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 an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Large-Cell Immunoblastic Lymphoma, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Paige Van Wirt is a primary care provider, practicing in Internal Medicine in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Van Wirt is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Her top areas of expertise are Dementia, COVID-19, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C), and Alzheimer's Disease.

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

Philosophy of care | I believe in involving patients in every step of their journey, specifically by incorporating your beliefs and viewpoints into the treatment plan for personalized and compatible care. Cancer treatment is rapidly advancing and the personalized care now extends to understanding each patient's unique tumor biology with the goal of targeted therapy. I see the field only getting more exciting as we discover new diagnostic and therapeutic means for achieving unprecedented results and improving quality of life. | Why I entered medicine | One thing that drew me to oncology was the level of depth at which the doctor-patient relationship functioned. I have always appreciated the enormous responsibility we as physicians have to our patients and their loved ones with regards to transparency and evidence-based care and this is paramount when treating someone with cancer or a blood disorder. | Community involvement | As a medical student, I participated in a medical service trip to the Himalayas in Northern India where we camped at various sites to establish tent clinics as a means of providing care to local people who otherwise would not have had access. Medical aid abroad has always been a passion of mine and in the future, I would very much like the opportunity to participate in similar programs to provide oncologic care and preventative services in developing nations as well as on the home front. | Personal interests | I enjoy traveling with my family. I am of Italian origin and enjoy visiting Italy to tour historical sites, try different local dishes, and spend time with family and friends. I love running for multiple reasons and lately have participated in the Philadelphia Half Marathon for the past few years and train by trail running with my four-legged companions. My wife and I bond over cooking together and we both enjoy hiking, exploring the outdoors, and going to the orchestra and theater for productions. Dr. Fratamico is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), and Prostate Cancer.

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 Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). His top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Breast Cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, Tissue Biopsy, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Don Park is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Park is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). His top areas of expertise are Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Primary Lymphoma of the Brain, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Michael Hodavance is a Radiologist and a Cardiologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Hodavance is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). His top areas of expertise are Ascites, Visceromegaly, Alcoholic Cirrhosis, Liver Embolization, and Gastrostomy.

Tamam Habib is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Habib is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). His top areas of expertise are Thrombocytopenia, Paget Disease of the Breast, Intraductal Papilloma, and Schnitzler Syndrome.

Alexandra Buczek is a Physician Assistant in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Ms. Buczek is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Her top areas of expertise are ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Small Lymphocytic Lymphoma (SLL), Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN), and Nodular Lymphocyte-Predominant Hodgkin Lymphoma (NLPHL).

Basil Ahmed is a Hematologist Oncology provider in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Ahmed is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). His top areas of expertise are Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Essential Thrombocythemia, Hemangioma Thrombocytopenia Syndrome, and Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia.

Hikaru Nakajima is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Nakajima is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). His top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Breast Cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, and Angiosarcoma.

Nicole Agostino is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and an Oncologist in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Agostino is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Her top areas of expertise are Large-Cell Immunoblastic Lymphoma, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Multiple Myeloma, Bone Marrow Aspiration, and Endoscopy.

Anna Niewiarowska is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Niewiarowska is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Her top areas of expertise are Anal Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, and Lung Cancer.

Amber Iqbal is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Easton, Pennsylvania. Dr. Iqbal has been practicing medicine for over 17 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Her top areas of expertise are Iron Deficiency Anemia, Childhood Iron Deficiency Anemia, Colorectal Cancer, and Lynch Syndrome.

