Dr Gennaro

Heather Zinkin, MD, joined Northwell Health in 2013 as a radiation oncologist, and has been in practice for nearly 20 years. She’s also an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and chief of radiation medicine at Huntington Hospital. Her path toward medicine began early, with a deep interest in science and math, as well as a passion for solving puzzles. She earned her medical degree from the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, followed by a medicine internship at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and radiation oncology residency at Tufts-New England Medical Center/Brown University. “My favorite aspect of my job is interacting with patients and helping them understand their diagnosis and optimal therapy, as well as alleviating their anxiety,” she says. “They have taught me to be a better listener and the importance of focusing on the whole person.” This approach prompted Dr. Zinkin to become involved with the Northwell Wellness Center, which offers a breadth of resources, including nutrition, acupuncture, support groups, yoga, Tai Chi and support from holistic nurses. She regularly offers lectures and free educational sessions for cancer patients and survivors on topics that include various care options, as well as nutrition and stress reduction. “Services like these enhance the entire patient experience,” she says. “Incorporating this lifestyle medication empowers patients to improve their outcomes and quality of life.” Her enthusiasm for more well-rounded cancer strategies led Dr. Zinkin to earn a certification in nutrition from Cornell University to offer insight and recommendations for oncology-focused nutrition. She’s also certified to prescribe medical marijuana, which can be very helpful in managing treatment related symptoms including pain and nausea, she says. Northwell has a cannabis working group and a clinical study on the use of medical cannabis for complementary oncology care. Dr. Zinkin enrolls patients in clinical trials and refers them for integrative services, including Reiki therapy and reflexology. “It’s not enough for cancer patients to just get through treatment; they deserve to thrive and have the best quality of life possible,” she says. “By focusing on that, we can give them the support and resources they need while also delivering meaningful care.”