JOHN WAYNE CANCER INSTITUTE - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Urology and Urologic Oncology
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dermatology
Akanksha Sharma, MD, is board certified in neurology and neuro-oncology and is also trained in palliative medicine. She is experienced in the treatment of primary/metastatic brain tumors, neurological complications of cancer, and disease-related burden and symptoms.
Her clinical and research interests lie in helping patients maximize their time and quality of life. She aims to align treatment with patient goals and to provide holistic care that includes careful symptom assessment and management, as well as support for the patient's loved ones. Dr. Sharma brings a unique perspective to neuro-oncology care in this area with her clinical experience combining neuro-oncology and palliative care. Her research also focuses on understanding and improving quality of life, how we best manage symptoms, the importance of prognostication, and around caregiver support. She looks forward to partnering with her patients and their families, and developing holistic care plans that take into consideration both mind and body health, and the patient's loved ones.
Dr. Sharma completed Neurology training at the University of Washington. She then completed a two-year research/clinical Neuro-Oncology fellowship at the Mayo Clinic in Arizona, followed by a Hospice and Palliative Medicine fellowship at the University of Washington. She is an active member of the Society for Neuro-Oncology (SNO) (for whom she serves on the Women & Diversity Committee), the American Academy of Neurology (AAN), and the American Association of Hospice & Palliative Medicine (AAHPM).
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Supervisor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Pathology Cytopathology
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor of Neurosurgery
- Department of Translational
Ana M. Rocha is a Nurse Practitioner at the Ellison Clinic at Saint John's and supports the Breast Medical Oncology Program. She is nationally board-certified Nurse Practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and holds national certification as an Advanced Oncology Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) through the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation. Ana received her undergraduate training from Grand Canyon University and her Master of Science in Nursing from Walden University.
Ana began her nursing career in 2005, caring for oncology inpatients, then transitioned to outpatient oncology and chemotherapy infusion center. Ana appreciated early on in her career that Cancer Survivorship which is - living with, through and beyond cancer - is more than just surviving. Cancer care requires a holistic multidisciplinary approach encompassing physical, mental, social, and spiritual health. A Nurse Practitioner since 2016, her mission is to provide patient-centered care to the oncology population with a goal of helping each individual achieve their own personal goals for wellness. She seeks to empower each patient and their family through advocacy, education, and research. She endeavors to support each person and their family throughout the cancer journey.
She enjoys collaborating with organizations to provide education on wellness, prevention, and risk reduction, with a focus on reaching vulnerable populations. She has taken initiatives to create pilot programs at Saint John's such as the Collaborative Care Model for mental health, a peer-to-peer mentorship program, advanced care planning initiatives, organized the first ever Survivors' Day celebration and Brain Tumor Awareness Month. When COVID-19 hit in March 2020, before vaccines and treatment were available, she joined research efforts and was a sub-investigator in clinical trials early on to help search for answers. She is active and engaged with the Latinx community. She is fluent in Spanish.
Outside of work, Ana enjoys spending time with family and the outdoors. She loves learning, traveling, history, and culture.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Materials Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Chief of General Surgery / Director of Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program Director of Gastrointestinal Research Program
- Professor of Surgical Oncology
- Voted As a Top Hollywood Surgeon
Dr. Bilchik is an internationally-recognized surgeon and scientist who has pioneered techniques to improve staging cancer and minimally invasive approaches to improve outcomes. Trained and certified in advanced laparoscopic and robotic surgery, Dr. Bilchik also serves as an investigator on international multi-center clinical trials with over 220 publications and is considered one of the country's leading specialists in surgical oncology. On November 16, 2021, he became the co-lead in the Dream Team, which will bring together leading researchers, patient advocates, community leaders and clinicians to accomplish several goals, including improving colorectal cancer screening in under-served communities which is part of the initiative to Stand Up To Cancer® (SU2C).
Dr. Bilchik has received numerous awards, recognitions, and accolades. These include the John Wayne, "Duke Award," a special service award for his contribution to science and humanity, and the prestigious Annual Humanitarian Award by the Anti-Defamation League (the first physician to be bestowed this honor). He was recently ranked in the top 1% of Physicians by US News & World Report.
