For Patients

The best cancer care happens when a team of world-class cancer specialists takes the time to know and care for you—body, mind and spirit. It’s not easy to find. But it’s the kind of care that happens every day, for every patient at the Cancer Partnership. Everyone and everything you need to receive this personal level of care and support is right here.

At the Cancer Partnership, we go beyond the expected, doing everything we can to support you throughout the cancer treatment journey.

Getting started with your treatment



When you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, nothing is more important than getting started with the treatment plan. We make it easy for you to do—all under the roof. You’ll have a team of cancer experts who work closely with you to develop the personalized treatment plan that’s best for you. Receiving coordinated care from a world-class medical team and facility that are close to home lets you focus on what matters most: fighting your cancer. 

Our doctors get to know your cancer, and you



Finding a doctor who you can connect with and who understands your individual needs is important. That’s why our doctors go above and beyond in getting to know their patients—because the best care comes from this extra knowledge.

Once you’ve been referred to the Cancer Partnership, we will schedule an initial appointment with an oncologist who specializes in the type of cancer or blood disorder you have. Your oncologist is the core of your integrated team at the Cancer Partnership, joining forces with a dedicated group of specialists to customize and carry out your treatment plan.

Getting your initial appointment scheduled



Most patients are referred to the Cancer Partnership through their physician. If you would like information on setting up an appointment, please call 425-297-5500. Once your appointment is scheduled, we’ll take care of getting the medical records we may need. We’ll also make sure your physicians are informed throughout your care.  

Preparing for your first appointment



From day one, we make it as easy as possible for you to get the care you need. Once your first appointment has been scheduled, here are a few simple things you can do to prepare:

Before Your Appointment

  • You’ll receive a packet in the mail, which will ask for your medical history. Please fill out these forms before you come to your appointment.
  • We’ll also send you general information about directions, office hours and insurance arrangements. Please look this over ahead of time.
  • On the Day of Your Appointment
  • Bring your insurance card with you so we can make a copy for our records.
  • If you have any prescriptions, bring in the bottles so we can gather complete information on the medicines you’re currently taking.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment time, and give yourself time to find parking.
  • We encourage you to bring a friend, family member or other caregiver with you. It’s good to have another set of ears to take in all the information we’ll share. Taking notes can also be very helpful. 
 

Patient Notebook

Download the Patient Notebook


Table of Contents

  • Welcome To A New Kind Of Cancer Care
  • Talking with your Doctors
Contact Information
  • Important Department Telephone Numbers
  • Patient Support Services
  • Cancer Resource Center
  • ACS Patient Navigator
  • Classes and Support Groups
  • Integrative Medicine
  • Palliative Care
  • The Center for Clinical Research
Chemotherapy/Biotherapy
  • Chemotherapy and You
  • Biotherapy Reducing Skin Reactions
  • Central Lines
  • Oral Medications
Dietary
  • Hydration Ideas
  • High Fiber Diet
  • Low Fiber Diet
  • Clear Liquid Diet
  • Fruit Paste
General Caregiver Tips
  • Tips for Assessing Website Information & Web Sites
  • Smoking Cessation
  • Hospitalization Versus Clinic Settings
  • Survivorship
Radiation Therapy 
  • Radiation Therapy and You
  • Radiation Therapy Skin Care During Treatment
Side Effects/Symptom
  • Bone Marrow Suppression
  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Hair Loss
  • Infertility
  • Instructions for Anti Nausea
  • Nervous System Neoropathy
  • Sexual Changes
Test Results
  • Understanding Your CBC







Our Patient Navigator is here to help during your treatment and beyond



At the Cancer Partnership, you’ll have a Patient Navigator who is dedicated to answering questions, providing resources and suggesting support services throughout your treatment and beyond. This highly-trained cancer expert is part of the American Cancer Society Patient Navigator Program, a respected network that follows national standards, offers extensive training, and serves patients at more than 60 sites around the country.
 
The Patient Navigator is here to listen, care and help, so you never have to wonder where to turn. You can count on your Patient Navigator to:

  • Provide information on what to expect during chemotherapy and radiation, and on dealing with any side effects of treatment.

  • Share resources with you for financial assistance, medication needs, home health care, insurance, transportation and other concerns.

  • Refer you to groups, classes and support programs.

  • Connect you with helpful resources in your community.

  • Suggest activities that can help ensure a better quality of life both during and after treatment.

Our financial counselors help keep billing simple



When you’re diagnosed with cancer, insurance coverage can be a major concern. But it shouldn’t consume your time and energy. We accept most health insurance plans, and our financial counselors are here to help address any questions you or your family may have.
 
Throughout your care, we’ll keep insurance and billing as simple as possible. You don’t need to worry about touching base with your insurance company. We’ll take care of billing them directly, along with any secondary payers.

Easing the financial burden of treatment



With everything you’re thinking about during your cancer treatment, we want to make the financial side of it as easy as possible. Most patients have contact with a financial counselor. Financial counselors verify benefits, help develop a payment plan for treatment, and obtain outside assistance if necessary.

You don't get one doctor, you get an integrated team

At the Cancer Partnership, our integrated team approach ensures that you get access to the combined skills and experience of numerous healthcare professionals focused on one thing: your treatment. Our teams meet regularly, at what we call cancer conferences, where cases are reviewed and discussed. This forum allows for a wide range of experts to be involved in our patients’ treatment process. Which means that you will receive the best possible treatment for your specific needs. By joining forces on your behalf, our team provides a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan that’s right just for you. 
 

