VIRGINIA CANCER INSTITUTE - Key Persons


Amy L. Foster

Amy's love for nursing and medicine began when she became a critical care nurse in the Medical-Surgical-Trauma Intensive Care Unit at Chippenham Hospital. The demands of high acuity patients and how the disease process affected each patient differently intrigued her to continue her pursuit in being able to provide the best possible care to her patients. She studied and became a certified critical care registered nurse, as well as, gaining certification in core trauma nursing. Through the experience of taking care of the sickest and most vulnerable of patients, she realized she wanted to do more and learn more. Amy obtained her Masters of Science in Nursing with a concentration in Adult - Gerontology - Acute Care. She wanted to continue to learn about disease processes and how they often times affect patients very differently. She was eager to collaborate with other providers to create the best-individualized medical treatment plans for patients with complex care needs. She started her NP career at Richmond Gastroenterology Associates where she worked from 2014 to 2017. Most recently she was the lead nurse practitioner for the Johnston-Willis Palliative Care Team. She considers palliative care her lock and key in life, as she believes there is far too much unnecessary suffering in the world. She is excited to now be a part of Virginia Cancer Institute and help incorporate palliative care as part of the treatment plan for the patients and help lessen the symptom burden associated with oncological disorders and treatments of these disorders. She has training in acute care, gerontology, gastroenterology, palliative and hospice medicine. She was born and raised in Arkansas but has lived in Virginia for the past 20 years. She currently lives in Midlothian, VA. When not working, you can find her spending time with her boyfriend, two sons and Sheepadoodle, Stanley. She enjoys sports/outdoor activities, cheering on the Arkansas Razorbacks, catching a great music festival or baking/decorating cookies.

Angela VanLandingham

Since 2015, Dr. Angela VanLandingham has worked for the Virginia Cancer Institute as a hematology and oncology physician. Her approach to fighting cancer is one that involves constant action; she works tirelessly to ensure her patients receive the best and most well-rounded care. Her conscientious work ethic and dedication to each of her patients makes her a standout in the field of oncology. She recognizes that each patient has a different story, a different background, and different needs when it comes to battling cancer. She takes the time to listen before introducing a treatment that fits her patient's needs. Dr. VanLandingham began her medical career as a Physical Therapy Assistant in Lufkin, Texas. After graduating magna cum laude from Stephen F. Austin State University in Texas, she went on to earn her medical degree from University of Texas at Houston. She completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Louisville and a hematology/oncology fellowship at Medical College of Virginia. Dr. VanLandingham is board certified in both internal medicine and medical oncology. Dr. VanLandingham has a vast experience in the areas of cancer and hematology, and she is the recipient of numerous awards and scholarships, including the Champion of Caring award in 2016. Her many volunteer activities include Operation Enduring Warrior and Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. For the sake of her patients, Dr. VanLandingham believes the most prudent way to practice medicine is to stay as informed about new and upcoming medical treatments and ideas. As such, she is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Richmond Medical Society, and the American Medical Association.

Anila Abraham

An experienced registered nurse and recent graduate with a MS in nursing, Anila Abraham's goal as a nurse practitioner is to focus not only on treating a patient's disease, but personalizing care for the needs and concerns of each individual with empathy and patience. Anila completed her BS in Nursing with honors at Texas Woman's University in Dallas before going on to earn her MS in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. Throughout her career, she has provided comprehensive and compassionate care to patients at various hospitals and health systems throughout Virginia and Texas. Most recently, Anila worked as an RN in the Digestive Health Unit at Virginia Commonwealth University Health System (VCUHS). Anila has received several honors and awards including the Daisy Award, Digestive Health Unit, VCUHS and the RN Exemplary Practice Award, Digestive Health Unit, VCUHS. When she is not working, Anila enjoys spending her time bonding with her twin girls and cooking.