Nadia Bilchik from Nadia Speaks, interviewed Dr. Anton Bilchik, Professor of Surgical Oncology, about the overall impact of COVID-19 on hospital care.
Job Titles:
- Physician Assistant Urology & Urologic Oncology
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Neurosurgery Translational Neuroscience and Neurotherapeutics / Director, Skull Base Microdissection Anatomy Laboratory
Job Titles:
- Nurse Navigator, Lung Screening Program Cardiothoracic Outpatient Clinic
Betsy Valdez joined Saint John's Cancer Institute in 2019 as a Laboratory Assistant in the cancer epigenetic laboratory. Betsy has a bachelor's degree in Cellular Biology from California State University, Chico. On her free time she enjoys reading, being outdoors, and just spending time with her friends and family. Betsy is currently working on a study focused on the identification of chromatin insulators during the metastasis progression in patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
Job Titles:
- Professor of Surgical Oncology Chief of General Surgery / Director of Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Program Director of Gastrointestinal Research Program
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Manager Providence Roy and Patricia Disney Family Cancer Center
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Melanoma, Skin and Soft Tissue Tumors
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Professor of Medicine / Medical Director for Supportive and Palliative Care Programs
- Physician With a Background in Family Medicine
Brian Madden is a board-certified Palliative Care physician with a background in Family Medicine. He is the Director of the inpatient Palliative Care Program and outpatient Supportive Care Program at Providence Saint John's Health Center. Dr. Madden is adept at helping patients at any stage of serious illness to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.
After graduating from Brown University and UCLA, he completed his family medicine residency at Santa Monica/UCLA Medical Center and began a group private practice in 2001. His interest in Palliative Medicine began initially through working with hospice, both in-hospital and in homes, earning him Board Certification in 2008.
Dr. Madden practices whole-person care, which means eliciting the values, preferences, and priorities of the patient and negotiating the best use of medicine to achieve meaningful goals. He has worked tirelessly to dispel the antiquated myth that accepting palliative care is "giving up", instead offering a comprehensive assessment of how serious disease impacts his patients' quality of life and providing management advice and treatments to improve it. As part of a multidisciplinary team, his group brings additional resources to assist patients in personalizing the optimal care for each unique situation.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Associate I
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor Translational Molecular Medicine
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Neurosciences Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Schedule an Appointment Saint John's
Carole Kishi, P.T., D.P.T., C.L.T., specializes in oncology and lymphedema treatment and recovery. Prior to joining the team at Performance Therapy, Carole treated a wide variety of orthopedic injuries and patient's with neurological diagnoses. She received her doctorate in physical therapy from Mount Saint Mary's College in 2008 and has expanded her scope of practice as a certified lymphedema therapist through the Norton School of Lymphatic Therapy in 2016.
Job Titles:
- Chaplain Resident at Providence St. Joseph Health
Job Titles:
- Oncology Clinical Social Worker
- Outpatient Social Worker
Caroline graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a minor in Psychology from Westfield State University in 2013 and then went on to work with juveniles within the justice system and their families for three years. In 2016, Caroline went on to get a master's degree in Clinical Social Work from Simmons's College which prepared her for direct practice with individuals, families, and groups. Caroline completed her advanced year internship within the outpatient cancer clinic at Saint John's Health center and after graduating continues to work within the clinic.
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Neurosciences Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Outpatient Nutrition and Diabetes Education
Job Titles:
- Financial Analyst LA Regional Research
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology Hematology and Medical Oncology
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor, Surgery
Job Titles:
- Senior Clinical Informations Scientist Translational Molecular Medicine Department
Job Titles:
- Financial Analyst LA Regional Research
Job Titles:
- Neuro Programs Coordinator Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant Gastrointestinal and Hepatobiliary Tumors
Job Titles:
- Supervisor - Clerical Melanoma, Skin and Soft Tissue Tumors
Job Titles:
- Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery
Dr. Amit Kochhar, MD, is double board-certified in Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He is the director of the Facial Nerve Disorders Program at Pacific Eye, Ear & Skull Base Center, Pacific Neuroscience Institute, Providence Saint John's Health Center in Santa Monica.
