Monica Rizzo Emory Faculty
Monica Rizzo Emory Faculty

Monica Rizzo, MD

Surgery, Surgical Oncology

4.9 - 268 Ratings

Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown

36 Linden Avenue Northeast, Floor 8, Atlanta, GA 30308 +1 More Locations
Telehealth Visits Available

Booking information not available

(404) 778-3307

About

Monica Rizzo, MD, FACS, is a surgical oncologist at Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University and Professor of Surgery in the Division of Breast Surgery at Emory University School of Medicine. 
She specializes in the treatment of breast cancer, melanoma, advanced skin cancers, and soft tissue sarcoma, providing personalized, multidisciplinary care tailored to each patient’s diagnosis and treatment goals.
After completing her surgical oncology fellowship at Emory University in 2005, Dr. Rizzo joined the Emory faculty and has since played an active role in advancing cancer care across the Emory Healthcare system. 
Dr. Rizzo served as an American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer Liaison Physician at Emory University Hospital Midtown from 2010 to 2016.
In 2015, Dr. Rizzo helped introduce targeted intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) at Emory University Hospital Midtown, expanding treatment options for select patients with early-stage breast cancer by delivering radiation at the time of surgery. 
Since 2020, she has served on the Editorial Board of Annals of Surgical Oncology/Breast Oncology section.
Dr. Rizzo is committed to patient education and shared decision-making, helping patients understand their diagnosis and treatment options so they can feel confident and supported throughout their care. She has been recognized repeatedly for excellence in patient care, including multiple awards as an Atlanta Magazine Top Doctor.

Languages

  • English
  • Italian

Emory Affiliation

  • Emory Clinic - School of Medicine Faculty
  • Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University
  • Emory Healthcare Network
  • Emory Physician Group Practice

Academic Title

  • Professor

Year Started Practicing

  • 2005

Locations

Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown

36 Linden Avenue Northeast
Floor 8
Atlanta, GA 30308

Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown location map

Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown

36 Linden Avenue Northeast
Atlanta, GA 30308

Winship Cancer Institute at Emory Midtown location map

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Ratings & Reviews

4.9 out of 5 overall rating 268 ratings

The Patient Satisfaction Rating is an average of all responses to the care provider related questions shown below from our survey. Patients that are treated in outpatient or hospital environments may receive different surveys, and the volume of responses will vary by question.

4.9 Provider showed concern
4.9 Provider explained things clearly
4.9 Provider discussed treatment options
4.9 Provider included you in decisions
4.9 Likelihood of recommending this provider
5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-05-01

Dr. Rizzo was the best. She took great care of me and always explained everything so me and my wife could understand what was going on with the cancer in my body. And she explained what she was going to do to remove the cancer. I always felt like I was in the best hands for my care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-21

Dr. Rizzo is kind, compassionate and extremely knowledgeable .

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-16

I have already recommended Dr. Monica Rizzo, to any patients needing breast cancer surgery or follow up procedures. She made sure I knew how to contact her, after my out patient surgery, too.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-04-14

Dr Rizzo is a talented surgeon and a gifted health communicator who is very empathetic.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-20

Dr. Rizzo is the most empathetic physician I have ever met. Given her area of expertise can be sad and scary, her patient skills are especially valuable and meaningful.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-15

I had a very good experience. Dr. Rizzo is extremely caring, thorough, knowledgeable and competent. I do not believe I would be alive today if was not for Dr. Rizzo and the Emory Healthcare Team!!

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-02-06

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-30

Dr. Rizzo is derect and straight foward. She explains very clearly what she is doing during the visit and why. She even let's me know who I will be seeing on next visit. I like that hand off. I'm in the know with my care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2026-01-23

Dr Rizzo was wonderful. Very friendly answered all our questions We did not feel rushed during visit. Dr Rizzo Great!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-12-11

Dr. Rizzo is fantastic!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-12

Excellent doctor support

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-08

Dr. RIZZO kind and thorough!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-11-07

Dr. Rizzo and her staff are very professional and their concern is genuine

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-22

Dr Rizzo is so caring, compassionate and she really focuses on me and my questions and concerns. Also from my family with me, but mostly to me. She gave me a lot of confidence in my decision on surgery and my ability to heal and handle everything related to it. Answered every single question and was so thoughtful. She is the best!!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-15

Great experience, wouldn't have gone to a different place

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-08

Dr. Rizzo is the best! She is so kind and really cares about you!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-06

Dr Rizzo is compassionate and a great health communicator.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-05

She always explains everything to me

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-10-03

Dr . Rizzo was excellent. Her caring, thoughtful attitude and bedside manner made me feel heard and understood. She is very knowledgeable about how she explains things and made sure that I was comfortable and understood my options and made a plan for me to know what to expect. She also personally called me again later that same afternoon following my appointment after she had reviewed my medical records more thoroughly asking me more questions and then making more recommendations and referral for genetic testing. I really appreciate her willingness and commitment to help me with my medical condition and making me feel like I matter and not just another number that she has as a patient.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-09-12

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-25

Dr.Monica Rizzo is a EXCELLENT SERGENT ,CAREING AND EMPATETIC WOMAN. I will recommend her and her team .

