Kevin L. Rakszawski

Kevin L. Rakszawski is an Associate Professor in the Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology at Penn State Cancer Institute and Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. His clinical practice focuses on hematologic malignancies and he serves as a physician champion for the clinical documentation improvement initiative.

Dr. Rakszawski's educational background includes:

• Biomedical Science (minor in Music), BAS, University of Pennsylvania (2009)
• MD, Penn State College of Medicine (2013)
• Internal Medicine Residency, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (2016)
• Hematology/Oncology Fellowship, Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center (2019)

Dr. Rakszawski's primary research interests focus on end-of-life care in patients with hematologic malignancies, lymphoma therapeutics, and the prevention and treatment of complications of blood and marrow transplantation. His work significantly contributes to improving outcomes for patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with particular emphasis on graft-versus-host disease management, post-transplant cyclophosphamide protocols, and relapsed/refractory leukemia treatments. Additionally, he explores the psychosocial aspects of cancer care, particularly examining social connectedness and educational/occupational aspirations among adolescent and young adult cancer survivors.

His recent publications (2021-2025) demonstrate a strong focus on hematologic malignancies and transplantation medicine. A significant portion of his work examines complications and outcomes following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, particularly investigating the role of post-transplant cyclophosphamide. Another important research thread explores the psychosocial impact of cancer on young survivors, using qualitative methodologies to understand social connectedness and future aspirations.

Dr. Rakszawski has received several notable awards recognizing his excellence in various domains:

• Dean's Award for Excellence in Teaching (2021)
• Fellow of the Year, Hematology/Oncology Fellowship (2017)
• Employee of the Quarter (May 2017)
• Award for Excellence in Research, Internal Medicine Residency (2016)
• Categorical Intern of the Year (2014)

As an educator, Dr. Rakszawski is deeply involved in medical education at multiple levels, with teaching interests spanning hematologic malignancies and medical humanities. His clinical practice is complemented by his role as Medical Director at The Schwartz Center for Compassionate Healthcare, highlighting his commitment to patient-centered care. His research has been supported by various grants that enable his investigations into transplantation protocols and survivorship issues.

Dr. Rakszawski collaborates extensively within the Penn State Cancer Institute and with colleagues across multiple institutions, focusing on improving outcomes for patients with hematologic malignancies through both clinical and psychosocial interventions.