Career Highlights
Dr. Kochhar is one of a few select surgeons who perform complex (microvascular) head and neck reconstruction following cancer resections and facial trauma, as well as for the rehabilitation of facial paralysis, an area in which he has specific clinical expertise and research interest.
In addition to his expertise in head and neck reconstruction, Dr. Kochhar provides consultation for management of the aging face and nasal airway, and minimally invasive procedures for facial rejuvenation using laser, pulsed light, ultrasound, and radiofrequency energy. Dr. Kochhar has published over 30 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on the management of facial nerve disorders, head and neck reconstruction, facial trauma and rhinoplasty.
Dr. Kochhar completed a 7-year Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery residency at Johns Hopkins Medical Institute. He then completed a fellowship in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at UCLA Medical Center with world-renowned surgeon, Dr. Keith Blackwell. He began his professional career at Keck Medicine of USC where he taught residents and medical students the "art" of head and neck reconstruction.
In addition to his clinical duties caring for patients, and teaching, he continues to perform research and present at national meetings. His training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery has provided him with a diverse skill set that he can provide to each patient.
His patients appreciate his compassion, expertise and rare combination of aesthetic and reconstructive surgical skills. Dr. Kochhar believes that each patient has unique experiences and perspectives that shape their goals of treatment. Thus, he strives to learn about his patients in-depth and create a plan of care that meets each of their individual needs.
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Supervisor Melanoma, Skin and Soft Tissue Tumors
Job Titles:
- Nurse Practitioner, Breast Medical Oncology Margie Petersen Breast Center
Job Titles:
- Nurse Practioner Pacific Neuroscience Institute
Job Titles:
- Registered Nurse Supportive and Palliative Care Program
Job Titles:
- Co - Director, the Borstein Family Foundation Melanoma Program at Saint John 's Cancer Institute Professor of Surgical Oncology
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Surgical Oncology Breast Surgical Oncologist
Job Titles:
- Medical Oncology Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Surgical Oncology Assistant Program Director of Complex General Surgical Oncology Fellowship
Job Titles:
- Registered Nurse Breast Center Nurse Navigator
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Genetic Counselor Oncology Clinical Program
Job Titles:
- Genetics Assistant Professor of Genetics
Job Titles:
- Director of Outpatient Oncology Services
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- Radiology Assistant Professor of Radiology
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Associate II Melanoma, Skin and Soft Tissue Tumors
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor Multiple Sclerosis Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Minimally Invasive Chest Surgery and Thoracic Surgical Oncology
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager Margie Petersen Breast Center
Job Titles:
- Research Associate Translational Molecular Medicine
Job Titles:
- Professor of Surgical Oncology Breast Surgical Oncologist / Director, Comprehensive Breast Program, Margie Petersen Breast Center
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor of Surgery Adjunct Assistant Professor of Surgery
Job Titles:
- Director, Research Finance
Job Titles:
- Clinical Materials Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Medical Director CCU / ICU
Job Titles:
- Clerk Breast Surgery and Oncology
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow
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- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Minimally Invasive Chest Surgery and Thoracic Surgical Oncology
Job Titles:
- Senior Database Developer
Job Titles:
- Director, SJCI Translational Research Professor and Director of Genomic Sequencing Center / Professor and Director of Dept Translational Molecular Medicine
Job Titles:
- Radiologist
- Schedule an Appointment Saint John's
Job Titles:
- Senior Program Manager of Clinical Research / Research Operations and Regulatory Affairs
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Associate Professor Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Program Manager Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Endocrinology Endocrinologist
Job Titles:
- Professor of Neurosurgery Translational Neurosciences / Director of Brain Tumor Centers and Pituitary Disorders Program
Job Titles:
- Professor of Neurosciences Chair, Department of Translational Neurosciences / Director of Neuro - Oncology
Job Titles:
- Administrative Associate or Scheduler
Job Titles:
- Radiologist Breast Surgery and Oncology
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow SJCI Translational Molecular Medicine
Job Titles:
- Otolaryngologist - Head and Neck Reconstructive Surgery
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Pathology Director, Dermatopathology
Job Titles:
- Neuroscience Director, Restorative Neurosurgery and Deep Brain Stimulation Program Director Neuro - Spine Surgery, Spine Institute, PNI - South Bay Neurosurgery
