Our Oncology Team

Founding Radiation Oncology Physician Partner

Michael Gauwitz is a founding radiation oncology physician partner at Premier Cancer Center, renowned for his exceptional patient care and commitment to the field of oncology. He graduated with highest honors from the University of Notre Dame and earned his medical degree from the renowned University of Chicago. He further honed his expertise by completing his residency at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the premier cancer centers in the world.

For Dr. Gauwitz, the decision to enter the field of radiation oncology was a heartfelt calling. During his medical school rotations through various specialties, he discovered his true passion while working with cancer patients. The strength and courage he witnessed in these patients profoundly impacted him, solidifying his commitment to oncology. He is passionate about guiding his patients through their treatment journeys, providing the support and encouragement they need during such a critical time.

To Dr. Gauwitz, providing superior patient care begins with a thorough and compassionate initial consultation with both the patient and their families. He understands the importance of addressing their worries and fears, often stemming from misconceptions about radiation therapy. During the first visit, Dr. Gauwitz ensures that his patients have a clear understanding of their treatment plan, whether it includes surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation alone. He approaches these consultations as if he were speaking to his own family, striving to make his patients feel comfortable and informed about their diagnosis and treatment plan.

Battling cancer is both a mental and physical challenge. Dr. Gauwitz recognizes that many patients view cancer as a life altering or terminal diagnosis, which is why he emphasizes the importance of a positive initial consultation where he can offer clarity, correct misunderstandings, and give assurance. By helping patients understand their cancer and the advances in treatment, he aims to improve their mental outlook. With over 70% of cancers now curable due to technological advancements, he finds great joy in educating his patients about these encouraging statistics. Dr. Gauwitz is highly regarded in the community for his unparalleled compassion and skill in treating patients battling cancer.

In his spare time, Dr. Gauwitz enjoys traveling and looks forward to exploring more destinations in the future. He loves outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and rafting, and has a particular passion for visiting the amazing National Parks across the USA.

Supervising Registered Nurse

La'Shon is an invaluable team member at Premier Cancer Center and is known as one of the most compassionate and dedicated nurses in the area. She earned her degree from Troy State University in Troy, AL. Over the years, she has been recognized for her commitment to patient care, receiving several nursing excellence awards while working at BayCare's Morton Plant Hospital. These honors reflect her dedication to providing the highest standard of care to every patient she encounters.

La'Shon's path to nursing was shaped by her family's encouragement and her own search for a meaningful career. Initially uncertain about her direction, she explored other fields but found her true calling in nursing after her parents helped guide her toward the profession. With her father's unwavering belief in her abilities, La'Shon discovered that nursing was where she belonged, and after just one semester, she knew it was her passion.

To La'Shon, excellent patient care means going above and beyond for her patients and their families. She believes in being devoted to her profession, providing personalized attention, and offering kindness, understanding, and support. She finds great fulfillment in helping patients and their loved ones navigate the complexities of cancer treatment, knowing that her efforts make a difference in their journey.

Outside of work, La'Shon enjoys attending church, spending quality time with her family and friends, and being an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She finds joy in giving back to her community through the sorority's service efforts and cherishes the bonds of sisterhood she shares. We are incredibly lucky and proud to have La'Shon on the team.

Medical Assistant

Karen is a dedicated and compassionate nurse who Premier Cancer Center is lucky to have. Karen comes to us with a rich and diverse background. Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Karen began her career in the financial district of Manhattan as an investment operations officer, auditing stock brokers. The events of 9/11 had a profound impact on her life, including seeing the effects on health of those around and close to her, which then inspired her to shift her career path from finance to healthcare. She relocated to Tampa, FL, and pursued a career in emergency medical services (EMS), becoming a certified paramedic.

Karen's journey into medicine eventually took her across the globe, where she participated in search and rescue operations in Saudi Arabia and transported trauma patients throughout the Middle East. She also worked in EMS and the emergency room for over a decade, including contracting with FEMA for critical search and rescue missions. Karen's passion for serving others deepened when a close family member faced metastatic cancer. This experience sparked a desire to move into oncology, where she could make a difference in the lives of those facing serious challenges that require the highest level of compassion.

Today, Karen is proud to be part of Premier Cancer Center's compassionate team. She sees her work as a calling, drawing on her experiences in EMS and her faith to support patients and their families through their cancer journeys. She finds great fulfillment in bringing hope and comfort to those in need, knowing firsthand how difficult the path can be for patients and their loved ones.

In her spare time, Karen enjoys spending quality time with family and friends, cooking and grilling, and staying active with her love for the outdoors. Whether it's diving, fishing, kayaking, or enjoying a good football or basketball game, Karen brings the same passion for life to her personal life as she does to her work. She is truly blessed to do what she loves and to walk alongside her patients every day, offering care, compassion, and unwavering support.

Registered Nurse

Lonnie is a dedicated and compassionate radiation oncology nurse at Premier Cancer Center. She brings over 30 years of experience and a deeply empathetic approach to patient care. She graduated with a BA in Psychology from American University and earned her AS as a Registered Nurse from St. Petersburg Junior College. Additionally, Lonnie holds the prestigious oncology certified nurse (OCN) credential, reflecting her expertise and commitment to oncology nursing.

