Blei Francine, MD

Colette M. Spaccavento, MD, is a hematologist-medical oncologist at Lenox Hill Hospital. She treats blood cancers such as acute and chronic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma using the latest available drug regimens. She also manages benign hematologic conditions, including anemia and blood clotting disorders. Providing patients with compassionate, high-quality care is a priority for Dr. Spaccavento. “Most of my patients have serious conditions, so I take my time to explain their diagnosis and treatment options and to answer all of their questions,” she says. She also carefully listens to their concerns. “I think they know themselves and their bodies better than anybody else.” Dr. Spaccavento grew up working in her parent’s luncheonette, where she found she loved interacting with the public. She also had an enthusiasm for science at a young age. While in high school, she decided a career in medicine would be the perfect way to combine her passions. She earned her medical degree at the College of Medicine and Dentistry/Rutgers Medical School. She then received her internal medicine training at Lenox Hill, where she was chief resident. She went on to complete two fellowships there—one in hematology and the other in oncology. Today, Dr. Spaccavento routinely collaborates with a team of providers at Lenox Hill to provide evidence-based, personalized treatment plans. She works with hematopathologists, imaging specialists, other hematologist-oncologists, pain management specialists, nurses, and social workers to ensure patients and their families have the care and support they need throughout the treatment process. In addition to her work in the pratice, Dr. Spaccavento is program director for the hematology oncology fellowship and sits on the graduate medical education committee at Lenox Hill. She is also an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. “Teaching is a rewarding part of my job and training the next generation of physicians helps to elevate patient care,” she says. She is also a member of the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. For Dr. Spaccavento, one of the most fulfilling parts of her work is the relationship she develops with patients. “I treat every one of them like I would want one of my family members to be treated,” she says.

The 64th Street Outpatient Center provides a comfortable, supportive environment for people receiving cancer care. It houses two specialized practices: the Bendheim Integrative Medicine Center and the Male Sexual & Reproductive Medicine Program.