Behzad Doratotaj, MD

Provider is directly employed by MedStar Health

Behzad Doratotaj, MD, is board certified in hematology and medical oncology. He also holds board certifications in geriatric medicine and internal medicine, offering a broad clinical perspective on the treatment of blood conditions, as well as breast, lung, prostate, colon and other gastrointestinal cancers, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma, among other cancers. He and his expert team provide chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and a variety of advanced targeted infusion and oral treatments, giving patients access to advanced hematology and medical oncology services close to home, with compassion, expertise and a family-centered approach.

Dr. Doratotaj addresses each person’s concerns and priorities while giving them the information they need most. By explaining the diagnosis, testing, and next steps in straightforward language, he helps patients and families know what to expect. He works closely with nurses, phlebotomists, and other specialists to create a patient experience that feels coordinated, personal, and reassuring.

Philosophy of Care

As a child, Dr. Doratotaj watched his grandfather go through gastric cancer and saw how much a physician’s presence, guidance, and compassion can mean to a family. That memory stayed with him and helped shape his approach with his own patients. He sees medicine as a partnership built on trust, honesty, and respect. He wants patients to feel comfortable sharing what matters most to them and welcomes their loved ones into those conversations.

He also understands that a diagnosis can disrupt routines, create stress for families, and raise concerns about work, caregiving, nutrition, and other responsibilities. For that reason, he helps connect people with resources for symptom management and nutrition, as well as with social work coordination.

Education & Training

Dr. Doratotaj earned his medical degree from Tehran University of Medical Sciences where he graduated in the top two percent of his class. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at Hahnemann University Hospital/Drexel University College of Medicine, followed by fellowships in geriatric medicine at Abington Memorial Hospital/Jefferson Health, and in hematology and medical oncology through NYU Langone Medical Center, NYU Cancer Institute, Bellevue Hospital Center, and Manhattan VA Medical Center.

He has led efforts to improve coordination across specialties and work with Maryland radiology services for streamlined digital radiology image availability. He has also participated in community outreach and public education focused on prevention and screening, and has helped bring clinical trial availability to the community.

Dr. Doratotaj has published in peer-reviewed journals, and has also taught medical students, residents, fellows, and faculty as well.

About MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute

MedStar Montgomery Medical Center is part of the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute, which combines medical expertise, the latest therapies, and research across MedStar Health. Our research engine, the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Washington, D.C., region. This partnership means we provide access to cutting-edge clinical trials and the latest breakthroughs in cancer care.