Attique Samdani

Dr. Samdani's experience in his field is extensive and international in scope, yet he treats each patient on an individual level. He began his medical training at Khyber Medical College at the University of Peshawar in Pakistan, where he received his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery. He then completed a residency in internal medicine at the University of Arizona, followed by a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Virginia, where he also practiced medicine at Martha Jefferson Hospital. He holds membership in the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, the American College of Physicians, and the Pakistan Medical and Dental Council. He has been with Virginia Cancer Institute since 2001, serving patients primarily at our Johnston-Willis and Hull Street locations. Dr. Samdani trains international medical students from the UK, Pakistan, and Latin America on a regular basis, and he also participates with local family practice residency programs affiliated with VCU. Among his many accomplishments, he won first place at the state level in Arizona for his publication in Leukemia Research in 1996. He is fond of traveling when he's not in his office and is also an avid runner. Dr. Samdani and his wife, Dr. Rafia Samdani, have three sons and make their home in Richmond.

Bonnie P. Johnson

Job Titles:
  • Adult Nurse Practitioner
Adult nurse practitioner Bonnie P. Johnson leverages her two decades of nursing experience to care for and support her patients through every stage of their cancer treatment. Working closely with attending physicians and other advanced practice providers, she provides comprehensive care and evidence-based practice to her patients, while also treating them with the ultimate respect and kindness. With this powerful equation, Bonnie is able to deliver the highest standard of healthcare.

Cathy B. Anderson

Job Titles:
  • Registered Nurse at Ochsner Medical Foundation
Cathy has worked as a registered nurse at Ochsner Medical Foundation, Baton Rouge General, Doctors Hospital of Jefferson, American Critical Care Services, Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Nursing, HCA Parham Doctors Hospital, and the Levinson Heart Failure and Coumadin Center at HCA CJW. She specializes in palliative care and is a keen advocate for the benefits of pet therapy. She has been with VCI since 2014 and practices primarily in Hanover. Cathy is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners, the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners, Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association, the North American Thrombosis Forum, and the American College of Cardiology.

Dawn F. Miller

Education: M.Ed, The College of William and Mary. PA-C, Wake Forest University. Dawn F. Miller brings decades of clinical experience as a Physician Assistant to the Virginia Cancer Institute. Having primarily practiced in the field of oncology, Ms. Miller has the resources to provide patients battling cancer with the utmost care. She strongly believes in balancing cancer treatment with quality of life management. Her compassion and empathy for every patient translates in her dedication to providing care and comfort with leading-edge, evidence-based oncological treatment. Ms. Miller began her career in medicine as a Cardiopulmonary Technician and a Respiratory Therapist. She graduated from The College of William and Mary in Virginia followed by the Physician Assistant program at Wake Forest University in 1983 before completing her residency in Pediatrics at the Norwalk Hospital of Yale University in 1984. From 1987 to 2011, Ms. Miller was a Senior Physician Assistant in the Medical Oncology Department at Johns Hopkins University. In 2011, she became Manager of Stereotactic Radiosurgery and Radiation Oncology at Johns Hopkins and finally, in 2015, moved to Oncology-Urgent Care at Johns Hopkins. While employed at Johns Hopkins, she received her Master's in Business Administration in Health Care Administration and a Master's in Education. Ms. Miller is a guest lecturer, a preceptor for PA students, and received the Miller-Coulson Nurse Practitioner/Physician Assistant Clinical Excellence Award in 2016. She has published a number of academic articles, whose topics include bone marrow transplantation and oral/pharyngeal carcinoma. Her continual dedication to her work and education is for the benefit of her patients who, she believes, deserve the most comprehensive, modern, and multi-disciplinary care. Outside or the office, Ms. Miller enjoys spending time at the beach with her husband and 3 grown children. She is an avid reader and enjoys quilting.

