Find a Top Oncologist Near Me in Avondale, AZ – Book an Appointment Instantly

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/

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.

Arizona Center for Cancer Care specializes in treating many types of cancer, including multiple myeloma, colon, head and neck, breast, skin, and pancreatic, as well as brain cancer, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer. 

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.

Robin is a certified nurse practitioner at the Arizona Center for Cancer Care, working alongside Dr. Parmjeet Banghar.  She obtained her Bachelor of Science in Nursing at Ameritech College of Nursing in Draper, Utah, and completed her Master of Nursing at Grand Canyon University, as an Acute Care Nurse Practitioner, with an emphasis on Adult Gerontology.   

Prior to becoming a nurse practitioner, Robin worked as a registered nurse for Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care.  Having extensive experience working in oncology/hematology, she understands the importance of providing a patient-centered approach.  Robin is passionate about providing individualized treatment plans and promoting patient advocacy.  

In her spare time, Robin enjoys spending time with her family. She has three adult children, two boys, Gabriel and Rowan, and one daughter Baylee.  She also has an Aussiedoodle, named Bajie. She loves to travel, explore the outdoors, and on occasion play a round of golf.

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.

Languages spoken: English

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. 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.

A licensed and certified physician assistant, Perry has worked in a variety of healthcare settings throughout her career and particularly enjoys working alongside Dr. Brenda Moorthy at the Virginia G Piper Cancer Care Network Comprehensive Breast Center of Arizona. Perry holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona and a Master of Medical Science in Physician Assistant Studies from Midwestern University.

Perry works closely with patients both in the office and during surgery. She is passionate about patient education and makes sure patient questions are always answered.

When Perry is not caring for patients, she loves spending time with her husband, two children, and Boston Terrier. She also enjoys camping, swimming, traveling, and especially, shopping!

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.

Arizona Center for Cancer Care specializes in treating many types of cancer, including multiple myeloma, colon, head and neck, breast, skin, and pancreatic, as well as brain cancer, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal cancer. 

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. 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.

Patient Reviews:

"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. Modasi is a highly trained minimally invasive and robotic surgeon with subspecialty expertise in hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery. He has been published and cited in numerous journals internationally and has given talks to surgeons from across the world.

During his training Dr. Modasi won several awards for his technical abilities in laparoscopy and was ranked amongst the highest trainees across the country academically. He then went on to pursue fellowship training at the University of Alberta focusing on Minimally Invasive Surgery and Bariatric Surgery, followed by a second fellowship in Robotic and Hepatopancreatobiliary (HPB) Surgery at AdventHealth Tampa.

Dr. Modasi specializes in using minimally invasive approaches to treat patients, resulting in less pain and quicker recovery. He has expertise in advanced laparoscopy and the da Vinci robotic system, and utilizes these modalities whenever possible to improve the care of his patients. His clinical interests include hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery, gastric surgery, anti-reflux surgery and hiatal hernia surgery. He also performs a broad range of general surgery including colon surgery, hernia surgery, and gallbladder surgery. He is a strong believer in tailored patient care, taking time with each of his patients to listen to their story to identify a care plan that best suits their needs.

Patient Reviews:

"Dr Modasi is very thorough in diagnosing & then explaining his care plan in “layperson” terms. He takes the time to answer questions on the procedure. Dr Modasi will do whatever he can to assure a successful procedure & recovery. I’m thankful for his help with my health issues." -Jeff

Dr. Jeans is an Arizona native who returned to join the Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2022 and is excited to be serving the patients of her hometown. She is highly skilled in the most modern treatment techniques and well-versed in utilizing the most up-to-date data to increase cure rates and minimize side effects of treatment.

She was awarded the highest honor from the Mayo Clinic; the Mayo Brothers Distinguished Fellowship Award, due to outstanding clinical performance, humanitarianism, and scholarly activity. She has held innumerable national leadership roles including chair of Society of Women in Radiation Oncology, board member of the Radiation Oncology Education Group, and board member for the American Medical Women’s Association.

Additionally, Dr. Jeans has also opened multiple prospective studies utilizing novel radiotherapy techniques and authored countless papers and textbooks making her an early leader in the field.

In her spare time, Dr. Jeans enjoys spending time with her husband, David, and her immediate and extended family, located throughout the Valley. She enjoys travelling and hiking. Prior to medicine, she was a Physics and Chemistry High School Teacher in inner-city Chicago.

Apart from providing excellent, highly technical care, she is passionate about building patient relationships and helping patients navigate the cancer care journey.

Patient Reviews:

"Dr. Jeans is an outstanding physician who provides knowledgeable and professional healthcare to her patients and demonstrates sincere concern, care, and excellent communication with her patients. What a privilege to have such a wonderful caretaker." -John

"Dr. Jeans was everything I needed during my treatment. She was transparent and explained the situation, treatment options and plan very well. She has maybe the best demeanor and attentiveness of any doctor I have had. Her staff was always friendly and helpful. Thanks Dr. Jeans and staff!" -Scott

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.

Patient Reviews: 

"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

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.

Patient Reviews: 

"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

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.

Patient Reviews:

"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. 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.

Patient Reviews: 

"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. Singavi’s clinical interests include solid tumors and hematologic disorders (both malignant and non-malignant – thrombotic/bleeding disorders/etc.). His special interests include Neuro-oncology, Breast Oncology, and Genitourinary.

When not working, Dr. Singavi enjoys spending time with his family, traveling, and watching sports.

Patient Reviews:

"My father has been a patient of Dr Singavi for 3 years. Dr Singavi is an absolute gem! He is compassionate and very knowledgeable. He takes his time to listen to patient concerns and help the patient/family understand the treatment plan. I can’t say enough how grateful I am my father is in his care. It’s so rare to find a doctor that is both skilled in his field and has top notch bed side manor. Dr Singavi is both!!" -Laura

"Dr. Singavi is the most amazing Dr. He is kind, compassionate, and takes all the time in the world to make sure you understand your condition, and your treatment plan. His entire office staff is also very compassionate and carring. If you have to see an Oncologist, and let's face it, nobody wants to, Dr. Singavi and his staff are the people you want to be with during your care." -Sandy

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. Joan Dahmer specializes in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine.

Dr. Dahmer joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 when her team at Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology partnered with the practice. Prior to joining Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology in 2002, Dr. Dahmer developed the oncology program at both Maryvale and Memorial Hospitals in Phoenix. She was also Chief of Medicine at Laurentian Hospital in California and has served as a medical consultant for prominent centers and labs.

Dr. Dahmer has been active in the medical community as a past or current member of several organizations, most recently as a member of The Arizona Clinical Oncology Society, the American Society of Hematology, and the Association of Community Cancer Centers, to name a few. 

She has also volunteered her time to many health-related causes, including serving as medical director for the HAVEN Program of Northeastern Ohio, a comprehensive program for those infected with and affected by HIV. 

She has presented on a number of topics including, medical marijuana, cardiac assessment in home care to home health nurses, women in medicine, oral & lung cancer and medicine as a career.

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Patient Reviews:

"Dr. Dahmer is very good, kind, understanding, and very professional 👏." -Cozetta

"Virginia Piper cancer center has the nicest. Most accommodating staff and nurses. Doc Dahmer is the best doctor I have heard of. She is patient. Kind. Incredibly smart. Very thorough. I just love her. You wont be disappointed with her." -Samantha