Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dr. Robin Obenchain specializes in Hematology and Medical Oncology. She believes in a holistic approach to cancer care integrating both the art and science of medicine uniquely based on an individualized care of each patient and family.
Dr. Obenchain joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2016 and has been practicing in the Phoenix area for the past ten years. She has been published in Oncology Publishing Group: Colorectal Cancer in the Elderly Patient: Assessment and Treatment. She has received multiple awards including Association of Pathology Chairs Honor Society, the Higgins Award for outstanding Senior Resident and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.
Dr. Obenchain has been named Top Doctor twice in the Phoenix Business Journal and is currently a member of the American College of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.
"These people are awesome. The doctor, her assistant, and the entire staff are wonderful people and they're a pleasure to deal with in what are sometimes not the most ideal conditions. They are extremely helpful, friendly courteous professional and I could go on and on. There is a single bad thing I can say about this practice or anyone who works here. Special shout outs to Dr Robin herself, Carrie, Ashley, Ashton, and Sandy who is no longer with them." -Jim
Dr. Parmjeet Kumar Banghar specializes in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine. He joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 when his team at Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology partnered with the practice.
Currently, Dr. Banghar is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology. He has participated in a research study involving cerebrovascular diseases and been published in several journals, including Leukemia Research and the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences. He has also presented on a number of topics, including sonographic evaluation of the spleen in sickle cell syndromes, lennox gastaut syndrome and sweet syndrome in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia.
"This doctor is smart and knows cancer. The staff is the best. My nurses who give me shots are the best! Highly reccomend this office." -Lina
"I have been Dr. Banghar's patient since 2019 and just found out I could give him a review. Wish I had been told this before. He is an excellent provider. He has made me feel confident about my treatment which I think has/had a tremendous amount of impact on my care and the outcome. I would recommend him and the facility in a heart beat." -Felicia
After graduating from a premier medical school in India, Dr. Fernandes continued her training in Internal Medicine and obtained advanced training in the treatment of blood and cancer disorders in the United States. She was awarded an international prestigious scholarship from the European Society of Medical Oncology and spent time as a visiting fellow in Medical Oncology in Spain.
Her areas of expertise include breast cancers in addition to treating other cancer disorders such as colon cancer, lung cancer, melanoma/skin cancers and blood disorders such as anemias, iron deficiency disorders, abnormal blood counts. She serves as a section editor for Breast Cancer on hemonc.org, an internationally accessed online resource for cancer physicians. She has presented cancer research at national and international cancer meetings in the United States and Europe and volunteers with the American Society of Clinical Oncology for peer review activities.
Dr. Fernandes believes in providing compassionate, exceptional and cutting-edge care to her patients. She strives to provide the most personalized treatment plan for her patients while taking into consideration their unique needs. Having had family members who have also been stricken with cancer, she understands and empathizes with the needs of caring for a loved one with cancer.
Dr. Fernandes enjoys spending time with family, travel, running, and watercolor painting.
Dr. Clarence Adoo specializes in hematology, oncology and internal medicine. He joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008. Dr. Adoo is a member of the American College of Physicians/American Society of Internal Medicine, American Association of Blood Banks, American Society of Hematology and American Society of Clinical Oncologists amongst others.
Dr. Adoo has publications in several journals and authored many chapters in books, including Acute Myeloid Leukemia, Alternative Management Strategies in Alloimmunized Thrombocytopenic Patients, Infection in the Neutropenic Host, Management of infection in Oncology Patients and Adult Leukemia: American Cancer Society Atlas. In addition to his published work, Dr. Adoo has participated in several presentations at the Hematology Oncology Fellowship Program, National Institute of Health, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society/Cure for Lymphoma Association and Phoenix Veterans Affairs Hospital.
He has been honored as a fellow by the American College of Physicians and lauded by America’s Registry of Outstanding Professionals, among other honors.
"He was the best. always listened to me and addressed the issue. Vary caring." -Cliff
"We are amazed at how Dr. Adoo makes us feel, very welcoming, is ready to answer any questions we have and even calls other drs if necessary. His bedside manner is the best we have had from any doctor. We would recommend him to anyone and everyone needing a Dr. with his experience." -Casimir
Dr. Kaplan treats a wide variety of medical oncology, malignant hematology, and benign hematologic disease. She is especially interested in treating breast cancer and general oncology.