Jovanna DiRusso, PA-C



Jovanna DiRusso, Advanced Care Provider, is a physician assistant with 12 years of medical experience.  She received her Master of Physician Assistant Studies degree from Rocky Mountain College, and her undergraduate degree from University of Washington.


Education

Rocky Mountain College
Master of Physician Assistant Studies


Affiliation

The Everett Clinic

Amy BonDurant, MD



Watch this video to learn more about Amy BonDurant, MD

Dr. BonDurant believes that what makes a great physician is not only the skills, but the ability to genuinely care about patients. To be this type of physician every day, she provides innovative quality medicine with sincere appreciation, compassion and respect for her patients. She feels it is a privilege for to care for such strong and courageous women during a difficult time in their lives. In her spare time, Dr. BonDurant enjoys hiking, running, boating, cooking, and spending time with her boyfriend, family and dogs.
 

Education

Medical Degree Residency
Creighton University 
School of Medicine		 University of Virginia Health System,
Charlottesville, Virginia

Fellowship		  
Duke University Medical Center  

 

Board Certifications

  
Obstetrics
Gynecology		  
   
   

Affiliation

Providence Medical Group


James Edwards, MD



Dr. Edwards believes in developing strong relationships with his patients and making them feel comfortable at every stage of their treatment. He is committed to providing the highest level of medical care possible, utilizing the latest technology and making sure patients are well informed. Graduating in the top 10% of his class at University of Nevada School of Medicine, he was awarded a grant in 2008 from the Plastic Surgery Education Foundation to investigate neurovascular facial subunits for composite tissue transplantation. Dr. Edwards is proud to be the first in his family to graduate from college.

Education
Medical Degree Residency
University of Nevada
School of Medicine, Reno		 University of Washington
General Surgery, Plastic and
Reconstructive Surgery

Affiliation
Providence Medical Group


Location

Mill Creek Clinic
12800 Bothell-Everett Hwy
Suite 260
Everett, WA 98208
Get Directions
425-316-5080
FAX: 425-316-5025

Aaron Brown, MD



Watch this video to learn more about Aaron Brown, MD

Aaron Brown is a radiation oncologist who treats a wide variety of cancers with a special interest in lung, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, prostate, gynecologic, and head and neck cancers.

He specializes in the use of intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), stereotactic ablative radiotherapy, stereotactic radiosurgery and brachytherapy to target tumors precisely and effectively, while minimizing the effects of treatment on nearby healthy tissue. His goal is to integrate evidence-based medicine with cutting-edge technology to provide compassionate and personalized care to cancer patients.

Dr. Brown is a member of the multidisciplinary team at the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership working closely with the surgeons, medical oncologists and other medical specialists to provide optimal care for cancer patients. He is also interested in clinical research that attempts to improve the outcomes of treatment for radiation oncology patients.


Education

Medical Degree

Residencies
University of Utah School of Medicine University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer
Center

Board Certification

Medical Specialties/Interests
American Board of Radiology Lung Cancer
Gastrointestinal Cancer
Breast Cancer
Head and Neck Cancer
Gynecological Cancer
Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy
Stereotactic radiosurgery

Languages

 
English
Spanish


 		  
 

Affiliation

Northwest Washington Radiation Oncology Associates


Professional Activities

Radiological Society of North America Resident Research Grant, 2012
Ben F. Love Innovative Cancer Therapies Research Fellowship, MD Anderson, 2012
Diane D. Tobola Ovarian Cancer Research Fellowship, MD Anderson, 2012
National Cancer Institute Clinical Research Training Program Fellowship, 2007-2008

Professional Organizations

American Society for Radiation Oncology
Radiological Society of North America
American Radium Society
 

Personal Interests

Spending time with my wife and children, cycling, eating great food and enjoying the outdoors.

Selected Publications

Brown AP, Chen J, Hitchcock YJ, Szabo A, Shrieve DC, Tward JD. The Risk of Second Primary Malignancies up to Three Decades after the Treatment of Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2008 Feb 1; 93(2): 504–515.

Brown AP, Wendler DS, Camphausen KA, Miller FG, Citrin D. Performing Nondiagnostic Research Biopsies in Irradiated Tissue: A Review of Scientific, Clinical, and Ethical Considerations. J Clin Oncol. 2008 Aug 20; 26(24): 3987-3994.

Brown AP, Citrin D, Camphausen KA. Clinical Biomarkers of Angiogenesis Inhibition. Cancer and Metastasis Rev. 2008 Sept; 27(3): 415-434.

Chung EJ, Brown AP, Asano H, Mandler M, Burgan WE, Carter D, Camphausen K, Citrin D. In Vitro and in Vivo Radiosensitization with AZD6244 (ARRY-142886), an Inhibitor of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinase/Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase 1/2 kinase. Clin Cancer Res. 2009 May 1; 15(9): 3050-7.

Brown AP, Chung EJ, Urick ME, Shield W, Sowers A, Thetford A, Shankavaram U, Mitchell JB, Citrin DE. Evaluation of the Fullerene Compound DF-1 as a Radiation Protector. Radiat Oncol. 2010 May 11; 5(1):34.

Brown AP, Neeley ES, Werner T, Soisson AP, Burt RW, Gaffney DK. A Population-Based Study of Subsequent Primary Malignancies after Endometrial Cancer: Genetic, Environmental and Treatment-Related Associations. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2010 Sep 1;78(1):127-35.