Dr. Gabriel McCoy

Dr. Gabriel McCoy truly values his patients and ensures they and their families are involved when creating a personalized treatment plan. He recognizes each patient has a unique history and designs every treatment plan with the individual as the focus and top priority. As a Doctor of Osteopathy, Dr. McCoy regards the body as an integrated whole, so every patient receives the most comprehensive care possible. Dr. McCoy received his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine from the University of Pikeville Kentucky College of Osteopathic Medicine. He held an internship at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine - Greenville and then became a resident at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine- Greenville's Internal Medicine Department. He completed his fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at the Wake Forest School of Medicine. He has worked as a research assistant, phlebotomist, chemist, and a chief resident of internal medicine. Dr. McCoy has been published in a variety of medical publications, including in Anatomical Record. He has presented a number of research projects on the local, regional, and national scale. He was the first-place overall winner at the Scientific Research Meeting in 2013 and 2014. He also received the Outstanding Fellow award and the Resident of the Year award during his medical career. He continues his research and education to provide broad, multi-disciplinary medical techniques to his patients. In his free time, Dr. McCoy is an avid traveler and enjoys exploring national parks and monuments with his family. He also works on home improvement and renovation projects. He's a big fan of Gonzaga basketball and he also follows SEC football.

Dr. Nathan Langer

As a board-certified hematology oncologist with three years of post-fellowship experience, Dr. Nathan Langer has the tools to help his patients through treatment every step of the way. Dr. Langer is dedicated to providing his patients with compassionate care using a patient-centered approach to medicine. He offers his patients long-term care plans that ensure stability in what can often be a tumultuous time. Dr. Langer received his medical degree from the Indiana University School of Medicine and became an Internal Medicine resident at the Cleveland Medical Center shortly thereafter. He spent many years at the Cleveland Medical Center as a resident, hospitalist, and then a fellow. He later joined the staff at Memorial Hospital in Martinsville, VA, as a hematology oncologist. He has a special clinical interest in benign hematology. Dr. Langer's varied experiences in practice and research make him uniquely equipped to provide his patients with a well-rounded, longitudinal care plan tailored to their needs. On his days away from the office, Dr. Langer enjoys running, biking, going to the gym, and spending time with family.

Dr. Purvi Shah

Job Titles:
  • Associate Member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology
Dr. Purvi Shah believes medicine is as much about science as it is about compassion and human interaction. She is committed to combining her medical experience and clinical expertise with the art of compassionate care. Dr. Shah is a board certified medical oncologist and hematologist by the American Board of Internal Medicine with over 12 years of experience. Born in Mumbai, India, Dr. Shah graduated in the top 10 of her graduating class of 1997 from T.N. Medical College in Mumbai. She completed her residency training in internal medicine at the State University of New York at Buffalo in 2000, and her fellowship training at the University of Rochester, James P. Wilmot Cancer Center, and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, in 2003. Dr. Shah began her medical career as a staff physician at the Hunter Holmes McGuireVeterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, and her career in academic medicine as Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Virginia Commonwealth University Massey Cancer Center, also here in Richmond. She later joined her husband in Huntsville, Alabama, and successfully practiced in the field of hematology and medical oncology at the Clearview Cancer Institute for nine years. She has recently relocated to Richmond and is very excited to join the highly respected team at the Virginia Cancer Institute. Dr. Shah is an associate member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the American Society of Hematology, and her clinical interests lie in the fields of colon cancer, lymphoma, lung cancer and breast cancer. Outside the office, Dr. Shah enjoys spending as much time as she can with her husband and two children.

Dr. Rachit Kumar

Job Titles:
  • Clinical Researcher
Education: MD, Maulana Azad Medical College, New Delhi, India, 2009 Dr. Rachit Kumar is a dedicated clinical researcher and board certified medical oncologist and hematologist committed to ensuring his patients have access to the most current and promising therapies. He couples groundbreaking research with personalized care to meet the individual needs of each patient he treats. Dr. Kumar earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Maulana Azad Medical College in New Delhi, India, and went on to complete his internship, residency and chief residency in Internal Medicine with the MedStar Georgetown University/Washington Hospital Center program. He continued his studies at Georgetown, completing a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology in 2017. Upon graduation, he began his career as a Medical Oncologist at two facilities in Maine, the MaineGeneral Medical Center in Augusta, and the Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington. Dr. Kumar is an avid researcher and was appointed the Clinical Research Director at the Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care in Augusta, Maine. He has a special interest in studying both clinical genomics and liquid biopsy, and has served as the principal investigator in multiple clinical trials. Dr. Kumar is a member of the NCORP (National Community Oncology Research Program), as well as the Steering Committee of Maine Cancer Genomics Initiative, which aims to provide precision medicine and personalized cancer care to patients in a rural setting. In addition, he enjoys teaching medical students and residents, and was appointed Clinical Assistant Professor at Dartmouth Geisel School of Medicine. Outside of work, Dr. Kumar can be found spending time with his wife and two daughters, and watching football, both American and European. He is a devoted fan of the English soccer club, Manchester United.

