In this month’s Fellow Spotlight, we feature Vera Kazakova, MD, a third-year Hematology/Oncology fellow at UMass Chan. We recently caught up with Dr. Kazakova to learn more about her clinical and research interests, why she chose UMass for her fellowship, and why Stockholm, Sweden, is her favorite travel destination!  

 

Hometown? 
Moscow, Russia 

What are your clinical and research interests?
My clinical interests are primarily focused on breast and genitourinary oncology, as well as the field of immuno-oncology. I am dedicated to quality improvement and optimizing patient care. Currently, I am leading a project on optimizing the management of immune-checkpoint inhibitor-related toxicities in hospitalized patients. I hope to continue contributing to quality improvement in patient care throughout my career.  

Why did you choose UMass Chan for your fellowship?
The UMass Chan Hematology/Oncology Fellowship program offers an ideal balance of exceptional clinical training and robust research opportunities. The fellow continuity clinic, along with the chance to rotate with specialists across various fields in hematology and oncology, has been instrumental in building my clinical knowledge and preparing me for independent practice. Additionally, UMass Chan provides extensive research and professional development opportunities. Moreover, during my application season, I heard about the fantastic collegial atmosphere at UMass Chan, and I have been fortunate to experience this supportive and collaborative environment firsthand. This combination of comprehensive training, research opportunities, and a positive work culture made UMass Chan the perfect choice for my fellowship. 

Are you involved in any other groups or activities at UMass Chan that you’d like to highlight? 
One of the great assets to my professional development at UMass Chan has been the opportunity to participate in the Interprofessional Trainee Quality Council. This experience allowed me to work on a quality improvement project alongside colleagues from various professional backgrounds while learning and applying Lean methodology.  

Where is your favorite place to travel for vacation and why?
Recently, I especially enjoyed traveling to Stockholm, Sweden. It was the perfect trip for my family. We loved the cobblestone streets and colorful buildings in the charming old town, as well as the amazing museums. While I particularly enjoyed the Vasa Museum, which is built around a 17th-century ship, my daughter had a blast at the Junibacken, inspired by children’s literature and Astrid Lindgren books. The opportunity to walk extensively and use the fantastic public transportation system added to our enjoyment. The playgrounds became my daughter’s absolute favorite. We hope to return there soon. 

What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play?
I love dancing and enjoy both watching and participating in dance. I especially find tango to be deeply enjoyable. Currently, I am attending ballroom dance classes.