Sahana Rajasekhara, MD, FACP
Sahana Rajasekhara, MD, FACP
5 (1)
Specialty: Hospice & Palliative Medicine
Program: Supportive Care Medicine
Language(s): English
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Overview
Dr. Sahana Rajasekhara is the Interim Department Chair for the Supportive Care Medicine Program at Moffitt Cancer Center. She is also an Associate Professor in the Department of Oncologic Sciences at the University of South Florida. Dr. Rajasekhara holds board certifications in Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine, Hospice and Palliative Medicine. She is recognized as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. In addition, Dr. Rajasekhara is credentialed as a Physician Nutrition Specialist.
As the Medical Director for the Inpatient Palliative Care Service and the Program Co-Lead for Moffitt’s Improving Goal-Concordant Care initiative, in collaboration with the Alliance of Dedicated Cancer Centers (ADCC), she is dedicated to enhancing access to palliative care and improving goal-concordant care throughout the institution.
Dr. Rajasekhara has been actively involved in graduate medical education and has held various leadership positions, including serving as the Assistant Program Director for the Geriatric Medicine Fellowship at Staten Island University Hospital. Currently, she serves as the Fellowship Site Director for the USF-Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship. She is passionate about teaching and training medical students, residents, and fellows. With extensive experience in medical education, she frequently serves as an instructor and invited speaker at local and regional conferences.
Dr. Rajasekhara’s clinical interests include cancer cachexia and nutrition, management of cancer-related and treatment-related pain and other symptoms, and palliative care education. Dr. Rajasekhara advocates for patient and provider education, emphasizing the importance of symptom management and palliative care integration. She actively promotes the advancement of Palliative Medicine and is dedicated to integrating palliative care education and training within various oncologic fellowship programs.
Education & Training
Fellowship:
- Staten Island University Hospital, NY, NY - Geriatric Medicine
Residency:
- Staten Island University Hospital, NY, NY - Internal Medicine
- Staten Island University Hospital, NY, NY - Internal Medicine
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Publications
- Dineen S, O'Leary C, Rajasekhara S, Mullinax J. Implementation of a Palliative Surgical Oncology Rotation to Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship Training. Ann Surg Oncol. 2025 Oct.32(10):7124-7130. Pubmedid: 40849382.
- DeSomma A, Maletz S, Basinski TL, Morales R, de Castria TB, Bloomston M, Chen DT, Douglas WG, Huguet KL, Jeong D, Jiang K, Kim DW, Luthra A, Pimiento JM, Rajasekhara S, Velanovich V, Park MA, Shields GS, Slavich GM, Permuth JB. Lifetime stressor exposure and depression among patients with pancreatic cancer: insights from the Florida Pancreas Collaborative. BMC Cancer. 2025 Oct.25(1):1530. Pubmedid: 41062956. Pmcid: PMC12506433.
- Katoju S, Nguyen OT, Rajasekhara S, Hong YR, Alishahi Tabriz A, Turner K. Participation in Electronic Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Collection as a Part of Routine Supportive Care Delivery in Oncology. JCO Oncol Pract. 2025 Oct.21(10):1430-1438. Pubmedid: 40043232.
- Lin YC, Turner K, Rajasekhara S, Kim DW, de Castria TB, Nguyen OT, Hume E, Sprow O, Santiago C, Milano J, Riccardi D, Nardella N, Al-Jumayli M, Permuth JB, Hoffe S, Hembree T, Hong YR, Islam JY, Tabriz AA, Hodul PJ. Early Supportive and Nutritional Care For Adults With Pancreatic Cancer: A Pilot Study. J Pain Symptom Manag. 2025 Nov.70(5):490-502. Pubmedid: 40816695.
- Chavez MN, Thomas HM, Lake P, Gutierrez A, Rigg KK, Marshall VK, Lubrano B, Rajasekhara S, Tyson DM. "They still deserve for their pain to be controlled": healthcare providers' and community-level stakeholders' perceptions of pain management among cancer survivors with an opioid use disorder. Support Care Cancer. 2025 May.33(6):504. Pubmedid: 40434495.
