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.
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
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. 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.
"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. Modasi performed robotic double hernia repair (inguinal and umbilical) on me the same day. I was bracing myself, expecting a lot of pain and suffering and that never materialized. I had very little pain and no problem getting up and around or walking. which was a concern since I live alone. Even right after the surgery, I felt pretty normal and hardly needed pain meds at all. Dr Modasi's results speak for themselves and he obviously took care to repair things and do as little incision damage as possible. Dr Modasi is an very skilled surgeon and I can not say enogh good about him. Take it from and old man, this guy knows his stuff...and he has a great bedside manor as well." -CW
Dr. Angeles is a board-certified general surgeon with advanced training in benign and malignant breast diseases. She is committed to a multidisciplinary approach to treating breast cancer, working closely with the other sub-specialists in oncology to provide the best treatment plan for each patient. She also incorporates oncoplastic techniques to provide optimal cosmetic outcomes after breast conservation surgery.
Dr. Angeles received her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific. She completed her general surgery residency at Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania. Having a special interest in breast cancer, she went on to complete a breast surgical oncology fellowship at Medstar Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C
In her spare time, she loves to travel, support her sons at their basketball games, and hike during the cooler months in and around Arizona.
"I was referred to Dr. Angeles for a breast consult. I had been diagnosed with LCIS and she was very informative and thorough. She ended up doing another biopsy/lumpectomy and found a 2.5mm cancerous tumor. After another surgery to check my lymph nodes I was referred for radiation therapy. Dr. Angeles was so wonderful during this whole process. Her bedside manner is top notch. All her staff and nurses were amazing as well. I have had very little down time considering everything that has happened. She got the ball rolling quickly with all of my care and I am so grateful." -Cathie
"She is probably the most empathetic doctor I have ever met. She truly cares about her patients, not just the cancer, but your whole being. She reassuring and comforting when patients like me are at their worst. Highly recommend." -Ginny
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.
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.
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. Andrew J. Buresh specializes in medical oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. He is interested in all aspects of clinical oncology and hematology, with a particular interest in gastrointestinal, breast, lung, and prostate cancer, as well as myelodysplasia, coagulation disorders, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Dr. Buresh joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2013 when Desert Springs Cancer Care Center, which he founded and partnered with the practice. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology and Arizona State Physicians Association.
Dr. Buresh is a multi-year “Top Doc” honoree by Phoenix Magazine and was chosen for the cover of the annual ranking magazine in 2013. He was also honored by the Phoenix Business Journal as among its “40 Top Business Leaders under Age 40.”
Dr. Buresh and his wife are blessed to be the proud parents of three beautiful children. When not caring for patients, Dr. Buresh enjoys spending his time with family, exercising, reading, playing basketball, golf, guitar, and coaching youth sports. He also speaks basic medical Spanish.
"Warm and caring in all aspects of care. He’s special in his approach and looks at the big picture. Spends a lot of time asking questions and is conservative in his approach. So glad I was referred to him and will continue to refer him to others. Don’t be afraid~ take him on your journey with you!" -Robin
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.
"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
Dr. Sara Zakem is a board-certified radiation oncologist with expertise in the management of all cancer types using advanced techniques including brachytherapy, Stereotactic Body Radiotherapy (SBRT), Stereotactic Radiosurgery (SRS),Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT), Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) and Image Guided Radiotherapy (IGRT). Originally from Grand Rapids, MI, Dr. Zakem served as chief resident of radiation oncology at the University of Colorado before beginning her career as a radiation oncologist at the University of Washington. She joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care after moving to Phoenix with her husband, a head and neck cancer surgeon, in 2023.
Dr. Zakem is an active member of the radiation oncology community, serving on the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) Early Career Committee and the American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO) New Practitioner and Communications Committees. As a resident, she additionally served as the Communications Chair for the Society for Women in Radiation Oncology (SWRO) and was elected to the Gold Humanism Honor Society by her colleagues for her commitment to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. She has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications on esophageal, pancreatic, gynecologic, and head and neck cancers.
Having been personally touched by cancer, Dr. Zakem recognizes that receiving a cancer diagnosis is often one of the most frightening and confusing times for a patient and their loved ones. She is dedicated to taking the time needed to help patients understand and navigate their cancer diagnoses, clearly communicating the role of radiation therapy and how it can best be used to help patients achieve their goals of care.
In her free time, Dr. Zakem enjoys spending time with her husband and two cats, live music, yoga, skiing, spending time outdoors, and rooting for her Michigan Wolverines - Go Blue!
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.
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.
"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. Solís is a board-certified general surgeon and fellowship-trained breast surgical oncologist who specializes in the treatment of both benign and malignant breast disease. She has advanced training in oncoplastic techniques, including hidden scar techniques, as well as nipple sparing mastectomy. She has been well published in the field of breast surgery, with multiple publications in the areas of ductal carcinoma in situ, high risk breast lesions, idiopathic granulomatous mastitis, and risk-reducing mastectomy.
Dr. Solís received her undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. She completed her general surgery residency at Inova Health System in Falls Church, Virginia before completing her breast surgical oncology fellowship at Vanderbilt University. In her spare time, she loves to travel, cook, and spend time with her large family, including her husband and sons.
Dr. Solís considers it an absolute privilege to be able to do the work that she does. Her goal for each and every patient is to empower them with knowledge, guide them along their journey, and ultimately help them reach a place of healing.
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!
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
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
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!
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. Kaplan was a major part of my father-in-love’s cancer treatment and was one of his biggest champions. Her bedside manner was incredibly personalized, kind, and intentional. He couldn’t say enough wonderful things about her. I highly recommend her!" -Leanne
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.
