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 Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Pseudocyst, Bile Duct Obstruction, Endoscopy, and Liver Transplant.

Philosophy of care | I approach and treat every patient like a family member to ensure they receive the highest quality care. The needs of the patient always come first and foremost. I hold myself to the highest standards for surgical outcomes and clinical excellence. | Why I entered medicine | Growing up with both parents as physicians, I was inspired early and found science and medicine fascinating. I believe being a physician is a privilege and treasure the trust patients and families put in me to care for them or their loved ones. | Community involvement | I am involved with nonprofits PanCan and Colontown as we seek to improve outcomes and research funding for new and improved therapies for pancreatic cancer and colorectal cancer. | Personal interests | I mainly enjoy spending time with my wife and two daughters doing any variety of activities. We enjoy baseball games, Big Ten college football, amusement parks and weekend trips to the beach or lake. Dr. Ocuin is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy.

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 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 | 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 Pancreatic Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Vaginal Cancer, Posterior Fossa Tumor, Endometrial Cancer, Ependymoma, and Gamma Knife Radiosurgery.

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

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 an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of 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 | 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 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.

Aaron Blackham is a Surgical Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Blackham is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of 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 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 Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Ascites, Ureterocele, Fibrolamellar Carcinoma, 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 Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, 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 Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatoblastoma, Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), 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 Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Diverticular Disease, Colorectal Polyps, Chronic Erosive Gastritis, Hernia Surgery, and Gastrectomy.

Ayaz Matin is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Matin is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Ascites, Pancreatic Cancer, Familial Pancreatic Cancer, Endoscopy, and Gastrectomy.

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 Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of 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 Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of 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 Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Familial Prostate Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, and Prostate Cancer.

"Philosophy of care | Every new patient I meet, along with their families and loved ones, is encouraged to be an active participant in the plan of care and subsequent recovery. While being diagnosed with cancer often leads one to feel as though they have ""lost control,"" people need to be empowered to regain that sense of control and a positive outlook going forward. Through open communication and education, that becomes more tangible. | 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 | The practice of medicine is the perfect mix of art and science - my two favorite subjects throughout early education. That, coupled with a strong desire to positively impact the lives of others, stimulated my interest early on in pursuing a career in medicine. With ongoing research and technical advances in virtually all fields, it is also a career path that promises unending challenges, intellectual stimulation and opportunities for continual improvement in patient outcomes. | Community involvement | Through a generous contribution of time and materials from a relative, I was able to supply our Lehigh Valley Hospital-Muhlenberg gift shop with plush seat belt covers designed with my breast cancer patients in mind. One hundred percent of the proceeds are donated to the Pink Ribbon Fund helping our underserved community members get mammograms. We are on our second shipment and hope to continue providing comfort and financial assistance to customers and benefactors, respectively. | Personal interests | Along with busy and fulfilling careers, my husband and I try to keep involved with our two children's academic and extracurricular activities as much as possible. When our schedules permit, we enjoy brief getaways to the beach and all of the amenities there. Finally, if the opportunity presents itself, I enjoy experimenting with recipes (especially baking) and jewelry design. I hope to one day take a course in more advanced skills and techniques beyond what I have taught myself so far.". Dr. Blauth is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Primary Lymphoma of the Brain, Intraductal Papilloma, Endometrial Cancer, and Angiosarcoma.

Philosophy of care | The physician’s role is to accurately diagnose and treat disease, but the practice of medicine also requires the doctor to see the entirety of who our patients are. Illness is disruptive and disorienting, and it can chip away at the big and small joys of life. I want to ease this suffering by guiding my patients through the process of diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. I aim to see my patients and their families for all their complexities, and my goal is to help them get back to what they love doing. | Why I entered medicine | My grandfather was a family physician here in the Lehigh Valley, and I grew up witnessing his dedication to healing and his unwavering empathy. Medicine offers the perfect blend of cognitive and technical challenges, and it’s a career that guarantees the privilege of knowing and taking care of our patients. | Community involvement | I’ve been involved in Scouting throughout my life. As an Eagle Scout, I’m excited to be the leader for my son’s Cub Scout den. | Personal interests | In my free time, I enjoy distance running and hobby board gaming. I love being outside and traveling with my wife and three children. Dr. Zator is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Bile Duct Obstruction, Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

Philosophy of care | I know what it's like sitting on the exam table and taking medicine as a patient. So my philosophy is to do my best to put you at ease and make sure all my patients understand their conditions and treatment plans. I have been humbled countless times by patients’ stories and morale. I plan to bring humility and respect to my practice every day and look forward to being part of your journey. | Why I entered medicine | I entered the profession because of a passion and appreciation for medical science. Medicine is an amazing and rewarding profession that allows physicians to not only study fascinating and complex disease processes, but also provides an opportunity to help people. It is an ever-evolving field that requires active engagement with both patients and current literature to offer the best care. I find great joy in helping people be the best they can be. | Community involvement | It’s important to be connected to the community you serve. I have helped high schools in the Lehigh Valley with training physicals, as also have helped underserved populations in free clinics downtown. During medical school I participated in medical mission trips abroad. | Personal interests | When not working I enjoy time with family and friends. I also enjoy making the most of the outdoors, including hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking and riding ATVs. I have recently started learning guitar and I also enjoy a good cup of coffee. Dr. Magdaleno is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Jaundice, Bile Duct Obstruction, Gallstones, Choledocholithiasis, and Endoscopy.