Michael S. Rutenberg, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Michael Rutenberg is a radiation oncologist at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, who specializes in treating gastrointestinal (GI) cancers – including pancreatic, liver, esophageal, colon, rectal and anal cancers – as well as sarcomas. He brings together deep clinical expertise, advanced radiation therapy techniques, and a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to help patients navigate complex cancer diagnoses.

As part of Mayo Clinic's multidisciplinary cancer team, Dr. Rutenberg collaborates closely with surgeons, medical oncologists, radiologists and other specialists to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's diagnosis, goals and preferences. He cares for patients from across Florida, Georgia and the Southeastern United States who come to Mayo Clinic for highly specialized treatment of GI and hepatobiliary cancers.

Dr. Rutenberg has particular expertise in the multidisciplinary management of pancreatic cancer, working alongside surgical oncologists to improve outcomes for patients with locally advanced disease. As part of Mayo Clinic's high-volume pancreatic cancer program, he uses advanced radiation techniques, including intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT), to deliver highly targeted radiation during surgery. This integrated approach can expand treatment options, enhance local disease control, and help preserve quality of life, even for patients with complex cancers.

He also has extensive experience using IORT to treat advanced and recurrent rectal cancers, offering select patients an innovative treatment option as part of a comprehensive, team-based care plan.

In addition to IORT, Dr. Rutenberg is experienced in a range of advanced radiation techniques that are less commonly available, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS), and proton therapy.

Dr. Rutenberg is passionate about advancing cancer care through research and education. As a physician-scientist at Mayo Clinic, he contributes to the development of new treatment approaches and helps train the next generation of radiation oncologists, ensuring patients benefit from the latest innovations in care.

"Cancer treatment is deeply personal. For some patients, the primary goal may be cure and long-term survival. For others, preserving quality of life, minimizing side effects, or simply attending an important family milestone may take precedence," says Dr. Rutenberg. "I believe the best treatment decisions are made through careful listening and understanding what matters most to the person sitting in front of me. My guiding principle is to approach every decision as if I or a member of my own family was the patient."

When not practicing medicine, Dr. Rutenberg enjoys spending time with his wife and son, traveling, playing ping pong, watching youth baseball and attending live music concerts.