Donna Saltzburg Zhukovsky, M.D., FACP, FAAHPM
Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine
Present Title & Affiliation
Primary Appointment
Professor, Department of Palliative, Rehabilitation and Integrative Medicine, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Dual/Joint/Adjunct Appointment
Professor, Department of Pediatrics Patient Care, Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Research Interests
Advance Care Planning Communication and Decision Making Goals of Care Pediatrics
Education & Training
Degree-Granting Education
| 1982 | McGill University, School of Medicine, Montreal, CAN, MD-CM, Medicine |
| 1978 | McGill University, Montreal, CAN, BSc, Biology, with Specialization in Human Genetics |
Postgraduate Training
| 1987-1989 | Clinical Fellowship, Neurology-Cancer Pain, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY |
| 1985-1987 | Clinical Fellowship, Neoplastic Diseases, Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, NY |
| 1983-1985 | Clinical Residency, Internal Medicine, Jewish General Hospital/McGill University, Montreal |
| 1982-1983 | Clinical Internship, Internal Medicine, Jewish General Hospital/McGill University, Montreal |
Board Certifications
| 2008 | American Board of Internal Medicine- Hospice and Palliative Medicine |
| 1996 | American Board of Hospice & Palliative Medicine |
| 1987 | American Board of Internal Medicine-Medical Oncology |
| 1985 | American Board of Internal Medicine |
Experience & Service
Administrative Appointments/Responsibilities
Co-Lead, Continuity of Care Initiative Committee-Supportive Care Center, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2022 - Present
Co-Lead: Communication/Decision Making Study Group, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2022 - Present
Member, Psychological Distress Research Group, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2022 - Present
Member, Educational Committee, Department of Palliative Care and Rehabilitation Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 2019 - Present
Other Appointments/Responsibilities
Member, Health Quality Committee, Healthcare for the Homeless Houston, Houston, TX, 2022 - Present
Member, National Institute of Health National Cancer Institute Physicians Data Query (PDQ) Supportive and Palliative Care Advisory Board, Washington, DC, 2009 - 2019
Member, National Cancer Institute Physicians Data Query (PDQ) Supportive Care Editorial Board, Washington, DC, 2000 - 2009
Member, Calvary Hospital Professional Advisory Board, Bronx, NY, 1991 - 1994
Institutional Committee Activities
Co-Lead with Drs. Sairah Ahmed and Pamela Soliman, Goals of Care Initiative, Ambulatory Work Stream, 2020 - 2020
Team Lead, End of Life Committee, Care Planning Operational Priority Task Force, 2019 - 2020
Elected At-Large Member, Executive Committee of the Medical Staff: The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 2014 - 2018
Member, Medical Practice Committee, 2014 - Present
Member, Psychosocial Council Leadership Committee, 2011 - 2016
Member, Credentials Committee of the Medical Staff (CCMS), 2006 - 2009
Chair, Clinical Ethics Committee, 2004 - 2005
Vice Chair, Clinical Ethics Committee, 2003 - 2004
Member, Clinical Ethics Committee, 2001 - 2005
Chair, End of Life Care Task Force, Clinical Ethics Committee, 2001 - 2005
Member, Pediatric Pain Task Force, 2001 - 2002
Honors & Awards
| 2023 | Secretary, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine-Board of Directors |
| 2019 | Director at Large, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine-Board of Directors |
| 2016 | Director at Large, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine-Board of Directors |
| 2011 | Nominated, Texas Business Women Award, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Institutional Awards Committee (Dr. Eduardo Bruera) |
| 2011 | Nominated, The Hastings Center Cunniff-Dixon Physicians Awards in recognition of clinical contributions and commitment to the cause of end-of-life medical care. Cunniff-Dixon Foundation (The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Institutional Awards Committee) |
| 2010 | Fellow, American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine |
| 2010 | Nominated, The Hastings Center Cunniff-Dixon Physicians Awards in recognition of clinical contributions and commitment to the cause of end-of-life medical care. Cunniff-Dixon Foundation 2010 (The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center Institutional Awards Committee) |
| 2009 | Nominated, The Hastings Center Cunniff-Dixon Physicians Awards in recognition of clinical contributions and commitment to the cause of end-of-life medical care (by Colleen Gallagher, PhD, Executive Director Clinical Ethics), Cunniff-Dixon Foundation |
| 1992 | Fellow, American College of Physicians |
Professional Memberships
Selected Publications
Peer-Reviewed Articles
- Ann-Yi S, Wong A, Wu J, Baumgardner K, Carmack C, Castro D, Guzman D, Joy M, Kuriakose L, Madden K, Najera JM, Pangemanan I, Rajani S, Tanco K, Zhukovsky DS, Bruera E. Physical and Psychosocial Symptoms of Young Adult Patients Referred to the Supportive Care Mobile Team. J Adolesc Young Adult Oncol 12(3):440-444, 2023. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 35881858.