Li G, Xie H, Ning H, Arora N, Brown AP, Guion P, Cheng J, Kaushal A, Citrin D, Camphausen KA, Miller RW. A 4DRT Simulation Study Using a Synthetic 3.5 D CT Image with Motion-free Target of Lung Cancer Based on 4D CT. Int J Biomed Eng Technol. 2012; 8(2/3):167-181.

Brown AP, Barney CL, Grosshans DR, McAleer MF, deGroot JF, Puduvalli VK, Tucker SL, Crawford CN, Khan M, Khatua S, Gilbert MR, Brown PD, Mahajan A. Proton Beam Craniospinal Irradiation Reduces Acute Toxicity for Adults with Medulloblastoma. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 2013 Jun 1;86(2):277-284.

Brown AP, Gaffney DK, Dodson MK, Soisson AP, Belnap TW, Alleman K, Sause W. Survival Analysis of Endometrial Cancer Patients with Positive Lymph Nodes. Int J Gynecol Cancer. 2013 Jun;23(5):861-8.

Lum MJ, Belnap TW, Frandsen J, Brown AP, Sause WT, Soisson AP, Dodson MK, Werner T, Gaffney DK. Survival Analysis of Cancer Patients with FIGO Stage IIIA Endometrial Cancer. Am J Clin Oncol. 2013 Jun 14.

Brown AP, Jhingran A, Klopp AH, Schmeler KM, Ramirez PT, Eifel PJ. Involved-Field Radiation Therapy for Locoregionally Recurrent Ovarian Cancer. Gynecol Oncol. 2013 Aug 1;130(2):300-305.

Chatterjee DK, Wolfe T, Lee J, Brown AP, Singh PK, Bhattarai SR, Diagaradjane P, Krishnan S. Convergence of nanotechnology with radiation therapy—insights and implications for clinical translation. Transl Cancer Res. 2013 August;2(2)

Brown AP, Pugh TJ, Swanson DA, Kudchadker RJ, Bruno TL, Christensen EN, Frank SJ. Improving Prostate Brachytherapy Quality Assurance with MRI-based Sector Analysis in a Phase II Prospective Trial. Brachytherapy 2013 Sept-Oct;12(5):401-407.

Barney CL, Brown AP, Grosshans DR, McAleer MF, deGroot JF, Puduvalli VK, Tucker SL, Gilbert MR, Brown PD, Mahajan A. Technique, Outcomes, and Acute Toxicities in Adults Treated with Proton Beam Craniospinal Irradiation. Neuro Oncol. 2014 Jan;16(2):303-309.

Elizabeth Meyering, MD



Education

Medical Degree Residencies
 Albany Medical College, 2003  Internal Medicine, UCLA-San Fernando Valley Program

Fellowships		  
Hematology and Medical Oncology, UCLA-Olive View, Cedar-Sinai Medical Center  

 

Board Certifications

 

 
Internal Medicine
Hematology
Oncology
  

 

Tammy Muller, PA-C



Education

Physician Associate Program Certification, Yale University School of Medicine, 1998
Bachelor of Science, Biology, Magna Cum Laude, Harding University, Searcy, AK
 

Tammy Muller, PA-C is accepting new patients. Call 425-297-5560 to request an appointment.

 

Joshua Press, MD



Dr. Press’ aim is to be a leader in providing thorough, innovative, and compassionate care for women with or who are at-risk for gynecologic cancers, and those with other complicated benign conditions. He offers the most current treatments available, such as aggressive radical surgery, precise minimally invasive/robotic surgery or complex medical care with chemotherapy. Dr. Press believes a sound relationship that encourages respect, positive communication and collaboration between physician and family members is also important to a patient’s treatment. He is dedicated to meeting the diverse needs of his patients, and is committed to excellence in evidence-based practice, research, and professional development.


Education

Medical Degree Residency
University of Alberta
Medical School, Edmonton		 University of British Columbia
Obstetrics and Gynecology

Fellowship		  
University of Washington
Medical Center, Seattle
Gynecologic Oncology		  


Board Certification		  
American Board of Obstetrics & Gynecology
Canadian Royal College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Canada		  



Affiliation

Providence Medical Group




Chad Aschtgen, ND, FABNO



Dr. Aschtgen is board certified in naturopathic oncology and specializes in integrative cancer care. He received his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Seattle, WA, and subsequently completed a two-year, hospitalbased naturopathic medical residency at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), near Chicago, IL.

Focused on clinical medicine, Dr. Aschtgen provides expert naturopathic care for individuals with cancer, a family history of cancer or an interest in cancer prevention. He utilizes nutrition and lifestyle counseling, herbal medicines, vitamins and minerals, as well as other targeted therapies to support each patient’s optimal wellness before, during and after each stage of cancer treatment. He has served on the Board of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and the American Board of Naturopathic Oncology Board of Medical Examiners. Dr. Aschtgen has twice been named by his peers as one of Seattle’s “Top Doctors” in Seattle Met magazine and was appointed by Governor Jay Inslee to the Washington State Board of Naturopathy, which is mandated “to protect the public’s health and safety and to promote the welfare of the state by regulating the competency and quality of naturopathic physicians.”

A former instructor for the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), Chad continues to enjoy many outdoor activities, including hiking, climbing, camping, skiing and kayaking. He lives in Seattle with his wife and their two young children.

Jeffrey Scott, MD



Dr. Scott has a special interest in caring for patients with cancer or trauma, as well as cosmetic surgeries of the face, neck and body.  He has been a local resident for over 30 years, and is committed to the healthcare needs of the residents of Western Washington. His goal is to provide patients with the most advanced plastic and reconstructive surgical care available with integrity and professionalism. He is married with one child and enjoys skiing, tennis, reading, writing, and most of all, spending time with his family.
 

