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 highly rated in 61 conditions, according to our data. 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 | Personalized care starts during my first meeting with a patient and family. That's when I get to know the patient as completely as possible. I want to know about the patient's concerns, values and support system so I can provide care that is specific to him or her. | Also, I am a member of the skin and soft tissue 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 | When I was young, I didn't like seeing doctors. It created a lot of anxiety for me. Now that I'm older, I can relate to the way people feel, especially when they're coping with the emotions caused by a serious condition like cancer. My grandmother died of uterine cancer in the 1960s. During her battle, I felt helpless. That is what attracted me to cancer research. Now I see the amazing progress we are making through cancer research. | Community involvement | I served on the state board of the American Cancer Society. Today, I take more of a grassroots approach to offer my support. I participate in events, such as 5K runs, that benefit charities. Dr. Nair is highly rated in 45 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Melanoma, Adult Soft Tissue Sarcoma, Clear Cell Sarcoma, and WT1-Related Wilms Tumor Syndromes.

Paul Palyca is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Palyca is highly rated in 40 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Large-Cell Immunoblastic Lymphoma, Multiple Myeloma, Urothelial Cancer, Familial Colorectal 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. Khalil is highly rated in 39 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer, Anal Cancer, 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 highly rated in 31 conditions, according to our data. 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 highly rated in 26 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Von Willebrand Disease (VWD), Heyde Syndrome, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Lung Cancer, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

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 highly rated in 25 conditions, according to our data. 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 | My philosophy is to simply help people. | Why I entered medicine | I believe it is a privilege to care for cancer patients. Dr. Thomas is highly rated in 23 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Endometrial Cancer, Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma, Malignant Mixed Mullerian Tumor, Ureteroscopy, and Hernia Surgery.

Philosophy of care | As a physician dedicated to the comprehensive care of cancer patients, my philosophy centers on empathy, communication and personalized treatment. I build a trusting and compassionate relationship with my patients, ensuring they are fully informed about their condition and treatment options. I am committed to understanding their unique goals and wishes and tailoring their treatment plans accordingly. I integrate leading-edge advancements by offering participation in clinical trials, contributing to the progress of oncology care. My goal is not only to provide exceptional medical expertise, but also to support and empower patients, fostering collaboration that prioritizes physical and emotional well-being. | Why I entered medicine | I chose a medical career with a specific focus on cancer care because it offered me the opportunity to seamlessly merge the dynamic advancements in cancer biology with the profound personal connections essential for understanding and supporting my patients. The ever-evolving science of cancer has fascinated me, driving my commitment to staying at the forefront of breakthroughs and innovations. However, it is the deeply personal nature of medicine that truly inspires me – the privilege of learning about my patients, understanding their unique stories and collaborating with them as they heal. This dual passion for scientific progress and compassionate patient care motivates me. | Community involvement | I contribute to public education with the presentation, detection and treatment of lung cancers. In doing so I empower individuals with knowledge, foster early detection and encourage proactive engagement in their lung health. | Personal interests | I have a deep love for exploring diverse cultures through culinary adventures, mastering the art of cooking international cuisine and indulging in the creativity of baking. I am also passionate about personal fitness, recognizing the importance of a healthy and balanced lifestyle. My love for international travel serves as inspiration, allowing me to broaden my perspectives and immerse myself in different societies. Such pursuits allow me to connect with patients on a more personal level, fostering a holistic approach to health care. Dr. Patson is highly rated in 20 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Lung Cancer, Pleuropulmonary Blastoma, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Chronic B-Cell Leukemia (CBCL), and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Simi Rai is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Rai is highly rated in 17 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Colorectal Cancer, Neuroendocrine Tumor, Familial Colorectal Cancer, and Paget Disease of the Breast.

Don Park is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Park is highly rated in 31 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Primary Lymphoma of the Brain, Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia without Maturation, Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Muhammad Rizvi is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Rizvi is highly rated in 20 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Paget Disease of the Breast, Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC), Lung Cancer, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.

Philosophy of care | I believe educating you about your medical diagnoses and conditions is an essential component of helping you heal. My goal is to provide you with excellent evidence-based compassionate care and treat you as if you are part of my own family. | Why I entered medicine | Deciding to pursue a medical career was a journey of discovery as I initially tried to stay away from the field. I was a school teacher for three years before I embarked into medicine. Ultimately, I learned that medicine combined the intriguing world of scientific discovery and the joy of teaching. It has allowed me to be a lifetime learner! | Community involvement | I am actively involved in the Society of Gynecologic Oncology and want to continue raising awareness of gynecologic cancers locally, regionally and nationally. I have been involved in raising money for the Women's Cancer Foundation and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition by participating in their annual walks. I also support my local church and community. | Personal interests | I enjoy cooking, traveling, scuba diving, snowboarding and most of all, spending time with my family. Dr. Kim is highly rated in 18 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Endometrial Stromal Sarcoma, Endometrial Cancer, Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor, Oophorectomy, and Bladder Reconstruction.