- Edwards T, Arthur J, Joy M, Lu Z, Dibaj S, Bruera E, Zhukovsky DS. Assessing Risk for Non-medical Opioid Use in Cancer Population: Stability of the CAGE-AID Questionnaire Across the Clinical Care Settings. Palliat Support Care:1-5, 2023. PMID: 37439217.
- Zhukovsky DS, Soliman P, Liu D, Meyer M, Haider A, Heung Y, Gaeta S, Lu K, Stepan K, Stanton P, Rodriguez MA, Bruera E. Patient Engagement with Early Stage Advance Care Planning at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Oncologist 28(6):542-550, 2023. e-Pub 2023. PMID: 36848260.
- Zhukovsky DS, Heung Y (co-first authors), Enriquez P, Itzep N, Lu Z, Nortje N, Stanton P, Wong A, Bruera E. Just in Time Decision Making: Preliminary Findings of Goals of Care Rapid Response Team. J Pain Symp Manage, 2023. e-Pub 2022. PMID: 36496112.
- Heung Y, Zhukovsky DS, (co-first authors) Hui D, Lu Z, Anderson C, Bruera E. Quality of End-of-Life Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic at a Comprehensive Cancer Center. Cancers 15(8):2201, 2023. PMID: 37190130.
- Agosta MT, Shih KS, Zhukovsky DS, Vidal M, Bruera E. Patient Behaviors During Virtual Clinic Encounters in Palliative Care. Palliat Support Care:1-3, 2023. PMID: 35670297.
- Chen J, de la Rosa A, Lai D, De La Cruz M, Zhukovsky DS, Revere L, Lairson D, Wermuth P, Hui D. A National Survey of Palliative Care Team Compositions. J Palliat Care 37(2):142-151, 2022. e-Pub 2021. PMID: 34939878.
- Zhukovsky DS, Rozmus RL, Robert R, Bruera E, Wells RJ, Cohen M. Symptom and Illness Experience for English and Spanish-Speaking Children with Advanced Cancer: Child and Parent Perspective. Children. e-Pub 2021.
- Zhukovsky DS, Haider A, Williams JL, Naqvi S, Joshi N, Mills S, Soliman PT, Mathew B, Bodurka D, Meyer LA, Westin S, Frumovitz M, Nowitz MB, Archie L, Fenton S, Lang K, Boving V, Bruera E. An Integrated Approach to Selecting a Prepared Medical Decision Maker. JPSM 61(6):1305-1310, 2021. e-Pub 2020. PMID: 33348030.
- Hui D, Abdelghani E, Chen J, Dibaj S, Zhukovsky DS, Dev R, Tanco K, Haider A, Azhar A, Reddy A, Epner D, Arthur J, Dalal S, Heung Y, Reddy S, de la Cruz M, Liu D, Bruera E. Chronic Non-Malignant Pain in Patients with Cancer seen at a Timely Outpatient Palliative Care Clinic. Cancers 12(1), 2020.