Education

Medical Degree Residency
University of Washington
School of Medicine, Seattle
 		 University of Washington, 
Department of Surgery, General,
Plastic, and Reconstructive Surgery

Affiliation

Providence Medical Group
 

Location

Mill Creek Clinic
12800 Bothell-Everett Hwy
Everett, WA 98208
425-316-5080
FAX: 425-316-5025
www.JeffScottMD.com

Kimberly Costas, MD



Watch this video to learn more about Kimberly Costas,MD

Dr. Costas believes it is her goal to get to know her patients on a personal level, to spend time with them and the people who support them, to explain what their disease is, what options are available to treat them, and to help guide them in decision making for treatment. She views the doctor-patient relationship more as a team rather than two individuals. That team includes the physician, the patient, their families and her staff, who are all working toward a common goal: to provide safe, expeditious, and effective treatment for the patient's particular disease process.
 

Education

Medical Degree Residencies
Georgetown School of Medicine University of Washington

Fellowships		  
University of Rochester,
Strong Memorial Hospital
Rochester, New York,
Cardiothoracic Surgery		  

 

Board Certifications

 

Medical Specialties/Interests
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
American Board of Surgery

 
 Lung Cancer
Esophageal Cancer
Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery
Clinical Research for Lung Cancer


Affiliation

Providence Medical Group


Professional Organizations

American College of Surgeons
American Board of Thoracic Surgery
 

Personal Interests

In her free time, she enjoys skiing, traveling and spending time with her family and friends.

Darren Little, MD



Watch this video to learn more about Darren Little, MD

Darren Little, M.D. is a board-certified radiation oncologist who treats a wide variety of cancers with a special interest in prostate, gynecological, gastrointestinal and head & neck cancers.  He specializes in the use of stereotactic radiosurgery, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and conformal radiation therapy to treat both benign and malignant tumors precisely and effectively, while minimizing the effects of treatment on nearby healthy tissue.  His goal is to introduce the most cutting-edge technology in the field of radiation oncology.
 
Dr. Little is a member of the multidisciplinary team at the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership working closely with the surgeons, medical oncologists and medical specialists to provide optimal care for cancer patients.  He is also interested in clinical research that attempts to improve the outcomes of treatment for radiation oncology patients.


Education

Medical Degree Residencies
Loma Linda University
 		 University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer
Center Radiation Oncology

 

Board Certifications

 

Medical Specialties/Interests
American Board of Radiology




 
Genitourinary Cancer
Gastrointestinal Cancer
Gynecologic Cancer
Head and Neck Cancer
Prostate Seed Implants
Gynecological Implants
 

Affiliation

Northwest WA Radiation Oncology Association


Professional Activities

Published several articles in scientific journals about topics such as prostate localization during radiation treatment, quality of life after prostate cancer treatment and treatment of rare cancers.
 

Professional Organizations

American Society for Radiation Oncology
American Brachytherapy Society
American Medical Association
Washington State Medical Association
Snohomish County Medical Society
Gilbert H. Fletcher Society
Alpha Omega Alpha Honors Society
 

Personal Interests

Spending time with my wife and children, waterskiing, snow skiing, biking, hiking and travel.

James Congdon, DO



Watch this video to learn more about James Congdon, DO

James Congdon, D.O. is a board-certified medical oncologist who treats patients with all types of cancer.  He has a particular interest in the management of hematologic malignancies and neurologic cancers and has been practicing in the oncology/hematology field for 32 years.  Dr. Congdon works very closely with a team of surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical specialists to provide the best treatment and care for each patient with cancer.

In addition, Dr. Congdon participates in clinical trials to better treatment strategies for cancer patients. He is a member of the Southwest Oncology Group and actively participates in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines to enhance clinical treatment planning.
 
 

Education

Medical Degree Residencies
College of Osteopathic Medicine
in Illinois		 Naval Hospital, 
Oakland, California

Fellowships		  
Letterman Army Medical Center,
San Francisco, Hematology and
Medical Oncology		 University of California, San Francisco
Medical Center, Hematology and
Medical Oncology

 

Board Certifications

 

Medical Specialties/Interests
Internal Medicine, 
Oncology and Hematology		 Hematologic Malignancies
Neurologic Cancer


Affiliation

The Everett Clinic
 

Professional Activities

Medical Executive Committee, Valley General Hospital, Monroe
Board member, Washington State Medical Oncology Society
Clinical Asst. Professor, Northwest University of Health Sciences
Clinical Instructor, Turo University of Osteopathic Medicine

Professional Organizations

American Medical Association
American Osteopathic Association
American Society of Hematology
American Society of Clinical Oncology

Personal Interests

Sailing on my 35 foot cutter, fine wine, travel history and family time.

William M. Wisbeck, MD



William M. Wisbeck, M.D.  is a board-certified radiation oncologist who treats a wide variety of cancers with a special interest in breast, prostate, and lung cancers.  He specializes in the use of stereotactic radiosurgery, intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and TomoTherapy to treat tumors precisely and effectively, while minimizing the effects of treatment on nearby healthy tissue.  His goal is to introduce the most cutting-edge technology in the field of radiation oncology.
 
Dr. Wisbeck is a member of the multidisciplinary team at the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership working closely with the surgeons, medical oncologists and medical specialists to provide optimal care for cancer patients.  He serves as principal investigator for several research studies aimed at improving cancer care and reducing treatment associated side effects. 
 