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-24

Dr. Rizzo is an excellent physician and is an asset to the Emory Healthcare team.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-10

Very good experience with Dr. Rizzo. The doctor was very informative and courteous.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-08-09

Dr. Rizzo listens to my concerns and answering me honestly. She has gotten ne thru a difficult period at diagnosis (2021) to a place a peace and acceptance. She has been wonderful

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-23

Both doctors demonstrated a caring and accepting manner. Dr. Pakkala was preparing me for surgery, while Dr. Oza was assessing my physical abilities to walk safely, considering I have neuropathy in my toes. I am eager to begin rehab treatment after surgery.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-12

Very good experience

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-09

Extremely short time spent with the doctor!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-07-03

Dr Rizzo is the most caring and professional doctor I have ever been associated with. She is just awesome!!!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-14

I had a very good experience.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-06-13

Very good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-28

We discussed that due to my health concerns, that it would be to be to my best health outcome, that I postpone surgery.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-17

Dr. Rizzo was really great! Talked me through everything.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-11

I have no complaints

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-05-09

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-27

Dr. Rizzo talked about the importance about adding more protein and calories to my diet, since I lost weight since I moved here. Now, I will drink small amounts of protein throughout the day, to boost my energy level and weight gain!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-25

Very thorough. Also very kind.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-09

Dr. Rizzo explained everything very clearly and I understood that she was not the one to treat my current condition.Although she was not the appropriate person to treat my problem, she was concerned like I am, about my low weight and inspired me to aggressively work on my nutrition. I took action after I left her office and plan to follow the advice of the nutritionist. I would like to express my gratitude to her.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-04-09

Dr. Rizzo is very kind and she puts you at ease.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-31

Dr Rizzo was wonderful--she showed care and concern and was intentional about ensuring I understood everything.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-22

I came to Emory for a second opinion. So glad I did because Dr Rizzo and Dr Jade Jones looked at my whole body.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-12

Dr Rizzo is wonderful!! I appreciate her outstanding expertise and her compassion.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-03-05

Excellent location and a wonderful location

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-26

Great info and knowledge of illness and was give 3 things to treat the symptom

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-02-26

Dr. Rizzo was clear, transparent, and empathetic. I appreciate her very much.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-25

Dr. Rizzo was able to explain everything in laymen's terms so I could understand stand as well as having a measuring device to show me the size of my mass. She even made sure I saw all the doctors that would be needed for my care before she does her part.

4 out of 5 Reviewed on 2025-01-03

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-29

Dr Rizzo has been amazing throughout the entire process. Very kind and professional.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-14

Very good experience

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-07

Dr Rizzo and staff are great!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-06

Dr. Rizzo is exceptional!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-03

Trust Dr. Rizzo

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-11-02

I had a very good experience.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-30

Dr. Rizzo is great!!!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-25

Excellent in all area's.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-25

Dr. Rizzo has been great from the very beginning and It makes me feel better knowing she is taking care of me.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-10-16

Would definitely refer Dr. Rizzo and Emory to others! Appreciate everyone's kindness!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-25

Loved Dr Rizzo! Made me feel like she was going find answer to my health concerns!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-16

Dr. Rizzo is an excellent doctor. She is caring and compassionate.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-14

Good experience They Allowed for my three daughters to be included in the visit Two were on Zoom

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-08-02

Dr. Monica Rizzo was VERY caring, warm and patient with me being VERY thorough with the next few steps and her concerns!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-07-26

Good

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-28

Dr Rizzo is an amazing practitioner. She deserves supportive and professional staff!!!!

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-28

Dr. Rizzo is excellent, both in her efficiency as a surgeon and in her communication skills. Provides straightforward answers to straightforward questions. I view her as a genuine asset to your organization.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-19

Very satisfied with all the care.

5 out of 5 Reviewed on 2024-06-12

Dr. Rizzo always listens to my concerns and I always feel better after my appointments.

Credentials

Education

  • Fellowship: Emory University School of Medicine, Surgical Oncology, 2005
  • Residency: Univ of Missouri Hospital & Clinic, Surgery, 2003
  • Residency: Washington University, Surgery, 2000
  • Medical Education: University of Turin, MD, 1993

Board Certifications

  • Surgery (General Surgery), American Board of Surgery, 2005

Awards

  • Atlanta's Top Doctors, Atlanta Magazine, 2016, 2017, 2018

Professional Memberships

  • American College of Surgeons: Fellow; Commission on Cancer Liaison Physician, Emory University Hospital Midtown
  • American Women Association
  • Society of Surgical Oncology, Disparities Committee
  • Georgia Surgical Society