Find a Top Oncologist Near Me in Mesa, 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/

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.

Patient Reviews:

"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. 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. 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. Christopher Biggs specializes in radiation oncology and is an expert in radiosurgery and gynecological oncology.

Dr. Biggs co-founded Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 with Drs. Devinder Singh, Daniel Reed and Terry Lee. He attended the University of Arizona, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular biology. His interest in cancer research took him to the University of Southern California, under the Borchard Cancer Research Fellowship. There, he performed research on the molecular genetics of cancer at the Norris Cancer Center and at LA Children’s Hospital. After completing his Doctor of Philosophy degree, he moved to Stanford University, where he earned his medical degree, and developed an interest in radiation oncology. Dr. Biggs completed his residency in radiation oncology at the University of California, San Francisco, where he eventually served as chief resident.

For five years, Dr. Biggs performed radiosurgery at Barrow Neurological Institute and also served as director of the Baptist Oncology Center.

Dr. Biggs is certified by the American Board of Radiology and is a Diplomat of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology. He is a member of the American Association for Cancer Research, Radiology Society of North America, American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology and the American Association of Advancement of Science.

Dr. Biggs is a multi-year “Top Doc” honoree by Phoenix Magazine.

Patient Reviews:

"My experience was great I even had to travel from Yuma AZ for my treatments. DR Biggs made everything go as easy and painless for me. his staff were extremely kind and professional just like him! I appreciate so much for their empathy they had for me and my battle with cancer. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I highly recommend this office." -Jen

"The office visit was for my husband Jessie Wilson. Dr. Biggs is excellent at relieving any anxiety we had going in. He took the time to explain everything as well as talking about personal info to get to know us better. We left feeling very relaxed and confident in his care moving forward. We highly recommend Dr. Biggs and his entire staff to anyone who needs treatment!" -Linda

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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.

Patient Reviews:

"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. 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.

Patient Reviews

"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

Physician Spotlight

Dr. Sanjeev Gopal is a board-certified specialist in medical oncology and hematology with Arizona Center for Cancer Care and Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care Network. 

With offices in Apache Junction, Mesa and Gilbert, Dr. Gopal is committed to providing the highest level of care with a priority of treating each patient and their families with utmost respect. It is important to Dr. Gopal to not only prolong lives of his patients, but to improve the quality of their lives.

Patient Reviews:

"Dr Gopal is fabulous! He is really focused on you and what you are going through! Compassionate and knowledgeable!" -Pat

"Dr. Gopal and his staff are without a doubt the EXCEPTION TO TODAY'S IMPRESSION OF MEDICAL PROVIDERS! Dr. Gopal obviously took the time to hire his staff, because they are just as compassionate, caring, kind and loving as him. Trust me, I am qualified to make these statements; not my first rodeo, ya'll. I don't typically take the time for reviews, but for Dr. Gopal, I absolutely will make an exception as he deserves all the recognition for who he simply is, as a person (I think). Dr. Gopal took a personal interest in my care from the moment I was referred to him. "Bedside manner?" Dr. Gopal treated me like a "person" he cares for, like family. Therefore, that term is not relevant. If you ask me, that is a good thing!...' -Heidi

Rezwan Chowdhury, MD is dual board certified by the American Board of Radiology, and The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Canada), in Radiation Oncology. He completed his residency and Medical Doctorate at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He has a special interest in breast cancer, lung cancer, SBRT, brachytherapy, PLUVICTO, LUTATHERA, and treats all tumor sites.

Dr. Chowdhury is fellowship trained in brachytherapy, including all modalities of breast brachytherapy.  He has specialized training and is experienced in treating lung cancer, brain metastases and oligo-metastases using SBRT/SRS techniques. Dr. Chowdhury has over 5 years of clinical academic experience at the University of British Columbia/BC Cancer Agency, where he was a clinical instructor to medical students, residents and fellows and served as the Chair of the SBRT program, thoracic tumor site and breast brachytherapy program. Dr Chowdhury has extensive research experience and has published his findings and presented to other specialty physicians around the world.

Dr. Chowdhury joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2021 and has been treating patients throughout the Phoenix metro area for nearly a decade. Dr. Chowdhury believes in using evidenced based medicine, and a compassionate approach that places an emphasis on his patient’s individual needs and desires.

Patient Reviews:

"Very knowledgeable and very good with patients, taking time to fully inform about options." -Ed

"Dr. Chowdhury explains all procedures and treatments thoroughly and takes time to answer any questions the patient may have prior and during treatment." -Ralph

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.

