G. Varuni Kondagunta MD

Board Certified: Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology

Languages: English

General Info

Medical School/Degree: Cornell University Medical College

Hospital Affiliations: Garnet Health Medical Center – Catskills (CRMC), Montefiore St. Luke’s Cornwall, Garnet Health Medical Center (ORMC)

Prior Experience: Greater Dayton Cancer Center, Kettering, OH; Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY

Residency: Internal Medicine, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY

Internship: Internal Medicine, New York University Medical Center, New York, NY

Fellowship: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY

Undergraduate: Cornell University

Clinical Interests: Genitourinary Cancers, Breast Cancer

Year Joined: 2009

About Me

What made you want to become a health care provider or what is your earliest memory of wanting to be one?

My earliest memory of wanting to be a doctor was when I was in junior high school. My father had medical issues, and watching the doctors take care of him made me want to help people as well.

What do you love most about your specialty? / Why did you choose your specialty?

I chose oncology as a specialty as it allows me to take care of the whole patient. I also feel that it is a privilege to be part of a patient's care during what is likely the patient's most difficult time.

How do you connect with your patients?

I try to listen to patients to let them tell me who they are and what they need. My job is to individualize care specific to each patient's needs.

What are your interests outside of the office (hobbies, activities)?

I enjoy spending time with my family. They help to rejuvenate me and to help keep my focus.

What is your advice for your patients?

I advise patients to communicate with me so I can help them best. I also advise patients and families to advocate for themselves by letting me know what their needs are.