- Park MA, Whelan CJ, Ahmed S, Boeringer T, Brown J, Carson TL, Crowder SL, Gage K, Gregg C, Jeong DK, Jim HSL, Judge AR, Mason TM, Parker N, Pillai S, Qayyum A, Rajasekhara S, Rasool G, Tinsley SM, Schabath MB, Stewart P, West J, McDonald P, Permuth JB. Correction: Park et al. Defining and Addressing Research Priorities in Cancer Cachexia through Transdisciplinary Collaboration. Cancers 2024, 16, 2364. Cancers (Basel). 2025 Mar.17(6). Pubmedid: 40149388. Pmcid: PMC11941415.
- Park MA, Whelan CJ, Ahmed S, Boeringer T, Brown J, Crowder SL, Gage K, Gregg C, Jeong DK, Jim HSL, Judge AR, Mason TM, Parker N, Pillai S, Qayyum A, Rajasekhara S, Rasool G, Tinsley SM, Schabath MB, Stewart P, West J, McDonald P, Permuth JB. Defining and Addressing Research Priorities in Cancer Cachexia through Transdisciplinary Collaboration. Cancers (Basel). 2024 Jun.16(13). Pubmedid: 39001427. Pmcid: PMC11240731.
- Permuth JB, Park MA, Chen DT, Basinski T, Powers BD, Gwede CK, Dezsi KB, Gomez M, Vyas SL, Biachi T, Cortizas EM, Crowder S, Genilo-Delgado M, Green BL, Greene A, Gregg C, Hoffe SE, Jiang K, Kim B, Vasudevan V, Garcialopez De Llano J, Menon AA, Mo Q, MorenoUrazan LM, Mok S, Parker N, Rajasekhara S, Rasool G, Sinnamon A, Sparks L, Stewart PA, Tardif K, Tassielli AF, Teer JK, Tran DV, Turner KL, Vadaparampil ST, Whelan CJ, Douglas WG, Velanovich V, Karachristos A, Legaspi A, Meredith K, Molina-Vega MA, Huguet KL, Arnoletti JP, Bloomston M, Trevino J, Merchant NB, Pimiento JM, Hodul PJ, Malafa M, Fleming J, Judge SM, Jeong DK, Judge A. Leveraging real-world data to predict cancer cachexia stage, quality of life, and survival in a racially and ethnically diverse multi-institutional cohort of treatment-naïve patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Front Oncol. 2024 Jul.14:1362244. Pubmedid: 39109281. Pmcid: PMC11300308.
- Turner K, Nguyen OT, Islam JY, Rajasekhara S, Martinez YC, Tabriz AA, Gonzalez BD, Jim HSL, Egan KM. Patient-provider communication about the use of medical cannabis for cancer symptoms: a cross-sectional study. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 2024 Aug.2024(66):298-304. Pubmedid: 39108232. Pmcid: PMC11303860.
- Islam JY, Nguyen OT, Turner K, Martinez YC, Rodriguez OG, Rodriguez DI, Rajasekhara S, Chang YD, Gonzalez BD, Jim HSL, Egan KM. Concurrent substance use among cancer patients with and without a history of cannabis use since cancer diagnosis at an NCI-Designated Cancer Center in Florida. J Natl Cancer Inst Monogr. 2024 Aug.2024(66):224-233. Pubmedid: 39108241. Pmcid: PMC11303859.
- Turner K, Kim DW, Gonzalez BD, Gore LR, Gurd E, Milano J, Riccardi D, Byrne M, Al-Jumayli M, de Castria TB, Laber DA, Hoffe S, Costello J, Robinson E, Chadha JS, Rajasekhara S, Hume E, Hagen R, Nguyen OT, Nardella N, Parker N, Carson TL, Tabriz AA, Hodul P. Support Through Remote Observation and Nutrition Guidance (STRONG), a digital health intervention to reduce malnutrition among pancreatic cancer patients: A study protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial. Contemp Clin Trials Commun. 2024 Apr.38:101271. Pubmedid: 38440777. Pmcid: PMC10910065.
