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. Albert Amini is the founder and President of Arizona Premier Surgery as well as a board-certified General Surgeon with fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery for the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts. After earning his medical degree from Northwestern and completing his surgical internship and residency, Dr. Amini spent an additional year learning about hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, along with how to use modern technology to perform effective, minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Amini is board certified by the American College of Surgeons and he is also a member of the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA). In addition to a full schedule of patients at Arizona Premier Surgery, Dr. Amini travels abroad to perform surgeries on underserved patients in the Dominican Republic, which has improved his fluency in Spanish.
Dr. Amini has a special interest in pancreas surgery, gastrointestinal (GI) oncology and complex hernia repairs. At Arizona Premier Surgery, some of the surgeries he performs are hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, as well as gastrointestinal oncology, and colorectal surgery. Dr. Amini has expertise in the da Vinci® robotic surgical system and advanced laparoscopic surgery. Using laparoscopic and robotic techniques, Dr. Amini is able to perform minimally invasive surgery that needs less recovery time than traditional open surgery. In most cases, the pain and discomfort after surgery is much less for patients after laparoscopic/robotic surgery. Although he has already spent many years studying and practicing surgery, Dr. Amini continues to look for techniques and technology that can improve treatment for his patients at Arizona Premier Surgery.
Dr. Albert Amini is the founder and President of Arizona Premier Surgery as well as a board-certified General Surgeon with fellowship training in minimally invasive surgery for the liver, pancreas, and bile ducts. After earning his medical degree from Northwestern and completing his surgical internship and residency, Dr. Amini spent an additional year learning about hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, along with how to use modern technology to perform effective, minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Amini is board certified by the American College of Surgeons and he is also a member of the Americas Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Association (AHPBA). In addition to a full schedule of patients at Arizona Premier Surgery, Dr. Amini travels abroad to perform surgeries on underserved patients in the Dominican Republic, which has improved his fluency in Spanish.
Dr. Amini has a special interest in pancreas surgery, gastrointestinal (GI) oncology and complex hernia repairs. At Arizona Premier Surgery, some of the surgeries he performs are hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, as well as gastrointestinal oncology, and colorectal surgery. Dr. Amini has expertise in the da Vinci® robotic surgical system and advanced laparoscopic surgery. Using laparoscopic and robotic techniques, Dr. Amini is able to perform minimally invasive surgery that needs less recovery time than traditional open surgery. In most cases, the pain and discomfort after surgery is much less for patients after laparoscopic/robotic surgery. Although he has already spent many years studying and practicing surgery, Dr. Amini continues to look for techniques and technology that can improve treatment for his patients at Arizona Premier Surgery.
Arizona Center for Cancer Care is a cancer center without walls, offering the best doctors, best treatments, best technologies, and best research to give patients the best care possible. With offices in Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Mesa, Phoenix, Scottsdale, Surprise, Anthem, Peoria, Fountain Hills, Wickenburg, Apache Junction, Sun City, Sun City West, Goodyear, Prescott Valley, and Tempe, Arizona, the multi-specialty practice cares for more than 30,000 patients across the Valley.
The practice uses the most current treatment options available, including various forms of radiation oncology and medical oncology, and hematology. The center also includes experts in gynecologic oncology and breast surgery and has a newly diagnosed breast cancer clinic.
The board-certified radiation oncologists at Arizona Center for Cancer Care use positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging to reveal the presence and severity of cancer and create an effective treatment plan.
Dedicated to providing its patients with the most current drugs and therapies available, Arizona Center for Cancer Care participates in multiple clinical trials.
Cancer is a disease of survivors, and Arizona Center for Cancer Care is keeping it that way.
For comprehensive, high-quality cancer care, call Arizona Center for Cancer Care or schedule an appointment online today. Telemedicine appointments are available.
Dr. Starr (Friedman) Eads is a board-certified General Surgeon who joined Arizona Premier Surgery in the summer of 2019. Originally from West Bloomfield, Michigan, she attended the University of Michigan where she majored in English and graduated with a BA and high honors for her undergraduate thesis. She then obtained her MD from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, Louisiana. While Dr. Eads was in medical school, many of her close family members relocated to Arizona, but she remained in the South for another 5 years after graduation for residency training. She completed her residency in General Surgery at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC. During this time, she met her now-husband, Danny Eads, who was training in Cardiothoracic Surgery. They were both fortunate to find positions with busy practices and great partners close to Dr. Eads’ family, and they are grateful for the opportunity to serve the Scottsdale and East Valley areas.