Dr. Kaplan enjoys cooking, reading, watching sports, traveling, and spending time with family and her 2 dogs named Penny.
"Dr. Kaplan was a major part of my father-in-love’s cancer treatment and was one of his biggest champions. Her bedside manner was incredibly personalized, kind, and intentional. He couldn’t say enough wonderful things about her. I highly recommend her!" -Leanne
Dr. Jason Samuelian is a Board-certified Radiation Oncologist, with expertise in novel radiation techniques including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), and Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR). He has a particular interest in using new and advanced treatment techniques to minimize side effects. He derives great satisfaction from spending time with his patients and developing relationships with them that last long beyond their cancer care.
Dr. Samuelian joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2015. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology from Brigham Young University, where he graduated cum laude. He earned his medical doctorate at Midwestern University in Glendale, where he was awarded the MICA Scholastic Award in 2008, and graduated with Honors in 2010. He completed an internal medicine internship at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center, followed by residency training at the Baylor College of Medicine, where he also served as chief resident. In addition, Dr. Samuelian has completed two brachytherapy fellowships — at the MD Anderson Cancer Center and the Seattle Prostate Institute.
Dr. Samuelian is a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology, American Brachytherapy Society, American College of Radiology, American College of Radiation Oncology, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He has been invited to serve on the ASCO Professional Development Committee. He currently serves as Chairman of the Cancer Committee at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, a program accredited by the Commission on Cancer (CoC).
Dr. Samuelian actively participates in cooperative group clinical trials. His research has been published in peer-reviewed medical journals, and he has presented at national meetings on SABR for COPD patients with early-stage lung cancer, IMRT for the treatment of rectal cancer, and prostate cancer brachytherapy, among others.
"Dr. Samuelian has always been very honest and truthful in presenting us with our options I trust his opinion 100 present and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking his treatment." -Rick
"I have been very impressed with Dr. Jason Samuelian. He seems extremely knowledgeable. I have had several doctors that had horrible bedside manner. Dr. Samuelian has an incredible bedside manner. It was so obvious that he was really concerned with my welfare. I would also like to do a shout out to his support team. They were incredible, and kind. I can't say enough about the entire experience. I'd give him six stars if I could." -Peter
Dr. Ertz-Archambault is triple board-certified in Hematology, Medical Oncology, and Internal Medicine, dedicated to providing expert and compassionate care to patients facing blood disorders and cancers, with a special emphasis in breast cancer. Dr. Ertz-Archambault has dedicated her career to serving the Phoenix cancer community. She spent over four years caring for the underserved cancer population at Valleywise Health, where she partnered with the breast cancer team honored with The Spirit of Healing Award from the Cancer Support Community of Arizona in 2022. Her commitment extends beyond the clinic through volunteer work, charity educational programs, and quality improvement initiatives for underserved cancer patients. Dr Ertz-Archambault is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. She also serves as an Assistant Clinical Professor at Creighton University, Phoenix School of Medicine, mentoring the next generation of physicians. Outside of medicine, she enjoys painting, gardening, and spending time with her family
Dr. Laeth George grew up in the Phoenix Metro area before completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona, earning a Bachelor’s degree with Honors in Physiology. He obtained his M.D. from the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Phoenix, where he met his wife. Following this, he completed Internal Medicine residency at Case Western Reserve University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. Thereafter, he completed his fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation – Taussig Cancer Center in Cleveland, Ohio.
During these years of training, he published multiple peer-reviewed articles in various medical journals regarding diseases like multiple myeloma as well as kidney cancer. He has presented research at national meetings, including at the 2023 Genitourinary Oncology meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO).
He is excited to return to Phoenix and help serve the community he and his family consider to be home. He has a strong dedication to the care of patients with Hematologic and Oncologic conditions, and has experience treating a broad spectrum of both common and rare disorders in Hematology and Oncology. He believes in partnering with patients and their loved ones to provide compassionate, holistic, and evidence-based care to achieve the best outcomes possible.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, reading, trying new restaurants, and is an avid sports fan.
