Benjamin T. Esparaz, MD, FACP
Medical Oncology / Hematology
Dr. Benjamin T. Esparaz retired from Cancer Care Specialists of Illinois on July 1, 2023 after 34 years of service in Decatur. He is one of its primary founders.
In 1980, Dr. Esparaz received his M.D. degree from the University of Santo Tomas Medical School, Manila, Philippines, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He garnered Second Place in the Philippines Medical Licensure Exam. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Louisville Health Science Center, Louisville, Kentucky, in 1986, and went on to complete a fellowship in Medical Oncology/Hematology at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. He attained Diplomate Board Certifications in both Internal Medicine and in Medical Oncology.
In addition to his practice with CCSI, Dr. Esparaz served as Co-Principal Investigator for the Central Illinois Community Clinical Oncology Program and served on several medical committees. He served a two-year term as President of the Medical Staff at Decatur Memorial Hospital from 2009-2010. He was elected Fellow of the American College of Physicians in 1999. He was chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine at St. Mary’s Hospital in Decatur from 1998-2002 and was chairman of the Pharmacy and Therapeutic Committee at Decatur Memorial Hospital from 1995-2002. Dr. Esparaz was appointed Clinical Assistant Professor for the SIU-Family and Community Medicine in 1996. He was Medical Director of the St. John’s Hospice Program from 1996-2023.
Although retired, Dr. Esparaz will continue to provide some medical oncology services for Cancer Care Specialists on an as needed basis.
Medical Oncology/Hematology Fellowship
Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL, 1988
Internal Medicine Residency
University of Louisville Health Science Center, Louisville, KY, 1986
Education
M.D., University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1980
B.S., General (Pre-Medicine), University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines, 1972
Certifications
Medical Oncology – American Board of Internal Medicine
Internal Medicine – American Board of Internal Medicine
Memberships
American Society of Clinical Oncology
American College of Physicians (Fellow)
Illinois Medical Oncology Society
Illinois State Medical Society
Awards
ASCO Clinical Trials Participation Award, 2011 & 2015
Hometown
Cebu, Philippines