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. Justin Famoso specializes in radiation oncology treating a wide variety of malignant and benign diseases with innovative radiation technologies. He promotes continuity of care and emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach in his practice.
Dr. Famoso specializes in the treatment of malignancies of the breast, prostate, lung, head and neck, gynecologic tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin, central nervous system, hematologic/lymphatic systems, and musculoskeletal systems. He has extensive training with modern radiation treatment technologies and techniques including external beam radiation therapy, IMRT, SBRT, PLUVICTO, and brachytherapy.
Dr. Famoso has authored numerous research articles focused on the combination of immunotherapy and radiation therapies leading to improved patient outcomes.
He earned a B.S. degree from West Virginia University with a double major in biology and chemistry. He went on to receive his M.D. from West Virginia University before completing his internship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He completed his radiation oncology residency training at the University of Arizona, where he would ultimately serve as chief resident.
Dr. Famoso enjoys golfing, skiing, playing piano, traveling, and viticulture. He is also a passionate West Virginia University Mountaineers sports fan.
"I love Dr Famoso and his entire office staff! They are all very caring and attentive. Listens and provides answers and/or options. Highly recommend!!!" -Tamis
"Dr. Famoso and his staff took such good care of me and are so kind and supportive. I look forward to seeing them always. I could not be in in better hands. Thanks so much!" -Davis
Dr. Gerald Lucas is board certified in Radiation Oncology, and a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the American Brachytherapy Society, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. After completing medical school at Indiana University, and his residency at University of Southern California, he established his practice in 1992 at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix. Dr. Lucas served as the Medical Director of Radiation Oncology services at Good Samaritan until he joined Arizona Oncology in 2008. He practiced there for over a decade prior to joining Arizona Center for Cancer Care.
Dr. Lucas has extensive experience with the utilization of advanced technologies, including image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and brachytherapy. In addition, he is highly skilled and has extensive experience with brachytherapy for the treatment of gynecologic and breast diseases, including accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). In addition, Dr. Lucas has a special interest in the treatment of prostate, lung, and colorectal tumors, as well as brain tumors and sarcomas. Dr. Lucas is a published writer and speaker on various radiation topics.
"My experience with Dr. Lucas has been excellent. He is willing to spend whatever amount of time you need to fully understand your situation and what options may be available to you. He also went to bat for me with my insurance provider when they initially refused to pay for a particular procedure. He convinced them that it was totally necessary, and they then agreed to cover it. Also, his staff is first class. The whole office has been a joy to work with. Thank you!!" -Gary
"I was recommended to Dr Lucas, MD from my Urologist. Dr Lucas was very professional and spent the appropriate time to make sure I understood all my options and answered all my questions." -Michael
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. Giraldo Kato specializes in medical oncology and hematology and has a special interest in breast cancer. His research interests include new breast cancer therapies as well as gastrointestinal and thoracic malignancies.
Dr. Kato joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2013, when his team at Pinnacle Oncology Hematology partnered with the practice. Prior to joining Pinnacle Oncology, Dr. Kato served as chief of hematology/oncology at Maricopa Medical Center. He is a member of American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Medical Association and The American Society of Hematology. He is certified by the Medical Oncology Board and American Board of Internal Medicine.
"Dr Kato’s oncology expertise is a gift to his patients!! Diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2016, I saw Dr Kato after meeting with several medical oncologists. I remember that appointment to this day. Not only did Dr Kato share his clinical plan with me, he shared a copy of a recently published peer reviewed clinical study that supported his treatment plan for me. Evidence based medicine. I was fortunate to see 4 medical oncologist in a span of a week sometimes multiple times, even after hours to ensure our questions were addressed for which I am immensely thankful. In the end, prayer and faith led me to chose Dr Kato. As a triple negative breast cancer survivor, my treatments were necessarily aggressive and difficult. 5 months of Chemo therapy followed by surgery then full dose of radiation. Through it all, I had Dr Kato and his team by my side. Chemo nurses were incredible and deserve a lot of praise for the work they do..." -Mei
Dr. Anushka Patel is a board-certified radiation oncologist and is an expert in using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), as well as Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), to treat a multitude of cancers including those of the breast, lung, head and neck, and gastrointestinal tract. Dr. Patel is experienced in the delivery of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for intracranial, spinal, and lung treatments. She is also a radiation oncology attending for the Honor Health Dermatology Residency Program.
Dr. Patel joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2014. She has published and presented at national meetings on SRS for brain metastases from breast cancer, SBRT for central lung lesions, and radiographic abnormalities detected at the time of CT simulation.
Dr. Patel has been practicing in the Scottsdale and Deer Valley regions since 2009 and believes in taking a personalized and individualistic approach towards all her patients. She is known for going the above and beyond to ensure patients and their families have a full understanding of the diagnosis and overall treatment plan.
Dr. Patel is a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, American Society for Clinical Oncology, American College of Radiation Oncology, and Radiological Society of North America. Dr. Patel has been honored as a “Top Doc” by Phoenix Magazine.