Dr. Eads’ practice focuses on minimally invasive surgery, with growing expertise in both the robotic Da Vinci and laparoscopic platforms. She is also skilled in traditional open surgical techniques. Her clinical interests include surgery for the gallbladder, upper and lower gastrointestinal disorders, groin hernias, abdominal wall hernias, and skin/soft tissue lesion removal. Providing excellent patient care is her top priority. She is dedicated to continuing to expand her knowledge base and learn new techniques to optimize her patients’ experience. Dr. Eads believes in a team approach to patient care, and that patients and their families are an important part of this team. She tries to always take the time to listen to the concerns of her patients and strives for her patients to consistently feel like they understand and are in control of the plan.
Dr. Eads’ interests include hiking, live music, co-hosting crawfish boils, eating food cooked by other people, and all things New Orleans. She likes to spend her spare time with friends and family whenever possible. She and the other Dr. Eads are proud parents of their French bulldog, Barkley, and they enjoy bringing him on their adventures.
Dr. Pepple joined Arizona Premier Surgery in 2017. He is Board Certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. Transitioning from a large academic center, he brings with him years of experience in the management of some of the most complex surgical patients.
Patient care is deeply personal to him, and as such, he possesses an unyielding dedication to those who entrust him with their care. He will work with each patient to provide a wide range of surgical treatment options, and when appropriate, non-surgical options. He firmly believes that a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care provides optimal results. His clinical interests include benign and malignant hepatobiliary surgery, minimally invasive/robotic surgery, and skin malignancies (melanoma). In addition, he performs a broad range of general surgery, including excising/resecting skin lesions (cysts, squamous cell, melanoma), and dialysis surgery.
"Dr. Pepple is held in really high regard in the medical community and I can see why. As a nurse practitioner, I asked a bunch of people who they recommend for general surgery and Dr pepple was always the top pick within the Honor Health network. A friend even spoke to an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic who said my husband was in Great hands with Dr. Pepple. He removed cancer from my husband and although he deals with much more devastating cancers than what my husband had, he was genuine, kind and patient. He spent time explaining everything to us. I would go to him if I ever needed a general surgeon. Thank you for everything you have done for us. You do great work and it was easy to trust you. There is always hope and people are good, especially you. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you." -Jamie
"Dr Pepples operated on my husband in march 2023 for a huge groin hernia and he had some other serious complications. Another surgeon wouldn’t even operate because of the complications & his age. Dr Peeples agreed to do and he did an excellent job. He & the staff are super professional and caring. He’s an excellent surgeon." -Linda
Dr. Pepple joined Arizona Premier Surgery in 2017. He is Board Certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. Transitioning from a large academic center, he brings with him years of experience in the management of some of the most complex surgical patients.
Patient care is deeply personal to him, and as such, he possesses an unyielding dedication to those who entrust him with their care. He will work with each patient to provide a wide range of surgical treatment options, and when appropriate, non-surgical options. He firmly believes that a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care provides optimal results. His clinical interests include benign and malignant hepatobiliary surgery, minimally invasive/robotic surgery, and skin malignancies (melanoma). In addition, he performs a broad range of general surgery, including excising/resecting skin lesions (cysts, squamous cell, melanoma), and dialysis surgery.
"Dr. Pepple is held in really high regard in the medical community and I can see why. As a nurse practitioner, I asked a bunch of people who they recommend for general surgery and Dr pepple was always the top pick within the Honor Health network. A friend even spoke to an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic who said my husband was in Great hands with Dr. Pepple. He removed cancer from my husband and although he deals with much more devastating cancers than what my husband had, he was genuine, kind and patient. He spent time explaining everything to us. I would go to him if I ever needed a general surgeon. Thank you for everything you have done for us. You do great work and it was easy to trust you. There is always hope and people are good, especially you. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you." -Jamie
"Dr Pepples operated on my husband in march 2023 for a huge groin hernia and he had some other serious complications. Another surgeon wouldn’t even operate because of the complications & his age. Dr Peeples agreed to do and he did an excellent job. He & the staff are super professional and caring. He’s an excellent surgeon." -Linda
Dr. Michele Sazama is a board-certified adult nurse practitioner with extensive clinical experience, including over twenty years working with oncology patients. She holds national specialty certifications as an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) and Board-Certified Medical Affairs Specialist (BCMAS).