- Zhukovsky DS, Soliman PT, Mathew B, Mills S, Bodurka D, Frumovitz M, Meyer LA, Westin S, Nowitz M, Archie L, Fenton S, Lang K, Williams JL, Boving V, Bruera E. Systematic Approach to Selecting and Preparing a Medical Power of Attorney in the Gynecologic Oncology Center. J Oncol Pract. e-Pub 2019. PMID: 31613720.
- Hui D, Zhukovsky DS, Bruera E. Serious Illness Conversations: Paving the Road with Metaphors. Oncologist 23(6):730-733, 2018. e-Pub 2018. PMID: 29371478.
- Bruce C, Newell A, Brewer J, Timme D, Cherry E, Moore J, Carrettin J, Landeck E, Taylor R, Axline R, Millette A, Downey A, Uddin F, Gotur D, Zhukovsky DS. Developing and Testing a Comprehensive Tool to Assess Family Meetings: Empirical Distinctions between High-and-Low Quality Meetings. J Crit Care 42:223-230, 2017.
- Haider A, Zhukovsky DS, Meng YC, Baidoo J, Tanco KC, Stewart HA, Edwards T, Joy MP, Kuriakose L, Lu Z, Williams JL, Liu DD, Bruera E. Opioid Prescription Trends Among Cancer Patients Referred to Outpatient Palliative Care Over a 6-year period. J Oncol Pract. e-Pub 2017. PMID: 29028417.
- Hui D, Wilson A, Frisbee-Hume S, Dibaj SS, De La Cruz M, Nguyen T, Walker P, Zhukovsky DS, Reddy A, Delgado-Guay M, Williams JL, Hess K, Hall S, Kang DH, Liu D, Amin S, Breitbart WS, Bruera E. Effect of Lorazepam with Haloperidol compared with haloperidol alone on agitated delirium among patients with advanced cancer: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA 318(11):1047-1056, 2017.
- Zhukovsky DS, Rozmus CL, Robert R, Bruera E, Wells RJ, Chisholm GB, Allo J, Cohen MZ. Symptom Profiles in Children with Advanced Cancer: Patient, Family Caregiver and Oncologist Ratings. Cancer 121(22):4080-4087, 2015. e-Pub 2015.
- Hui D, Reddy S, Zhukovsky DS, Walker P, Dev R, et al. Acute Symptomatic Complications among Patients with Advanced Cancer Admitted to Acute Palliative Care Units: A Prospective Observational Study. Palliative Medicine 29(9):826-833, 2015. e-Pub 2015.
- Brown AJ, Sun CC, Urbauer D, Zhukovsky DS, Levenback C, Bevers M, Frumovitz M, Thaker PH, Bodurka DC, Ramondetta LM. Targeting those with decreased meaning and peace: A Supportive Care Opportunity. Support Care Cancer 23(7):2025-2032, 2015. e-Pub 2014.
- Hui D, Zhukovsky DS, Bruera E. Which Treatment is Better? Ascertaining Patient Preferences with Crossover Randomized Controlled Trials. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management 49(3):625-631, 2015. e-Pub 2014.
- Brown AJ, Sun CC, Urbauer D, Zhukovsky DS, Levenback C, Frumovitz M, et al. Targeting those with decreased meaning and peace: a supportive care opportunity. Supportive Care in Cancer. e-Pub 2014.
- Robert R, Zhukovsky DS, Mauricio K, Gilmore K, Morrison S, Palos G. Bereaved Parents' Perspectives on Pediatric Palliative Care. Journal of Social Work in End-of-Life & Palliative Care 8(4):316-338, 2012. e-Pub 2012.
- Kim SH, Hui D, Kilgore KL, Nguyen LMT, Hall S, Fajardo J, Cox-Miller T, Rhondali W, Kang JH, Palla SL, Del Fabbro E, Zhukovsky DS, Reddy SK, Elsayem AF, Dalal S, Walker P, Dev R, Yennurajalingam S, Reddy A, Bruera E.. The Accuracy of Probabilistic versus Temporal Clinician’s Prediction of Survival for Patients with Advanced Cancer: A Preliminary Report. The Oncologist 16(11):1642-1648, 2011.