Lonnie's journey into radiation oncology nursing began in 1990, when she initially knew little about the field she now loves today. However, she quickly discovered that it was the perfect fit for her. Over the past three decades, Lonnie has found her role in radiation oncology nursing to be profoundly gratifying both emotionally and spiritually. She views her profession as a calling and takes immense pride in the impact she has on her patients' lives. Lonnie additionally holds exceptional talent and skill in head and neck cancer and helps to lead our head and neck educational program in addition to her expertise in general oncology care.

To Lonnie, excellent patient care means being a strong advocate for her patients. She believes in empowering patients and their families through education, ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout their treatment journey. Lonnie is dedicated to having their back no matter what, fostering a sense of confidence and security in those she cares for.

Battling cancer is a daunting and frightening experience for patients, especially when they first arrive at the center. Lonnie takes great joy in being by her patients' side, educating them about radiation therapy, and alleviating their fears. Her goal is to build their confidence and provide unwavering support throughout their journey, making the treatment process as smooth and comforting as possible.

In her spare time, Lonnie enjoys live music, dancing, attending Broadway shows, walking, and spending quality time with her dogs. Her dedication to both her profession and personal life exemplifies her commitment to making a positive impact on those around her. Premier Cancer Center is grateful to have Lonnie Brauer as a cornerstone of our nursing team.

Chief Radiation Therapist

Sharon is the chief radiation therapist at Premier Cancer Center, bringing a wealth of expertise and a highly compassionate approach to patient care. She graduated with dual degrees, including an AS in Radiation Therapy and a BS in Health and Human Services from Hillsborough College. Sharon's journey into radiation therapy began early, right after high school, when a coworker introduced her to the field. She was drawn to the fast-paced environment and the opportunity for meaningful, long-lasting connections with patients. Unlike radiology, radiation therapy engenders time to meet, talk with, and know patients, allowing Sharon to get to connect with them personally as she sees them every day for treatment. This is the source of Sharon's motivation and joy.

To Sharon, excellent patient care means making each patient feel like a priority, as if each patient is the only person in the room. Most importantly, she ensures they feel seen and heard, fostering an environment where everyone is caring, competent, and dedicated to making this challenging life event as smooth, comfortable, and easy to go through as possible. Sharon understands that battling cancer can steal peace and energy, leaving patients anxious and scared. She takes pride in knowing that Premier Cancer Center provides a calm and supportive atmosphere from the moment patients walk through the door, and she takes pride in creating and contributing to that feeling. What keeps Sharon at Premier Cancer Center is the fact that she believes the physicians are exceptional in their field, and that the entire staff operates like a close-knit family, creating an extremely comforting environment that patients can feel during their visits.

In her spare time, Sharon enjoys hiking in the mountains, kayaking in the springs, and spending quality time with her husband and daughters. She believes her dedication to both her profession and her personal life exemplifies her commitment to making a positive impact on those around her. Premier Cancer Center couldn't be more grateful to have Sharon as chief radiation therapist.

Staff Radiation Therapist

Lexi is a highly empathetic and dedicated staff radiation therapist at Premier Cancer Center, committed to providing exceptional care and compassion to her patients. She graduated from Virginia Western and chose her profession after witnessing the profound impact numerous healthcare teams had on her grandparents, who both battled rare cancers. Inspired by the positivity and support she saw her grandparents receive and go through, Lexi became motivated to join the oncology field, where she could offer similar compassion and care to other cancer patients and their families, allowing her to give back in a fulfilling way.

For Lexi, providing excellent patient care means ensuring that each patient's wants and needs are met with empathy and understanding. She believes in the importance of a good bedside manner and strives to make each patient feel cared for and supported throughout their treatment journey, no matter what they're facing. Lexi understands that battling cancer places patients in a vulnerable state, relying on their healthcare team for promising care and emotional support. It is her mission to be a beacon of light for her patients during their most challenging days, and she takes pride in bringing a smile to the faces of all those she sees during daily treatments.

In her free time, Lexi enjoys staying active, spending time at the beach, cooking, and enjoying the company of her fiancé and dogs. She loves trying new restaurants with her friends and traveling to explore new places and cultures. Lexi's dedication to both her profession and personal life reflects her commitment to making a positive impact on those around her and at Premier Cancer Center.

Staff Radiation Therapist

Rick is a dedicated and compassionate staff radiation therapist at Premier Cancer Center. He graduated from Hillsborough College, where he honed his skills and developed a strong foundation in radiation therapy. Rick's commitment to his profession stems from a deep-seated calling to help others during one of the most challenging times in their lives. His approach to patient care is grounded in creating an excellent first impression and maintaining open communication, from the initial consult through the final day of treatment. He ensures that each patient feels well-informed and comfortable voicing any questions or concerns they may have. He knows that going through cancer can be scary and intimidating and that communication with his patients is a key to providing confidence, comfort, and a person to lean on. He takes great pride in ensuring all patients are heard.