"Dr. Anushka Patel is a fabulous Radiation Oncologist. She saved my life 2.5 years ago. Besides her knowledge and providing me with the best care she is so compassionate and comforting. She always listens, has thorough explanations and takes time with me. We need more physicians love me Dr. Patel." -Eileen
"Dr. Patel was very thorough and provided me an opportunity to ask as many questions as I needed to without feeling rushed! She truly cares about her patients and I look forward to her treatment plan!" -Jenifer
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. Scott P. Tannehill is Board Certified in Radiation Oncology with over two decades of clinical experience. He has been in practice in Arizona since 2008 and was a co-founder of Arizona Breast Cancer Specialists and Arizona Radiation Oncology Specialists, both of which joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2012.
Dr. Tannehill earned his medical degree and specialty training at the University of Wisconsin. He has held faculty positions at several top-tier universities, including the University of Wisconsin, the University of Florida, and the University of Arizona. He was Chair of the Oncology Curriculum for the University of Wisconsin for several years. He worked a sabbatical year at the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne, Australia before moving to Arizona and joining the faculty at the University of Arizona - Tucson, where he served as the Program Director for the Radiation Oncology Residency. Dr. Tannehill continues to hold the academic title of Clinical Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology with the University of Arizona and continues to educate medical trainees.
Dr. Tannehill has extensive clinical expertise in brachytherapy, Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), and LUTATHERA. He has been invited to present on his techniques and experience both nationally and internationally. His research interests include treatment techniques for breast cancer, brachytherapy for breast and other cancers, and participation in cooperative group clinical research.
Dr. Tannehill is a member of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, American Society of Hematology, American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology. He is board certified in Radiation Oncology by the American Board of Radiology.
Dr. Tannehill is a multi-year “Top Doc” honoree by Phoenix Magazine and has been named among the “Best Doctors in America” by Best Doctors, Inc since 2003.
"Dr. Scott Tannehill, MD was not only professional, he was kind, caring and made the process that much easier. His staff was kind and caring and they are all very efficient and helpful. I would recommend Dr. Tannehill to anyone!" -Nancy
"Dr. Tannehill is the best doctor I have ever meet. He’s very professional and informative he makes me feel very comfortable to express my problems." -Khlem
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. 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. 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. Stephanie Lindauer specializes in Medical Oncology, Hematology and Internal Medicine. Her clinical interests include breast cancer and benign breast disease, gastrointestinal cancer and cancer survivorship.
Dr. Lindauer joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2018. She has held a variety of leadership roles. She was Chief Resident of the Department of Internal Medicine, serving an additional year after completing her residency in San Antonio. She also served as Chief Fellow during her last year of fellowship in San Antonio. Dr. Lindauer has several abstracts and poster presentations at local and national meetings, including ASCO Survivorship Symposium, ASCO Quality Care Symposium and ASH Hematologic Malignancies. She is passionate about engagement within her community and has presented at Updates for the San Antonio Community from the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium in 2017.
Dr. Lindauer was drawn to the field of oncology from a young age, having seen the effects of cancer in loved ones. She feels honored to be able to fulfill such an important role now and strives for compassion and empathy with all her patients.
Dr. Lindauer is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology. She enjoys spending time with her husband and her chocolate lab.
"I have been seeing Dr. Lindauer for over 2 years. She came highly recommended to me by my Lymphedema Therapist. Dr. Lindauer has been very professional, compassionate and patient with me in informing me of my treatment plan for a rare form of cancer." -Vanessa
"I have been seeing Dr. Lindauer for a year now. I'm so glad my breast surgeon Dr. Naomi Sigalove recommended her. She is very compassionate about her patients. She works with all of my other Doctors to insure that I received the best possible care. She never rushed me through a visit and answered all of my questions. Her staff is awesome to. From the front desk to the treatment area. I can't tell you enough how wonderful everyone really is. I will miss everyone in the office when my treatment is over." -Mary
Melissa Aswad is a twice-graduate of Northern Arizona University with both her Bachelor of Science (BS, 2014) and Master of Physician Assistant Studies (MPAS, 2021). Prior to starting her career as a physician assistant, Melissa worked as a medical laboratory scientist after completing her training at the Cleveland Clinic. She worked in a hospital laboratory for several years performing complex testing but missed interacting directly with patients. This led her to return to school and pursuing a career as a physician assistant. She has experienced caregiving for a loved one with cancer and enjoys assisting her patients and their families in navigating a new diagnosis. She particularly enjoys assisting patients in living with metastatic cancer and helping them maximize their life outside of the oncology office. When she is not working Melissa enjoys hiking, backpacking, attending live music, reading, and spending time with her husband and cat.
Dr. Sigalove specializes in treating both benign and malignant diseases of the breast. Experienced in minimally invasive techniques, she focuses on care with compassion, and emphasizes the team approach in fighting cancer. She strives to achieve the most optimal treatment with the best possible cosmetic outcome.