Dr. Nagaiah received his medical degree from MGR Medical University in India and has been in practice for more than 20 years. His residency and internship were completed at Mercy Catholic Medical Center in Pennsylvania, and he completed a fellowship at West Virginia University. He earned a Masters in Clinical Research from the MGH Institute of Health Professions in Boston. Dr. Nagaiah has expertise in treating lymphoma, lung cancer, and breast cancer, among other conditions.
PHILOSOPHY
I believe that being an oncologist is a privilege that is not to be taken lightly. I strive to provide evidence-based care that is appropriate to my patients’ particular problem, recognizing and respecting individual patient’s wishes. I take a multidisciplinary approach to care, including alternative therapies that have been shown to be effective.
RESEARCH PUBLICATIONS
Nagaiah G, Hossain A, Mooney CJ, Parmentier J, Remick SC. Anaplastic thyroid cancer: A review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, and treatment. J Oncol.2011;2011:542358. 2. Batalo M, Nagaiah G, Abraham J. Cognitive dysfunction in postmenopausal breast cancer patients on aromatase inhibitors. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther.2011;11(8):1277-1282. 3. Nagaiah G, Remick SC. Combretastatin A4 phosphate: A novel vascular disrupting agent. Future Oncol. 2010;6(8):1219-1228 4. Mooney CJ, Nagaiah G, Fu P, et al. A phase II trial of fosbretabulin in advanced anaplastic thyroid carcinoma and correlation of baseline serum-soluble intracellular adhesion molecule-1 with outcome. Thyroid. 2009;19(3):233-240. 5. Nagaiah G, Almubarak M, Khan M, Altaha R. Cerebrospinal fluid leak during treatment with bevacizumab and irinotecan after carmustine-impregnated wafers placement in patients with grade 2 oligodendroglioma and glioblastoma multiforme: Report of two cases and review of literature. Cancer Invest. 2010;28(10):1048-1053
Zaher Akkad, MD, FACC, is a cardiologist at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, with four locations in Phoenix, Maricopa, Goodyear, and Chandler, Arizona. Dr. Akkad holds multiple board certifications, including internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and echocardiography, as well as Endovascular Medicine.
Dr. Akkad was trained at Wayne State University-affiliated hospitals in Detroit, Michigan. Before joining Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, Dr. Akkad was an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at Wayne State University. During this time, he was the Interim Director of the Echocardiography Lab.
He has published multiple textbook chapters in the fields of cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and congestive heart failure.
Dr. Akkad’s clinical skills are outstanding. He is a multi-talented cardiologist, he is experienced in all aspects of non-invasive cardiology, including echocardiography, transesophageal echo, and nuclear cardiology. He is a fully-trained interventional cardiologist with superb skills in all aspects of cardiac Catheterization and stents also endovascular, carotid and peripheral interventions as well as pacemaker implantation. He is experienced in Structural Cardiac interventions including TAVR and Watchman procedures.
Dr. Akkad is very compassionate and has exceptional patient skills. His philosophy is to treat his patients as if they are family and provides prompt, cutting-edge, and evidence-based treatments. He is currently accepting new patients and eager to help them get healthy as soon as possible. Please check the testimonials from some of our patients below. On behalf of Dr. Akkad and his team, we look forward to taking care of you.
Banner Estrella Medical Center, Chief of Cardiology 2023 to present
Abrazo Hospital
Shishir Murarka, MD, is the Chief of Cardiology at Banner Estrella Medical Center.
Dr. Murarka is a board-certified interventional cardiologist at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona in the Phoenix and Goodyear locations. He is a young cardiologist with excellent clinical skills and patient rapport. He offers a fresh approach to cardiovascular care.
Dr. Murarka completed his training at the University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly and Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
He is board-certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Murarka has co-authored more than 20 publications in various medical journals, over a dozen abstracts, and two book chapters in the subjects of percutaneous mitral valve repair and recanalizing total occlusion in the periphery.
He is currently accepting new patients and looks forward to helping them on their health care journey.
Dr. Faran Bashir received his training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, University of California, Irvine, and the University of Colorado in Denver. Dr. Bashir is board certified in the fields of cardiovascular diseases, Nuclear and Interventional Cardiology. Additionally, he has received specialized training in the performance of intracardiac echocardiography, percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defects, valvuloplasty and Watchman device implantation. He has presented several studies at national Cardiology meetings and has published many journal articles in major Cardiology journals.
