MT. VERNON, IL — SSM Health Cancer Care in Mt. Vernon, IL, is proud to welcome Kevin Palka, MD, a board-certified hematologist and oncologist. With more than 20 years of experience in academic medicine and clinical oncology, Dr. Palka brings a wealth of expertise and a deep commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care.
Dr. Palka earned his medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern, followed by a residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He completed his fellowship training in Hematology and Oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where he developed a strong foundation in both clinical practice and research.
Throughout his career, Dr. Palka has held leadership roles in medical education, including serving as Program Director and Associate Program Director for Hematology-Oncology fellowship programs. He has contributed extensively to the field through lectureships, grand rounds, curriculum development, and numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters.
His clinical and research interests include lung cancer, head and neck cancers, and glioblastoma, and he has served as a site principal investigator for multiple clinical trials. Dr. Palka is also a member of several professional societies, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, and the Society for Neuro-Oncology.
At SSM Health Cancer Care, Dr. Palka will provide comprehensive care for adults 18 and older, including:
- Diagnosis and treatment of cancer and blood disorders
- Access to clinical trials and cutting-edge research
- Comprehensive program addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Palka,” said Vinay Bhooma, MD, MBA, FACHE, Region Chief Medical Officer and President of SSM Health Medical Group in Southern Illinois. “His dedication to advancing cancer care and his compassionate approach to patients make him an outstanding addition to our community.”
Dr. Palka is accepting new patients at SSM Health Cancer Care, located at 4117 Veterans Memorial Drive in Mt. Vernon, IL. To learn more about SSM Health Cancer Care, visit ssmhealth.