Dr. Thomas C. Weart

Dr. Thomas C. Weart strives to provide the best patient-centered cancer management by taking into account the needs of the individual. His multi-disciplinary approach allows patients to feel that they are receiving the best and most personalized care possible. In the midst of the tumultuous journey that is cancer management, Dr. Weart offers his patients solid ground on which to stand by providing evidence-based treatment plans tailored to each patient's particular needs. Dr. Weart is a long-time resident of Virginia and started his secondary education in nearby Charlottesville at the University of Virginia. After completing his undergraduate degree, he went on to the University of Mary Washington where he studied Pre-Med Sciences, then on to Virginia Commonwealth University to study Anatomy. He spent time in Grenada in the West Indies at St George's University School of Medicine where he received his Doctorate. He returned to the United States for a three-year residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Kentucky before moving to Baltimore, Maryland, as a Fellow in the Hematology-Oncology Department at the University of Maryland. His varied training allowed Dr. Weart to receive the most well-rounded education possible, introducing him to a diverse patient base and the most current medical practices, which he utilizes today for the benefit of his patients. Dr. Weart has lectured for a number of conferences throughout the years on various topics, including breast cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, renal cell carcinoma, and malignant pleural mesothelioma. He led a class of second-year medical students in reviewing the fundamentals of breast cancer management, he was a member of the Iota Episilon Alpha Medical Honor Society through St. George's University School of Medicine, and he is a member of the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the American College of Physicians. He has performed academic research on several topics, including on treatment of non-small cell lung cancer and unresectable malignant mesothelioma.

Elke K. Friedman

Known for her kindness and her caring bedside manner, Dr. Friedman brings a strong commitment to education to her work here at VCI. She enjoys hosting students on her hospital rounds, taking the opportunity to instill a passion for knowledge in young minds aspiring to careers in healthcare. Dr. Friedman began her education with an undergraduate degree in biology and psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point before obtaining her MD from the Medical College of Wisconsin in Milwaukee. She came to Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond, VA-not far from her hometown of Washington, DC-to complete a residency in internal medicine (1996-1999), to serve as chief resident (1999-2000) in internal medicine and to hold a fellowship in hematology/oncology (2000-2003). She joined our team at VCI in 2006 and serves on the board of trustees at Henrico Doctors' Hospital. Sure to practice what she preaches, Dr. Friedman is constantly learning. She holds membership in a number of professional societies in both the United States and Europe to keep herself abreast of the latest developments in cancer growth and treatment. Her particular interests include breast, lung and hematologic malignancies. She has served as principal investigator on several lung cancer trials and participated in multiple other trials of various tumor types. She regularly participates in multidisciplinary clinics and conferences where complex cases are discussed and treatment recommendations are made. In her spare time, Dr. Friedman likes to stay active outdoors with her husband and two sons, hiking, camping and biking. She is an avid runner and greatly enjoys reading, especially when it's a good mystery novel. She occasionally travels to Germany to visit her parents, who reside in Cologne.

