New Physician To Join Community in July

Uvalde Memorial Hospital (UMH) is pleased to announce Vinu Madhu, M.D. will be joining the medical staff team and the Uvalde community in July 2020. Dr. Madhu will practice hematology and medical oncology (chemotherapy) for Uvalde Memorial Hospital at Kate Marmion Regional Cancer Medical Center in suite 200.

Following Texas Oncology’s decision to cease services in Uvalde in November 2019, UMH set out to find a solution for quality hematology and medical oncology provided locally for the service region.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Madhu joining our community, medical staff, and UMH team. We know there’s been a huge void for cancer care over the last 6 months and we are excited to have found a solution that will provide the very best oncology and hematology services to our region,” stated Tom Nordwick, UMH CEO.

Dr. Madhu graduated from the University Of Kerala in India with his medical degree in 2004 and received his Master of Science in Molecular Biology from West Virginia University in 2007. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Louisiana State University in Shreveport.

Dr. Madhu went on to complete a fellowship in hospice and palliative care medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, a fellowship in investigational cancer therapeutics at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, and a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio.

With board certifications in medical oncology, hematology, hospice and palliative care, and internal medicine, Dr. Madhu currently serves as an assistant professor of medicine in the division of hematology and oncology at Mays Cancer Center at UT Health San Antonio.

“I’ve very much enjoyed my time at UT MD Anderson San Antonio, but I’ve missed doing a little bit of everything in hematology and oncology, like I was doing in rural West Virginia,” stated Madhu regarding his move to Uvalde.

While at UT MD Anderson San Antonio, Dr. Madhu has taken care of many patients from Uvalde and nearby areas who shared with him they were forced to drive up to 2 hours for cancer care.

“It felt like an unreasonable burden for those who deserve quality care in their town, where they have their family, friends, and a support system,” Dr. Madhu said.

“I’ve missed being in a close-knit community with a smaller population; a setting where your colleagues become your friends. A community where doctors get to know their patients, families, and friends. I’m looking forward to having that again,” shared Dr. Madhu.

Dr. Madhu brings with him his wife, Sandhya, and their two daughters, ages 9 and 2. The couple says the wide-open spaces of the Uvalde area is an ideal setting for raising their children. Fresh, clean air, access to local fresh produce, and virtually no commute are all things they are looking forward to.

“My older daughter is a nature lover who can’t wait to explore the outdoors. We’re looking forward to hiking and seeing Garner State Park. Our 2-year-old is a bundle of energy who will definitely enjoy a home with a big backyard and playset,” Dr. Madhu said.

Dr. Madhu will begin seeing patients August 3. New patient applications can be submitted to UMH Hematology and Medical Oncology located at 1195 Garner Field Road, Building A, Suite 200 beginning July 6. For additional information on becoming a patient, please contact the office, beginning July 6, at 830-407-8415.