Philosophy of care | I want to help my patients enjoy life. I'm a person who cares about them as people, not just as patients. A cancer diagnosis can be a roller coaster for patients; being there for them gives me intense satisfaction and happiness. Also, I am a member of the breast 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 | I always wanted to help and take care of others. I felt that being a physician would give me that opportunity. So, I wanted to be a physician right from childhood. | Community involvement | I am involved with raising awareness of cancer, especially cancer screening in the community. | Personal interests | I enjoy listening to music, reading and spending time with my family. Dr. Skandan is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Her top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Colorectal Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Endometrial Cancer, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Philosophy of care | My philosophy on care is patient-centered at its core. I see my role as your physician to treat your medical condition but also to take into account other factors that play an important role in the delivery of health care. I hope to work together with you and my fellow team members to accomplish a desired goal and ultimately deliver exceptional medical care to you. | Why I entered medicine | My journey to a career in medicine was a bit roundabout. Initially, I started out with an interest in global health which led me to pursue a dual degree in public health and medicine. This was an attempt to better understand the global factors that play a role in the delivery of health care while studying the pathophysiology of disease. I chose oncology because I found myself drawn to the therapeutic potential of the field. I am excited by the ongoing advances and I look forward to offering these leading-edge treatments to my patients. | Community involvement | As a transplant from Washington, D.C., I look forward to becoming more engaged in local organizations as I start to get to know the area. | Personal interests | My husband and I enjoy hiking with our dog on the weekends and spending time with family and friends. Dr. Singh is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Her top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Familial Colorectal Cancer, Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, and Gastrostomy.

"Philosophy of care | As a medical oncologist, I try to empower my patients as much as possible – I will give you information, make recommendations, and encourage you to make informed decisions. Many of my patients initially (with newly-diagnosed cancer) have significant internal chaos. Providing information and orientation is often very calming – it is like shining a flashlight in a dark cave, so that one can see what is there, and understand everything better. When I meet you for the first time, sometimes the most important thing that I can do is to restore order to that internal chaos. | Why I entered medicine | I grew up with significant allergies, asthma and eczema during a time when there were no bronchodilators, and allergies were poorly understood. Due to sparse knowledge, I was constantly exposed to allergens from dogs, cats, feather pillows, etc. Due to sparse medical remedies (only prednisone available at that time), I was seemingly always ill. This engendered a desire to become a doctor and somehow exert some control. I was also interested in working in a field that would enable me to serve people in need. Medical oncology interested me in particular, because its research questions closely aligned with my research interests in graduate school. | Community involvement | In the past, I was a volunteer for WOAR (Women Organized Against Rape) in Philadelphia, and acted as a rape crisis counselor at one of the designated intake ERs in the city. I also participated in developing a Safe Touch program in the Philadelphia school system. As a WOAR volunteer, I conducted workshops with parents and teachers about teaching Safe Touch to children, in order to help children recognize sexual abuse and feel empowered to report it. | Personal interests | My favorite thing in the whole world now is to spend time with my (grown) children and other family members. In a ""previous life"", I used to enjoy tent camping, ballroom dancing, playing the piano, crocheting, and reading (Sci Fi books).". Dr. Austin is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Her top areas of expertise are Follicular Lymphoma, Breast Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, and Pleuropulmonary Blastoma.

Philosophy of care | Navigating a new cancer diagnosis is a difficult experience for patients and their loved ones. My goal is to educate and guide my patients and their caretakers through every step of the journey. I strive to make sure there is a clear understanding of the underlying disease process and all of the treatment options available so we can decide the best path forward. | Why I entered medicine | I found myself drawn to medicine at an early age after being inspired by my pediatrician. I’ve always been fascinated by the interplay between science, communication, and advocacy as a physician. As an oncologist, I’m in a privileged position to help those in what can be the most harrowing journey of their lives. I want to develop strong rapport with the people I care for to help them understand their disease and what it means for their future. Oncology is an evolving field with many exciting advancements, and it is gratifying to use these new findings to change lives for the better. | Community involvement | Throughout my medical training, I volunteered in many free clinics. I’m excited to explore the area and take advantage of any opportunities to give back. | Personal interests | I enjoy spending time with my family, traveling, trying new restaurants, and reading. Dr. Kurian is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Her top areas of expertise are Leukocytosis, Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, Blood Clots, Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (aHUS), and Tissue Biopsy.

Subhash Proothi is a Hematologist Oncology specialist and a Hematologist in Easton, Pennsylvania. Dr. Proothi is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). His top areas of expertise are Adult Immune Thrombocytopenia, Thrombocytopenia, Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), and Hemangioma Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.

Patricia Brennan is a Nurse Practitioner in Easton, Pennsylvania. Ms. Brennan has been practicing medicine for over 10 years and is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN). Her top areas of expertise are Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN), ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Smoldering Multiple Myeloma, and Febrile Neutropenia.