Hillary L. Flaherty

Job Titles:
  • NP - C
Hillary Flaherty, NP-C has seven years of experience within the field of oncology and family medicine as a nurse practitioner. Her enthusiasm is matched by her superb diagnostic skills and steadfast commitment to preventative care education and patient advocacy. She works collaboratively with the entire medical team to ensure every patient receives individualized, superlative care and a personalized treatment plan. Hillary has been in the nursing field since 2001 when she started as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist at the Virginia Treatment Center for Children. She has since been a Respite Care Counselor for St. Joseph's Villa, a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist for the Central State Forensic Hospital, a Care Partner and Staff Nurse in the VCU Health System, a Family Nurse Practitioner at Bon Secours St. Mary's Medical Oncology, and a Family Nurse Practitioner for Mechanicsville Medical Center Family Practice. She received her bachelor and master degrees in nursing from the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Nursing. This varied work history and formal education have given her a unique perspective when it comes to patient care. She maintains a number of memberships to ensure her practice continues to be as up-to-date as possible, including the Virginia Council of Nurse Practitioners and the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. In addition, she was a pivotal part of the medical team that allowed Mechanicsville Medical Center to be named the Best Family Practice in Mechanicsville in 2017, 2018, and 2019. Her work ethic and enthusiasm are unparalleled, and Virginia Cancer Institute is delighted to have her on staff. In her spare time, Hillary enjoys spending time with family, exercising, gardening, and hanging out with her bulldog Lola.

Joseph P. Evers

Dr. Evers represents the best kind of balance in his approach to medicine. His reputation for designing decisive, aggressive treatment strategies is tempered by his compassionate bedside manner and a deep empathy with his patients. "I try to use empathy in my patient relationships. The problems they are dealing with are stressful and complex," says Evers. They "deserve a compassionate, patient and well-reasoned response," an effort that inspires both a great deal of trust from his patients and respect from his fellow clinicians. A native of our nation's capital, Dr. Evers received his education at well-respected institutions up and down the East Coast. Receiving his MD from Georgetown University in 1987, he did his residency at Emory University before returning to his DC alma mater for a fellowship in 1990. He holds certifications in medical oncology, hematology and internal medicine and has been a physician with the Virginia Cancer Institute, treating patients at our West End and Tappahannock offices, since 1994. In addition to his passion for medicine, Dr. Evers is an avid golfer and fisherman and enjoys vacationing in warm climates. He is a great supporter of and participant in community outreach programs, and he loves spending time with his children at home and abroad.

Joshua J. McFarlane

Dr. McFarlane's approach to medical treatment is absolutely patient-centered. He takes time to convey the risks and benefits of various treatment options, ensuring the patient has a good command of all the necessary knowledge to make informed choices in his or her own care plan. His listening skills put patients at ease and he has a reputation for clear, honest communication with them. "We doctors often forget that it is the patient who truly makes the decision … the most vital input," he says, "is the informed perspective of the patient." Dr. McFarlane attended undergraduate school at Rhodes College as a National Merit Scholar and Goldwater Scholarship recipient. He then spent a year in China teaching conversational English before completing his MD at the Southwestern Medical School at the University of Texas in 2003. He came to Virginia for his residency in internal medicine at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center in Richmond and ultimately completed his fellowship in medical oncology at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. He has been a physician with the Virginia Cancer Institute since 2009 and sees patients at our West End office. His research interests include hematologic, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, breast and thoracic malignancies. When he's not in his office, he's probably not even in a building. An avid cyclist and outdoorsman, Dr. McFarlane also enjoys outdoor festivals-especially those involving turkey drumsticks. He lives in Richmond with his wife and two daughters.

M. Kelly Hagan

M. Kelly Hagan, MD, is a board-certified oncologist and hematologist with broad experience in caring for patients with a wide variety of cancers and blood disorders. A dedicated clinical researcher with a commitment to advancing treatment options for her patients, Dr. Hagan has served as a principal investigator for numerous clinical trial programs in many types of cancers, including breast, colorectal, pancreatic and lung. She has also been involved in a number of supportive care trials to improve the quality of life for her patients. Dr. Hagan is passionate about medical education. She attends numerous medical conferences and has acted as a correspondent for medical websites to ensure that physicians are receiving the results of the most up-to-date medical publications. She is a highly sought-after speaker for both medical and lay audiences throughout the country. Her topics have ranged from "Nutrition & Physical Activity During and After Cancer Treatment" and "Complementary & Alternative Therapies" to "Advances in Breast Cancer 2012." She sees patients at our Bell Creek office in Hanover/Mechanicsville, and maintains privileges at most hospitals in the Greater Richmond area. A native of Richmond, Dr. Hagan graduated from the University of Richmond, summa cum laude, with degrees in both biology and psychology. Dr. Hagan is an accomplished equestrian who enjoys a rural lifestyle. She designs unique jewelry and loves to travel worldwide with her husband and family. Walt Disney World is one of her frequent getaways.

