Valley Medical Group Now Offers Subspecialty Care by Cancer Type

Press release:

Valley Medical Group announces the expansion and refocusing of its Hematology-Medical Oncology group to include physicians who subspecialize in treating specific cancers.

This division of roles enables Valley’s medical oncologists and hematologists to offer highly dedicated, expert care for patients with a wide range of cancers, including breast, lung, head and neck, gastrointestinal, blood and more.

“All of Valley Medical Group’s medical oncologists and hematologists are skilled in treating numerous types of cancer, but having the opportunity to hone in on just one or two types per physician benefits both our staff and patients,” said Thomas Rakowski, M.D., Valley Medical Group’s Director of Hematology-Oncology for the Daniel and Gloria Blumenthal Cancer Center.

“Subspecialization means our physicians are more up to date on the latest treatments and research for their particular areas of focus. It also fosters greater teamwork between our medical oncology staff and other specialists, such as surgical oncologists, pathologists, radiologists and others,” Dr. Rakowski said. “Plus, our patients appreciate knowing their physicians are fully experienced in their specific type of cancer and, as such, can offer more nuanced treatment plans.”

In addition, Valley’s medical oncology subspecialists participate as members of the Blumenthal Cancer Center’s multidisciplinary tumor boards, during which the entire cancer team reviews patients’ treatment plans. “The medical oncology subspecialist is key to helping the team decide on the best course of action for our patients,” said Dr. Rakowski.

Valley Medical Group’s hematologists-medical oncologists and nurse practitioners are based at the Blumenthal Cancer Center, located in the Robert and Audrey Luckow Pavilion at 1 Valley Health Plaza in Paramus.

In addition to Dr. Rakowski (who subspecializes in breast and lung cancers), physicians include Barry Fernbach, M.D. (lung cancer and benign and malignant hematology); Eli

Kirshner, M.D. (neuro-oncology and genitourinary cancers); Jin Lee, M.D. (sarcoma, melanoma and gynecologic cancers); Yoomi Lee; M.D. (gastrointestinal and gynecologic cancers); Louise Ligresti, M.D. (breast cancer and hematology); and Jason Suh, M.D. (malignant hematology).

For a complete listing of Valley Medical Group hematologists-medical oncologists, visit www.valleymedicalgroup.com and click on “Services & Specialties,” then “Cancer Care.” Or, call 1-800-637-1136 to find a cancer subspecialist.