Philosophy of care | My philosophy is to treat you as I would a member of my own family, offering guidance in your time of need. I strive to provide state-of-the-art care for each patient during every encounter. I will do my best to make sure you understand your condition so you can continue to take strides toward optimum health. | Why I entered medicine | It hurts my soul when people don’t feel good. Since childhood I’ve been passionate about wanting to help people feel better. Growing up I saw the relationship my father had with his own doctor, and that inspired me. | Community involvement | I have volunteered in Mother Teresa’s mission in Calcutta, India. I also have organized and managed a team of 30-plus staffers for Lustgarten Foundation pancreatic cancer fundraiser walks in Allentown the last 12 years. | Personal interests | In my spare time I enjoy biking with family, tennis and meditation. Dr. Shah is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Pseudocyst, Bile Duct Obstruction, Jaundice, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

Philosophy of care | As a surgical oncologist, I’m passionate about beating cancer. We hope to eradicate it and do everything possible to maximize the patient’s quality of life. I talk to patients in a language they can understand. When I make a treatment recommendation, I put myself in their shoes and tell them what I would do if I were faced with these options. | Why I entered medicine | I think I was born to be a doctor. My father was a doctor, and I was fascinated with anatomy as a child. I had anatomy models and would constantly play with them. During my first surgical rotation in medical school, I was hooked. Surgery is anatomy. The intensity, teamwork and ability to fix problems in the operating room is what drives me. | Community involvement | I find it deeply gratifying to support organizations that inspire me. I’m a long-time donor to Semper Fi, a group that gives financial assistance and support to post-9/11 injured veterans and their families. I feel strongly about supporting our military service members who sacrifice so much to protect us. I’m also an enthusiastic backer of Yellowstone National Park. I went there as a kid and later took my own kids when they were young. I’ve always been in awe of Yellowstone’s majesty and beauty. | Personal interests | I enjoy spending time with my girls (my wife and three daughters) and my boys (my two dogs). I stay physically fit by running and working out at home. I enjoy landscaping and reading the classics, and I’m an avid Philadelphia sports fan. Dr. Brodsky is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Pancreatectomy, and Small Bowel Resection.

Philosophy of care | Effective medical care begins with a deep understanding of each patient’s circumstances and needs. The physician-patient relationship is foundational and must be a two-way dialogue built on trust and respect. I prioritize learning what truly matters to you and your family. I offer treatment recommendations and options that align with your values, preferences and goals. While my clinical focus is on blood disorders and blood cancers, listening carefully and tailoring care to patients is the heart of everything I do. I provide guidance and recommendations, but the decisions ultimately belong to you, the patient. I strongly believe in a team-based approach, where collaboration and communication yield the best outcomes. | Why I entered medicine | When I started college, medicine was the farthest thing from my mind; I was an economics major and took the MCAT on a whim. To my surprise, I scored far better than expected for someone without a science background, and that led me to medical school. Looking back, I can’t imagine doing anything else. Medicine – and caring for patients – has become my true passion. My path into the field was unconventional but led me exactly where I was meant to be. Practicing hematology and oncology isn’t just a career for me – it’s the only thing I can see myself doing. | Community involvement | As a part of cancer center leadership, I participate in local events and charities for patients with cancer and blood diseases, including speaking to the leukemia/lymphoma society. I am particularly fond of events centered around running for cancer charities. | Personal interests | Running is a personal passion of mine – second only to medicine and my family. Dr. Lash is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Large-Cell Immunoblastic Lymphoma, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Philosophy of care | I am a member of the GI cancer multidisciplinary consultation team. Together we review your diagnostic information and give you a written opinion reflecting the scope of your condition and recommendations for your best course of care. Dr. Khalil is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer, Anal Cancer, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Philosophy of care | I am a member of the GI cancer multidisciplinary consultation team. Together we review your diagnostic information and give you a written opinion reflecting the scope of your condition and recommendations for your best course of care. Dr. Mcintosh is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Vaginal Cancer, Posterior Fossa Tumor, Endometrial Cancer, Ependymoma, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

Philosophy of care | I am a member of the head and neck cancer multidisciplinary consultation team. Together we review your diagnostic information and give you a written opinion reflecting the scope of your condition and recommendations for your best course of care. Dr. Danish is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Melanoma, Familial Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer, and Pleuropulmonary Blastoma.

Philosophy of care | I am a member of the thoracic cancer multidisciplinary consultation team. Together we review your diagnostic information and give you a written opinion reflecting the scope of your condition and recommendations for your best course of care. Dr. Sopka is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), and Familial Prostate Cancer.

Steven Perch is a Radiation Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Perch is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Familial Prostate Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, and Prostate Cancer.

Hiral Shah is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Shah is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Choledocholithiasis, Bile Duct Obstruction, Barrett Esophagus, Endoscopy, and Pancreatectomy.

