Leopoldo Fernandez, M.D., is a surgical oncologist at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Massey Cancer Center and assistant professor in the Department of Surgery’s Division of Surgical Oncology at the VCU School of Medicine. Dr. Fernandez brings a wealth of
knowledge and experience to the surgical oncology team, specializing in gastrointestinal cancers including liver and pancreas, laparoscopic surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

With the addition of Dr. Fernandez to the team, VCU Massey Cancer Center is now offering HIPEC (hiperthermic intraperitoneal
chemotherapy) for the treatment of advanced abdominal cancers that have spread through the peritoneal cavity. This complex
procedure involves cytoreduction surgery followed by a heated chemotherapy solution circulated throughout the abdominal cavity
continuously for up to two hours. There is substantial evidence showing HIPEC is an effective treatment for several gastrointestinal
cancers. Dr. Fernandez is excited to bring HIPEC to Massey, which is now one of few cancer care providers in the state to offer it.

Dr. Fernandez has been published in a number of peer-reviewed journals and has presented at a variety of professional meetings,
including the Academic Surgical Congress, the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Association for Cancer Research.

Dr. Fernandez is certified by the American Board of Surgery in both general surgery and complex general surgical oncology. He is
also a member of the Society of Surgical Oncology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He received his medical degree
from Universidad Central de Venezuela’s Escuela de Medicina Luis Razetti in Caracas, Venezuela. He then completed his research
fellowship and general surgery residency at Massachusetts General Hospital and further pursued a surgical oncology fellowship
at VCU Medical Center. Dr. Fernandez also obtained specific training in the management of peritoneal malignancies at Wake Forest
Baptist Hospital.