- Hui D, Kilgore KL, Nguyen LMT, Hall S, Fajardo J, Cox-Miller T, Urbauer D, Fellman B, Rhondali W, Kang JH, Kim H, Del Fabbro E, Zhukovsky DS, Reddy SK, Elsayem AF, Dalal S, Walker P, Dev R, Yennurajalingam S, Bruera E. In-hospital Mortality Prediction for Advanced Cancer Patients Admitted to an Acute Palliative Care Unit (APCU): A prospective study. Support Care Cancer 19(Suppl 2):S67-S370, 2011.
- Fainsinger RL, Nekolaichuk C, Lawlor P, Hagen N, Bercovitch M, Fisch M, Galloway L, Kaye G, Landman W, Spruyt O, Zhukovsky D, Bruera E, Hanson J. An International Multicentre Validation Study of a Pain Classification System for Cancer Patients. Eur J Cancer 46(16):2896-904, 2010. PMID: 20483589.
- Parsons HA, de la Cruz MJ, Zhukovsky DS, Hui D, Delgado-Guay MO, Akitoye AE, El Osta B, Palmer L, Palla SL, Bruera E. Characteristics of patients who refuse do-not-resuscitate orders upon admission to an acute palliative care unit in a comprehensive cancer center. Cancer 116(12):3061-70, 2010. PMID: 20564412.
- Hui D, Elsayem A, De la Cruz M, Berger A, Zhukovsky DS, Palla S, Evans A, Fadul N, Palmer JL, Bruera E. Availability and integration of palliative care at United States cancer centers. JAMA 17(303;11):1054-61, 2010. PMID: 20233823.
- Lowy J, Lebovits A, Zhukovsky DS. Defending patient autonomy: the case of the challenging spouse. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacotherapy 23(4):368-70, 2009.
- Fine P, Portenoy R, Chou R, Cruciani R, Gordon D, Inturrisi C, Jackson K, Moskowitz M, Pasternak G, Raja S, Webster L, Zhukovsky DS. Establishing "best practices" for opioid rotation: conclusions of an expert panel. J Pain Symptom Manage 38(3):418-25, 2009. PMID: 19735902.
- Zhukovsky DS, Herzog C, Kaur G, Palmer JL, Bruera E.. The impact of palliative care consultation of symptom assessment, communication needs and palliative interventions in pediatric patients with cancer. J Pal Med 12(4):343-9, 2009. PMID: 19327071.
- Sanft T, Hauser J, Rosielle D, Weissman D, Elsayem A, Zhukovsky DS, Coyle N. Physical pain and emotional suffering: the case for palliative sedation. Journal of Pain 10(3):238-242, 2009. PMID: 1910121.
- Zhukovsky DS, Hwang JP, Palmer JL, Willey J, Flamm AL, Smith ML. Wide variation in content of inpatient Do-Not-Resuscitate order forms used at National Cancer Institute-designated cancer centers in the United States. Supp Care Cancer 17(2):109-115, 2009. PMID: 18682989.
- Slatkin N, Thomas J, Lipman A, Wilson G, Boatwright M, Wellman C, Zhukovsky DS, Stephenson R, Portenoy R, Stambler N, Israel R,. Methylnaltrexone for the relief of opioid-induced constipation in advanced illness. J Support Oncol 7(1):39, 2009. PMID: 19278178.
- Dalal S, Zhukovsky DS. Pathophysiology and management of hot flashes. J Support Oncol 4:315-20, 325, 2006. PMID: 16892692.
- Dalal S, Zhukovsky DS. Pathophysiology and management of fever. J Support Oncol 4:(1): 9-16, 2006. PMID: 16444847.
- Walsh D, Zhukovsky DS. Communication in palliative medicine: a pilot study of a problem list to capture complex medical information. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 21:365-71, 2004. PMID: 15510574.