Maurice C. Schwarz

Dr. Schwarz brings more than 30 years of experience in oncology to his practice at the Virginia Cancer Institute. His reputation for tenacity, positivity, compassion and confidence makes him a truly well-rounded physician and well-suited for work in oncology, where a positive approach is so important. His patients are like family to him, and he believes the caring atmosphere at VCI is part of what sets our facility apart. Dr. Schwarz recently had the distinction of being named one of the Top Ten Doctors in Oncology in Midlothian (2012). His research and clinical interests include prostate, gastrointestinal, head and neck malignancies, and hematologic disorder. Dr. Schwarz owes his medical training to a number of prestigious southern institutions. After graduating from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill, Dr. Schwarz came to Richmond for his MD at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. He continued his training with a residency in internal medicine at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta and completed a fellowship in hematology/oncology at Emory University in Atlanta. He is a board-certified oncologist and a member of ASCO and the Richmond Academy of Medicine. He has been a physician with the Virginia Cancer Institute since 1981.

Nishanth Sukumaran

Dr. Sukumaran is a strong advocate of the patient-first philosophy and puts it into practice each day. Dr. Sukumaran understands that every cancer patient's journey is unique, and he takes the time to listen to their concerns and involve them in every step of their treatment. He uses his years of experience to develop the most effective, evidence-based care, and he guides his patients with compassion. Dr. Sukumaran earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery degree from Kottayam Medical College, Mahatma Gandhi University in Kottayam, India, and is board-certified in internal medicine, hematology, and medical oncology. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Queen's Hospital in the United Kingdom, and continued his training at Lankenau Medical Center in Philadelphia, where he earned a fellowship in hematology and oncology. Dr. Sukumaran is dedicated to staying up to date on the latest information on the prevention, detection and treatment of various cancers and has a special interest in the management of solid tumors and targeted therapies. He is an active member of the American Society of Oncology and the American Society of Hematology. Dr. Sukumaran joined Virginia Cancer Institute in August 2016 and receives patients at our Bon Secour @ Southside Medical Center and Puddledock locations. When Dr. Sukumaran isn't working, he enjoys spending time with his family and can often be found on the tennis court.

Pablo M. Gonzalez

Dr. Gonzalez is both an internationally experienced physician and a consummate medical research scientist. He brings his extensive clinical research experience to his treatments, striving to bring the most up-to-date strategies to the table. His patients appreciate his ability and willingness to translate medical jargon into benefits and risks, which allows them to participate more actively in treatment decisions. Dr. Gonzalez served his residency in internal medicine in his hometown of Washington, DC, after receiving his MD from the University of Córdoba's School of Medicine in Córdoba, Argentina. In 1995, Dr. Gonzalez completed his fellowship in hematology-oncology at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC. He holds certifications in hematology and medical oncology and membership in the American Society of Hematology, the American Medical Association, the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Richmond Academy of Medicine. He has been a physician with Virginia Cancer Institute since 1998. A consummate researcher with an impressive track record of publications and clinical studies, Dr. Gonzalez retains a variety of clinical and research interests, among them lymphoma, cancers of the GI tract and lungs, and breast cancer. Yet he strives to transcend mere treatment of disease by providing empathy and emotional support to his patients. Outside the office, you'll likely find him spending time with family or running for pleasure. He's also fond of travel, and he absolutely can't get enough soccer in his life. He calls Midlothian home.

