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. 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.
"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
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. 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. 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
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
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. Cory Heal is a radiation oncologist who has expertise in a full breadth of radiation oncology treatments for both malignant and benign diseases in children and adults.
Before joining Arizona Center for Cancer Care, Dr. Heal received a Bachelor of Science from Brigham Young University and his Medical Doctorate from Drexel University. He then completed an internship in Internal Medicine at Abington Memorial Hospital and a residency in radiation oncology at the University of Arizona, where he served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Heal specializes in the treatment of malignancies of the breast, prostate, lung, skin, head and neck, gynecological tract, gastrointestinal tract, central nervous system, hematologic/lymphatic systems, and musculoskeletal systems. He also treats a wide array of benign diseases that benefit from radiation. Dr. Heal utilizes the latest treatment techniques in his practice, including Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT), PLUVICTO, LUTATHERA, and Stereotactic Ablative Radiotherapy (SABR/SBRT). Dr. Heal has additional specialized training and research interests in the use of HDR brachytherapy for several anatomic sites. His other research interests include patient safety and quality improvement.
An Arizona native who grew up in the East Valley, Dr. Heal feels privileged to serve the community he loves. He always seeks to be an advocate for his patients as he guides them through treatment. He enjoys the lasting relationships he develops with his patients and their families and feels honored to take part in their care.
Dr. Heal and his wife, Emily, have four children. Outside of medicine, Dr. Heal loves spending his free time being a dad, cooking new foods in the kitchen, and making memories with his family outdoors.
"Dr. Heal and his team were so thorough and thoughtful with explanations which reduced my anxiety and made daily radiation appointments very easy to manage!" -Wendy
"Couldn't be more satisfied with Dr. Heal. He's a wonderful person both personally and professionally, making sure to explain every aspect of the treatment for my brain cancer, as well as being an all-around good guy! I'm a lucky man." - Daniel
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. 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
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. 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.
"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. 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. Ashley Albert is a board-certified radiation oncologist who is passionate about building meaningful relationships with her patients and their families, guiding them through every step of their cancer journey.
With expertise in advanced treatment modalities, including Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Image-Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT), Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS), and Brachytherapy, Dr. Albert specializes in treating a wide range of cancers with radiation. She also treats benign musculoskeletal conditions using low-dose radiotherapy.
Dr. Albert is dedicated to delivering personalized, evidence-based care and embraces a holistic approach to cancer treatment. Beyond radiation therapy, she empowers her patients with research-supported strategies including nutritional guidance and sustainable lifestyle changes to enhance their health and quality of life during and after treatment.
She has held national leadership roles, including serving as Vice-Chair of the ARRO Executive Committee and participating on committees with ASTRO and ROI. Dr. Albert co-founded the Society for Women in Radiation Oncology and has authored research articles on breast cancer, skin cancer, and geriatric oncology.
Since joining the Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2020, Dr. Albert has been honored within the local community for her compassionate care and dedication to providing exceptional treatment.
Outside of medicine, Dr. Albert is married to orthopedic surgeon Dr. Ben Albert. Together with their three children, they enjoy exploring the outdoors and cheering on the Georgia Bulldogs. In her leisure time, Dr. Albert enjoys learning to play guitar and desert gardening.
"Dr. Albert is very knowledgeable, personal and kind. I would very much refer her." -Mary Jane
"Dr. Albert is extraordinarily compassionate, knowledgeable and thoughtful. I have some tricky physical reactions to things and she reassured me with well researched answers to questions and left me feeling both supported and heard. Her whole staff was kind, thoughtful and upbeat. I highly recommend her whole practice." -Kristin
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. Abhimanyu Ghose clinical interests include treating patients with all types of cancer, including lung, gastrointestinal, breast, genitourinary (bladder, prostate, renal), skin, myeloma, lymphomas, and other blood disorders. Dr. Ghose has more than 25 published peer reviewed articles in field of oncology and has presented at national and international conferences.
Dr. Ghose believes in treating his patients with the same level of respect and compassion he would offer to his family members. He is a strong advocate for his patients. His approach is individualized to each patient because each patient’s condition and situation in life is unique.
In his free time, Dr. Ghose enjoys spending time with his family, dining out, hiking, and traveling. He is also an avid tennis player.
"I have been treating with Dr. Abhimanyu Ghose since my diagnosis in December of 2018. I was diagnosed with Stage IV, Non Small Cell Lung cancer. I began treatment March of 2019 with chemotherapy and Keytruda. After completing chemotherapy I have remained on Keytruda since the beginning. I have been in remission for over a year and my CT scans continue to confirm no evidence of disease. I trust Dr. Ghose and his team to continue to make the best treatment plans possible for me. I also believe Keytruda has been a life saver for me! I continue to have infusions every 3 weeks with little to no adverse reactions. I am grateful to have Dr. Ghose and the infusion nurses taking care of me." -Nancy
"Have had wonderful care by Dr. Ghose thru my cancer treatment and follow ups for last 4 years. He is attentive and caring and positive. Easy to understand his explanations and thorough. Office experiences always efficient." -Jeff
