Our Providers
Offering World-Class Care to Patients with Cancer
We are proud to have a dedicated team of highly skilled doctors and cancer care specialists who bring a wealth of expertise and compassion to our Central Texas patients at Apex Cancer Care. Our providers consistently receive top reviews, reflecting their unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional care. With their extensive knowledge and experience, our providers are well-equipped to address the complexities of cancer treatment and provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s unique needs.
Your Dedicated Guide On Your Care Journey
The Apex Cancer Care team understands that a cancer diagnosis can be an overwhelming and emotional experience for patients and their loved ones, and our providers are here to offer support every step of the way. Beyond their medical expertise, our physicians and cancer care specialists are deeply committed to fostering an empathetic environment, ensuring that all patients feel heard and valued as individuals. We believe that a holistic approach to care goes beyond treatment—it involves understanding and addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of our patients.
When you choose Apex Cancer Care, you can trust that our providers will provide you and your loved ones with the highest level of professionalism and empathy. We are here to guide you through your care journey, offering unwavering support and thoughtful care in Central Texas.
Together, we will navigate the challenges and work toward the best possible outcomes for your health and well-being.
Meet Our Providers
Richard Garza, MD
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Richard Garza
Dr. Richard Garza is a board-certified Radiation Oncologist who brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to our team. Dr. Garza earned his medical degree from The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, where he also served as class president. His commitment to excellence led him to complete his Radiation Oncology residency at Loyola University Chicago Medical Center.
With extensive training in advanced techniques, such as 3D Conformal Radiation Therapy, Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy, and GU/GYN Brachytherapy, Dr. Garza is well-equipped to provide specialized care to patients. His dedication to the field of Radiation Oncology extends beyond patient care. During his tenure at Loyola, Dr. Garza held esteemed positions as the Medical Director for the University Radiation Clinic at the Hines Veterans Administration Radiation Clinic and the Radiation Oncology Residency Program Director.
With Dr. Garza’s expertise, thousands of cancer patients have received exceptional radiation therapy, particularly in the treatment of prostate cancer. Since joining Apex Cancer Care, he has treated 1,500 patients in Central Texas alone (since June 2020), further solidifying his commitment to serving the community.In addition to his contributions to patient care, he has published a textbook and scientific journal articles related to cancer and radiation therapy, sharing his knowledge and expertise with the medical community. His dedication to patient care and clinical excellence has been recognized by both Austin Monthly magazine and Texas Monthly magazine, where he has been named a “Top Doctor” and a “Super Doctor” in the field of Radiation Oncology.
Jay Messer, MD
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Jay Messer
Dr. Jay Messer is a board-certified Radiation Oncologist at Apex Cancer Care. He is an Austin native who grew up playing football in high school, but always prioritized his academics. He was gifted in math and physics and pursued a college degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Texas in Austin, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. While he enjoyed all aspects of engineering, he thought he would enjoy seeing 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.
Dr. Messer specializes in advanced radiation techniques, such as IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) and SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy), 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 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 The 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.
Mathew Putzi, MD
Pathologist
Dr. Mathew Putzi
Dr. Mathew Putzi was awarded his medical degree from the Tufts University School of Medicine in Boston. Afterwards, he completed his Anatomic and Clinical Pathology residency at the University of Michigan Hospitals. Dr. Putzi holds two fellowships: the first in Genitourinary Pathology from the University of Michigan Hospitals; the second in Genitourinary / Molecular Pathology from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Urology Austin is proud to operate an in-house, nationally accredited pathology lab under the leadership of Dr. Putzi.
Mathew Putzi, MD has a special interest in Genitourinary Pathology, molecular diagnostics, prostate cancer biomarkers, neoplasia, carcinogenesis, and in the tumor microenvironment. Along with being the Urology Austin Laboratory Director, Dr. Putzi is a consultant for urine cytology cases and surgical pathology cases for Avero Diagnostics, a national reference laboratory.
Dr. Putzi lives in Austin and enjoys books, art, fine wine, and enjoying all that Austin has to offer.
Brian J. Shimkus, MD
Medical Oncologist
Lone Star Oncology
Meet the Urologists at Urology Austin
