Kenosha Native Returns to Provide Cancer Care to Community: Let’s Meet Dr. Cronk!

The Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital oncology team is expanding! Long-standing physicians Dr. Kevin Khater, radiation oncologist and Dr. David Knight, hematologist/medical oncologist are excited to welcome Dr. Robert Cronk to their world-class team.

Dr. Cronk, a hematologist and medical oncologist, is a Kenosha native who studied at Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine and the Medical College of Wisconsin (MCW). Dr. Cronk is honored to join the Froedtert & MCW health network as he returns to Kenosha to provide care for the community where he grew up. Let’s get to know Dr. Cronk.

DR. ROBERT CRONK

Welcome! Why did you choose to practice at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital?

My wife and I are both from Kenosha. I was a Northsider and she was a Southsider, and many of our friends and family members still live in the area. When I was finishing my fellowship, I knew I wanted to come back to Kenosha to provide care for the community that means so much to me. I practiced in Pewaukee and Oconomowoc for three years, and then the opportunity arose for me to join the team at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital, and I am thrilled. My wife and I have 3-year-old twins who keep us on our toes, and having the grandparents close for support is wonderful. My family and this community mean a lot to me, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to bring my hematology and oncology training back to my hometown.

Why are you passionate about your profession as a hematologist and oncologist?

I have always been intensely interested in science. My science teacher at Bullen Middle School really inspired me and piqued my interest in scientific research. She said that one day I might even cure cancer! During my high school career, I lost a family member to breast cancer. My interests plus my personal experiences solidified my path of wanting to study the science behind cancer care.

Initially, I thought I would pursue the research side of medicine. I had great experiences working in the lab, and it is meaningful work. However, after experiencing some clinical responsibilities, I saw that I could make a difference in people’s lives daily versus not being able to directly see that impact in the lab. I determined that I was best suited to work in a clinical setting.

I take pride in being a well-rounded medical oncologist. A critical piece of cancer care that I bring to my practice is the lab research background. It is also important to excel at both hematology and oncology because they are inter-related. These skills are critical when it comes to individualizing a treatment plan that considers underlying conditions and how the disease or treatment can impact cell counts or other aspects of tumor biology.

Additionally, being able to compassionately communicate with patients and educate them regarding their diagnosis and treatments is of utmost importance. I treat every patient as if they were a family member, and I strive to always provide detailed and personable care.

I am dedicated to compassionately caring for every patient through their hematologic or oncologic cancer journey. I care about this community because it is my community, too.

How does the community benefit from the comprehensive cancer care offered at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital?

A cancer diagnosis is overwhelming. Managing your care should not be. Our team at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is dedicated to coordinating every patient’s care as thoroughly and smoothly as possible. From preventive screenings and diagnosis through trials, treatments, and recovery, we have the leading-edge resources and interdisciplinary team of therapists and specialists conveniently located close to each other.

Dr. Knight, Dr. Khater and I, along with our partnership with the Froedtert & MCW Cancer Network, provide the community with local access to world-class medical research. The comprehensive cancer care offered at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is impressive, and I am both proud and grateful that these services are right here in my hometown.

I think the teamwork aspect of our cancer care is of great benefit to patients. Cancer is a very complex field with several subspecialties. The Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital system is set up for accessible collaboration between physicians and other team members. Collaboration and coordination of care is accomplished with a simple phone call between providers or is as easy as walking across the hall to have a face-to-face discussion. Patients are our priority, and the community benefits from our interdisciplinary approach.

What does being part of the Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital team mean to you?

Being part of this team means being back home. The new cancer center at Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital is leading-edge, and I am appreciative to be on the team here and expand upon what Dr. Knight and Dr. Khater have already established for the community. The staff is helpful, the leadership is supportive, and my colleagues are world-class. The positive impact we have on the greater Kenosha area means a lot to me. I am honored to be welcomed back to my hometown to serve on the cancer care team.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Froedtert Pleasant Prairie Hospital Cancer Care Services at 262-577-8206.