Gerstner, M.D., Gregory J. - Illinois CancerCare

Locations

Board Certifications

Hematology/Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine

Staff Education

Dr. Gerstner completed his undergraduate education at the University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana. He then attended medical school at Southern Illinois University, and completed his internal medicine residency at University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio and his Oncology/Hematology fellowship at the University of Arizona in Tucson. Dr. Gerstner joined ILCC in 2007. He is the Director of Stem Cell Transplant at UnityPoint Health – Methodist. He also serves as President of the ILCC Foundation, which works hard to provide clinical trial funding and support resources for patients in Central Illinois.

Areas of Interest

Lung Cancer
Head & Neck Cancer
Hematologic Malignancies (leukemia, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, myeloproliferative neoplasms)
Autologous Stem Cell Transplant Blood disorders (anemia, thrombocytopenia, blood clots)

When did you join Illinois CancerCare?

2008

Hobbies / Interests

Most of my free time is spent with my wife and four children. We love to travel and spend time with family and friends. My wife is active in the community and is teaching at her alma mater, Illinois Wesleyan. You’ll frequently find me at the movie theatre on weekends. I also enjoy running, soccer and tennis, as well as reading (sci-fi and fantasy) and watching my beloved Illini (though not always happily).

What medical change has impacted the field of cancer the most since you began practicing medicine?

The Increasing personalization of cancer care, relying on specific mutations found in your cancer cells (molecularly targeted therapy) and helping your own body to better fight cancer cells (immunotherapy).

Why did you choose your field?

Oncology is an exciting, ever-changing field that allows me to be on the cutting edge of scientific developments and provide up-to-date treatments for my patients while giving me the opportunity to form close interpersonal relationships.

Why did you choose Illinois CancerCare?

My father started our group in 1979 with Dr. Cullinan and I grew up in the area. Moving back from Arizona after completing training was hard; however, the capabilities of all the medical providers in the area, an outstanding commitment to research, and subspecialty care at the level of some academic facilities, plus the proximity to family with a small-town atmosphere and kind people, all made my decision easy.

Do you have any advice to give patients after they have been diagnosed with cancer?

Being diagnosed with cancer is an extremely difficult and overwhelming situation. Each individual’s journey is very different and must be approached uniquely. That being said, there are others who have shared some of your experiences. I would urge you to use the various support systems available with our nurses and staff, as well as the many resources including counseling and support groups in our community, to help you through your journey.

Patient Testimonials

HE IS VERY CARING AND DOES NOT RUSH YOU. HE WILL EXPLAIN THING TO YOU AND ANSWER ANY QUESTIONS YOU HAVE. I AM VERY GLAD HE IS MY DOCTOR

My husband is the one that is his patient. But we would like say we are very pleased with Dr. Gerstner. Good doctor caring nice and he keep us informed about my husband condition.

Dr. Gerstner always takes time to reconnect during every visit and is curious about my health and family. I was an active patient in 1987/88 with Dr. Kugler and he was great, and all my annual visits since I've felt cared for by him and the team, and the same with Dr. Gerstner after Dr. Kugler retired. Very professional team in my experience over the past 39 years.

Obviously, the diagnosis of cancer is a very scary thing. At that time (2020), we had decided to move to upstate NY for a year to help out our son’s family with a newborn and a 2yr old. We were only there six months, when the Dr there gave us the news. We moved back to our home in Peoria to face this new ‘thing’ and Dr Gerstner became our oncologist for my husband’s Multiple Myeloma. He, and his staff.. well they are all absolutely amazing. Doc Gerstner stays on top of all the latest research and collaborates with our specialist, Doc Schroeder in Saint Louis. We could not ask for better care and knowledge for my husband’s treatment. The nurses are second to none. Compassion, caring empathy…and they can lift up anyone even on their worst day :) We will forever be grateful to all there. There’s even volunteers to assist with wheelchairs and taking patients to lab appts etc. They give freely of their time and it’s so very helpful. Cancer can be a heavy burden, but the staff all definitely lighten our load!

I am very fortunate to have Dr. Gerstner as my oncologist. He referred me to a wonderful surgeon in Peoria. His calm & friendly manner is very comforting and I receive great care from him and his staff. I will be forever grateful for Dr. Gerstner!

Dr. Gerstner is the Best!! He is honest and listens to me. He is sensitive to my needs and understands the devastating side effects associated with treatment. He will return phone calls and messages immediately, instead of making you wait all day. He also involves me in the plan of care! 12/10 in every way! Thank you for making cancer treatment much more tolerable!

Excellent care! Dr. Gerstner and his team are awesome. The disease has been arrested. I am very grateful.

I had been a patient of his dad as well as a patient of Dr Knost. I appreciate the time Dr Gerstner spends with me reviewing my labs and updates on my condition. He takes personal interest in what I am doing. I would recommend him to other patients needing an oncologist.

Dr Gerstner is very caring and allows plenty of time for questions I’ve been his patient for 5 going on 6 years I’m a success story thanks to Dr Gerstner and Illinois cancer care I highly recommend Dr Gerstner

Always friendly and helpful. Cancer is gone thanks to him!

Awesome Doctor and person, he is very knowledgeable and professional, he saved my life!❤️