Dr. Harry Staszewski
Dr. Staszewski served as Chief of the Oncology Hematology Division at Winthrop-University Hospital from 1996-2015, and is an Associate Professor of Clinical Medicine at SUNY Stony Brook.
After earning an M.D. from Yale University, Dr. Staszewski completed his residency training and fellowships at North Shore University Hospital, Long Island Jewish Medical Center and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Dr. Staszewski maintains active memberships with the American Society of Clinical Oncology, American Society of Hematology, and the American Association for Cancer Research. He has been recognized as an outstanding hematologist by his listing numerous times in the annual “Best Doctors” issue of New York Magazine. Dr. Staszewski was the principal investigator for a number of clinical trials in breast cancer, leukemia, myeloma, and colorectal cancers. He fosters innovation and research, particularly in cutting edge molecular diagnostic technology, helping to bring personalized medicine and bio-marker research from theory to reality.
He has published numerous articles in major peer-reviewed medical journals. During his 30+ year career in Medicine, Dr. Staszewski continues to develop and maintain the ongoing medical education of physicians and clinical staff. Dr. Staszewski has been closely involved in mentoring and teaching medical students, residents and sub-specialty fellows.
Dr. Staszewski’s clinical practice spans the entire spectrum of hematological and oncological disorders but he has a particular interest in hematological malignancies and colorectal cancer. At New York Cancer & Blood Specialists, Dr. Staszewski currently serves as Chief Medical Officer.
Dr. David Chu
Dr. Chu is board-certified in Internal Medicine, Hematology, and Oncology.
After receiving his BS in Biology from Cornell University, Dr. Chu went on to receive his MD at St. George’s University. He did his internship and residency training at Stony Brook University Hospital. He completed his fellowship training at Stony Brook University Hospital and was named Chief Fellow during his last year.
Dr. Chu has faculty appointment of Clinical Instructor and was elected to the Stony Brook Hospital medical board.
He is Chief of the Department of Hematology and Oncology at Mather Hospital and St. Charles Hospital. At Mather Hospital, he serves as Chairman of the Cancer Committee and Chairman of the Breast Program Leadership Committee.
He has co-authored dozens of publications relating to oncology and hematology and has presented his findings at numerous national conferences.
His interests include lung cancer, lymphomas, and targeted biologic therapeutic agents.
Dr. Jerry George
Dr. George joined the team of premier physicians at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists in the summer of 2013.
After receiving his Bachelor of Science; Life Sciences through the Accelerated BS/DO Program at New York Institute of Technology, Dr. Jerry George obtained his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine through the same institution. Upon the completion of his D.O., Dr. George completed his Categorical Internal Medicine Internship and Residency at the New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center. To conclude his post-graduate training, Dr. Jerry George completed his Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship at Lenox Hill Hospital.
Among his many professional honors and scholarly activity, Dr. George has had multiple medical publications throughout his career, including those found in “[The Journal of] Community [and Supportive] Oncology” and “The New Zealand Medical Journal”. He currently holds an appointment for Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professorship at Mount Sinai.
Dr. Jerry George, D.O. has special interest in cases focused on lymphomas, multiple myeloma and lung cancers. He is currently accepting new patients in New York Cancer Specialists’ Setauket, Port Jefferson and Riverhead offices.
Dr. Adriana Guigova
After receiving her BA from Fordham University, Dr. Guigova went on to receive her Medical Degree from New York College of Osteopathic Medicine. During her medical training, she obtained a Master’s Degree in Neuromuscular Sciences, with particular focus in Human Anatomy. She then completed her residency and fellowship training at Northwell Health / North Shore-LIJ Health System where she was the Chief Fellow during her final year. Specific areas of interest include Breast and Gynecologic Malignancies.
Dr. Samir Patel
Dr. Samir Patel is a Board Certified physician in hematology and medical oncology and has a special interest in Leukemia, Lymphomas, and Benign Hematology and Bleeding Disorders.
After completing his Bachelor of Science in chemistry and honors biology at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign he continued to The Chicago Medical School where he received is M.D. as well as, his M.S. in applied physiology. Dr. Patel’s post-graduate training began at Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis with his Residency and Internship then followed his fellowship at New York Medical College where he was Chief Fellow of his class.
Dr. Patel has been a practicing oncologist since 2009 and has gained experience through his time spent treating patients at the Metropolitan Hospital Center and Mid-Valley Oncology Hematology in New York and at the Bay Pines VA Medical Center in Florida. He has also been a contributing author to many publications and case reports, most focused on leukemia.
Since joining the team at New York Cancer Specialists in 2014, Dr. Patel is continually accepting new patients in our Port Jefferson and Patchogue offices.
Dr. Jeffrey Vacirca
Jeffrey Vacirca, MD, FACP, is a renowned cancer physician and visionary leader with extensive experience and commitment to community oncology.
Dr. Vacirca assumed the role of CEO and Chairman of the Board of New York Cancer & Blood Specialists (NYCBS) in 2008 when he helped salvage the previous practice from bankruptcy by the existing shareholders. After two years, the practice emerged as a stronger unified group of physicians dedicated to reinventing themselves as the premier cancer care deliverers of New York.
