Dr. Harold H. Tara, Jr. is a medical oncologist and hematologist at MOH’s facility at the Father Michael J. McGivney Center for Cancer Care. Dr. Tara enjoys the multidisciplinary approach of cancer care and likes that it draws effectively on a wide range of his medical and interpersonal skills. He also likes the patients he meets working in this field. "This patient population is so unique," he says, "and I admire them for their courage."
Dr. Tara decided to practice at MOH because it offers him "the best of both worlds," he says, "being part of a private practice in an academic environment." He also appreciates MOH’s personal approach to cancer care. Of his colleagues at MOH, he says, "They are not only intelligent and easy to work with, but they are also compassionate."
"We treat each patient individually," says Dr. Tara, "and develop a treatment approach based on the available information. We spend time with both the patients and their families and develop trusting relationships with them. Through this, we are able to learn more about them, and this in turn helps us formulate an effective treatment plan."
Though Dr. Tara is skilled in the treatment of all forms of cancer and blood diseases, he has a particular interest in head and neck cancers, lung cancer, genitourinary (GU) cancers such as prostate and bladder cancer, and lymphoma.
Dr. Tara is excited by recent advancements in cancer treatment, particularly by the development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors and endothelial growth factor (EGFR) inhibitors, which are a new class of drugs that can block the growth of certain cancers. New diagnostic testing has also, he believes, greatly advanced the field. He is optimistic that the coming years will bring even better treatments. "I think the most likely advancement," he says, "will be with the ongoing use of molecularly targeted agents that can be used alone or in conjunction with chemotherapy."
When he first meets his patients, Dr. Tara likes to learn not only what brought them to him and what issues are presenting. "I try to learn about them personally," he says, "in order to help them better adapt to possible treatment." He never ceases to be impressed by his patients, who often arrive having done significant research on their own. "I am so impressed," he says, "with how people show their character at a time when they are most vulnerable."
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Education Background
RESIDENCY
Norwalk Hospital
MEDICAL SCHOOL
Ross University School Of Medicine - 1995
Languages Spoken
Spanish
English
Location & Hours
Smilow Cancer Hospital Park Avenue Medical Center Trumbull
5520 Park Ave, Trumbull, CT 06611
Mon:8:00 am - 5:00 pm Tue:8:00 am - 5:00 pm Wed:8:00 am - 5:00 pm Thu:8:00 am - 5:00 pm Fri:8:00 am - 5:00 pm Sat:Closed Sun:Closed
Specialties Treated
Obstetrics & Gynecology
Internal Medicine
Oncology
Conditions Addressed
Anxiety Phobic Disorders
Herpes Zoster
Malignant Neoplasm of Female Breast
Candidiasis
Infectious Liver Disease
Hypertension (HTN)
Anemia
Dehydration
Melanoma
Fractures, Dislocations, Derangement, and Sprains
Chronic Renal Disease
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Diabetes Mellitus (DM)
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Procedures Performed
Chemotherapy
Blood transfusion
Insurance Accepted
* Insurance information may change frequently. Please verify directly with the provider (doctor/clinic).