Education

Medical Degree Residencies
University of Washington
 		 University of Washington,
Radiation Oncology
Fellowships  
American Cancer Society
Fellowship in Radiation Oncology,
1989-1990.		  

 

Board Certifications

 

Medical Specialties/Interests
American Board of Radiology




 
Breast Cancer
Prostate Cancer
Prostate Brachytherapy (seed implants)
Lung Cancer
Head and Neck Cancer
Clinical Research
 

Affiliation

Northwest WA Radiation Oncology Association


Professional Activities

Written numerous scientific papers, textbook chapters, and articles on topics related to cancer.

Assistant Clinical Professor, Radiation Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine 1990-2008

Past President, Radiation Oncology Section, Washington State Radiologic Society
Past President,  Snohomish County Medical Society
 

Professional Organizations

American Society for Radiation Oncology
Washington State Medical Association
Snohomish County Medical Society
 

Personal Interests

Skiing, Boating, Hiking.

Michael Millie, MD



Michael P. Millie, MD, received his medical degree in 1997 from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and completed his residency in general surgery from Mercer University School of Medicine in Savannah, Georgia. He completed his fellowship in minimally invasive surgery from Baylor College of Medicine.
 
Michael believes that patients and physicians should operate as a team, working together to explore a patient’s diagnosis and what it means.  The next steps are to explore treatment options, implications, potential complications and side effects and to work together to select the best option.
 

Education

Medical Degree Residencies
University of Nebraska Medical Center

 		 Mercer University School
of Medicine, Savannah, Georgia,
General Surgery
Fellowships  
Baylow College of Medicine,
Minimally Invasive Surgery		  

 

Board Certifications

  
Surgery  

Affiliation

The Everett Clinic

Cheryl Beighle, MD



Dr. Beighle received her B.S. in Biology from Stanford University. She received her medical degree from the University of Washington School of Medicine. Her residency in Pediatrics was completed at the Cleveland Clinic where she also completed a fourth year in Pediatrics as Chief Resident. She is board certified in Pediatrics and has completed a Fellowship in Integrative Medicine learning complementary and alternative medical practices at the University of Arizona in 2003. Dr. Beighle integrates complementary practices into cancer treatment in her integrative medicine consults.  She uses nutrition, lifestyle counseling, hypnosis, biofeedback, and supplements to support cancer patients.  She also sees patients after treatment is complete to help them learn a lifestyle to prevent cancer reoccurrence.
 

Education

Medical Degree Residency
University of Washington School of Medicine Cleveland Clinic, Pediatrics

Fellowships		  
Integrative Medicine  


Board Certifications

  
Pediatrics  

Affiliation

The Everett Clinic

Blog Post

How to Combat Stress During Cancer - and Always

Kathryn Johnson, PhD



Dr. Johnson earned her master’s degree from The George Washington University and her doctoral degree from Seattle Pacific University. She provides counseling for children, adolescents and adults, and conducts psychological testing. Dr. Johnson specializes in geriatric mental health, grief and loss, adjustment to medical illness, post-abuse syndromes and depression. She is also a credentialed art therapist.

 

Affiliation

The Everett Clinic

Blog Posts
Cancer Survivors Discover Personal Growth

Kathy Reiff, American Cancer Society



Kathy serves as a personal guide for patients as they navigate the psychological, emotional and financial challenges along their cancer journeys. With more than 30 years of experience, she draws on an extensive knowledge of public, private & nonprofit organizations and the Snohomish County human services network. She also has a vast understanding of bureaucratic governmental reporting processes. As a grant writer for Compass Health, Kathy researched funding opportunities and prepared grant applications for mental health nonprofit organizations in several Washington counties.  Kathy has also worked for the Housing Authority in the City of Everett and Senior Services of Snohomish county, and served in a variety of consulting positions.
 

Affiliation

American Cancer Society

Patris Marandi, MD



Watch this video to learn more about Patris Mirandi, MD


Education

Medical Degree Residencies
Rush University
 		 State University of NY
at Stonybrook

Board Certifications

Medical Specialties/Interests
Surgery



 
Cancer Surgery
General Surgery
Breast Surgery
Gastrointestinal Surgery
Laparoscopic Procedures


Affiliation

Providence Medical Group


Professional Organizations

Society of Laparoscopic & Endoscopic Surgeons
American College of Surgeons
SAGES

Erica Joseph, ND, LAc



Dr. Joseph graduated from Bastyr University where she received a doctorate in naturopathic medicine and a master’s degree in acupuncture. She also received a bachelor’s degree in health psychology and biology from Bastyr University.

Dr. Joseph is currently undergoing a two-year FABNO-eligible naturopathic oncology residency at Seattle Integrative Oncology. She has had an interest in oncology since early on in her training at Bastyr University. Dr. Joseph spent additional time during her schooling to gain knowledge and experience in the world of naturopathic oncology by shadowing a variety of providers whose focus was solely oncology. Dr. Joseph has a special interest in helping her patients optimize their health and well-being during treatment, as well as mitigating side effects of therapy and preventing the recurrence of cancer. She also holds a Washington state acupuncture license and has a special interest in acupuncture treatments specifi cally designed to alleviate the symptoms of oncology patients undergoing treatment.
 

