Dr. David J. Ernst, DO

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Get to know Oncologist Dr. David J. Ernst, who serves patients in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dr. Ernst is a trusted oncologist whose clinical interests include lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and hematology (benign and malignant). He sees patients at The University of Kansas Cancer Center in Kansas City, Missouri.

The University of Kansas Cancer Center is the only NCI-designated cancer center in the Kansas City metro area, region, and in the state of Kansas. Elevating standards in cancer care, the team of experts at the Center provide unrivaled expertise and experience in diagnosing and treating all forms of cancer, from common and complex to rare. It is their life mission, a journey they have embarked on to prevent and conquer all cancers, now and for future generations.

Before embarking on his professional journey, Dr. Ernst obtained his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree from the Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences – College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2006. He then went on to complete his residency at the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 2009, followed by his fellowship in hospice and palliative medicine at the University of Kansas in 2010. This was followed by an additional fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 2013.

Subsequent to his education, the doctor earned board certification in internal medicine, hematology, medical oncology, and hospice & palliative medicine through the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM). The ABIM is a physician-led, non-profit, independent evaluation organization driven by doctors who want to achieve higher standards for better care in a rapidly changing world.

Alongside his clinical role, Dr. Ernst serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas. He is also affiliated with North Kansas City Hospital. 

In an attempt to advance in his specialty, he remains a member of numerous professional organizations, including the American Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association, the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Association of Hospice and Palliative Medicine, and the American Society of Hematology.

Oncology is a branch of medicine that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. A medical professional who practices oncology is an oncologist. An oncologist is a doctor who treats cancer and provides medical care for a person diagnosed with cancer. They lead a cancer treatment team of various healthcare professionals, treat patients with radiation therapy, coordinate treatment plans and prescribe various types of treatment, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, as well as assist patients with pain management.

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