Physician Spotlight: Danielle Cerbón is at the Intersection of Innovation and Human Connection
Danielle Cerbón, MD, who has joined the University of Florida Department of Radiation Oncology as an assistant professor, strives to provide each patient with a tailored treatment approach that aligns with their goals and values.
At UF Health, Dr. Cerbón specializes in gynecologic and breast cancers.
Dr. Cerbón completed her medical degree at Universidad Anáhuac México Norte in Mexico City, earning a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery. She began her U.S. training with a preliminary year in general surgery at the University of Miami’s Jackson Memorial Hospital, then completed her residency in radiation oncology at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and Jackson Memorial Hospital.
Get to know her in our Q&A:
Q: How did you end up going into medicine, and why did you decide on your specialty in oncology?
A: I’ve been fascinated by science and medicine since I was young, and I’ve always been drawn to careers that blend problem-solving with helping others in a meaningful way. During medical school, I became particularly interested in oncology because it’s a field where you can form deep, long-term relationships with patients and have a tangible impact on both survival and quality of life. Radiation oncology appealed to me because it combines leading-edge technology, physics and biology with compassionate, personalized care. It allows me to be at the intersection of innovation and human connection.
Q: What are your research interests?
A: My research focuses on improving both outcomes and quality of life for cancer patients, particularly in underrepresented populations. So far, I have worked on projects investigating how radiation affects sexual health and the vaginal microbiome in cervical cancer patients, strategies to prevent lymphedema after breast cancer treatment, and the role of advanced technologies such as MRI-guided adaptive therapy in gynecologic cancers. I’ve also contributed to large projects examining breast and ovarian cancer among Afro-Caribbean women.
Q: What is one thing you would like patients to know about how you approach patient care?
A: I believe every patient deserves an individualized approach that addresses not only their medical needs but also their personal goals, values and concerns. I work to ensure that my patients feel informed, heard and supported at every stage of their treatment. My goal is to guide them through complex decisions with clarity and empathy so they can feel confident and empowered in their care.
Q: What is one thing in this field that gives you hope right now?
A: I’m inspired by how rapidly technology is advancing in radiation oncology. Innovations like MR-guided therapy, adaptive planning and increasingly precise targeting allow us to treat tumors more effectively while minimizing side effects. Equally exciting is the growing emphasis on survivorship and quality-of-life research, ensuring our patients not only live longer but also live well.
Q: What do you like to do outside of work?
A: I love traveling and immersing myself in different cultures, which has also fueled my passion for learning languages, including French and Italian. Outside of work, on a more daily basis, I enjoy delving into creative and cultural pursuits. I love cinema, fashion and interior design, and I find inspiration in reading fiction and writing poetry. Most importantly, I treasure spending time with my fiancé, my family and my friends. Those are the moments that keep me joyful and energized for my work in patient care.