- Oraiqat A, Nardella N, Berhan D, Lu D, Goodchild S, Gruchow T, Chang Y, Rajasekhara S, Hodul P. HSR24-167: Improved Access Through an Integrated Supportive Care Model Reduced Urgent Care Referral and Admission Rates for Patients With Gastrointestinal Malignancy. J Natl Compr Canc Ne. 2024 Apr.22(2.5). Pubmedid: 38579809.
- Berhan D, Nardella N, Oraiqat A, Lu D, Goodchild S, Gruchow T, Chang Y, Rajasekhara S, Hodul P. HSR24-166: Implementation of an Integrated Supportive Care Medicine Consultation Service Within a Gastrointestinal Cancer Clinic: Timeliness of Referrals and Patient Access. J Natl Compr Canc Ne. 2024 Apr.22(2.5). Pubmedid: 38580275.
- Mosley SA, Cicali E, Del Cueto A, Portman DG, Donovan KA, Gong Y, Langaee T, Gopalan P, Schmit J, Starr JS, Silver N, Chang YD, Rajasekhara S, Smith JE, Soares HP, Clare-Salzler M, Starostik P, George TJ, McLeod HL, Fillingim RB, Hicks JK, Cavallari LH. CYP2D6-guided opioid therapy for adults with cancer pain: A randomized implementation clinical trial. Pharmacotherapy. 2023 Dec.43(12):1286-1296. Pubmedid: 37698371.
- Marshall VK, Chavez M, Efre A, Lake PW, Rigg KK, Lubrano B, Pabbathi S, Rajasekhara S, Tyson DM. Barriers to Adequate Pain Control and Opioid Use Among Cancer Survivors: Implications for Nursing Practice. Cancer Nurs. 2023 Aug.46(5):386-393. Pubmedid: 37607374. Pmcid: PMC10232667.
- Loggers ET, Case AA, Chwistek M, Dale W, Guay MOD, Edge SB, Grossman SR, Gustin J, Nelson J, Rajasekhara S, Reddy A, Tulsky JA, Zachariah F, Landrum KM. ADCC's Improving Goal Concordant Care Initiative: Implementing Primary Palliative Care Principles. J Pain Symptom Manag. 2023 Aug.66(2):e283-e297. Pubmedid: 37257523.
- Chavez MN, Tyson DM, Lake PW, Gutierrez A, Sherry P, Rigg KK, Marshall V, Henderson H, Rajasekhara S, Pabbathi S, Lubrano B. 'They say you can get addicted': Exploring factors that fuel the fear of addiction to prescription opioids among cancer survivors. Eur J Cancer Care (Engl). 2022 May.31(3):e13582. Pubmedid: 35354227.
- Rajasekhara S, Portman DG, Chang YD, Haas MF, Randich AL, Bromberg HS, Rashid S, Donovan KA. Rate of cannabis use in older adults with cancer. BMJ Support Palliat Care. 2022 Jun.12(2):178-181. Pubmedid: 33177114.
- Marshall VK, Chavez M, Efre A, Lake PW, Rigg KK, Lubrano B, Pabbathi S, Rajasekhara S, Tyson DM. Barriers to Adequate Pain Control and Opioid Use Among Cancer Survivors: Implications for Nursing Practice. Cancer Nurs. 2022 Dec. Pubmedid: 36480307.
- Wang HL, Donovan KA, Rajasekhara S, Padhya T, Buck HG, Szalacha L, Chang JM, Brown JD, Smith B. The pre-efficacy phase testing for PAfitME™-A behavioral physical activity intervention to manage moderate and severe symptoms among advanced stage cancer patients. Res Nurs Health. 2021 Feb.44(1):238-249. Pubmedid: 33373078.
- Tyson DM, Chavez MN, Lake P, Gutierrez A, Sherry P, Rigg KK, Marshall VK, Henderson H, di Ciccone BL, Rajasekhara S, Pabbathi S. Perceptions of prescription opioid medication within the context of cancer survivorship and the opioid epidemic. J Cancer Surviv. 2021 Aug.15(4):585-596. Pubmedid: 33405057.
