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Daniel Araujo, MD, who has joined the UF College of Medicine as an associate professor in the Division of Hematology & Oncology, strives to provide the best possible care for his patients, ensuring their treatment journey is as smooth and supportive as possible.

As a medical oncologist, he specializes in urologic cancers, renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, melanoma and skin cancer.

Dr. Araujo earned his medical degree from Universidade Federal da Paraíba. He completed an internal medicine residency at UNESP Botucatu and a medical oncology residency at A.C. Camargo Cancer Center. He further specialized in drug development, with a clinical focus on genitourinary and skin malignancies, during a fellowship at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Canada, which is affiliated with the University of Toronto.

Dr. Araujo’s research involves early-phase studies aimed at optimizing cancer drug dosages, meta-analyses, trial design and systematic reviews, all aimed at improving treatment outcomes and pushing the field forward.

Get to know him in our Q&A:

Q: How did you end up going into medicine, and why did you decide on your specialty in oncology?

A: I’ve always been drawn to the medical profession and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives. My paternal grandfather was a physician, deeply respected in our hometown, and his dedication to his patients left a lasting impression on me. Pursuing medicine felt like a natural choice, and I’m grateful I followed that path.

During medical school, I explored various specialties and found it difficult to choose just one. However, I knew early on that I wanted to be a clinician, which led me to internal medicine. My decision to specialize in oncology was driven by several factors: The field is constantly evolving with groundbreaking discoveries; it demands both clinical excellence and the ability to manage complex symptoms and treat side effects; and it offers the opportunity to contribute to research beyond direct patient care. The combination of these aspects made oncology the perfect fit for me.

Q: What are your research interests?

A: My primary research interest is the design of clinical trials, particularly early-phase studies. I am especially focused on optimizing oncology drug dosing. This means finding the minimum effective dose that maximizes efficacy while minimizing toxicity and determining the most efficient way to identify it.

In addition, I’m actively involved in projects centered on literature synthesis, particularly in genitourinary oncology. These projects aim to refine our understanding of current treatment paradigms and improve patient outcomes through evidence-based approaches.

Q: What is one thing you would like patients to know about how you approach patient care?

A: I believe in a patient-centered approach, where my role is to provide the most up-to-date medical evidence and tailor treatment options to align with each patient’s personal goals and values. Open communication is key. I want my patients to feel heard, supported and confident in their care decisions. My door is always open to them.

Q: What is one thing in this field that gives you hope right now?

A: The pace of innovation in oncology is truly inspiring. One of the most exciting advancements has been the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors, which empower a patient’s own immune system to fight cancer more effectively. Combined with breakthroughs in genomic sequencing, proteomics and other precision-medicine approaches, we are witnessing a transformation in cancer care. These innovations are improving outcomes and offering new hope for patients, which motivates me every day.

Q: What do you like to do outside of work?

A: Outside of work, I love spending time with my wife and children, whether we’re exploring new places or simply enjoying each other’s company. I also enjoy playing tennis, watching Brazilian soccer and getting lost in a good book. I am also fluent in English and Portuguese.