Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Skin near Flushing, NY

Care Philosophy: Terenig Terjanian, MD, is a hematologist and medical oncologist at Northwell Health, and an assistant professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell. Growing up in Lebanon, Dr. Terjanians early love for biology and chemistry set him on the path toward medicine. After attending St. Josephs University, he did a residency in pathology at American University of Beirut Medical Center, and one in internal medicine at Staten Island University Hospital. He then did fellowships in hematology and oncology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center. Although he initially specialized in pathology, Dr. Terjanian chose cancer care as a main focus after coming to the United States in 1981. ``The number one thing I want patients to know is that I'll listen to them,`` he says. ``I try to go over every aspect of their disease slowly, explain why we order the tests we do, and have them be completely aware of all the steps,`` he says, adding that he often gives patients his cell number, because he knows concerns can come up anytime. ``I think of what I would want as a patient, and it would be a doctor who really cares.`` Dr. Terjanian is deeply interested in clinical research. He has been the principal investigator on several protocols, including those of the National Surgical Adjuvant Breast and Bowel Project at Staten Island University Hospital, and has published multiple peer-reviewed papers and abstracts and presented at international meetings. He also runs the research committee for medical residents interested in hematology-oncology, and for fellows in that specialty. He's a member of the system-wide Institutional Review Board, a group that ensures clinical trials are done ethically and safely. In addition to participation in weekly tumor board meetings, and frequently providing lectures for interns and residents, Dr. Terjanian still enjoys the chemistry and biology that drew him to medicine from the start, especially since the science in oncology changes so rapidly which leads to improved patient outcomes. ``Every day, there is something new happening in cancer diagnosis and treatment, and it's exciting to see that progress,`` he says. ``Patients are living longer, they're experiencing better quality of life with targeted therapy or immunotherapy. Its immensely satisfying to see how far we've come.``

Care Philosophy: Yevgeniy Skaradinskiy DO is a physician within the division of hematology and medical oncology at Staten Island University Hospital He completed two fellowships one in hematology and medical oncology and the other in geriatric medicine at Maimonides Medical Center in Brooklyn New York He completed his residency in internal medicine at Maimonides Medical Center as well where he was named resident of the year Since he was a young adult he knew he wanted to be a doctor He appreciated the analytical nature of studying hematology and blood disorders and discovered that it affected so many aspects of a patient s health He concentrates on seeing patients with genitourinary gastrointestinal and hematologic cancers He has a special focus on geriatric patients He has performed extensive clinical trials regarding COBRA the Colorectal Breath Analysis Study and other clinical trials within gastroenterology and urology for adult and geriatric populations Dr Skaradinskiy is excited about innovations in immunotherapy and targeted treatments as these areas help him secure better outcomes for his patients He attends annual events such as the European Society of Medical Oncology ESMO to stay connected to the latest advancements When patients arrive Dr Skaradinskiy takes the time to understand each patient s social situation their symptoms and their concerns so he can communicate next steps and treatment information in a way that resonates with them best and makes sense He always discusses cases one on one with clinicians in different specialties such as surgeons radiologists and more and presents the clinical cases at tumor boards to provide a multidisciplinary approach to care And to ensure communication is always strong Dr Skaradinskiy uses diagrams and illustrations when necessary If I feel that a patient is concerned with or confused about the information they re getting I stop and explain myself further I try to make sure they understand what s happening at every step Dr Skaradinskiy loves to travel He s visited dozens of destinations all over the world has an affinity for Israel and speaks English Russian Ukrainian and Spanish He uses this worldly knowledge to connect to a diverse set of patients as he treats people from all cultures and walks of life Maintaining quality of life for his patients is crucial He accommodates for what s most important to them so they don t miss weddings vacations and important life milestones centering his care plans around what s means most to them

Care Philosophy: Meekoo Dhar, MD, is a Hematologist/Medical oncologist who practices at Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) and SIUH Princes Bay. She specializes in managing breast cancer and gynecologic malignancies, such as ovarian, cervical and uterine cancers. She also treats blood related diseases and benign hematologic conditions such as anemia and clotting disorders. Im very thorough in my evaluation of my patients and take my time with them, she says. I believe in taking care of the whole person and not just the disease. Her treatment approach is grounded in the latest evidence-based medicine and clinical research. She is actively involved in studying the safety and efficacy of medical therapies for breast and ovarian cancers. Dr. Dhar has been passionate about helping others since she was a child. I can't think of a better way to express that passion than taking care of cancer patients, she says. She attended medical school at the University of Kashmir and completed her internal medicine residency and a Hematology-Oncology fellowship at New York Presbyterian, Brooklyn Methodist Hospital. At Northwell Health, Dr. Dhar works as a team with pathologists, radiologists, radiation oncologists, surgical oncologists, breast surgeons, and gynecologic oncologists to create personalized treatment plans. Residents and fellows, nurse practitioners and medical assistants are also an important part of the care team. We have a nice camaraderie, she says. We dont hesitate to reach out to each other and make it a point to discuss each patients care. Dr. Dhar is an Assistant Professor at the Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell and Program Director of the Hematology and Medical Oncology fellowship program at Staten Island University Hospital. She feels it is her duty to educate the next generation of Hematologists and Oncologists. She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, and the American Medical Association. She also provides pro bono cancer consultation services to physicians and their patients through the India Association of the Garden State and the Kashmiri Overseas Association. Dr. Dhar finds the long-lasting relationships she develops with patients and their families a fulfilling part of her work. Its very rewarding to make a difference in other peoples lives.