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. Apar Gupta is a board-certified radiation oncologist with expertise in a wide variety of cancer types, including head and neck, brain, thoracic, sarcoma, skin, gastrointestinal, and genitourinary cancers. Originally from New Jersey, he earned his BA/MD at Boston University’s accelerated seven-year medical program and completed his residency in radiation oncology at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey. He then went on to build his career as an attending physician at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, serving as the lead radiation oncologist for the Head & Neck service. He joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2022.
He additionally earned his MBA as part of the joint MD/MBA program at Boston University and serves on the American Society for Radiation Oncology’s Payer Relations Committee. As part of this effort, his goal is to ensure that insurance companies are not inappropriately denying radiation treatment options to patients. He has also published his research as a lead author in top-ranking cancer journals including the Journal of Clinical Oncology and the International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, in addition to presenting his findings at national and international conferences.
Dr. Gupta knows that every patient and every cancer is unique, and a core component of his philosophy is to provide a personalized treatment plan that best fits their needs, which leads to better outcomes, faster responses, and fewer side effects. Further, he prioritizes patient education and communication, to ensure patients are always in charge of their care and an equal member of the treatment team.
In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife Megana, who is an Emergency Medicine physician, and with their golden retriever, Indy. He loves all things outdoors – hiking, skiing, golfing, tennis (and more recently pickleball), and traveling around the world.
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. 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.
Dr. Parmjeet Kumar Banghar specializes in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine. He joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 when his team at Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology partnered with the practice.
Currently, Dr. Banghar is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology. He has participated in a research study involving cerebrovascular diseases and been published in several journals, including Leukemia Research and the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences. He has also presented on a number of topics, including sonographic evaluation of the spleen in sickle cell syndromes, lennox gastaut syndrome and sweet syndrome in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia.
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. Shehas 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.
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. Justin Goldfarb specializes in medical oncology, internal medicine, and hematology.
Growing up in suburban Detroit, Dr. Goldfarb followed his true passion to become a hematologist and medical oncologist. A published author on topics including lymphoma and breast cancer, he is double board-certified in medical oncology and internal medicine, and fellowship-trained in hematologic disorders and solid tumors.
Dr. Goldfarb earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Colorado at Boulder and holds a medical degree from Midwestern University in Chicago. He completed an internal medicine residency at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, followed by a medical oncology fellowship at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas. With academic appointments at Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago and Midwestern University, Dr. Goldfarb thoroughly enjoys teaching and mentoring medical students.
Dr. DiPasquale is a specialized breast surgeon with expertise in treating both malignant and benign breast diseases. Her passion lies in advanced oncoplastic reconstructive surgery, where she combines oncological principles with plastic surgery techniques. She strives to ensure excellent oncological outcomes while also prioritizing cosmetic results and patient satisfaction.
Originally from the east coast of Canada, Dr. DiPasquale completed her medical training at Dalhousie University. Following this, she pursued her General Surgery Residency at the University of Alberta. During her residency, she also earned a Master of Science degree at the prestigious Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where her research was recognized with an award from the Canadian Federation of University Women.
To further refine her skills and broaden her expertise, Dr. DiPasquale completed a breast oncoplastic and reconstruction surgery fellowship at the renowned Paris Breast Center. She is proud to hold board certifications from both the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Board of Surgery.
Dr. DiPasquale's contributions extend beyond her clinical practice. She has co-authored numerous research papers and actively presents her work at international conferences. Additionally, she serves as a peer reviewer for international journals.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. DiPasquale cherishes quality time spent with her loved ones, including her family, friends, and her beloved Yorkie. After escaping the cold Canadian winters, she also enjoys spending time outdoors in the warm Arizona sun.
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.
Dr. DiPasquale is a specialized breast surgeon with expertise in treating both malignant and benign breast diseases. Her passion lies in advanced oncoplastic reconstructive surgery, where she combines oncological principles with plastic surgery techniques. She strives to ensure excellent oncological outcomes while also prioritizing cosmetic results and patient satisfaction.
Originally from the east coast of Canada, Dr. DiPasquale completed her medical training at Dalhousie University. Following this, she pursued her General Surgery Residency at the University of Alberta. During her residency, she also earned a Master of Science degree at the prestigious Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where her research was recognized with an award from the Canadian Federation of University Women.
To further refine her skills and broaden her expertise, Dr. DiPasquale completed a breast oncoplastic and reconstruction surgery fellowship at the renowned Paris Breast Center. She is proud to hold board certifications from both the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the American Board of Surgery.
Dr. DiPasquale's contributions extend beyond her clinical practice. She has co-authored numerous research papers and actively presents her work at international conferences. Additionally, she serves as a peer reviewer for international journals.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Dr. DiPasquale cherishes quality time spent with her loved ones, including her family, friends, and her beloved Yorkie. After escaping the cold Canadian winters, she also enjoys spending time outdoors in the warm Arizona sun.
Dr. Kaplan treats a wide variety of medical oncology, malignant hematology, and benign hematologic disease. She is especially interested in treating breast cancer and general oncology.
Dr. Kaplan enjoys cooking, reading, watching sports, traveling, and spending time with family and her 2 dogs named Penny.
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.
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. Subhakar Mutyala is board certified in Radiation Oncology and has a board subspecialty certification in Brachytherapy. He has held numerous prestigious positions, including Medical Director of Radiation Medicine at The University of Arizona Cancer Center at St. Joseph’s, Chairman of Radiation Oncology and Associate Director at Scott and White Cancer Institute, and Director of Brachytherapy at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Mutyala has extensive experience in IMRT, stereotactic radiosurgery, 3D conformal radiation therapy and unsealed radionuclide treatment. He has expertise in treating a wide range of cancers, with expertise in gynecologic cancers, pelvic tumors, prostate cancer, breast cancer, sarcomas, skin cancers, and brachytherapy.
Dr. Mutyala has authored over 40 publications and book chapters, and lectures nationally and internationally, including for the Harvard Brachytherapy Annual Review and the American Society of Radiation Oncology.
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!
After years of surgically treating breast cancer, Dr. Shelley Nakamura now eagerly to focuses her expertise on counseling patients on its prevention. She is a fellowship-trained breast surgeon who completed her Breast Surgery Oncology fellowship at the University of Southern California. She is a published author of several articles regarding breast cancer and has contributed to a book chapter by the nationally renowned breast surgeon, Dr. Melvin Silverstein.
A native of Arizona, Dr. Nakamura is a graduate of the University of Arizona with a degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology. After obtaining her medical degree from Tulane University School of Medicine, she completed her General Surgery residency at Hahnemann Hospital in Philadelphia.
In her spare time, Dr. Nakamura enjoys reading a good book, Pilates, and being with her family.
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. 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.