Patient Reviews:

"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

Dr. Robin Obenchain specializes in Hematology and Medical Oncology. She believes in a holistic approach to cancer care integrating both the art and science of medicine uniquely based on an individualized care of each patient and family.

Dr. Obenchain joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2016 and has been practicing in the Phoenix area for the past ten years. She has been published in Oncology Publishing Group: Colorectal Cancer in the Elderly Patient: Assessment and Treatment. She has received multiple awards including Association of Pathology Chairs Honor Society, the Higgins Award for outstanding Senior Resident and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society.

Dr. Obenchain has been named Top Doctor twice in the Phoenix Business Journal and is currently a member of the American College of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Patient Reviews:

"These people are awesome. The doctor, her assistant, and the entire staff are wonderful people and they're a pleasure to deal with in what are sometimes not the most ideal conditions. They are extremely helpful, friendly courteous professional and I could go on and on. There is a single bad thing I can say about this practice or anyone who works here. Special shout outs to Dr Robin herself, Carrie, Ashley, Ashton, and Sandy who is no longer with them." -Jim

About Dr. Dhillon:

Dr. Dhillon is fellowship trained in Hematology and Medical Oncology. His clinical interests include a broad spectrum of disorders including solid tumors, hematologic malignancies, and benign hematologic disorders. His special interests include pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, myeloma, lymphoma, gastrointestinal malignancies, prostate cancer, and lung cancer. Dr. Dhillon also specializes in treatment of blood disorders.

Dr. Dhillon has participated in a number of research projects. He has presented his work at national meetings, and published in journals, including the New England Journal of Medicine.  

He is an advocate of collaborative and patient-centered cancer care that delivers effective treatment while maintaining quality of life.

Dr. Dhillon enjoys golf, writing, activities related to personal fitness, hiking, traveling, and spending time with friends and family.

Patient Reviews:

"I am a snowbird and had no idea who would be a good oncologist during the winter to treat me. When I read about him online, he was one of my top choices and I’m glad I picked him. He has been the perfect fit for me. Not only does he have a friendly personality, but he is very thorough and caring. He is also very efficient as well. If he says he will do something, you can depend on him to do it. I feel that I am in very good hands here. Thank you Dr. Dhillon! I will tell my Idaho friends about you." -Marilyn

"When I come to Dr Dhillon’s office I can honestly say that I have never felt so loved and cared for in any physician’s office. The staff there is excellent beginning with checking in. They are so polite and helpful. All of the nurses take a personal interest to aid me to get my most outstanding care. The encouragement I get from all of them is phenomenal!
I may come in down and dejected but by the time I leave I feel like there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel!!" [click the link below to read the rest] -Linda

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.

HonorHealth Profile

LinkedIn Profile

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

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.

Gregory A. Maggass, MD is board certified in radiation oncology, with a focus on the treatment of prostate cancer with both brachytherapy and IMRT/IGRT radiation therapy. Dr. Maggass has extensive experience with brachytherapy treatment using radioactive seeds, otherwise known as Internal Radiation Therapy. He is a pioneer in bringing Brachytherapy to patients in Arizona treating prostate, skin, eye and breast cancers. Dr. Maggass also specializes in PLUVICTO for prostate cancer treatment and LUTATHERA for neuroendocrine cancer treatment. 

Passionate about advancing treatments in cancer care, Dr. Maggass played an instrumental role in developing improved treatments for delivering radiation, as well as combining radiation with surgical techniques and chemotherapy.

For nearly two decades, Dr. Maggass served as the Medical Director for Arizona Oncology Services in the East Valley. In this role, he started and lead the prostate brachytherapy program at Banner Desert Medical Center and Banner Baywood. In 2012, Dr. Maggass partnered with Arizona Center for Cancer Care to expand the groups footprint into the East Valley.

Dr. Maggass received his Medical Degree from the Medical College of Wisconsin. He completed his residency at the University of Southern California Medical Center, where he received specialized training in Brachytherapy.

Dr. Maggass is a multi-year “Top Doc” honoree by Phoenix Magazine, and “Best Doctors in America” honoree by Best Doctors, Inc.

Patient Reviews:

"I needed a calm, straight forward explanation of my situation to make a choice in treatment. Dr. Maggass took his time and was genuinely engaged when he talked to my wife and I and he even let me talk once more on the phone when I had more questions. I would recommend him." -Wade

"Dr Maggass has been fantastic! Excellent bedside manner, and has always been forthright me. We are early on in this journey, but feel I am in good hands with both doctor, and his wonderful staff." -Jeff