Roswell Park Acquires Breast Care of Western New York and Soniwala Hematology Oncology Associates

Agreement brings added convenience, access to comprehensive services for region’s cancer patients

BUFFALO, N.Y. — Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center (Roswell Park) has acquired two established Western New York physician practices, increasing convenience and choice for cancer patients and unifying cancer surgical, medical and radiation services under the umbrella of the region’s only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. The two physician practices will continue to operate out of 199 Park Club Lane in Williamsville, as Roswell Park community cancer practices.

Established by breast surgeon Ronald L. Bauer, MD, and his wife, Andrea M. Bauer, ANP, ANCC-BC, MSN, in 2003, Breast Care of Western New York focuses on surgical and radiation treatment for breast cancer. Soniwala Hematology Oncology Associates, established in 1998 by medical oncologist Saif Soniwala, MD, with a focus on breast oncology, offers medical oncology/hematology care, onsite chemotherapy treatment and consultations for malignant and benign hematology conditions, and includes another well-respected Roswell Park-trained medical oncologist and hematologist, Adam Kotowski, MD.

“These are respected, high-quality physicians with outstanding reputations among patients and the medical community alike,” says Candace Johnson, PhD, President & CEO, Cancer Center Director and Wallace Chair in Translational Research at Roswell Park. “Having Drs. Bauer, Soniwala and Kotowski join the Roswell Park team means the best of both worlds for cancer patients, particularly those in and around the Northtowns: comprehensive cancer treatment provided by accomplished teams from both the cancer center and community cancer practices.”

It is expected that the practices will remain the same operationally, but will now be able to offer patients the services available at a comprehensive cancer center, to support and enhance their medical care. In addition, patients at the community practices will have the opportunity to take part in Roswell Park clinical research studies offering access to the newest therapies and approaches.

“We’re very pleased to be associated with a Comprehensive Cancer Center as esteemed and enduring as Roswell Park,” says Dr. Bauer, who, along with Andrea Bauer, jointly received the 2014 Hope Award from Susan G. Komen Western New York. “Ours is a relationship based on mutual respect and a shared commitment to delivering patient-centered care, and it’s those benefits for our patients that make me excited about the months and years to come.”

“This new linkage with Roswell Park makes possible an ideal continuum of care for Western New Yorkers with cancer,” adds Dr. Soniwala. “They can be seen in a community close to them, whether it’s at Roswell Park, a Roswell Park satellite site or at our location in Williamsville, and receive care from a trusted, multidisciplinary network of providers.”

Dr. Bauer, Dr. Soniwala and Dr. Kotowski completed fellowships at Roswell Park — Dr. Bauer’s in surgical oncology, Dr. Soniwala’s in medical oncology and Dr. Kotowski’s in medical oncology and hematology.

Dr. Bauer is a 1986 graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine. A Diplomate of the National Board of Medical Examiners and the American Board of Surgery, he will continue as Cancer Center Director for Sisters of Charity Hospital and Clinical Assistant Professor of Surgery at the University at Buffalo (UB).

Dr. Soniwala is a 1987 graduate of Dow Medical College in Karachi, Pakistan. Board-certified in medical oncology, he is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the School of Breast Oncology.

Dr. Kotowski is a 2006 graduate of the University at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, where he earned the Baccelli Award for Most Outstanding Research and the Jordan Award for Investigation in Neoplastic Disease. His residency was at the University of Rochester’s Strong Memorial Hospital.

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The mission of Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center is to understand, prevent and cure cancer. Founded in 1898, Roswell Park is one of the first cancer centers in the country to be named a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center and remains the only facility with this designation in Upstate New York. The Institute is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers; maintains affiliate sites; and is a partner in national and international collaborative programs. For more information, visit www.roswellpark.org, call 1-800-ROSWELL (1-800-767-9355) or email AskRoswell@Roswellpark.org. Follow Roswell Park on Facebook and Twitter.

Media Contact

Annie Deck-Miller, Senior Media Relations Manager
716-845-8593; annie.deck-miller@roswellpark.org