Tafadzwa Lawrence Chaunzwa, MD

I have wanted to be a physician for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I witnessed the impact of disease in my community, which highlighted the need for compassionate and skilled medical care. I chose to specialize in oncology, specifically lung cancer, after a close family member’s diagnosis, which reinforced my commitment to serving others through medicine and advancing cancer care.

As I progressed through my education, I was eager to combine my passion for medicine with my natural aptitude for the physical and quantitative sciences. This drive to acquire and apply knowledge led me on an incredible journey to some of the world’s leading academic and research institutions, including Duke, Yale, Harvard, and now MSK. At MSK, I feel privileged to play a pivotal role in a multidisciplinary team, delivering the latest treatments to people with cancer.

When patients come to me for treatment, they can expect someone who will partner with them in their cancer care journey and prioritize their well-being and quality of life. I approach each patient with compassion, knowing that every journey through cancer is deeply personal. I am committed to listening to my patients and understanding their unique stories, concerns, and goals. I believe that effective cancer care is built on shared decision-making, empowering patients and their loved ones to actively participate in their care decisions and treatment journey. I aim to provide the most effective and personalized care possible by combining the latest technology with an evidence-based and tailored approach.

I am actively involved in research as a physician-scientist specializing in computational oncology. My research uses artificial intelligence and advanced modeling techniques to analyze data from diverse sources such as imaging, pathology, genomics, and clinical data. My goal is to use these analyses to uncover new insights into how cancers originate and progress and develop more precise, personalized treatment strategies. This has the potential to transform how we diagnose, monitor, and treat cancer, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Outside of work, I like to stay active and engaged with the world around me. I enjoy playing basketball and keeping up with international soccer. I also love traveling, which allows me to explore diverse cultures, cuisines, and architectures and immerse myself in the rich history of different destinations. I find joy in capturing these experiences through photography, preserving the unique moments and stories that each place has to offer. These interests keep me grounded and continually inspired, both personally and professionally.