Rick also understands that battling cancer involves navigating numerous unknowns and making significant commitments, particularly when undergoing high-dose radiation therapy, which can sometimes last 6 – 8 weeks. His meticulous attention to detail ensures that each treatment delivery is tailored to the unique needs of his patients. Rick takes great joy in seeing his patients return healthy and happy after completing their treatments, which keeps him fulfilled. This joy fuels his dedication to patient care and reinforces the importance of his work. In his spare time, Rick enjoys spending time outdoors and fishing, activities that allow him to recharge and stay connected with nature. He is also a proud 'Pop-Pop' to his grandson. Rick's personal and professional dedication make him an invaluable member of our team, continuously striving to provide the highest level of care to each patient he encounters.

Chief Physicist

Dr. Jay Shah serves as the president and chief medical physicist of Dynamic Medical Physics Inc. and the chief physicist at Premier Cancer Center. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Radiology (ABR) with board certification in therapeutic medical physics and is licensed to practice therapeutic radiological physics for cancer treatment. Jay is an active member of both the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM) and the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). He earned his undergraduate degree in biomedical engineering with honors from the esteemed Drexel University, his graduate degree in medical physics from the highly renowned Columbia University in New York, and another graduate degree in health sciences from the prestigious George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C. His doctoral degree focused on clinical leadership and the application of scientific knowledge to real-life cancer treatment challenges, for which he received a merit-based scholarship and graduated valedictorian.

Jay is particularly proud of being a two-time "40 Under 40" award recipient. He is recognized for his leadership and community impact by the Tampa Bay Business Journal and Drexel University, with a focus on service and giving.

Jay's journey into the field of radiation oncology began with his work at the FDA as a biomedical engineer, where he reviewed medical devices for healthcare applications. Although excelling in engineering and physics, he felt a strong pull toward being more directly involved in medicine and patient care. The diagnosis of pediatric brain cancer in a family member profoundly impacted him, inspiring a shift in his career towards medical physics. This allowed Jay to combine his technical expertise with direct clinical application, aiming to make a significant difference in patients' lives. For Jay, being compassionate and treating patients is personal, and he strives to care for every person as if they were his own family at Premier.

For Jay, excellent patient care means ensuring that sophisticated radiation treatments are accessible to all, not just those near large institutions, and he takes pride in bringing this quality to the community. In essence, Jay believes that where a patient lives should not determine their access to life-saving or the newest state-of-the-art treatment. Jay's unwavering dedication ensures that patients receive the same advanced technologies and care typically reserved for larger academic institutions and hospitals.

To Jay, battling cancer is an incredibly difficult journey for patients, filled with unexpected challenges and emotional turmoil. Jay finds tremendous satisfaction in alleviating even a small part of their burden, whether by expediting treatment or providing access to cutting-edge technology. He views this not only as the right thing to do but as his moral obligation and duty, which drives him each day.

In his spare time, Jay relishes sharing experiences with his family and friends, whether it's eating good food, watching TV, or traveling. He values the precious time spent with loved ones, creating cherished memories that last a lifetime. Premier Cancer Center is beyond lucky to have Jay as our chief physicist, as he brings an unparalleled level of sophisticated expertise, personal compassion, and deep commitment to all the patients served at our center.

Chief Dosimetrist

Andrea, our highly skilled and dedicated chief dosimetrist, brings an unparalleled wealth of knowledge, positivity, and experience to our team. She holds dual certifications from Polk College (RT(R)(T)), Hillsborough College (RT(T)), and is a professional certified medical dosimetrist (CMD). Andrea's career in radiation oncology is more than just a profession; it's a calling. She has mastered both radiation therapy delivery and the meticulous process of radiation planning. Andrea, better than most, understands how her careful attention to detail and thoughtful creation of radiation plans directly impact the lives of her patients, as she has impressively had two careers, first as an RT and then as an expert in radiotherapy planning. For her, when making a radiation plan, it's not just an image but a person she's seeing on the screen. The level of compassion and dedication she puts into each plan stems from the fact that she knows that each person and the life lying behind the screen will be impacted by her care. This masterful view and experience shine through in the unmatched quality of her plans, and Premier Cancer Center is lucky to have her.

For Andrea, excellent patient care truly means providing outstanding treatment, from the initial time a patient walks through the door to the time they complete their therapy. For her, this means a commitment to listening, offering support, and celebrating victories with patients, big and small, and ensuring they feel valued and cared for throughout their entire treatment journey during every step. Her dedication fosters an environment of trust and compassion, which is essential for effective healing, and her upbeat and vibrant attitude is an invaluable asset to Premier Cancer Center and the patients she cares for.

Over all else, Andrea deeply understands the profound impact a cancer diagnosis has on patients and their families. She takes tremendous pride in her role, knowing that her work behind the scenes in creating precise radiation plans plays a crucial part in the patient's treatment and recovery. Her holistic approach to patient care ensures that every individual receives the highest level of care and support.

In her spare time, Andrea enjoys scrapbooking, crafting, traveling, and spending time with her family. She also adores her diverse collection of animals and pets, including a dog, two goats, 23 chickens, a rabbit, a hamster, and various fish, which keep life exciting, youthful, and fun when not at work. If one word describes Andrea, it is commitment.