Dr. Mary Li of Florida Cancer Specialists

On March 20, we are joined by Dr. Mary Li of Florida Cancer Specialists. March focuses on several cancer awareness topics and we are going to discuss two of them: colorectal cancer and multiple myeloma. Dr. Li will focus on symptoms, risk factors, treatment options and the importance of screening.

At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, elective medical procedures, including cancer screenings, were largely put on hold to prioritize urgent needs and reduce the risk of the spread of COVID-19 in healthcare settings. One consequence of this has been a substantial decline in cancer screening.  Some experts are predicting a rise in late cancer diagnosis, due to the delay in screenings.

• We’ll talk about what screenings are recommended …
• How to decide if you should go for a screening …
• Are there some screenings that are more important than others?
• And, what about treatment?  If you are screened and then diagnosed with cancer, what is next?

Dr. Mary Li has been caring for cancer patients in Hernando County for more than 11 years. The author of numerous publications in neuropharmacology, Dr. Li continues her interest in DNA adducts and carcinogens. She maintains a keen focus on cutting edge cancer treatments and remains steadfastly involved in clinical research as an asset to her practice of oncology and hematology.

After acquiring her PhD in pharmacology, Dr. Li completed the internship and residency program in internal medicine at the University of Louisville, where she served as Chief Resident. During her training, Dr. Li published many research papers, case studies, and abstracts, for which she received numerous awards. She was chosen to represent her training program and present one of her research publications at the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s annual meeting in 2001. In addition to her research achievements, she received clinical awards as Best Resident and Chief Resident in Internal Medicine, and Chief Fellow in Medical Oncology.

After fellowship, in 2002, Dr. Li moved to Florida and served as a medical oncologist and hematologist at New Hope Cancer Centers. Since 2011, she has served Hernando County as a clinician at Florida Cancer Specialists. Often described as outgoing and always positive about life, Dr. Li is devoted to her work as an oncologist, to patient care and to her family.

Dr. Li was ranked as American’s Top Oncologist in 2010 by Consumers’ Research Council of America, and was nominated by her patients as a candidate for Woman of the Year for Lymphoma & Leukemia Society in 2013. She is an active supporter and advocate of many cancer organizations, and continues to donate her time and efforts on behalf of Charity Organizations such as the American Cancer Society. In her spare time, she enjoys various outdoor activities and spending time with her family.