HARLINGEN – Dr. Todd Shenkenberg, Oncologist, has been named the 2015 “Physician of the Year” for Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen.
Since coming to the Valley 28 years ago, Dr. Shenkenberg has been an advocate for education on prevention, early detection, and early treatment of cancer. He was voted “Best Oncologist” by readers of the Valley Morning Star in the 2015 “Best of the Best” contest — as well as a “Texas Super Doctor” in state-wide polls of doctors and health-care providers by Texas Monthly magazine.
One of Dr. Shenkenberg’s goals has been to help develop the cancer program in Harlingen so that fewer South Texas residents have to leave the Valley for care. He notes that going to Houston or other distant cities for cancer care can be a financial burden for many Valley residents — as well as separating them from their support system of family and friends in the Valley.
“We have been very innovative with comprehensive cancer treatment right here in Harlingen at Valley Baptist Medical Center,” Dr. Shenkenberg said.
Valley Baptist employees, who participate in balloting to select the annual Physician of the Year for the hospital, said that Dr. Shenkenberg is known for “his hard work, putting in long hours throughout the week and on the weekend, and for his dedication to his patients.”
“Dr. Shenkenberg is well-known in the community as a kind and caring doctor, who genuinely cares for his patients,” Valley Baptist employees stated. “He is also very faithful in supporting efforts to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer in the Valley during national Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and throughout the year.”
When he’s not working, Dr. Shenkenberg enjoys fishing and wood-crafting, including making furniture. Dr. Shenkenberg is married to Jan Shenkenberg, and they have two sons, both of whom are Eagle scouts.
For more information on the treatment and prevention of cancer, consult your physician and visit www.ValleyBaptist.net.