Professional Organizations

  • Oncology Association of Naturopathic Physicians (OncANP)
  • Society for Integrative Oncology (SIO)
  • American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
  • American Association of Naturopathic Physicians (AANP)
  • Washington Association of Naturopathic Physicians (WANP)

Ajay Kundra, MD



Education

Medical Degree Residencies
Government Medical College and Hospital, Chandigarh, India, 1999 Internal Medicine, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center

Fellowships		  
Hematology and Oncology, Brookdale University Hospital Medical Center  

 

Board Certifications

  
Hematology
Internal Medicine
Medical Oncology		  


Professional Organizations

Member, American Society of Clinical Oncology
Member, American Society of Hematology

Prakash Thapaliya, MBBS



Education

Medical Degree Residencies
MBBS, Manipal College of Medical Sciences, Nepal, 2001 Internal Medicine, The Reading Hospital and Medical Center

Fellowships		  
Hematology and Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic  

 

Board Certifications

 

Additional Languages
Hematology, Medical Oncology, Internal Medicine Hindi, Nepali

Perry Soriano, MD



Watch this video to learn more about Perry Soriano, MD


Education

Medical Degree Residencies
University of Chicago Caritas St. Elizabeth's Medical 
Center of Boston

Fellowships		  
National Cancer Institute
National Institutes of Healthy in
Behesda, Maryland, Surgical Oncology
City of Hope in Duarte, California,
Surgical Oncology		  


Board Certifications


Medical Specialties/Interests
Surgery Surgical Oncology

Affiliation

The Everett Clinic

Margaret Hines, RD, CD



Margaret received her bachelors of science degree in Nutrition from Bastyr University, Kenmore, Washington, and conducted her internship and graduate work at the University of Washington. She is a Registered and Certified Dietitian.  Her background experience includes both complementary practices in nutrition as well as more traditional dietetic education for inpatient and outpatient care. Margaret's interests are in combining both traditional and complementary nutrition to best meet the needs of the patient with a focus toward promoting health through a healthy lifestyle utilizing natural and whole foods.
 

Affiliation

Providence Regional Medical Center Everett

Blog Posts
Oncology Dieticians Help You Cope With Treatment Side Effects

Mary Jo Sarver, MN, ARNP, AOCN, CRNI, LNC



Mary Jo assists patients and their families in navigating the health care system, understanding the plan of care for the patient and managing difficult side effects. She can also help to facilitate communication from the hospital to the clinic, assist the patient and their families to find resources and coordinates care with the physicians, social workers, dieticians, integrative medicine practitioners and others.

Steve Martinez, MD, MAS, FACS



Dr. Martinez believes in providing his patients with personalized, multidisciplinary care. He does this by providing patients with choices with respect to surgical and medical treatment. These choices take into account each patient’s circumstances. His professional opinion is based on the most current medical evidence, extensive personal experience, and the contribution of his colleagues in the fields of surgery, medical oncology, radiology, radiation oncology, pathology, physical therapy, nursing, and genetics, among others.


Education

Medical Degree Internship
University of Washington
Seattle, WA		 General Surgery
State University of New York
Stony Brook, NY

Residency
Fellowship
General Surgery
State University of New York
Stony Brook, NY		 John Wayne Cancer Institute
Santa Monica, CA

Board Certifications
Medical Specialties/Interests
American Board of Surgery Breast Surgery
Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery
Melanoma
Soft Tissue Sarcoma

Affiliation		  
The Everett Clinic  

Professional Organizations		  

American Association for Cancer Research
Associate Member

American Association for Cancer Research
Minorities in Cancer Research

American Society of Clinical Oncology

Society of Surgical Oncology, Fellow

Association of Academic Surgery

Sacramento Surgical Society

American Thyroid Association

John Wayne Cancer Institute Alumni Association

Society for Clinical and Translational Science

American College of Surgeons, Fellow

  
   

Yoshio Inoue, MD



Education

Medical Degree Residency
University of Maryland
School of Medicine
 		 University of Maryland 
Medical Center
 
Fellowships  
University of Washington, SCCA
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
 
 

Board Certifications

Medical Specialties/Interests
Medical Oncology
Internal Medicine
 		 Medical Oncology
GI Oncology
GU Oncology

Professional Activities

Former Principal Investigator, NWCCOP

Professional Organizations

American Society of Clinical Oncology

Personal Interests

  • Outdoors
  • Traveling
  • Food and wine
  • Spending time with friends and family

Timothy Graves, MD



Education

Medical Degree Residencies
Tufts University in Boston Oregon Health Sciences University
in Portland

Board Certifications

  
Surgery  


Affiliation

The Everett Clinic


Professional Organizations

American College of Surgeons
 

Personal Interests

Bicycling, cross country skiing, and spending time with his family

Marilyn Birchman, RN, MSN, AOCNS



Marilyn Birchman, RN, MSN, AOCNS is a certified Oncology Advance Practice Nurse.  She has been in the field of oncology since 1997 and has experience caring for patients and their families in the hospital and in the clinic.  Marilyn has been with the Cancer Partnership since 2006.  She served as the Clinical Nurse Specialist, Clinical Research Manager and as of January 2017 is now our Regional Director of Cancer Services and Research.  In addition to leading the Cancer Partnership team, Marilyn continues to oversee the clinical research team as well.
 

Affiliation

Providence Regional Medical Center Everett

Peter Jiang, MD, PhD



Watch this video to learn more about Peter Jiang, MD, PhD

Peter Jiang, M.D., Ph.D. is a board-certified medical oncologist who treats patients with all types of cancer and has a particular interest in the management of gastrointestinal and genitourinary cancers and has been practicing in the oncology/hematology field for 8 years. Dr. Jiang works very closely with a team of surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical specialists to provide the best treatment and care for each patient with cancer.

In addition, Dr. Jiang participates in clinical trials to better treatment strategies for cancer patients. He is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Puget Sound Oncology Consortium and actively participate in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines to enhance clinical treatment planning.
 