Dr. Vacirca has led NYCBS through an unparalleled period of transformation and incredible growth to grow into the leading oncology practice that now sees nearly a million patients a year throughout more than 30 oncology locations and 35 hospital affiliations.
Dr. Vacirca takes action against key billings, including abuse of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) and sequester cuts. He formed the Conquering Cancer PAC, which advocates for cancer patients and, most importantly, strives to ensure access and availability for all patients no matter where they live.
Dr. George Cyriac
Dr. Cyriac earned his medical degree from Georgetown University. He completed internship and residency training in Internal Medicine at Georgetown University Hospital followed by Hematology and Oncology Fellowship at New York University. He is board certified in both medical oncology and hematology.
Throughout his training Dr. Cyriac has been involved in research directed toward bringing new, more effective treatments to patients. He is a co-author of several peer-reviewed publications. He has worked at the National Institutes of Health performing drug discovery research and his is a co-owner of a US patent on several investigational drugs. During his fellowship, Dr. Cyriac was involved in clinical trials research developing better lung cancer treatments using immunotherapy.
His clinical practice spans the entire spectrum of oncologic and hematologic disorders. He has particular expertise in lung, prostate, and colorectal cancers, lymphoma and benign hematology. Dr. Cyriac has worked exhaustively throughout his medical career to provide the highest quality care and making sure his patients are heard. He is dedicated to applying cutting-edge cancer therapies, specifically immunotherapy and targeted therapy, and tailoring treatment to each individual aiming for the best possible outcome.
Dr. Jahan Aghalar
Dr. Jahan Aghalar Jahan Aghalar, MD is a board certified hematologist and oncologist. He specializes in malignancies originating from the genitourinary tract, specifically prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers. Dr. Aghalar earned his Bachelor’s Degree with honors from New York University and his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Aghalar completed his residency in internal medicine, serving as Chief Resident at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. During this time, he received the Outstanding Teacher Award. He later completed his fellowship in Hematology-Oncology at Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine. Prior to joining NY Cancer and Blood Specialists, Dr. Aghalar practiced at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as part of the Genitourinary Oncology, Thoracic Oncology, and Head and Neck Oncology services. A Long Island native, Dr. Aghalar specializes in genitourinary malignancies, which are cancers originating from the prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicles. “Being born and raised on Long Island, I see my role as an oncologist to give back to the community. I strongly believe that it is my duty to treat each patient as an individual, always being mindful of differences in medical, psychosocial, and cultural backgrounds.”
Dr. Amishi Desai
Dr. Amishi Desai Amishi Desai, MD is a board-certified hematologist and oncologist, specializing in lung malignancies. Dr. Desai earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from KJ Medical College and Research Center in India. At Winthrop University Hospital, she completed her residency, and also served as Chief Fellow of Hematology and Oncology. At Winthrop University Hospital, Dr. Desai was part of Venous the Thromboembolism Committee, where she was devoted to developing strategies to decrease the length of stay in patients admitted with venous thromboembolism. In addition, she was responsible for instructing Winthrop residents in oncology and hematology. In 2015, Dr. Desai was awarded first prize in her research concerning venous thromboembolism. In 2016, Dr. Desai was appointed as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in hematology and oncology at State University of New York Medical School. Dr. Desai is skilled in bone marrow aspiration, biopsies, and lumbar puncture. Dr. Desai’s interests and hobbies include spending time with her kids, traveling, and practicing Indian classical dancing (Bharatnatyam).
Dr. Yelda Nouri
Dr. Yelda Nouri has been practicing medicine for the past six years, providing excellent care to patients across Long Island. She is the lead medical oncologist of the Fortunato Breast Center and sits on the Breast Panel Leadership Committee at Mather Hospital. She continues to devote time and effort to academic practice and is currently affiliated with Stony Brook University Hospital. Dr. Nouri is passionate about community outreach projects that improve outcomes for cancer patients. She is currently seeing patients in multiple locations throughout Suffolk and Nassau counties.
Dr. Tarun Wasil
Dr. Tarun Wasil Tarun Wasil, MD, is an eminent hematologist-oncologist with years of diverse experience. A native of India, Dr. Wasil began his medical career at Government Medical College, receiving a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree. He completed residencies in surgery and emergency medicine, pathology, and microbiology, and served as Resident Medical Officer and Medical Officer. Before coming to the United States, Dr. Wasil continued his education in Canada, completing an observership in Neurology, Emergency, and Family Medicine. He also worked as a Research Technician for Novopharm Biotech. Dr. Wasil completed his residency in Internal Medicine at Flushing Hospital Medical Center, serving as Chief Resident. He completed his Hematology and Oncology Fellowship at North Shore University Hospital and NYU School of Medicine. He served as a clinical investigator for the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Research Consortium and the Cancer & Leukemia Group B and Community for Clinical Oncology Program (CCOP) for clinical trials. In addition to research, Dr. Wasil has written numerous publications.