Dr. Sigalove has helped advance novel surgical techniques that minimize pain, maximize recovery, and enhance the appearance of the breast whether that is in the setting of lumpectomy or mastectomy. She holds multiple publications on nipple-sparing mastectomy with pre-pectoral reconstruction and has lectured extensively on this topic both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Sigalove has held the position of Breast Program Director at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and was Health System Clinician at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She was selected by her peers as “Top Breast Cancer Surgeon” in Phoenix Magazine in 2023, “Top Cancer Doctor” in Chicago Magazine in 2017, and was chosen as “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly in 2014 and 2017.
Certified by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Sigalove completed her surgical residency at Rush Medical Center and Cook County Hospital in Chicago. She graduated from Rush Medical College and obtained her undergraduate degree in Neurobiology and Physiology from Northwestern University.
In her spare time, Dr. Sigalove loves to garden and hike with her husband and dogs, and she looks forward to every single visit of her now grown twins.
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer that had traveled to my lymph node in December 2021. Dr Sigalove's approach was absolutely professional. She explained the diagnosis by listening to my concerns and questions in a very thorough patient and caring manner, while outlining her best recommended approach for treatment. Dr. Sigalove completed my surgery to remove the cancerous tumor in February 2022. The surgical procedure went without a hitch and left little scarring. I was absolutely pleased with the care I received from Dr. Sigalove. I highly recommend her in the unfortunate event you are ever diagnosed with cancer. Happy to inform, I am in remission and my mammograms have been clean. I feel my best decision in finding a qualified surgeon for treatment was when I found Dr. Sigalove. P.S. Staff and timeliness for appointments were also above reproach! Was never in waiting room for more than five minutes!" C. Nelson
"Dr. Sigalove operated on me over a year ago and continues to follow me. She diagnosed cancer before I knew I had it. She has been very supportive and kind following me through my cancer journey. She is very proficient in her field. I could not ask for a more professional caregiver. Her office staff are also very efficient and friendly. I would be happy to recommend her to anyone needing 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, 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.
Specializing in treating benign and malignant breast disease, Dr. Cox has a special interest in breast conservation and minimally-invasive techniques. With this emphasis, she helps each patient choose the best surgical and oncologic results while preserving as much normal breast tissue as possible.
After completing undergraduate and graduate degrees at California State University, Dr. Cox graduated from Flinders University of South Australia. She completed her general surgery training at Pennsylvania State University's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and a Breast Surgical Oncology fellowship at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey/UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Hospital.
In her spare time, Dr. Cox enjoys Bikram yoga and hiking in the Arizona foothills with her two shiba inus. She travels and, in particular, enjoys the beautiful cultures and histories of the Asian continent.
"Dr. Cox is a fantastic Dr./surgeon. I went to her after receiving positive cancer biopsy results. That in and of itself is super scary, let alone not knowing what was going to happen next. This wonderful, warm Dr. sat next to me and explained everything so I could understand it. Dr Cox took her time with me, she drew pictures to show me everything that was going on and what she was going to do. Dr. Cox tells you how it is in the most compassionate way. I felt very cared for. I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy. She did a beautiful job surgically. The follow up phone calls were made in a timely manner. Her staff is wonderful as well. I highly recommend Dr. Cox and going forward should I do mastectomy she will be my surgeon hands down!" -Deborah
"I took my wife to our 1st consultation. The experience was very informative. Dr Cox spent the time to go through all our options. She was so personable and kind I left her office with my wife feeling we have made the best choice in the valley. Looking forward to our journey with her on our team. I highly recommend her." -Pete
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.
Dr. Gunia is one of the few sub-specialty fellowship-trained Breast Surgical Oncologists in Scottsdale and is committed to the evaluation and treatment of breast disease. She is dedicated to bringing the highest level of breast care to the valley by incorporating her expertise in the newest technologies and advancements available for both the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Her training included the oncoplastic surgical technique, which combines the principles of cancer removal with optimal cosmetic results.
After earning an undergraduate degree at Arizona State University, she obtained her medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Dr. Gunia completed general surgery training through Ohio University and further specialized in Breast Surgical Oncology at Akron General Medical Center in Ohio. She is also on the board for Check for a Lump, a local non-profit that provides free breast health education, mammograms, testing, and direct assistance to breast cancer patients.
Dr. Gunia enjoys playing cards, country line dancing, relaxing by the pool with a good book, traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with her husband, Steve, their two tabby cats, and their two miniature dachshunds.
"Extremely nice stuff. They make you feel welcome. Dr. Gunia is a highly qualified professional that gave me reassurance everything is going to be okay. She is very kind and the best, she took the time to explain my options. Very pleased with my first time appointment." -Marie
"Dr. Gunia is hands down the best surgeon I’ve ever had. She was extremely personable and caring, and explained everything to me in “regular person”-speech, not doctor lingo. She ended up doing a partial mastectomy in my R breast, removing a large lump which was thankfully not malignant. I will definitely use her again if I have any further issues with my breasts. I HIGHLY recommend her as a surgeon and a breast doctor!" -Juleah
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.