Jay Messer, MD is a Radiation Oncologist at Apex Cancer Care.  He is an Austin native who grew up playing football in high school, but always put priority on his academics. He was gifted in math and physics and pursued a college degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. While he enjoyed all aspects of engineering, he thought he would like to see patients as a doctor someday. He became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and while volunteering he found he loved working with patients and wanted to keep learning.  He went on to attend medical school at the University of Texas in Houston, where he graduated with honors. Dr. Messer completed his residency in Radiation Oncology at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and during his training worked at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and Houston Methodist Hospital. Dr. Messer was honored to be chosen as the Chief Resident in his final year.

Putting the Patient First

Dr. Messer is dedicated to putting the patient first in any healthcare and treatment decisions that need to be made.  “When someone is diagnosed with cancer, they can be overwhelmed and experience a lot of stress and anxiety. I like to talk with patients and help them understand radiation and how advanced and safe it is in treating and curing cancer.  I find that patients always leave happier when they have a plan and know what to expect” he says. “My role is to learn about the patient’s lifestyle and goals and then we can work together to come up with the best treatment plan that will help them live their best life,” he says. “I always want to make sure they are comfortable with the plan, and I want my patients to know that I am approachable, and they can ask me anything,” he adds.

Treatment expertise

Dr. Messer enjoys the technical aspects and the team effort of radiation oncology.  Working together as a team they devise the optimal plan to deliver the radiation in the best and safest way. He specializes in advanced radiation techniques such as IMRT and SBRT to precisely deliver radiation while minimizing side effects. He was the first doctor in San Antonio to use Barigel® to minimize damage to the rectum from high doses of radiation. He has a wealth of experience with prostate cancer and has been called on to manage many advanced and complicated cases from around the region. Dr. Messer has authored many articles in medical publications and in prestigious research journals and has given oral presentations at national conferences.

Dr. Messer is married to another Austin native, Alison, whom he met in college at University of Texas in Austin. She is a dermatologist. When they are not working, they enjoy spending time outdoors with their two young children. Dr. Messer also enjoys barbecuing, hunting, fishing, and watching Texas football.

Dr. Jay Messer is seeing patients at Apex Cancer Care. Contact Apex Cancer Care to schedule an appointment with Dr. Messer.