.S. states. The Company also operates 36 centers located in eight countries in Latin America.
21st Century Oncology
Alexander Hnatov, M.D.
Board-Certified Radiation Oncologist
941-627-6465 | www.21co.com