Dr. Bashir is currently serving as Chief of Cardiology and CVT Surgery at Banner Estrella Medical Center. He also holds the position of Clinical Assistant professor of Medicine at Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix. He is a member of faculty both in the Cardiology as well as Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Programs and is actively involved in teaching future cardiologists. Dr. Bashir’s clinical skills are outstanding and he will be happy to provide timely and professional care.
Dr. Bashir is currently accepting new patients. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking a consultation online today.
Dr. Cory graduated from Arizona School of Health Sciences with his Doctorate in Physical Therapy, and is additionally certified in Spinal Manipulation and in Biomedical Dry Needling. Dr. Cory has had extensive advanced manual therapy training that has allowed him to go beyond the norm in physical therapy, and really give top quality attention and care to his patients.
I grew up in Mesa, AZ in a family of seven boys and one girl. After high school I served a full time, two year mission for my church and loved meeting and serving people. Upon returning I worked as a tech in a PT clinic where I met my beautiful wife. We worked our way through my undergrad at ASU in Exercise and Wellness and also had our first child in my last semester. Following ASU we went to A.T. Still University for a doctorate in physical therapy. School is where I found my passion for manual therapy. We also had our second child after my first year and the third 1 week before graduation. After graduation I was lucky enough to find One Accord PT and have been with them since 2011.
Describe the essence of what you do in your role at One Accord PT?
I believe that what we do as Physical Therapists is more than just treating pain. It is helping others to improve their quality of life through personalizing every treatment session with manual/hands-on techniques and therapeutic exercises as well as providing education on self treatments/exercise and injury prevention.
What are some of your personal interests, outside of work?
My biggest interest outside of work is spending time with my wife and children. I love wrestling, reading, playing cars, climbing on the rock wall, and running around the yard with my kids, and being able to sit and talk with my wife for hours.
What are some things you believe in? What is your favorite quote or words of wisdom?
Something I believe in is, God lives and that he loves us. I know He has a plan for us all and wants us to be happy and to serve others.
Favorite quote: A man filled with the love of God is not content with blessing his family alone, but ranges through the whole world, anxious to bless the whole human race. Joseph Smith Jr.
What do you like most about working for One Accord PT?
One thing I enjoy about working at One Accord is the focus we have to continue learning in our profession. Continuing education is an important part of our work environment to help us progress as professionals and our ability to treat those who come to see us.
What do you like most about caring for patients?
The thing I enjoy most about caring for patients is the relationship we get to have with those who come in our door. It is so much more than just a doctor-patient setting but we get to know each other and actually become friends.
Why did you choose to become a physical therapist?
I became a PT because I like helping people feel better when they are hurting. I think the human body is fascinating and I love learning about how I can help others to improve their quality of living.
What do you think patients like MOST about you?
I feel that my patients like that I have a strong desire to help each one of them feel better and improve. They can always be sure that I will be open and honest with them and that I am not afraid to say “I do not know but I will find out for you.”
What do you think patients like MOST about One Accord PT?
People love coming to One Accord because of who we are and what we offer. We have a staff that is unlike any other place I have ever worked and everyone of us has the same goal of striving to help each person who comes in. We are a happy group and we love to have a professional yet fun environment and those who come in can expect a pleasant experience.
Teodor Pitea, MD, is a board-certified gastroenterologist and founder of Interventional Endoscopy Associates PLLC in Peoria, Scottsdale, and Phoenix, Arizona.
Dr. Pitea received his medical degree from Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, before moving to the United States in 2001 to pursue a career in gastroenterology. Following a residency in internal medicine, he completed a fellowship in gastroenterology at Mount Sinai Morningside (formerly St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital Center), an affiliate of Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. During that time, he also completed a postdoctoral research fellowship on the role of insulin resistance in patients with metabolic syndrome and trained for six months as a hepatology fellow in the Liver Transplant Program at Mount Sinai Hospital. As a gastroenterology fellow, Dr. Pitea discovered his passion for endoscopy, which led him to pursue further training in advanced therapeutic endoscopy under the mentorship of Dr. Stavros Stavropoulos, one of the pioneers of endoscopic surgery, at Winthrop University Hospital in Long Island, New York.