- Elsayem A, Swint K, Fisch MJ, Palmer JL, Reddy S, Walker P, Zhukovsky D, Knight P, Bruera E. Palliative care inpatient service in a comprehensive cancer center: clinical and financial outcomes. J Clin Oncol 22:2008-14, 2004. PMID: 15143094.
- Gutgsell T, Walsh D, Zhukovsky DS, Gonzales F, Lagman R. A prospective study of the pathophysiology and clinical characteristics of pain in a palliative medicine population. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 20:140-8, 2003. PMID: 12693647.
- Potluri V, Zhukovsky DS. Recent advances in malignant bowel obstruction: an interface of old and new. Curr Pain Headache Rep 7:270-8, 2003. PMID: 12828876.
- Zhukovsky DS. Fever and sweats in the patient with advanced cancer. Hematol Oncol Clin North Am 16(3):579-88, 2002. PMID: 12170569.
- Dubois MY, Cahana A, Portenoy RK, Zhukovsky DS. Is optimal pain relief at the end of life real relief?. Pain Med 3:289-91, 2002. PMID: 15099264.
- Stagno SJ, Zhukovsky DS, Walsh D. Bioethics: communication and decision-making in advanced disease. Semin Oncol 27:94-100, 2000. PMID: 10697026.
- Zhukovsky DS, Abdullah O, Richardson M, Walsh D. Clinical evaluation in advanced cancer. Semin Oncol 27:14-23, 2000. PMID: 10697018.
- Nelson KA, Walsh D, Abdullah O, McDonnell F, Homsi J, Komurcu S, LeGrand SB, Zhukovsky DS. Common complications of advanced cancer. Semin Oncol 27:34-44, 2000. PMID: 10697020.
- LeGrand SB, Walsh D, Nelson K, Zhukovsky DS. Development of a clinical fellowship program in palliative medicine. J Pain Symptom Manage 20:345-52, 2000. PMID: 11068156.
- Nelson KA, Walsh D, Behrens C, Zhukovsky DS, Lipnickey V, Brady D. The dying cancer patient. Semin Oncol 27:84-9, 2000. PMID: 10697024.
- Zhukovsky DS. A model of palliative care: the palliative medicine program of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. A World Health Organization Demonstrations Project. Support Care Cancer 8:268-77, 2000. PMID: 10923766.
Book Chapters
- Zhukovsky DS, Gallagher C, Baker F. Ethical and Legal Decision Making. In: Hospice and Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care: Flashcards and Handbook. Oxford University Press: New York, 2018.
- Zhukovsky DS. Treatment of Opioid-Induced Constipation in Advanced Illness. In: 50 Palliative Care Studies Every Doctor Should Know. Oxford University Press, 2018.
- Zhukovsky DS. Association Between Advance Directives and Quality End-of-Life Care. In: 50 Palliative Care Studies Every Doctor Should Know. Oxford University Press, 2018.
- Zhukovsky DS, Wong A. Patient Experience and End of Life Care: A Discussion and Analysis of Four Patients. In: Ethical Challenges in Oncology: Patient Care, Research, Education and Economics. Elsevier Inc: London, England, 41-58, 2017.
- Zhukovsky DS, Robert R. Pediatric Palliative Care. In: Oxford American Handbook of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. 2nd. Oxford University Press: New York, 2016.
- Madden K, Zhukovsky DS. Palliative Care in Pediatrics. In: The MD Anderson Supportive and Palliative Care Handbook. 5th. UT Printing & Media Services, 109-123, 2015.
- Zhukovsky DS. Principles of Advance Care Planning. In: Internal Medicine Issues in Palliative Cancer Care. Oxford University Press, 2014.
- Zhukovsky DS. Basics of Advanced Care Planning and Advance Directives. In: Cancer: Rehabilitation Quick Reference Series. Demos Medical, 2013.
- Robert R, Zhukovsky DS.. Pediatric Palliative Care. In: Oxford American Handbook of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. Oxford University Press: New York, 2011.
