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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.

Patient Reviews:

"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. Cory Heal is a radiation oncologist who has expertise in a full breadth of radiation oncology treatments for both malignant and benign diseases in children and adults.

Before joining Arizona Center for Cancer Care, Dr. Heal received a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University and his Medical Doctorate from Drexel University. He then completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Abington Memorial Hospital and a residency in radiation oncology at the University of Arizona, where he served as Chief Resident. 

Dr. Heal specializes in the treatment of malignancies of the breast, prostate, lung, skin, head and neck, gynecological tract, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, hematologic/lymphatic systems, and musculoskeletal systems. He also treats a wide array of benign diseases that benefit from radiation. Dr. Heal utilizes the latest treatment techniques in his practice, including Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), PLUVICTO, LUTATHERA, and Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT). Dr. Heal has additional specialized training and research interests in the use of HDR brachytherapy for several anatomic sites. His other research interests include patient safety and quality improvement.

An Arizona native who grew up in the East Valley, Dr. Heal feels privileged to serve the community he loves. He always seeks to be an advocate for his patients as he guides them through treatment. He enjoys the lasting relationships he develops with his patients and their families and feels honored to take part in their care.

Dr. Heal and his wife, Emily,  have four children. Outside of medicine, Dr. Heal loves spending his free time being a dad, cooking new foods in the kitchen, and making memories with his family outdoors.

Patient Reviews:

"Dr. Heal and his team were so thorough and thoughtful with explanations which reduced my anxiety and made daily radiation appointments very easy to manage!" -Wendy

"Couldn't be more satisfied with Dr. Heal. He's a wonderful person both personally and professionally, making sure to explain every aspect of the treatment for my brain cancer, as well as being an all-around good guy! I'm a lucky man." - Daniel

Dr. Divyashree Varma is a Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiologist based in Phoenix, Arizona, where she has been in practice since 2020. Born in India and raised in New Delhi, Dr. Varma completed her medical education at Padmashree Dr. D. Y. Patil Medical College in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, graduating as Valedictorian with honors in all subjects.

She moved to the United States for advanced training, completing her Internal Medicine residency at SUNY Upstate Medical University in Syracuse, New York, followed by a Cardiovascular Diseases Fellowship at UT San Antonio. She then pursued subspecialty training in Clinical Cardiac Electrophysiology at William Beaumont Hospital in Michigan.

Dr. Varma specializes in the full spectrum of cardiac electrophysiology, including complex catheter ablations, cardiac device implantation, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), and the diagnosis and management of channelopathies and genetic arrhythmia disorders. Her professional interests focus on patient-centered clinical care and clinical research aimed at advancing treatments for cardiac arrhythmias. Outside of medicine, Dr. Varma enjoys spending time with her family and her dogs. She also enjoys cooking and gardening.

Emily Shortridge, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Pediatric Ophthalmologist. She specializes in ophthalmic care for children and also for adults with special needs.

Dr. Shortridge’s Pediatric practice is comprehensive and includes a wide range of pediatric eye needs. This includes strabismus, cataracts, tear duct disorders, amblyopia (or “lazy eye”), complex glasses needs, ptosis (drooping eyelids), dermoid cysts, ocular surface problems like pterygium and chronic inflammation, as well as medical glaucoma. She understands the value of education as she partners with patients and parents in making customized medical decisions that are right for them. She strives to create a friendly, welcoming environment, helping make every pediatric patient as comfortable as possible during the clinic visit and exam process.

Dr. Shortridge also devotes her practice to surgical care for special needs adults, an area of medicine that is typically very underserved in Arizona. Dr. Shortridge uses her background in pediatric ophthalmology, and employs exam and surgical techniques that are more suitable for adults with special needs. These patients often include individuals with Down syndrome, severe autism, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and genetic disorders that affect intellectual and physical functioning.

Dr. Shortridge graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biology at Grand Canyon University. She attended the University of Arizona, Phoenix campus for her medical degree. She completed her year in internal medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix and her Ophthalmology residency at UTMB in Galveston, Texas. She then completed a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus at MUSC in South Carolina, where she trained under Dr. Edward Wilson, the world’s leading expert in pediatric cataract surgery.

Dr. Shortridge enjoys hiking, skiing, tennis, and spending time with her family in Phoenix.

Dr Deborah Dykema founded The Wellness Center and The Pilot Center and advocates healthy lifestyle choices for her patients and pilots. She is a Board Certified physician and a Commercial rated pilot focusing on providing pilot Flight Medicals and Consults to the aviation community.

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

BIOGRAPHY

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

1. 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

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/govardhanan-n-ab26a97/

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. 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laethgeorge

Teodor Pitea, MD

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.

Emily Shortridge, MD, is a board-certified, fellowship-trained Pediatric Ophthalmologist. She specializes in ophthalmic care for children and also for adults with special needs.

Dr. Shortridge’s Pediatric practice is comprehensive and includes a wide range of pediatric eye needs. This includes strabismus, cataracts, tear duct disorders, amblyopia (or “lazy eye”), complex glasses needs, ptosis (drooping eyelids), dermoid cysts, ocular surface problems like pterygium and chronic inflammation, as well as medical glaucoma. She understands the value of education as she partners with patients and parents in making customized medical decisions that are right for them. She strives to create a friendly, welcoming environment, helping make every pediatric patient as comfortable as possible during the clinic visit and exam process.

Dr. Shortridge also devotes her practice to surgical care for special needs adults, an area of medicine that is typically very underserved in Arizona. Dr. Shortridge uses her background in pediatric ophthalmology, and employs exam and surgical techniques that are more suitable for adults with special needs. These patients often include individuals with Down syndrome, severe autism, cerebral palsy, hydrocephalus, spina bifida, and genetic disorders that affect intellectual and physical functioning.

Dr. Shortridge graduated Summa Cum Laude with a degree in Biology at Grand Canyon University. She attended the University of Arizona, Phoenix campus for her medical degree. She completed her year in internal medicine at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix and her Ophthalmology residency at UTMB in Galveston, Texas. She then completed a fellowship in Pediatric Ophthalmology and Adult Strabismus at MUSC in South Carolina, where she trained under Dr. Edward Wilson, the world’s leading expert in pediatric cataract surgery.

Dr. Shortridge enjoys hiking, skiing, tennis, and spending time with her family in Phoenix.

Teodor Pitea, MD

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.

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.

 

Testimonials

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. 

 

Testimonials

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.

Soy cardióloga que habla español.

Testimonials