In September 2012, Dr. Pitea launched the Interventional Endoscopy Service at Banner Del E. Webb Medical Center in Sun City West, Arizona. Over the next four years, he spearheaded the building of a new endoscopy unit and developed a highly trained medical team dedicated to interventional endoscopy. Dr. Pitea joined the Digestive Institute at Banner-University Medical Center Phoenix in 2016, and together with Rawad Mounzer, MD, he established the Interventional Endoscopy Service there in collaboration with University of Arizona faculty.
During his role as the Director of Endoscopy and Chief of the Advanced Endoscopy Program, he developed a comprehensive program for the management of acute and chronic pancreatitis, and he has continued to advance the field of endoscopic surgery in Arizona by providing complex, cutting-edge endoscopic interventions.
Dr. Pitea has published multiple abstracts and has been an invited speaker at national conferences. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Internal Medicine as well as the American Board of Gastroenterology.
Zaher Akkad, MD, FACC, is a cardiologist at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, with four locations in Phoenix, Maricopa, Goodyear, and Chandler, Arizona. Dr. Akkad holds multiple board certifications, including internal medicine, cardiovascular disease, interventional cardiology, nuclear cardiology, and echocardiography, as well as Endovascular Medicine.
Dr. Akkad was trained at Wayne State University-affiliated hospitals in Detroit, Michigan. Before joining Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona, Dr. Akkad was an Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine and Cardiology at Wayne State University. During this time, he was the Interim Director of the Echocardiography Lab.
He has published multiple textbook chapters in the fields of cardiomyopathy, myocarditis, and congestive heart failure.
Dr. Akkad’s clinical skills are outstanding. He is a multi-talented cardiologist, he is experienced in all aspects of non-invasive cardiology, including echocardiography, transesophageal echo, and nuclear cardiology. He is a fully-trained interventional cardiologist with superb skills in all aspects of cardiac Catheterization and stents also endovascular, carotid and peripheral interventions as well as pacemaker implantation. He is experienced in Structural Cardiac interventions including TAVR and Watchman procedures.
Dr. Akkad is very compassionate and has exceptional patient skills. His philosophy is to treat his patients as if they are family and provides prompt, cutting-edge, and evidence-based treatments. He is currently accepting new patients and eager to help them get healthy as soon as possible. Please check the testimonials from some of our patients below. On behalf of Dr. Akkad and his team, we look forward to taking care of you.
Banner Estrella Medical Center, Chief of Cardiology 2023 to present
Abrazo Hospital
Shishir Murarka, MD, is the Chief of Cardiology at Banner Estrella Medical Center.
Dr. Murarka is a board-certified interventional cardiologist at Affiliated Cardiologists of Arizona in the Phoenix and Goodyear locations. He is a young cardiologist with excellent clinical skills and patient rapport. He offers a fresh approach to cardiovascular care.
Dr. Murarka completed his training at the University of Maryland Prince George's Hospital Center in Cheverly and Banner University Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona.
He is board-certified in interventional cardiology, cardiovascular disease, internal medicine, and nuclear cardiology. Dr. Murarka has co-authored more than 20 publications in various medical journals, over a dozen abstracts, and two book chapters in the subjects of percutaneous mitral valve repair and recanalizing total occlusion in the periphery.
He is currently accepting new patients and looks forward to helping them on their health care journey.
Dr. Faran Bashir received his training at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, University of California, Irvine, and the University of Colorado in Denver. Dr. Bashir is board certified in the fields of cardiovascular diseases, Nuclear and Interventional Cardiology. Additionally, he has received specialized training in the performance of intracardiac echocardiography, percutaneous closure of patent foramen ovale and atrial septal defects, valvuloplasty and Watchman device implantation. He has presented several studies at national Cardiology meetings and has published many journal articles in major Cardiology journals.
Dr. Bashir is currently serving as Chief of Cardiology and CVT Surgery at Banner Estrella Medical Center. He also holds the position of Clinical Assistant professor of Medicine at Banner University Medical Center – Phoenix. He is a member of faculty both in the Cardiology as well as Interventional Cardiology Fellowship Programs and is actively involved in teaching future cardiologists. Dr. Bashir’s clinical skills are outstanding and he will be happy to provide timely and professional care.
Dr. Bashir is currently accepting new patients. Schedule an appointment by calling the office or booking a consultation online today.