Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute Names Alia Abdulla, D.O., Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology in Plantation
MIAMI, FL – June 1, 2026 – Baptist Health Herbert Wertheim Cancer Institute has named fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist Alia Abdulla, D.O., FACS, FSSO, chief of breast surgical oncology in Plantation. Serving as both a surgeon and an advocate in this role, Dr. Abdulla delivers evidence-based, multidisciplinary care while personalizing each treatment plan to align with a patient’s values, goals and lifestyle. Her objective is to achieve the best oncologic outcomes while preserving a patient’s quality of life, body image and long-term well-being.
Passionate about mentorship and the development of clinicians, Dr. Abdulla serves as a clinical assistant professor of surgery at Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine and Nova Southeastern University College of Medicine. Prior to joining Baptist Health, she was a breast surgical oncologist at Broward Health Medical Center and a clinical assistant professor of surgery for Broward Health’s general surgical residency program.
“We are proud to welcome Dr. Abdulla to our highly skilled team of cancer care specialists, dedicated to providing our patients with the highest quality care,” said Leonard Kalman, M.D., executive deputy medical director and chief medical officer at Miami Cancer Institute.
Dr. Abdulla is board certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Surgery in general surgery. She earned her medical degree as well as a master’s degree in public health at Nova Southeastern University College of Medicine. Her clinical training includes a surgical residency at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, where she served as chief resident, and a surgical oncology fellowship at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Temple University Hospital System. Committed to continuous learning and professional development, Dr. Abdulla also completed a surgical leadership program at Harvard Medical School and is earning a master’s degree in business administration from Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School, which recognized her humanitarianism by honoring her with the Unwavering Humanity Award.
Dr. Abdulla has published her research in peer-reviewed medical journals and books and presented at healthcare conferences. She also contributes to the scientific community as a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and the Society of Surgical Oncology and a member of several professional organizations.
Dr. Abdulla’s patient care is grounded in compassion, precision and partnership. “I recognize that every diagnosis carries not only medical complexity but also a profound emotional impact on my patients and their families,” she said. “I strive to create a space where patients and their support network feel heard, educated, supported and empowered throughout the cancer care journey.”
Dr. Abdulla speaks English and Spanish. She will see patients at two Baptist Health Cancer Care locations: 8900 North Kendall Drive, Miami, FL 33176; and 1228 S. Pine Island Road, Suite 410, Plantation, FL 33143.
About Baptist Health
Baptist Health is the largest healthcare organization in the region, with 12 hospitals, more than 29,000 employees, 4,500 physicians and 200 outpatient centers, urgent care facilities and physician practices spanning across Miami-Dade, Monroe, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Baptist Health has internationally renowned institutes specializing in cancer care, brain and spine care, heart and vascular care and orthopedic care. In addition, it includes Baptist Health Medical Group; Baptist Health Quality Network; and The Baptist Health PineApp, a virtual health platform. Baptist Health South Florida is an academic and clinical affiliate of Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. A not-for-profit organization supported by philanthropy and committed to its faith-based charitable mission of medical excellence, Baptist Health has been recognized by Fortune as one of the 100 Best Companies to Work For in America and is the most awarded healthcare system in South Florida by U.S. News and World Report. For more information, visit BaptistHealth.net/Newsroom and connect with us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
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