Physician Spotlight: Lakshmi Balasubramanian Translates New Therapies Into Improvements for Patients

Lakshmi Balasubramanian, MD, or “Dr. Bala,” was drawn to gastrointestinal oncology because of the opportunity to work with experts across different specialties and help translate emerging therapies into meaningful improvements for patients.

Dr. Bala earned her medical degree in India before completing her internal medicine residency at the University of Florida College of Medicine, where she also earned a Master of Science in the UF Department of Molecular Genetics and Microbiology. She went on to complete a fellowship in hematology & oncology at Northwestern University.

After several years in private practice, Dr. Bala has returned to the UF College of Medicine as a clinical associate professor in the UF Division of Hematology & Oncology, where she focuses on patients with gastrointestinal cancers.

Get to know her in our physician spotlight:

Q: How did you end up going into medicine?

A: My interest in medicine began early in childhood. My father was a professor of veterinary medicine engaged in animal husbandry, including teaching and research. One of his close friends was a family physician who made house calls. I often had the opportunity to visit their workplaces and observe the care they provided to both animals and people, which left a lasting impression on me.

Having been born in Africa, I also grew up with a melting pot of physicians from various nations. My dad was a storyteller and often talked about physicians from many countries who lived and worked in Zambia. Some had cared for my parents during my birth and helped treat illnesses common in the region, including malaria and other tropical diseases. Witnessing this spirit of service and commitment to healing inspired my early aspiration to pursue a career in medicine.

Q: Why did you decide on your specialty in GI oncology?

A: As cancer therapeutics have rapidly evolved and grown more complex, I felt a strong desire to develop deeper expertise in a focused area. At the same time, it became increasingly clear in clinical practice that gastrointestinal cancers are affecting younger populations with growing frequency, underscoring the urgency of advancing care in this field.

The field has also seen significant progress in precision medicine and organ-directed regional therapies that more effectively target disease sites. The opportunity to work within teams spanning multiple disciplines and to help translate emerging therapies into meaningful improvements for patients made gastrointestinal oncology a natural focus for my work. After several years practicing general hematology and oncology in the community setting, a few years ago, it felt like a natural choice to transition to academic gastrointestinal oncology.

Q: What are your research interests, and do you have any current research projects?

A: My research interests are threefold. First, I focus on regional therapies targeting cancers involving the liver and peritoneum. I work closely with surgical oncology colleagues to advance multidisciplinary approaches that integrate systemic therapy with organ-directed treatments to improve outcomes for patients with gastrointestinal diseases.

Second, building on my background in bench and translational research, I am interested in the development and clinical integration of emerging drug therapies. Third, I am engaged in quality improvement efforts aimed at strengthening health care delivery and promoting more resilient and sustainable cancer care systems.

Q: What is one thing you would like patients to know about how you approach patient care?

A: My goal is to ensure that all my patients have access to the highest quality care available, including emerging therapies and innovative treatment approaches. This involves guiding patients and their families through complex decisions with compassion and clarity. Meanwhile, I offer the most up-to-date treatment options and clinical opportunities when appropriate.

Above all, I strive to ensure that care aligns with each patient’s values and priorities, so that they feel supported, informed and empowered throughout their journey.

Q: What is one thing in the field of GI oncology that gives you hope right now?

A: One of the most encouraging developments in GI oncology is the growing collaboration across disciplines worldwide. Researchers, medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists, patient advocates and many other supportive specialties are increasingly working together — from bench to bedside — in multidisciplinary teams. This collaborative approach is accelerating innovation and helping improve the quality and effectiveness of care we can deliver to patients.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work?

A: Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and our dogs. I also enjoy reading, gardening, cooking, exercising, yoga and volunteering with several nonprofit organizations. I am happiest outdoors. Time permitting, I like to travel, hike, fly-fish and explore new places, often from our Airstream trailer.