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

Dr. Giraldo Kato specializes in medical oncology and hematology and has a special interest in breast cancer. His research interests include new breast cancer therapies as well as gastrointestinal and thoracic malignancies.

Dr. Kato joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2013, when his team at Pinnacle Oncology Hematology partnered with the practice. Prior to joining Pinnacle Oncology, Dr. Kato served as chief of hematology/oncology at Maricopa Medical Center. He is a member of American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Medical Association and The American Society of Hematology. He is certified by the Medical Oncology Board and American Board of Internal Medicine.

Patient Reviews:

"Dr Kato’s oncology expertise is a gift to his patients!! Diagnosed with triple negative breast cancer in 2016, I saw Dr Kato after meeting with several medical oncologists. I remember that appointment to this day. Not only did Dr Kato share his clinical plan with me, he shared a copy of a recently published peer reviewed clinical study that supported his treatment plan for me. Evidence based medicine. I was fortunate to see 4 medical oncologist in a span of a week sometimes multiple times, even after hours to ensure our questions were addressed for which I am immensely thankful. In the end, prayer and faith led me to chose Dr Kato. As a triple negative breast cancer survivor, my treatments were necessarily aggressive and difficult. 5 months of Chemo therapy followed by surgery then full dose of radiation. Through it all, I had Dr Kato and his team by my side. Chemo nurses were incredible and deserve a lot of praise for the work they do..." -Mei

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

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

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

Patient Reviews:

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

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

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. 

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.

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. Steven Sckolnik is a board certified radiation oncologist and has expertise in the management of breast, prostate and gastrointestinal cancers. He has a particular interest in utilizing new and advanced treatment techniques to minimize side effects. He most enjoys developing long-lasting relationships with his patients that extend beyond their treatments. He is a Scottsdale native and returned home to join Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2016. He received a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University in Chicago and a medical degree from the University of Arizona in Tucson. 

Dr. Sckolnik is a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, American Brachytherapy Society, American College of Radiology and the Arizona Radiological Society.

Dr. Sckolnik also enjoys cooking, traveling, colorful socks, skiing and Arizona Wildcats basketball.

Patient Reviews:

"Marissa and Dr. Sckolnik are 2 of the most compasionate, supportive people you could ask for in a difficult medical situation. They are kind, thoughtful, and in your corner to make sure you get the best possible care available. I'm very grateful they are the team taking care of me." -Sue

"Very bright, great algorithms for diagnosis and treatment..excellent coordination between urology radiology, and oncology, great follow-up ( a lost art theze days.) Extremely personable couldn't ask for a better person or physician!!!" -Walter

After graduating from a premier medical school in India, Dr. Fernandes continued her training in Internal Medicine and obtained advanced training in the treatment of blood and cancer disorders in the United States. She was awarded an international prestigious scholarship from the European Society of Medical Oncology and spent time as a visiting fellow in Medical Oncology in Spain. 

Her areas of expertise include breast cancers in addition to treating other cancer disorders such as colon cancer, lung cancer, melanoma/skin cancers and blood disorders such as anemias, iron deficiency disorders, abnormal blood counts. She serves as a section editor for Breast Cancer on hemonc.org, an internationally accessed online resource for cancer physicians. She has presented cancer research at national and international cancer meetings in the United States and Europe and volunteers with the American Society of Clinical Oncology for peer review activities.

Dr. Fernandes believes in providing compassionate, exceptional and cutting-edge care to her patients. She strives to provide the most personalized treatment plan for her patients while taking into consideration their unique needs. Having had family members who have also been stricken with cancer, she understands and empathizes with the needs of caring for a loved one with cancer.

Dr. Fernandes enjoys spending time with family, travel, running, and watercolor painting.

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

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

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

Patient Reviews:

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

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

Dr. Joan Dahmer specializes in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine.

Dr. Dahmer joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 when her team at Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology partnered with the practice. Prior to joining Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology in 2002, Dr. Dahmer developed the oncology program at both Maryvale and Memorial Hospitals in Phoenix. She was also Chief of Medicine at Laurentian Hospital in California and has served as a medical consultant for prominent centers and labs.

Dr. Dahmer has been active in the medical community as a past or current member of several organizations, most recently as a member of The Arizona Clinical Oncology Society, the American Society of Hematology, and the Association of Community Cancer Centers, to name a few. 

She has also volunteered her time to many health-related causes, including serving as medical director for the HAVEN Program of Northeastern Ohio, a comprehensive program for those infected with and affected by HIV. 

She has presented on a number of topics including, medical marijuana, cardiac assessment in home care to home health nurses, women in medicine, oral & lung cancer and medicine as a career.

HonorHealth Profile

LinkedIn Profile

Patient Reviews:

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

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

Dr. 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. Devinder Singh obtained his MD from the Government Medical College in Patiala (Punjab), India. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Shortly after, he completed his fellowship in Medical Oncology and Hematology from the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California in 1992. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Oncology, and Hematology.