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 highly rated in 9 conditions, according to our data. 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 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 highly rated in 8 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Familial Colorectal Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), and Prostate Cancer.

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 highly rated in 6 conditions, according to our data. 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 | I believe children are a unique population of patients that require a physician dedicated to their well-being. I believe they are vulnerable and often unable to speak up for themselves. I believe that each child and family should be treated as if they are my own relation. | Why I entered medicine | I entered medicine for the satisfaction of being able to help and offer hope to those who are ill. I chose pediatric hematology oncology because these children have a serious illness and their parents are at the lowest point of their lives, and I can provide them with hope and compassion. | Community involvement | I volunteer at Camp Dost, a camp for children with cancer. Since 2003 I have helped there, and love seeing how this experience helps kids who are dealing with cancer enjoy time just being kids. | Personal interests | I enjoy many types of sports, but specifically like basketball, baseball, football, and golf. I also like to go canoeing and doing physical fitness activities. Dr. Troutman is highly rated in 4 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL), Sickle Cell Disease, Thalassemia, and Hemoglobin SC Disease.

"Philosophy of care | I believe you should be treated with respect and as an individual – oncology is not a ""one-size-fits-all"" subspecialty. For me, it's important to know not only your past medical history, but also your expectations and preferences. My goal is for you and your loved ones to leave each of our visits with a clear diagnosis and treatment plan. Family provides much-needed support during difficult times. | Why I entered medicine | My interest in medicine started as a pharmacy technician in high school and college. I loved interacting with patients and learning about medications and diseases. Then my grandfather became ill, and I saw firsthand how difficult it was to have a loved one going through medical treatments. It inspired me to become a physician and one day guide patients through our health system. My interest in oncology started with my heavy involvement in THON, a Penn State dance marathon that raises millions for pediatric cancer. I became close to many families involved with treatment and witnessed both their positive outcomes and difficult challenges. I find the science of cancer and its treatments fascinating, especially as we move toward more personalized and targeted therapies. | Personal interests | When not working I enjoy time with my husband and our children. We love exploring new sites within the Lehigh Valley and traveling to new places around the world. I also enjoy riding my bike or walking/running the many beautiful local trails.". Dr. Kinney is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. Her top areas of expertise are Prostate Cancer, Familial Prostate Cancer, Childhood Iron Deficiency Anemia, and Iron Deficiency Anemia.

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 highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Childhood Iron Deficiency Anemia, Iron Deficiency Anemia, Blood Clots, Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma, and Lithotripsy.

Philosophy of care | I believe in a care team that embraces partnership with patients and families to deliver effective, first-class medical treatment. I value and incorporate suggestions provided by my patients and families to optimize my approach to their care. | Why I entered medicine | I entered medicine because of my interest in science and being able to care for patients. | Community involvement | I provide mentorship to local students and package donated goods for the armed forces. | Personal interests | Skiing. Dr. Parikh is highly rated in 2 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Neuroblastoma, Embryonal Tumor with Multilayered Rosettes, Sickle Cell Disease, and Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP).

Tamam Habib is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Habib is highly rated in 36 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Thrombocytopenia, Paget Disease of the Breast, Intraductal Papilloma, and Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS).

Hikaru Nakajima is a Hematologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Nakajima is highly rated in 31 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Paget Disease of the Breast, Breast Cancer, Inflammatory Breast Cancer, and Angiosarcoma.

Israel Zighelboim is a Hematologist and an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Zighelboim is highly rated in 21 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Endometrial Cancer, Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor, Vulvar Cancer, Hysterectomy, and Oophorectomy.

Richard Boulay is an Oncologist in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Dr. Boulay is highly rated in 19 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Endometrial Cancer, Ovarian Carcinosarcoma, Sertoli-Leydig Cell Tumor, Hernia Surgery, and Hysterectomy.

Rizwan Tariq is a Hematologist in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Dr. Tariq is highly rated in 15 conditions, according to our data. His top areas of expertise are Childhood Iron Deficiency Anemia, ALK-Positive Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Lung Adenocarcinoma, Squamous Cell Lung Carcinoma, and Bone Marrow Aspiration.