- Zhukovsky DS. Palliative Care in Pediatrics. In: The MD Anderson Supportive and Palliative Care Handbook. 4th. The University of Texas Health Sciences Center: Houston, 2011.
- Zhukovsky DS. Palliative Care in Pediatrics. In: The MD Anderson Supportive and Palliative Care Handbook. 3rd. The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston: Houston, TX, 2008.
- Zhukovsky DS, Bruera E.. A transcultural perspective of advanced directives in palliative care. In: Palliative Medicine. Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd: London, 1035-43, 2006.
- Dalal S, Zhukovsky DS, Bruera E.. Fever, sweats, and hot flashes. In: Palliative Medicine. Edward Arnold (Publishers) Ltd: London, 736-49, 2006.
- Yennurajalingam S, Zhukovsky DS. Pain and Symptom Management in Advanced Coloretal Cancer. In: Colorectal Cancer in Elderly Patient: Assessment and Treatment. CMP Healthcare Media: Manhasset, NY, 89-105, 2005.
- Madden, RM, Koontz-Webb SE, Zhukovsky DS, Mullen CA. Supportive Care: Symptom Control. In: Pediatric Oncology. Springer Science and Business Media, Inc: New York, NY, 218-243, 2005.
- Zhukovsky DS. Palliation of fever and sweats: the heat is on. In: The Cambridge Handbook of Advanced Cancer Care. Cambridge University Press: New York, NY, 408-15, 2003.
- Zhukovsky DS.. In: Fever and sweats in the patient with advanced cancer. Hematology/ Oncology Clinics of North America: Philadelphia, 579-588, 2002.
- Zhukovsky DS. Palliation in patients with renal cell carcinoma: the interface with antineoplastic therapy. In: Immunology and Clinical Management. Renal Cell Carcinoma: Molecular Biology. Humana Press, 2000.
- Zhukovsky DS. Assessment of the patient with cancer pain. In: Management of Cancer-Related Pain. Futura Publishing Co: Mount Kisco, NY, 55-61, 1993.
Grant & Contract Support
| Title: | Texas Bus Rounds, An Innovative Model of Patient-Based Teaching (An Educational Grant) |
| Funding Source: | U.T. M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Cancer Foundation |
| Role: | Principal Investigator |
| Title: | An International Multicenter Study of Pain Classification System for Advanced Cancer Patients |
| Funding Source: | Canadian Institutes for Health Research (CIHR) |
| Role: | Site Principle Investigator |
| Title: | Development of Pediatric Palliative Care Program |
| Funding Source: | Children's Art Project |
| Role: | Co- Principle Investigator |
| Title: | Symptom Profiles in English and Spanish Speaking Children with Cancer |
| Funding Source: | American Cancer Society (ACS) |
| Role: | Principal Investigator-MDACC |
| Title: | A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Fixed Dose of Subcutaneous Methylnaltrexone in Adults with Advanced Illness and Opioid-Induced Constipation: Efficacy, Safety, and Additional Health Outcomes |
| Funding Source: | Wyeth Pharmaceuticals |
| Role: | Principal Investigator |
| Title: | Open-Labeled Extension Study to Assess the Safety of a Fixed Dose of Subcutaneous Methylnaltrexone in Subjects with Advanced Illness and Opioid-Induced Constipation |
| Funding Source: | Wyeth Pharmaceuticals |
| Role: | Principal Investigator |
| Title: | Development of a Decision Aid Prototype for End-of-Life Conversations in Hospitalized Patients with Advanced Cancer |
| Funding Source: | Institutional Research Grant |
| Role: | Collaborator |
| Title: | Clinician Innovator Award: Preparing Patients and Family Caregivers for Medical Decision Making: Evaluating the impact of a systematic social work driven approach on medical power of attorney documentation, knowledge, attitudes and beliefs |
| Funding Source: | Hearst Clinical Innovator Award |
| Role: | Principal Investigator |
Patient Reviews
CV information above last modified August 29, 2024