Philosophy of care | My philosophy is to treat others as I would like to be treated. I enjoy helping patients understand their medical problem in order to make an informed decision. | Also, I am a member of the breast cancer and genetic cancer multidisciplinary consultation teams. Together we review your diagnostic information and give you a written opinion reflecting the scope of your condition and recommendations for your best course of care. | Why I entered medicine | My uncle is an emergency medicine physician who inspired me to become a doctor and encouraged me through my training. To this day, I still seek his advice. I chose hematology oncology because I enjoy taking care of patients who are confronting serious health challenges. My mother had breast cancer and she was helped greatly by her physicians and a recently developed targeted therapy called Herceptin. I feel optimistic that the field is rapidly evolving due to scientific breakthroughs and will continue to do so throughout my career. I want to be a part of helping people during this exciting time. | Community involvement | I volunteered in a free clinic during my training. | Personal interests | I’m married and have two boys. I like to stay active. I teach my boys sports, go hiking or take my golden retriever, Charlie, for a walk. Dr. Lamparella is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Breast Cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Tissue Biopsy, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Philosophy of care | In my area we’re dealing with people who are frightened. I’m trying to help patients deal with all of the information they’ve been hearing, and I’m trying to dispel all of the myths. It’s a matter of education and mutual trust. I’m there to do whatever I can do for them, even if it’s just a matter of easing their pain. | Also, I am a member of the thoracic cancer multidisciplinary consultation team. Together we review your diagnostic information and give you a written opinion reflecting the scope of your condition and recommendations for your best course of care. | Why I entered medicine | Medicine was not my first choice. I wanted to be first oboe in the New York Philharmonic. I have a love of biochemistry and science, and I like people. One day, I just decided I wanted to be a doctor. I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. | Community involvement | I’m part of the National Cancer Institute’s community cancer program. Our goal is to be able to give the same care and treatment to everyone, whether they have health insurance or not. | Personal interests | I still play the oboe and will always have a love of music. I’m an avid cyclist, and I enjoy skiing. Dr. Friedman is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Paul Palyca is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Palyca is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Large-Cell Immunoblastic Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Urothelial Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Aaron Blackham is a Surgical Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Blackham is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma, Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma, Pancreatectomy, and Small Bowel Resection.

Simi Rai is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Rai is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Neuroendocrine Tumor, Familial Colorectal Cancer, and Paget Disease of the Breast.

Errin Hoffman is a Radiologist and a Cardiologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Hoffman is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Ascites, Ureterocele, Fibrolamellar Carcinoma, Liver Embolization, and Gastrostomy.

Mitchell Storace is a Radiologist and a Cardiologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Storace is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Ascites, Secondary Peritonitis, Peritonitis, Liver Embolization, and Gastrostomy.

Michael Hodavance is a Radiologist and a Cardiologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Hodavance is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Ascites, Visceromegaly, Alcoholic Cirrhosis, Liver Embolization, and Gastrostomy.

Philosophy of care | Finding out you have cancer is life altering for both you and your loved ones. There is a lot of misinformation out there, especially in today’s social media environment, and that can cause more harm than the initial news of your diagnosis. My goal is to provide information to help you make the right decisions during these trying times. Medicine is indeed a shared decision process with the physician and the patient (along with the family). I hope to provide relevant information to help you navigate your diagnosis and treatment plans and provide optimal support for you and your family. | Why I entered medicine | Medicine was the only career choice for me. I can’t see myself doing anything else or practicing any other field of medicine. Before age 10, I was heavily involved in helping my mother design her clinical practice. In my teenage years, I spent a lot of time in several hospitals in the city volunteering in various departments to get more exposure. In my undergraduate training, I spent time in a cancer lab that focused on drug design. Naturally, the next step was medical school. | Community involvement | Health care is a basic human necessity. I helped to staff a volunteer clinic in medical school with fellow medical students and helped with fundraising for the clinic. We saw patients free of charge and had gift cards for those who needed help with the cost of their medications. We were also able to assist the patients with nutrition, since the clinic was part of a food bank. I hope to start or participate in a similar clinic here someday. | Personal interests | Outside of medicine my biggest interest is in cosmology – the origins of the universe. We live in such a vast universe that spans such a grand period of time; one can only imagine what lies outside our own solar system. I've had the privilege to travel to remote sites around the country and use large dome telescopes to gaze at distant stars. | My family and I love to travel. Each year we try a different area to soak up its beauty and culture, although we do have favorites. Dr. Nadeem is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Philosophy of care | I believe in providing care that is current, efficient, safe, individualized and personal. | Why I entered medicine | I developed an interest in biology as a child. As I graduated high school, passion and desire to help people coupled with my growing enthusiasm for science made medicine an obvious choice. It also helped me channel my strengths of being empathetic and optimistic with strong communication skills. | Community involvement | I’m involved at my church and also support Heifer International, a global nonprofit working to eradicate poverty and hunger through sustainable, values-based community development. | Personal interests | I enjoy doing outdoorsy things like biking, hiking and day trips. I sing and play the guitar. I like playing tennis and basketball and am a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles. I’m also a travel enthusiast and an aviation geek. Dr. Skariah is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatoblastoma, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), and Bone Marrow Transplant.

Philosophy of care | My goal is to provide the best care I can. I know it can be difficult seeking assistance with your health. I feel that communication is a priority, and I want you to feel comfortable with me. I will always do my very best to take great care of you in and out of the operating room. | Community involvement | American Cancer Society, Wings of Hope, Relay for Life | Personal interests | Cancer care. Dr. Pendurthi is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Familial Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Diverticular Disease, Colorectal Polyps, Chronic Erosive Gastritis, Hernia Surgery, and Gastrectomy.