In August of 1992, he founded the Arizona Center for Hematology/Oncology and has been servicing the greater Phoenix area since then with his other medical oncology associates. In 2008, in collaboration with Drs. Biggs, Lee, and Reed, the radiation oncology division was established, and the practice name was changed to Arizona Center for Cancer Care. Among his many accomplishments, in 2019 Dr. Singh received the “Oncology Service Award” from Phoenix Cancer Support Network and was nominated as “Best Doctor in Oncology” by Phoenix Magazine. He is a clinical assistant professor at Midwestern Medical University (Glendale campus) and is actively involved in teaching medical students.

Dr. Singh has been married to his wonderful wife, Randeep, since 1982. They have three beautiful children, two daughters, Raman and Rimpi, and one son, Aman, all attending different universities. They also have two Yorkshire terriers, Rusty and Musty, and a playful cat, Millie. In his free time, Dr. Singh enjoys playing golf.     

Patient Reviews:

"Dr Singh is by far the BEST oncologist out there!!! He is very knowledgeable and really cares for his patients!!! My hubby had stage 4 lymphoma cancer in 2005 and Dr Singh saved his life!! My hubby is still cancer free today!!!" -Kirsten

"Dr. Devinder Singh was amazing. Not only having great knowledge in treating cancer but very patient and caring when my husband and I walked this journey. Dr. Singh fought alongside us to the very end, he would call and check on my husband after treatments and procedures, his team helped with any insurance issues and approvals and we always felt very special and like we were family. Thank you so much for making this journey a little easier." -Debra

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.

Patient Reviews:

"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. 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.

Patient Reviews:

"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. 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

Dr. Daniel Richard Reed specializes in radiation oncology, with a focus on breast and prostate cancers.

Dr. Reed co-founded Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 with Drs. Devinder Singh, Christopher Biggs and Terry Lee. He received his Bachelor of Science  in Chemistry and Biology from Western Kentucky University. He attended medical school at West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, completed his internship at Doctors Hospital Ohio University and his residency at the University of Washington Medical Center, where he would eventually serve as Chief Resident and in 2002 earned the National Research Award in radiation oncology for his work in breast cancer treatment. He also served as the Seattle Prostate Institute/American Brachytherapy Society Prostate fellowship coordinator for several years.

In 2007, he authored the National Treatment Guidelines of the American College of Radiology for Prostate Cancer Radiation Therapy and the book chapter on Skull-based tumors in The Textbook of Radiation Oncology (2nd edition). He has also served as a scientific reviewer for the International Journal of Radiation Oncology and national representative of the American Brachytherapy Society.

Dr. Reed is certified by the American Board of Radiology and is a Diplomat of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiation Oncology. He is a current or past member of the American Brachytherapy Society, American Radium Society, American Radiology Resident Association, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Medical Association and American Osteopathic Association, among others.

Dr. Reed is a multi-year “Top Doc” honoree by Phoenix Magazine and has over 70 combined 5-star reviews from happy patients.

Patient Reviews:

Dr. Gerald Lucas is board certified in Radiation Oncology, and a member of the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the American Brachytherapy Society, and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. After completing medical school at Indiana University, and his residency at University of Southern California, he established his practice in 1992 at Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center in Phoenix. Dr. Lucas served as the Medical Director of Radiation Oncology services at Good Samaritan until he joined Arizona Oncology in 2008. He practiced there for over a decade prior to joining Arizona Center for Cancer Care. 

Dr. Lucas has extensive experience with the utilization of advanced technologies, including image guided radiation therapy (IGRT), intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) and brachytherapy. In addition, he is highly skilled and has extensive experience with brachytherapy for the treatment of gynecologic and breast diseases, including accelerated partial breast irradiation (APBI). In addition, Dr. Lucas has a special interest in the treatment of prostate, lung, and colorectal tumors, as well as brain tumors and sarcomas. Dr. Lucas is a published writer and speaker on various radiation topics.

Patient Reviews:

"My experience with Dr. Lucas has been excellent. He is willing to spend whatever amount of time you need to fully understand your situation and what options may be available to you. He also went to bat for me with my insurance provider when they initially refused to pay for a particular procedure. He convinced them that it was totally necessary, and they then agreed to cover it. Also, his staff is first class. The whole office has been a joy to work with. Thank you!!" -Gary

"I was recommended to Dr Lucas, MD from my Urologist. Dr Lucas was very professional and spent the appropriate time to make sure I understood all my options and answered all my questions." -Michael

Janice is a dedicated hematology/oncology nurse practitioner who collaborates closely with physicians and other healthcare team members to deliver comprehensive care, offering unwavering support to patients and caregivers during treatment and beyond. With over 12 years of experience as a hematology, oncology, and bone marrow transplant nurse, Janice has worked with medically complex neonates, pediatrics, and adults in both inpatient and outpatient settings. She earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree from the University of Phoenix and is nationally certified as a Nurse Practitioner by the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. Passionate about patient advocacy and education, Janice seeks to empower patients by listening to their health needs and goals and working in partnership with them and their families to manage their health effectively.