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. 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. 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
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.
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
Dr. Sigalove specializes in treating both benign and malignant diseases of the breast. Experienced in minimally invasive techniques, she focuses on care with compassion, and emphasizes the team approach in fighting cancer. She strives to achieve the most optimal treatment with the best possible cosmetic outcome.
Dr. Sigalove has helped advance novel surgical techniques that minimize pain, maximize recovery, and enhance the appearance of the breast whether that is in the setting of lumpectomy or mastectomy. She holds multiple publications on nipple-sparing mastectomy with pre-pectoral reconstruction and has lectured extensively on this topic both nationally and internationally.
Dr. Sigalove has held the position of Breast Program Director at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital and was Health System Clinician at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She was selected by her peers as “Top Breast Cancer Surgeon” in Phoenix Magazine in 2023, “Top Cancer Doctor” in Chicago Magazine in 2017, and was chosen as “Top Doctor” by Castle Connolly in 2014 and 2017.
Certified by the American Board of Surgery, Dr. Sigalove completed her surgical residency at Rush Medical Center and Cook County Hospital in Chicago. She graduated from Rush Medical College and obtained her undergraduate degree in Neurobiology and Physiology from Northwestern University.
In her spare time, Dr. Sigalove loves to garden and hike with her husband and dogs, and she looks forward to every single visit of her now grown twins.
"I was diagnosed with breast cancer that had traveled to my lymph node in December 2021. Dr Sigalove's approach was absolutely professional. She explained the diagnosis by listening to my concerns and questions in a very thorough patient and caring manner, while outlining her best recommended approach for treatment. Dr. Sigalove completed my surgery to remove the cancerous tumor in February 2022. The surgical procedure went without a hitch and left little scarring. I was absolutely pleased with the care I received from Dr. Sigalove. I highly recommend her in the unfortunate event you are ever diagnosed with cancer. Happy to inform, I am in remission and my mammograms have been clean. I feel my best decision in finding a qualified surgeon for treatment was when I found Dr. Sigalove. P.S. Staff and timeliness for appointments were also above reproach! Was never in waiting room for more than five minutes!" C. Nelson
"Dr. Sigalove operated on me over a year ago and continues to follow me. She diagnosed cancer before I knew I had it. She has been very supportive and kind following me through my cancer journey. She is very proficient in her field. I could not ask for a more professional caregiver. Her office staff are also very efficient and friendly. I would be happy to recommend her to anyone needing surgery."
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. Joan Dahmer specializes in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine.
Dr. Dahmer joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 when her team at Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology partnered with the practice. Prior to joining Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology in 2002, Dr. Dahmer developed the oncology program at both Maryvale and Memorial Hospitals in Phoenix. She was also Chief of Medicine at Laurentian Hospital in California and has served as a medical consultant for prominent centers and labs.
Dr. Dahmer has been active in the medical community as a past or current member of several organizations, most recently as a member of The Arizona Clinical Oncology Society, the American Society of Hematology, and the Association of Community Cancer Centers, to name a few.
She has also volunteered her time to many health-related causes, including serving as medical director for the HAVEN Program of Northeastern Ohio, a comprehensive program for those infected with and affected by HIV.
She has presented on a number of topics including, medical marijuana, cardiac assessment in home care to home health nurses, women in medicine, oral & lung cancer and medicine as a career.
"Dr. 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. Parmjeet Kumar Banghar specializes in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine. He joined Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2008 when his team at Arizona Center for Hematology and Oncology partnered with the practice.
Currently, Dr. Banghar is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and American Society of Hematology. He has participated in a research study involving cerebrovascular diseases and been published in several journals, including Leukemia Research and the Indian Journal of Medical Sciences. He has also presented on a number of topics, including sonographic evaluation of the spleen in sickle cell syndromes, lennox gastaut syndrome and sweet syndrome in a patient with acute myeloid leukemia.
"This doctor is smart and knows cancer. The staff is the best. My nurses who give me shots are the best! Highly reccomend this office." -Lina
"I have been Dr. Banghar's patient since 2019 and just found out I could give him a review. Wish I had been told this before. He is an excellent provider. He has made me feel confident about my treatment which I think has/had a tremendous amount of impact on my care and the outcome. I would recommend him and the facility in a heart beat." -Felicia
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.
"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. 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.
"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
Dr. Justin Famoso specializes in radiation oncology treating a wide variety of malignant and benign diseases with innovative radiation technologies. He promotes continuity of care and emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach in his practice.
Dr. Famoso specializes in the treatment of malignancies of the breast, prostate, lung, head and neck, gynecologic tract, gastrointestinal tract, skin, central nervous system, hematologic/lymphatic systems, and musculoskeletal systems. He has extensive training with modern radiation treatment technologies and techniques including external beam radiation therapy, IMRT, SBRT, PLUVICTO, and brachytherapy.
Dr. Famoso has authored numerous research articles focused on the combination of immunotherapy and radiation therapies leading to improved patient outcomes.
He earned a B.S. degree from West Virginia University with a double major in biology and chemistry. He went on to receive his M.D. from West Virginia University before completing his internship at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. He completed his radiation oncology residency training at the University of Arizona, where he would ultimately serve as chief resident.
Dr. Famoso enjoys golfing, skiing, playing piano, traveling, and viticulture. He is also a passionate West Virginia University Mountaineers sports fan.
"I love Dr Famoso and his entire office staff! They are all very caring and attentive. Listens and provides answers and/or options. Highly recommend!!!" -Tamis
"Dr. Famoso and his staff took such good care of me and are so kind and supportive. I look forward to seeing them always. I could not be in in better hands. Thanks so much!" -Davis
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. 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. Jeans is an Arizona native who returned to join the Arizona Center for Cancer Care in 2022 and is excited to be serving the patients of her hometown. She is highly skilled in the most modern treatment techniques and well-versed in utilizing the most up-to-date data to increase cure rates and minimize side effects of treatment.
She was awarded the highest honor from the Mayo Clinic; the Mayo Brothers Distinguished Fellowship Award, due to outstanding clinical performance, humanitarianism, and scholarly activity. She has held innumerable national leadership roles including chair of Society of Women in Radiation Oncology, board member of the Radiation Oncology Education Group, and board member for the infamous American Medical Women’s Association.
Additionally, Dr. Jeans has also opened multiple prospective studies utilizing novel radiotherapy techniques and authored countless papers and textbooks making her an early leader in the field.
In her spare time, Dr. Jeans enjoys spending time with her husband, David, and her immediate and extended family, located throughout the Valley. She enjoys travelling and hiking. Prior to medicine, she was a Physics and Chemistry High School Teacher in inner-city Chicago.
Apart from providing excellent, highly technical care, she is passionate about building patient relationships and helping patients navigate the cancer care journey.
"Dr. Jeans is an outstanding physician who provides knowledgeable and professional healthcare to her patients and demonstrates sincere concern, care, and excellent communication with her patients. What a privilege to have such a wonderful caretaker." -John
"Dr. Jeans was everything I needed during my treatment. She was transparent and explained the situation, treatment options and plan very well. She has maybe the best demeanor and attentiveness of any doctor I have had. Her staff was always friendly and helpful. Thanks Dr. Jeans and staff!" -Scott
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
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.
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!