- Tyson DM, Chavez MN, Lubrano B, Lake P, Gutierrez A, Marshall VK, Rigg KK, Henderson H, Pabbathi S, Sherry P, Rajasekhara S. Correction to: Understanding Cancer Survivors' Educational Needs about Prescription Opioid Medications: Implications for Cancer Education and Health Literacy. J Cancer Educ. 2021 Aug.36(4):893. Pubmedid: 34143414.
- Tyson DM, Chavez MN, Lubrano B, Lake P, Gutierrez A, Marshall VK, Rigg KK, Henderson H, Pabbathi S, Sherry P, Rajasekhara S. Understanding Cancer Survivors' Educational Needs About Prescription Opioid Medications: Implications for Cancer Education and Health Literacy. J Cancer Educ. 2021 Apr.36(2):215-224. Pubmedid: 33428119.
- Bobonis Babilonia M, Donovan KA, Lubrano di Ciccone BB, Rajasekhara S. When orthorexia nervosa meets cancer-A case review. Psychooncology. 2020 Oct.29(10):1507-1509. Pubmedid: 32419241.
- Donovan KA, Oberoi-Jassal R, Chang YD, Rajasekhara S, Haas MF, Randich AL, Portman DG. Cannabis Use in Young Adult Cancer Patients. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol. 2020 Feb.9(1):30-35. Pubmedid: 31436482.
- Chang YD, Jung JW, Oberoi-Jassal R, Kim J, Rajasekhara S, Haas M, Smith J, Desai V, Donovan KA, Portman D. Edmonton Symptom Assessment Scale and Clinical Characteristics Associated With Cannabinoid Use in Oncology Supportive Care Outpatients. J Natl Compr Canc Ne. 2019 Sep.17(9):1059-1064. Pubmedid: 31487688. Pmcid: PMC7771367.
- Donovan KA, Chang YD, Oberoi-Jassal R, Rajasekhara S, Smith J, Haas M, Portman DG. Relationship of Cannabis Use to Patient-Reported Symptoms in Cancer Patients Seeking Supportive/Palliative Care. J Palliat Med. 2019 Oct.22(10):1191-1195. Pubmedid: 30794025.
- Moale AC, Rajasekhara S, Ueng W, Mhaskar R. Educational Intervention Enhances Clinician Awareness of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic Teachings around End-of-Life Care. J Palliat Med. 2019 Jan.22(1):62-70. Pubmedid: 30004831.
- Bulls HW, Hoogland AI, Craig D, Paice J, Chang YD, Oberoi-Jassal R, Rajasekhara S, Haas M, Bobonis M, Gonzalez BD, Portman D, Jim HSL. Cancer and Opioids: Patient Experiences With Stigma (COPES)-A Pilot Study. J Pain Symptom Manag. 2019 Apr.57(4):816-819. Pubmedid: 30703463. Pmcid: PMC6433506.
- Mosley SA, Hicks JK, Portman DG, Donovan KA, Gopalan P, Schmit J, Starr J, Silver N, Gong Y, Langaee T, Clare-Salzler M, Starostik P, Chang YD, Rajasekhara S, Smith JE, Soares HP, George TJ, McLeod HL, Cavallari LH. Design and rational for the precision medicine guided treatment for cancer pain pragmatic clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials. 2018 May.68:7-13. Pubmedid: 29535047. Pmcid: PMC5899651.
- Oberoi-Jassal R, Portman D, Smith J, Rajasekhara S, Desai VV, Donovan KA, Chang YD. Burning Mouth Pain: A Case Report. J Oncol Pract. 2018 Jul.14(7):447-448. Pubmedid: 29589986.
- Chang YD, Smith J, Portman D, Kim R, Oberoi-Jassal R, Rajasekhara S, Davis M. Single Institute Experience With Methylphenidate and American Ginseng in Cancer-Related Fatigue. Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2018 Jan.35(1):144-150. Pubmedid: 28299946.
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Patient Comments
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Awards and Expertise
Voted top doctor in Palliative Care in Tampa Magazine's Top Doctors 2025.
Voted top doctor in Palliative Care in Tampa Magazine's Top Doctors 2024.
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