Physician Spotlight: Mina Shenouda Advances Personalized, Leading-Edge Approaches for GI Cancers

Mina Shenouda, MD, strives to provide personalized, exceptional care to patients with gastrointestinal cancers. He’s advancing treatment options in the field through clinical research, helping to bring innovative, personalized strategies from the laboratory to the clinic.

Dr. Shenouda completed his residency and hematology & oncology fellowship at Marshall University. He has joined the University of Florida College of Medicine as a clinical associate professor in the UF Division of Hematology & Oncology.

Get to know him in our physician spotlight:

Q: How did you end up going into medicine, and why did you decide on your specialty in gastrointestinal oncology?

A: My path to medicine began in high school, volunteering with medical convoys in underserved villages in Egypt. The very first patient I was assigned to support during our home visits was a young man battling early-onset colon cancer. Witnessing his resilience and realizing the profound impact that compassionate care had on his life left a permanent mark on me. Later, when my grandmother was diagnosed with advanced cancer, I realized I wanted to offer patients more than just emotional support. I wanted to provide them with the best fighting chance through advanced science.

I ultimately chose gastrointestinal oncology because these diseases profoundly impact the most fundamental aspects of daily life, including nourishment and quality of life. The field demands a rigorous combination of leading-edge science and strong patient advocacy. It brings me full circle to that very first patient.

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

A: My primary focus is expanding the clinical trial portfolio for lower gastrointestinal disease. I am particularly interested in personalized medicine and translational research. I am developing a trial using circulating tumor DNA to personalize cancer management through liquid biopsy technology, monitoring a patient’s tumor response in real time. This allows us to tailor and adapt their therapies precisely, moving away from a one-size-fits-all approach to maximize cure rates while minimizing unnecessary toxicity.

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

A: I want my patients to know that they are the most important members of our treatment team. I treat cancer using the most advanced science and clinical trials available, but I never lose sight of the person sitting across from me. We will navigate your care together, ensuring that your personal values, your goals and what matters most to you are the compass that guides every medical decision we make.

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

A: The rapid explosion of precision medicine and targeted therapies gives me immense hope. We are increasingly able to identify the specific genetic vulnerabilities of a patient’s tumor and match them with highly effective, targeted treatments or immunotherapies. Seeing patients achieve long-term, high-quality survival because we found the right molecular target for their specific cancer is incredibly inspiring. It’s exactly the type of leading-edge, research-driven care we are prioritizing at the UF Health Cancer Institute.

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

A: Outside of medicine, I find balance through a mix of staying active and quiet reflection. I enjoy getting outdoors to run or bike local trails, which is essential for clearing my head and staying energized. I also value quieter moments, whether that’s reading a good history book, practicing mindfulness or connecting with close friends and family.