OTD, OTR/L, CTL
Occupational Therapist
My goal is to incorporate meaningful activities into my practice to deliver individualized care for each of my patients.
Doctorate, Occupational Therapy - Drake University, Des Moines, IA
Occupational Therapy – American Occupational Therapy Association
Certified Lymphedema Therapist – Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy
Lizette Cruz joined City of Hope Chicago in July 2021 as an Occupational Therapist working with patients diagnosed with a variety of cancer types and stages. She collaborates with a multidisciplinary team to provide individualized treatment to patients at the City of Hope Chicago hospital and surrounding Outpatient Care Centers. Her specific expertise is in lymphedema treatment and hand therapy.
Cruz earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Health and Human Physiology from the University of Iowa. While earning her doctorate in occupational therapy from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, she took advantage of a unique opportunity to become certified in lymphedema therapy at the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy in Jamesburg, New Jersey. This area of study attracted her to the field of oncology and inspired her to join City of Hope Chicago, after building a depth of experience in occupational therapy and lymphedema intervention.
An active member in several research endeavors and an avid volunteer, Cruz works daily with City of Hope Chicago patients to improve their quality of life, assess their needs and reduce cancer- and treatment-related limitations.