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 an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach 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. Khalil is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer, Anal 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 Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Merkel Cell Carcinoma, Melanoma, Undifferentiated Pleomorphic Sarcoma, 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 Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach 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 Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Melanoma, Familial Prostate Cancer, Lung Cancer, and Pleuropulmonary Blastoma.

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

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 an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Pancreatic Pseudocyst, Bile Duct Obstruction, Endoscopy, and Liver Transplant.

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

Philosophy of care | I strongly believe health care access should be for all. Regardless of their socio-economic status, religious background and beliefs, every person should have access to quality health care. I try to participate in free clinics set up by my mosque and eagerly supervise residents and fellows at Lehigh Valley Hospital clinics serving indigent patients. | Why I entered medicine | The field of medicine has the pulse of society. A caring doctor not only knows a patient's medical problems, but also is closely aware of the patient's circumstances and living environment. I entered medicine because I love science and for the dignity and respect doctors carry in society. | Community involvement | During more than two decades in the Lehigh Valley area, I have been involved through my mosque in community projects such as free clinics and soup kitchens. I have participated in LVHN charity walks and colorectal cancer awareness events. I also have been an active member of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America, which undertakes educational and legislative campaigns. | Personal interests | I am interested in reading world history, enjoy listening to music and watching cricket. I enjoy long walks and pickleball. Dr. Imam is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Painful Swallowing, Swallowing Difficulty, Gastrectomy, and Endoscopy.

Michael Engels is a Gastroenterologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Engels is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, Acute Pancreatitis, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy.

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 Stomach Cancer. Her top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Neuroendocrine Tumor, Familial Colorectal Cancer, and Paget Disease of the Breast.

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 Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach 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 | 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 Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach 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.

William Scialla is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Scialla is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Heyde Syndrome, Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

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 Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), and Prostate Cancer.

Scott Beman is a General Surgeon in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Beman is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Hernia, Hiatal Hernia, Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia, Parathyroidectomy, and Endoscopy.

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 an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Pancreatic Cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer), Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma, Pancreaticoduodenectomy, and Pancreatectomy.

Muhammad Rizvi is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Rizvi is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Philadelphia-Negative Chronic Myeloid Leukemia, Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML), Familial Colorectal Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Philosophy of care | I will treat you as I would like to be treated in your place, and strongly believe in providing individualized care. A physician should clearly explain each patient's condition and the pros and cons of available options at the time of diagnosis and at each step along the way. Equally important is listening to patients to learn what is important to them and their concerns. | Why I entered medicine | I chose oncology because I enjoy helping patients deal with and get through one of the most difficult periods of their lives. | Community involvement | I support the Conquer Cancer Foundation. | Personal interests | I enjoy spending time with my family and watching European soccer. Dr. Kazemi is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Childhood Iron Deficiency Anemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Blood Clots, Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma, and Lithotripsy.

James Newcomb is a Radiologist and a Cardiologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Newcomb is rated as an Experienced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Stomach Cancer. His top areas of expertise are Ascites, Lymphofollicular Hyperplasia, Pleural Effusion, Gastrostomy, and Liver Embolization.