Job Titles:
- Radiologist Breast Surgery and Oncology
Job Titles:
- Registered Nurse Navigator Urology and Urologic Oncology
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant Medical Oncology
Job Titles:
- Endocrinology Endocrinologist
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Urology and Urologic Oncology Director of Urology Translational Research
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Associate II
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager of Research Operations
Job Titles:
- Financial Analyst LA Regional Research
Job Titles:
- Research Associate II Translational Molecular Medicine Genomic Sequencing Center
Job Titles:
- Research Pharmacist LA Regional Research Market
Job Titles:
- Supportive and Palliative Care Adjunct Professor of Medicine / Medical Director for Supportive and Palliative Care Programs
Job Titles:
- Research Assistant Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Director of Mission Leadership Providence Saint John 's Health Center
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Cancer Support Services
- Professor of Oncology Program Manager, Cancer Patient Support & Willow Sage Wellness
Job Titles:
- Nurse Navugator Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Interim Executive Director of Saint Johns Cancer Institute Director of Innovation and Quality / Neurosurgery
Job Titles:
- Clinical Manager Minimally Invasive Chest Surgery and Thoracic Surgical Oncology
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Cancer Center
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Neurosciences Department of Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Neurosciences, Department of Translational Neurosciences Clinical Research Scientist, Pacific Brain Health Center
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow Translational Molecular Medicine Department
Job Titles:
- Associate Biostatistician Translational Molecular Medicine & Genome Sequencing
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor Urology Director of Men's Health at Providence Saint John 's Health Center
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Pathology Hematopathology
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow Translational Molecular Medicine
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Manager
Job Titles:
- Interim Executive Director of Saint Johns Cancer Institute / Director
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Associate Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Minimally Invasive Chest Surgery and Thoracic Surgical Oncology
Job Titles:
- Clinical Data Coordinator Regional Research, LA Market
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology
Job Titles:
- Lab Manager Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Medical Assistant, Lead Melanoma, Skin and Soft Tissue Tumors
Job Titles:
- Senior Research Scientist Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory
Job Titles:
- Medical Oncology Director of Breast Medical Oncology
Job Titles:
- Facilities Supervisor Plant Operations and Maintenance
Job Titles:
- Professor of Neurosciences Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Department Laboratory Manager Translational Molecular Medicine
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Department of Endocrine Tumors and Disorders
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Oncology Clinical Social Worker Outpatient Social Worker
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Associate
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor of Dermatology Melanoma, Skin and Soft Tissue Tumors
Job Titles:
- Director of Psycho - Oncology and Cancer Support Services
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor Neuro - Oncology
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow Translational Molecular Medicine
Job Titles:
- Professor of Endocrinology Director of the Endocrine and Bone Disease Program
Job Titles:
- Clinical Coordinator Palliative & Supportive Care
Job Titles:
- Regional Manager, Regulatory Affairs
Job Titles:
- Manager of Data Management
Job Titles:
- Physician Assistant Gynecologic Oncology
Job Titles:
- Manager of Data Management
Job Titles:
- Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Melanoma, Skin and Soft Tissue Tumors
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor Neuro Director, Stroke & Neurovascular Center Vascular and Interventional Neurology
Job Titles:
- Regional Manager, Regulatory Affairs
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Associate II, Regulatory
Job Titles:
- Research Associate II Translational Molecular Medicine / Genomic Sequencing Center
Job Titles:
- Professor of Medical Oncology and Urologic Oncology Director of Clinical Research, Urology and Urologic Oncology
Job Titles:
- Laboratory Assistant Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor of Neurosciences Translational Neurosciences
Job Titles:
- Patient Admin Associate Mammography
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant Department of Endocrine Tumors and Disorders
Job Titles:
- Professor and Chair of Urology and Urologic Oncology Director of Urology and Urologic Oncology Research Program
Job Titles:
- Assistant Professor of Radiation Oncology Radiation Oncology
Job Titles:
- Adjunct Assistant Professor
Job Titles:
- Clinical Research Associate IBrain Tumors & Neuroscience