Education

Medical Degree PhD
Hua Bei Medical College,
Tangshan, China
 		 Royal Postgraduate Medical School
at the University of London, UK
 
Residencies Fellowships
Yale University at Bridgeport Hospital,
Connecticut		 University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson
Cancer Research Center, Clinical Oncology


Board Certifications


Medical Specialties/Interests
Medical Oncology
Internal Medicine

 		 Gastrointestinal Cancer
Genitourinary Cancer
Clinical Research
 


Affiliation

The Everett Clinic


Professional Activities

Published extensively in the field of Hematology/Oncology with over 70 publications, one book and lectured internationally as a staff scientist at the National Institutes of Health.

Ongoing clinical trial development to bring the newest therapies to our patients.
Medical Director, Clinical Cancer Research, Providence Regional Cancer Partnership
 

Professional Orginizations

American Society of Clinical Oncology
Puget Sound Oncology Consortium
Washington State Medical Association
Washington State Medical Oncology Society
American Board of Internal Medicine
 

Personal Interests

Hiking, reading, and traveling.

Elie Saikaly, MD



Watch this video to learn more about Elie Saikaly, MD

Elie Saikaly, M.D., M.M.M. is a board-certified medical oncologist who treats patients with all types of cancer and has a particular interest in the management of lung, head and neck cancers and has been practicing in the oncology/hematology field for 27 years.  Dr. Saikaly works very closely with a team of surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical specialists to provide the best treatment and care for each patient with cancer.

As part of the research team, Dr. Saikaly participates in clinical trials to better treatment strategies for cancer patients.  At our institution, Dr. Saikaly actively participates in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines to enhance clinical treatment planning.

Cancer is a life-altering and frequently life-threatening disease.  Dr. Saikaly’s personal philosophy is that every patient deserves the best available treatment –that means care that is state-of-the-art, compassionate, and individualized.
 

Education

Medical Degree Residency
University of Iowa
College of Medicine
 		 S.U.N.Y Buffalo,
Internal Medicine
 
Fellowships Additional
Roswell Park Memorial Institute,
Medical Oncology

 		 Tulane University School of Public
Health, Masters in Medical
Management
 

Board Certifications

Medical Specialties/Interests
Medical Oncology
Internal Medicine
 		 Head and Neck Cancer
Lung Cancer
Medical Management


Affiliation

The Everett Clinic
 

Professional Activities

Medical Director, Providence Regional Cancer Partnership
 

Professional Organizations

American Society of Clinical Oncology
Puget Sound Oncology Consortium
American College of Physician Executives
Association of Community Cancer Centers
 

Personal Interests

Time with family

Wendy Wang, MD, PhD



Watch this video to learn more about Wendy Wang, MD, PhD

Wendy Wang, M.D., Ph.D. is a board-certified medical oncologist who treats patients with all types of cancer.  She has a particular interest in the management of hematologic malignancies and breast cancers and has been practicing in the oncology hematology field for two years.  Dr. Wang works very closely with a team of surgeons, radiation oncologists and medical specialists to provide the best treatment and care for each patient with cancer.

In addition, Dr. Wang participates in clinical trials to better treatment strategies for cancer patients.  She is a member of  the American Society of Clinical Oncology and actively participate in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network treatment guidelines to enhance clinical treatment planning.
 

Education

Medical Degree

 Residencies
Qingdao University Medical
School, China		 Rochester General Hospital
 

Fellowships		  
University of Washington, Fred
Hutchinson Cancer Research Center,
Medical Oncology		  

 

Board Certifications

 

Medical Specialties/Interests
Internal Medicine
Medical Oncology
 		 Hematologic Malignancies
Breast Cancer
T cell research

Affiliation

The Everett Clinic
 

Professional Organizations

American Society of Clinical Oncology
Puget Sound Oncology Consortium

 

Personal Interests

Reading, traveling, rearing my kids. 

What is a medical oncologist?



A medical oncologist is a physician who specializes in the treatment of cancer and blood disorders with therapeutic treatments. All of our oncologists are board-certified, follow national evidence-based guidelines for the best care, and are focused on delivering exceptional patient care. They’ll work closely with you and the rest of your care team to customize and monitor your treatment plan.

Advanced Care Practitioners



Advanced Care Practitioners are Physician Assistants and Advance Registered Nurse Practitioners with extensive training in cancer care. They work alongside and in tandem with medical oncologists to augment a patient’s medical oncology care. Advanced Care Practitioners frequently see patients for chemotherapy, symptom management, and general follow up.

What is a radiation oncologist?



A radiation oncologist specializes in the use of high-energy radiation technology that causes tumors to shrink or be destroyed. When radiation therapy is part of your treatment, one of our radiation oncologists becomes part of your care team—providing the therapy, determining the dosage, scheduling treatments and managing any side effects or other aspects of your treatment.

What is a surgical oncologist?



A surgical oncologist is a doctor who uses surgery to remove tumors. Most surgical oncologists specialize in treating one or more types of cancer. If surgery is part of your treatment, a surgical oncologist becomes a member of your care team. At the Cancer Partnership, our surgeons specialize in the latest techniques and technologies including several minimally invasive techniques.

Gynecological Oncologists



Women needing treatment for gynecological malignancies and complex benign gynecological conditions find the latest in gynecological cancer care and treatment at our ProvPG Gynecologic Oncology Clinic.
 
