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

Biography:

• College: Bachelor of Science (St. Cloud State University-St. Cloud, Minnesota)

• Physician Assistant Program: Master of Physician Assistant Studies (Northern Arizona University-Flagstaff, AZ)

• Board Certification: Certified Physician Assistant

• Language: English

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.

LinkedIn Profile

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. 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.

Patient Reviews:

"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

"Excellent Hematologist/Oncologist!!!" -Medi

Craig Hullett, MD, PhD, is a board-certified radiation oncologist with extensive experience in the treatment of a wide range of malignancies. He began his academic career in Communication, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, followed by a Master of Arts from Wake Forest University and a Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University. He later served as a tenured Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Arizona.

Inspired by his volunteer work at a local hospice, Dr. Hullett transitioned to medicine and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arizona. During medical school, he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Alpha Omega Alpha, recognizing his commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and academic excellence. He completed his internship and residency training in Radiation Oncology at the University of Wisconsin.

Dr. Hullett has been practicing in Arizona since 2022 and is pleased to have returned to the state with his family. Outside of his clinical practice, he enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, and traveling.

Languages spoken: English

Dr. Gunia is one of the few sub-specialty fellowship-trained Breast Surgical Oncologists in Scottsdale and is committed to the evaluation and treatment of breast disease. She is dedicated to bringing the highest level of breast care to the valley by incorporating her expertise in the newest technologies and advancements available for both the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Her training included the oncoplastic surgical technique, which combines the principles of cancer removal with optimal cosmetic results.

After earning an undergraduate degree at Arizona State University, she obtained her medical degree from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences. Dr. Gunia completed general surgery training through Ohio University and further specialized in Breast Surgical Oncology at Akron General Medical Center in Ohio. She is also on the board for Check for a Lump, a local non-profit that provides free breast health education, mammograms, testing, and direct assistance to breast cancer patients.

Dr. Gunia enjoys playing cards, country line dancing, relaxing by the pool with a good book, traveling, attending concerts, and spending time with her husband, Steve, their two tabby cats, and their two miniature dachshunds.

Patient Reviews: 

"Extremely nice stuff. They make you feel welcome. Dr. Gunia is a highly qualified professional that gave me reassurance everything is going to be okay. She is very kind and the best, she took the time to explain my options. Very pleased with my first time appointment." -Marie

"Dr. Gunia is hands down the best surgeon I’ve ever had. She was extremely personable and caring, and explained everything to me in “regular person”-speech, not doctor lingo. She ended up doing a partial mastectomy in my R breast, removing a large lump which was thankfully not malignant. I will definitely use her again if I have any further issues with my breasts. I HIGHLY recommend her as a surgeon and a breast doctor!" -Juleah

Specializing in treating benign and malignant breast disease, Dr. Cox has a special interest in breast conservation and minimally-invasive techniques. With this emphasis, she helps each patient choose the best surgical and oncologic results while preserving as much normal breast tissue as possible.

After completing undergraduate and graduate degrees at California State University, Dr. Cox graduated from Flinders University of South Australia. She completed her general surgery training at Pennsylvania State University's Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and a Breast Surgical Oncology fellowship at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey/UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Hospital.

In her spare time, Dr. Cox enjoys Bikram yoga and hiking in the Arizona foothills with her two shiba inus. She travels and, in particular, enjoys the beautiful cultures and histories of the Asian continent.

Patient Reviews: 

"Dr. Cox is a fantastic Dr./surgeon. I went to her after receiving positive cancer biopsy results. That in and of itself is super scary, let alone not knowing what was going to happen next. This wonderful, warm Dr. sat next to me and explained everything so I could understand it. Dr Cox took her time with me, she drew pictures to show me everything that was going on and what she was going to do. Dr. Cox tells you how it is in the most compassionate way. I felt very cared for. I had a lumpectomy with sentinel node biopsy. She did a beautiful job surgically. The follow up phone calls were made in a timely manner. Her staff is wonderful as well. I highly recommend Dr. Cox and going forward should I do mastectomy she will be my surgeon hands down!" -Deborah

"I took my wife to our 1st consultation. The experience was very informative. Dr Cox spent the time to go through all our options. She was so personable and kind I left her office with my wife feeling we have made the best choice in the valley. Looking forward to our journey with her on our team. I highly recommend her." -Pete

Dr. 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

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

Dr. Azadi specializes in specializes in Neuro-Oncology, focusing on brain, spine, skull-based tumors and head and neck malignancies (many of which are listed below). His expertise includes the diagnosis and treatment of brain and head & neck tumors. Dr. Azadi’s research interests include precision medicine and immunotherapy in primary and secondary brain tumors.

• Acoustic neuroma
• Astrocytoma
• Benign nervous system tumor
• Brain cancer
• Brain metastasis
• Brain tumor
• Chordoma
• Choroid plexus papilloma
• Ependymoma
• Glioblastoma
• Glioma
• Leptomeningeal carcinomatosis (LC),
• Meningioma
• Neurofibroma
• Neurofibromatosis
• Oligodendroglioma
• Peripheral nerve tumor
• Pituitary tumor
• Secondary brain tumors
• Spinal cord tumor

Dr. Azadi’s priority is to provide his patients with personalized, compassionate care using the most up-to-date treatment options. He listens to his patients, and collaboratively they choose the best treatment option for their cancer. He strives to deliver the most effective cancer management and treatment strategies, while providing encouragement and support for his patients.

In his free time, Dr. Azadi enjoys all sports, especially tennis and mountain biking.

Patient Reviews:

"Dr Azadi has been treating my husband who has Glioblastoma Vi since diagnosis. He is very kind and one of the few Doctors we have worked with who has been honest with us. He is also the only one who suggested trials which we are very excited about. Dr Azadi has made himself completely reachable when I have any issues come up. He responds so quickly and always with a helpful solution." -Rhonda

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.

Patient Reviews:

"The care I receive from Dr. Goldfarb is exceptional. He listens attentively to my concerns and he provided me with a treatment plan that yields positive results. The entire team at the clinic display a high level of professionalism and make me feel comfortable while I'm there . Nicole Lee is exceptional as well." -Christian

"Dr Goldfarb has been helping me fight lung cancer for two years and is a very caring person." -JC

Craig Hullett, MD, PhD, is a board-certified radiation oncologist with extensive experience in the treatment of a wide range of malignancies. He began his academic career in Communication, earning a Bachelor of Arts from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, followed by a Master of Arts from Wake Forest University and a Doctor of Philosophy from Michigan State University. He later served as a tenured Associate Professor of Communication at the University of Arizona.

Inspired by his volunteer work at a local hospice, Dr. Hullett transitioned to medicine and earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Arizona. During medical school, he was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society and Alpha Omega Alpha, recognizing his commitment to compassionate, patient-centered care and academic excellence. He completed his internship and residency training in Radiation Oncology at the University of Wisconsin.

Dr. Hullett has been practicing in Arizona since 2022 and is pleased to have returned to the state with his family. Outside of his clinical practice, he enjoys spending time with his family, exercising, and traveling.

Languages spoken: English

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!

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

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

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

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. 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.

Patient Reviews:

"Dr is very passionate about his work. Gets it done rapidly with as little pain as possible during the process. Excellence at its finest." -Via Google

"Dr. Mutyala is a very kind and compassionate practitioner. His care has made my life easier." - Paul

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

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Patient Reviews:

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

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

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! 

Patient Reviews:

"Very friendly, careful to explain everything. Kind and caring." -Steve