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. 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.
"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
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.
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.
"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
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, 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. 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. 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. Pepple joined Arizona Premier Surgery in 2017. He is Board Certified in general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. Transitioning from a large academic center, he brings with him years of experience in the management of some of the most complex surgical patients.
Patient care is deeply personal to him, and as such, he possesses an unyielding dedication to those who entrust him with their care. He will work with each patient to provide a wide range of surgical treatment options, and when appropriate, non-surgical options. He firmly believes that a multi-disciplinary approach to patient care provides optimal results. His clinical interests include benign and malignant hepatobiliary surgery, minimally invasive/robotic surgery, and skin malignancies (melanoma). In addition, he performs a broad range of general surgery, including excising/resecting skin lesions (cysts, squamous cell, melanoma), and dialysis surgery.
"Dr. Pepple is held in really high regard in the medical community and I can see why. As a nurse practitioner, I asked a bunch of people who they recommend for general surgery and Dr pepple was always the top pick within the Honor Health network. A friend even spoke to an oncologist at the Mayo Clinic who said my husband was in Great hands with Dr. Pepple. He removed cancer from my husband and although he deals with much more devastating cancers than what my husband had, he was genuine, kind and patient. He spent time explaining everything to us. I would go to him if I ever needed a general surgeon. Thank you for everything you have done for us. You do great work and it was easy to trust you. There is always hope and people are good, especially you. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you." -Jamie
"Dr Pepples operated on my husband in march 2023 for a huge groin hernia and he had some other serious complications. Another surgeon wouldn’t even operate because of the complications & his age. Dr Peeples agreed to do and he did an excellent job. He & the staff are super professional and caring. He’s an excellent surgeon." -Linda
Dr. 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.
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.
"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
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.
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
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!
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
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. 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.
"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. Sanjeev Gopal is a board-certified specialist in medical oncology and hematology with Arizona Center for Cancer Care and Virginia G. Piper Cancer Care Network.
With offices in Apache Junction, Mesa and Gilbert, Dr. Gopal is committed to providing the highest level of care with a priority of treating each patient and their families with utmost respect. It is important to Dr. Gopal to not only prolong lives of his patients, but to improve the quality of their lives.
"Dr Gopal is fabulous! He is really focused on you and what you are going through! Compassionate and knowledgeable!" -Pat
"Dr. Gopal and his staff are without a doubt the EXCEPTION TO TODAY'S IMPRESSION OF MEDICAL PROVIDERS! Dr. Gopal obviously took the time to hire his staff, because they are just as compassionate, caring, kind and loving as him. Trust me, I am qualified to make these statements; not my first rodeo, ya'll. I don't typically take the time for reviews, but for Dr. Gopal, I absolutely will make an exception as he deserves all the recognition for who he simply is, as a person (I think). Dr. Gopal took a personal interest in my care from the moment I was referred to him. "Bedside manner?" Dr. Gopal treated me like a "person" he cares for, like family. Therefore, that term is not relevant. If you ask me, that is a good thing!...' -Heidi
Dr. 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. 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
