outdoor headshot of female physician

Medical oncologist finds fulfillment through human connection

Dr. Ayla Kessler always wanted to make a difference.

Growing up, Dr. Kessler watched as her favorite uncle, whom she greatly admired, provided much needed care throughout his village as a family physician.

“It really fascinated me,” Dr. Kessler said. “It was amazing to see the amount of good you can do for the people in this profession.”

But it wasn’t until her mother was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer, shortly after her first rotation in medical oncology, that Dr. Kessler found her true passion. She contrasted the way her mother’s care had been delivered as opposed to how it she felt it should have been delivered and realized oncology was one specialty where she could truly connect with her patients on a human level.
“I knew then that this was my calling and how I could make a difference,” Dr. Kessler said.

Now, Dr. Kessler hopes to bring that passion for human connection to the Ashe County community. On February 19, Dr. Kessler joined the team at Ashe Oncology and Hematology, bringing more than 10 years of experience in medical oncology, specializing in the treatment of breast and genitourinary cancers.

In her new role, Dr. Kessler will work alongside her patients and their families in a patient-centric model with the goal of achieving their priorities in life. Drawing on her previous experience, Dr. Kessler hopes to bring Commission on Cancer (CoC) accreditation, standardization and quality assurance of care and clinical trial opportunities to Ashe Oncology and Hematology. In addition to focusing on breast and genitourinary cancers, Dr. Kessler also has an interest in lung and gastrointestinal cancers.

“I look forward to being a part of the inspirational team at Ashe Memorial Hospital and all the great things we will accomplish together,” Dr. Kessler said. “I envision building a cancer program where the best and most compassionate care can be delivered close to home.”

A native of Egypt, Dr. Kessler earned her medical degree from the University of Mansoura Faculty of Medicine in Mansoura City, Egypt, in 2005. She completed her Residency in Internal Medicine at Indiana University Health at Ball Memorial Hospital, in Muncie, Ind., in 2010. Dr. Kessler then went on to complete a Medical Oncology Fellowship at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, in Buffalo, N.Y., in 2012.

Prior to joining the team at Ashe Oncology and Hematology, Dr. Kessler spent three years working as a lead oncologist for Mercy Health at St. Elizabeth-Youngstown Hospital and St. Joseph Warren Hospital, in Youngstown, Ohio. She then went on to work as a medical oncologist for Novant Health Cancer Specialists in Charlotte where she was the Greater Charlotte Market Principal Investigator on breast cancer related clinical trials. Most recently, Dr. Kessler was the Medical Director and Cancer Committee Chair for University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center – Salem Regional Medical Center, in Salem, Ohio, where she was a member of the Breast Disease Team and spearheaded efforts that led to first-time CoC accreditation.

When she’s not busy working, Dr. Kessler enjoys spending time with her husband and children, hiking, practicing yoga, drawing and reading.