Dr. Sazama was an instructor for Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing for many years and continues to serve as adjunct faculty for the Arizona State University nursing program. She created and directed a formal clinical rotation in oncology for graduate and doctoral nursing candidates, helping Arizona students develop their ability to safely care for oncology patients.
Dr. Sazama practices evidence-based medicine with a holistic focus and respect for individual choice.
Her clinical interests include psychoneuroimmunology, stress response, coping mechanisms, biofeedback, culturally diverse healing modalities, metaphysical science, meditation, and neuroplasticity.
Karlee grew up in a small town in Southern Wisconsin and went on to attend St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, where she played NCAA college soccer. After earning a degree in biomedical science with magna cum laude honors, she pursued her passion for medicine by obtaining a Physician Assistant degree from Northern Arizona University. During her time at Northern Arizona University she was an Arizona Area Health Education Center Scholar, engaging in a comprehensive two year interprofessional program that focused on preparing healthcare professionals for practice in underserved communities. This experience combined hands-on clinical training with community based learning, fostering a deep understanding of diverse patient needs.
Outside of work she enjoys reading, running, yoga, and spending quality time with family. Her commitment to ongoing learning and staying current with the latest medical advancements ensures that she is always equipped to deliver high quality care to her patients.
Karlee grew up in a small town in Southern Wisconsin and went on to attend St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, where she played NCAA college soccer. After earning a degree in biomedical science with magna cum laude honors, she pursued her passion for medicine by obtaining a Physician Assistant degree from Northern Arizona University. During her time at Northern Arizona University she was an Arizona Area Health Education Center Scholar, engaging in a comprehensive two year interprofessional program that focused on preparing healthcare professionals for practice in underserved communities. This experience combined hands-on clinical training with community based learning, fostering a deep understanding of diverse patient needs.
Outside of work she enjoys reading, running, yoga, and spending quality time with family. Her commitment to ongoing learning and staying current with the latest medical advancements ensures that she is always equipped to deliver high quality care to her patients.
Karlee grew up in a small town in Southern Wisconsin and went on to attend St. Cloud State University in Minnesota, where she played NCAA college soccer. After earning a degree in biomedical science with magna cum laude honors, she pursued her passion for medicine by obtaining a Physician Assistant degree from Northern Arizona University. During her time at Northern Arizona University she was an Arizona Area Health Education Center Scholar, engaging in a comprehensive two year interprofessional program that focused on preparing healthcare professionals for practice in underserved communities. This experience combined hands-on clinical training with community based learning, fostering a deep understanding of diverse patient needs.
Outside of work she enjoys reading, running, yoga, and spending quality time with family. Her commitment to ongoing learning and staying current with the latest medical advancements ensures that she is always equipped to deliver high quality care to her patients.
Craig Hullett, MD, PhD, is a board-certified radiation oncologist with extensive experience in the treatment of a wide range of malignancies. He began his academic career in Communication, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, followed by a Master of Arts from Wake Forest University and a Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University. He later served as a tenured Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Arizona.
Inspired by his volunteer work at a local hospice, Dr. Hullett transitioned to medicine and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arizona. During medical school, he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Alpha Omega Alpha, recognizing his commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and academic excellence. He completed his internship and residency training in Radiation Oncology at the University of Wisconsin.
Dr. Hullett has been practicing in Arizona since 2022 and is pleased to have returned to the state with his family. Outside of his clinical practice, he enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, and traveling.
Craig Hullett, MD, PhD, is a board-certified radiation oncologist with extensive experience in the treatment of a wide range of malignancies. He began his academic career in Communication, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, followed by a Master of Arts from Wake Forest University and a Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University. He later served as a tenured Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Arizona.
Inspired by his volunteer work at a local hospice, Dr. Hullett transitioned to medicine and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arizona. During medical school, he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Alpha Omega Alpha, recognizing his commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and academic excellence. He completed his internship and residency training in Radiation Oncology at the University of Wisconsin.
Dr. Hullett has been practicing in Arizona since 2022 and is pleased to have returned to the state with his family. Outside of his clinical practice, he enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, and traveling.
Dr. Angeles is a board-certified general surgeon with advanced training in benign and malignant breast diseases. She is committed to a multidisciplinary approach to treating breast cancer, working closely with the other sub-specialists in oncology to provide the best treatment plan for each patient. She also incorporates oncoplastic techniques to provide optimal cosmetic outcomes after breast conservation surgery.