Physician services at the clinic are provided by Pacific Gynecology Specialists PC. These highly specialized physicians are fellowship trained and experienced with the daVinci Robotic Surgical System, a major advance in minimally invasive procedures. Our partnership with Pacific Gynecology Specialists PC brings you one of the most experienced robotic gynecologic oncology groups on the West Coast.

Reconstructive Surgeons



For some people, reconstructive surgery is an important part of moving beyond cancer treatment and getting back into life. If you’re one of these people, our nationally recognized reconstructive and cosmetic surgeons are here for you. We’re one of the few health care facilities in Washington to offer DIEP flap breast reconstruction surgery. [link to info on DIEP]

Integrative Medicine



We offer a wide range of evidence-based therapies to complement your traditional cancer treatment because we know what a difference they can make. These therapies aim to increase your well-being by helping you cope with the symptoms of treatment. All integrative services are reviewed by your entire team of care providers and delivered as part of your comprehensive care plan.

Pharmacists



At some point, your personal treatment plan may include chemotherapy, the use of cancer-fighting medications. Our onsite Oncology Pharmacist specializes in medications used for cancer treatment and ensures their safety, quality and best use. Working as part of your care team, the pharmacist reviews physician orders for accuracy, dosage, frequency of chemotherapy and any possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about medications and treatments, the pharmacist is here to answer them.

Supporting Specialists



The fight against cancer is more than physical. That’s why our team approach goes beyond traditional “cancer treatment” to promote your health on every level—body, mind and spirit. Our supporting specialists offer a wide range of services, including acupuncture, nutrition counseling, general counseling and spiritual care. Having these specialists onsite makes it easy for you to access them, but also enables them to stay in touch with the rest of your care team.

Learn more about our support services.

Management Team

prcp_leadership_2017.jpg

The Providence Regional Cancer Partnership has a strong leadership team that provides the vision to support comprehensive cancer services to patients in north Puget Sound. Their focus is on quality, patient safety, advanced technology, patient and family centered-care and community involvement. They are responsible for the development, implementation and achievement of strategic initiatives that embrace personalized and multidisciplinary cancer care. In partnership with community physicians, they are the driving force in providing patients with compassionate, holistic and cost-effective care. They believe in doing what is right for each patient and live the mission of helping with kindness, understanding with dignity and treating with empathy.

Learning all you can about your type of cancer can help you prepare for the treatment journey.



We know that understanding everything you can about your cancer is important. Here you’ll find up to date information about the cancers we treat. The answers to many questions are just a click away.

Support services for you and your family



Our team approach to cancer treatment brings you the benefits of support services for you and your family. We provide most of these services in-house so there is no need for you to get referrals or run around to other locations. This makes it easy to get the support you want and need, whether it’s pain management, acupuncture, a nutritional consultation or some time to talk with a counselor.
 
For more information on all the support services available to you, contact the Patient Navigator or any member of your care team.


See all of the support resources the Cancer Partnership has to offer.


Clinical Trials

Phases

Most clinical research that involves the testing of a new drug progresses in a series of steps called phases. This allows researchers to ask and answer questions in a way that results in reliable information about the drug and protects the patients.

Clinical trials are usually classified into one of four phases:

Phase I - Find the right drug dose.

These studies evaluate how a new drug should be given (by mouth, injected into the blood, or injected into the muscle), how often, and what dose is safe.

Phase II - Find out the efficacy of the drug.

A Phase II trial continues to test the safety of the drug, and begins to evaluate how well the new drug works. These studies usually focus on a particular type of cancer.

Phase III - Find out if the drug saves life.

These studies test a new drug, or a new combination of drugs, in comparison to the current standard. A participant is usually assigned to the standard group or the new group at random. Phase III trials often enroll large numbers of people and may be conducted at many doctors' offices, clinics, and cancer centers nationwide and worldwide.

Phase IV - Find additional side effects (if any).

After a treatment has been approved and is being marketed, it is studied in a Phase IV trial to evaluate side effects that were not apparent in the Phase III trial. Thousands of people are involved in a Phase IV trial.

Clinical Trials Oversight

An Institutional Review Board/Independent Ethics Committee (IRB/IEC), also known as ethical review board, is a group formally designated to review and monitor biomedical and behavioral research involving human subjects.

In accordance with Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Health and Human Services (HHS) regulations, an IRB has the authority to approve, require modifications in (to secure approval), or disapprove research. An IRB performs critical oversight functions for research conducted on human subjects that are scientific, ethical, and regulatory.

Clinical Research

Clinical trials are research studies that give patients access to investigational medications to improve their health and cancer care. Each study tries to answer scientific questions and to find better ways to prevent, diagnose, or treat cancer.

Patients at the Cancer Partnership have the opportunity to take part in some of the country's most exciting clinical research. Currently, the program has 15 physician investigators in medical, radiation, surgical and thoracic oncology, and more than 20 trials are available, including Phase III and IV national trials.

Visit http://clinicaltrials.gov/ or www.learnaboutclinicaltrials.org to learn more or contact us by calling (425) 297-5577 or (425) 297-5531 or by email.

Annual Clinical Research Report

Types of Trials

Treatment trials test investigational treatments such as new cancer drugs, new approaches to surgery or radiation therapy, new combinations of treatments, or new methods.

Prevention trials test new approaches, such as medicines, vitamins, minerals, or other supplements that doctors believe may lower the risk of a certain type of cancer. These trials look for the best way to prevent cancer in people who have never had cancer or to prevent cancer from coming back or a new cancer occurring in people who have already had cancer.

Screening trials test the best way to detect cancer, especially in its early stages.

Quality of life trials explore ways to improve comfort and quality of life for cancer patients.