Dr. Angeles received her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. She completed her general surgery residency at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania. Having a special interest in breast cancer, she went on to complete a breast surgical oncology fellowship at Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C
In her spare time, she loves to travel, support her sons at their basketball games, and hike during the cooler months in and around Arizona.
"I was referred to Dr. Angeles for a breast consult. I had been diagnosed with LCIS and she was very informative and thorough. She ended up doing another biopsy/lumpectomy and found a 2.5mm cancerous tumor. After another surgery to check my lymph nodes I was referred for radiation therapy. Dr. Angeles was so wonderful during this whole process. Her bedside manner is top notch. All her staff and nurses were amazing as well. I have had very little down time considering everything that has happened. She got the ball rolling quickly with all of my care and I am so grateful." -Cathie
"She is probably the most empathetic doctor I have ever met. She truly cares about her patients, not just the cancer, but your whole being. She reassuring and comforting when patients like me are at their worst. Highly recommend." -Ginny
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. 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. Terry Lee specializes in radiation oncology, and has extensive experience in brain, head and neck, lung, and gastrointestinal cancer.
Dr. Lee co-founded Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 with Drs. Devinder Singh, Christopher Biggs and Daniel Reed. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his Master of Science degree in Nuclear Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he explored new treatment options for brain tumors using Boron Neutron Capture Therapy. Dr. Lee attended medical school at Tufts University School of Medicine, where he would also complete his internship, before completing his residency at the University of California, San Francisco, where he would eventually serve as chief resident.
Dr. Lee certified by the American Board of Radiology, and he is a Diplomat of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology. He is a multi-year “Top Doc” honoree by Phoenix Magazine.
"Dr. Lee and all personnel are very good the Dr. explained with details my problem and all personnel are professional and treated me with care." -Sylvia
"Dr. Lee was great, kept us updated with treatment. Checking how everything thing was going & answered all questions. The staff was always very will to help! Thanks again!!!!!!!!!!" -Tom
Dr. Sara Zakem is a board-certified radiation oncologist with expertise in the management of all cancer types using advanced techniques including brachytherapy, Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS),Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) and Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT). Originally from Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. Zakem served as chief resident of radiation oncology at the University of Colorado before beginning her career as a radiation oncologist at the University of Washington. She joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care after moving to Phoenix with her husband, a head and neck cancer surgeon, in 2023.
Dr. Zakem is an active member of the radiation oncology community, serving on the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Early Career Committee and the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) New Practitioner and Communications Committees. As a resident, she additionally served as the Communications Chair for the Society for Women in Radiation Oncology (SWRO) and was elected to the Gold Humanism Honor Society by her colleagues for her commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on esophageal, pancreatic, gynecologic, and head and neck cancers.
Having been personally touched by cancer, Dr. Zakem recognizes that receiving a cancer diagnosis is often one of the most frightening and confusing times for a patient and their loved ones. She is dedicated to taking the time needed to help patients understand and navigate their cancer diagnoses, clearly communicating the role of radiation therapy and how it can best be used to help patients achieve their goals of care.
In her free time, Dr. Zakem enjoys spending time with her husband and two cats, live music, yoga, skiing, spending time outdoors, and rooting for her Michigan Wolverines - Go Blue!
Dr. Sara Zakem is a board-certified radiation oncologist with expertise in the management of all cancer types using advanced techniques including brachytherapy, Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS),Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) and Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT). Originally from Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. Zakem served as chief resident of radiation oncology at the University of Colorado before beginning her career as a radiation oncologist at the University of Washington. She joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care after moving to Phoenix with her husband, a head and neck cancer surgeon, in 2023.
Dr. Zakem is an active member of the radiation oncology community, serving on the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Early Career Committee and the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) New Practitioner and Communications Committees. As a resident, she additionally served as the Communications Chair for the Society for Women in Radiation Oncology (SWRO) and was elected to the Gold Humanism Honor Society by her colleagues for her commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on esophageal, pancreatic, gynecologic, and head and neck cancers.
Having been personally touched by cancer, Dr. Zakem recognizes that receiving a cancer diagnosis is often one of the most frightening and confusing times for a patient and their loved ones. She is dedicated to taking the time needed to help patients understand and navigate their cancer diagnoses, clearly communicating the role of radiation therapy and how it can best be used to help patients achieve their goals of care.
In her free time, Dr. Zakem enjoys spending time with her husband and two cats, live music, yoga, skiing, spending time outdoors, and rooting for her Michigan Wolverines - Go Blue!