R. Brian Mitchell

An accomplished oncologist with an eclectic and prestigious educational pedigree, Dr. Mitchell brings more than 20 years' experience in the field to his patients at the Virginia Cancer Institute. After graduating magna cum laude from Duke University in North Carolina with a degree in English literature, Dr. Mitchell made the switch to medicine, his true calling, completing his MD at the Duke School of Medicine in 1985. He went on to complete an internship and residency in internal medicine at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD, before obtaining a fellowship in hematology/oncology with the University of Chicago Hospital. He is a member of a number of professional societies, both local and national, including the Richmond Academy of Medicine, the American Society of Hematology, the American College of Physicians and the American Society of Clinical Oncology. Dr. Mitchell is a strong advocate of a team approach to patient care. "Everyone in the office plays a role in helping my patients through their illness," a principle that also reflects the core values of VCI. He believes no two patients are alike, and personalized care for each of his patients is something Dr. Mitchell strives for. His clinical interests include Hodgkin's lymphoma, lymphoma, coagulation disorder and breast cancer in addition to previous research interests such as lung cancer, GI cancers and novel (Phase I) therapies. Though born in Ohio, Dr. Mitchell has lived in Virginia, Maryland, or North Carolina for 33 of the last 37 year. Outside his office, Dr. Mitchell is an avid swimmer and golfer. He enjoys traveling to historical sites with his wife and three grown children. Although he is a physician at his core, Dr. Mitchell has always had a passion for the humanities. He reads more history than literature these days, and is always fascinated by the way in which the "agonies and ecstasies of life affect individuals differently." He makes his home in Midlothian with his family.

S. McDonald Wade, III

Dr. Wade is a proud Virginian, and proud to be a board-certified oncologist with the Virginia Cancer Institute. He advocates our unique mix of cutting-edge research and compassionate care that make VCI a celebrated institution in Central Virginia. His clinical and research interests are pancreatic, lung and colon malignancies. Dr. Wade is a Richmond native and received his medical training entirely in and around the Central Virginia area. Beginning with a BA from the University of Virginia in Charlottesville, VA, in 1995, he returned to Richmond to earn his MD from Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine in 2001. He then remained at VCU Medical Center to complete both a residency in internal medicine and a fellowship in hematology/oncology. He is board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology and is a member of the Medical Society of Virginia, the Richmond Academy of Medicine and the American Association of Clinical Oncology. He has been a physician with the Virginia Cancer Institute since 2007. He sees patients at our Mechanicsville location. Outside the office, Dr. Wade enjoys spending time with his family at their Richmond home. Staying in shape is important to him. You're likely to find him rooting for his alma mater-UVA-courtside, at the stadium or on television. He'd like to assure his Hokie-fan patients that there are no teams when it comes to cancer treatment. He treats all his patients like family-even Virginia Tech fans.

Sharon A. Goble

Dr. Goble is a board-certified oncologist with a penchant for honest and direct communication with her patients. She has a track record of giving back to the community-having served as a manager for the Fan Free Clinic in Richmond, VA, before diving into medical school at Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine. She is committed to women's health issues, and her primary research and clinical interest, aside from general oncology, is breast cancer. Dr. Goble has spent much of her life in and around Virginia. A native of Richmond, she received her MD from the VCU School of Medicine after obtaining her bachelor's degree at the College of William and Mary, Williamsburg, VA. She served both her residency in internal medicine and her clinical fellowship in hematology/oncology at VCU Medical Center in Richmond. She is a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the Richmond Academy of Medicine and has been a physician at Virginia Cancer Institute since 2003. She receives patients at our Johnston-Willis and Hull Street locations. In her free time, Dr. Goble enjoys running-a passion she shares with many in the Central Virginia area. She is also fond of traveling with her family and getting lost in a good book. She shares her Midlothian home with her husband and son.

Shobha R. Nalluri

Our patients in the Tri-Cities region. Born in Ongole, India, Dr. Nalluri earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery at Osmania Medical College in 2002. In 2005, she relocated to State University of New York at Stony Brook where she completed her internship and residency in internal medicine and her fellowship in hematology and oncology. Dr. Nalluri is board certified in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology, and she has special interest in solid tumors of the lung and breast as well as colon cancers, hematology and hematological malignancies. She is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncologists. Dr. Nalluri sees patients in VCI's Petersburg and Hopewell offices. When she's not working to help patients, she can be found spending time with her children and husband and enjoying music.

Sujatha Yellinedi

Job Titles:
  • Our Nurse Practitioners & Physician Assistants

Yogesh K. Gandhi

To Dr. Yogesh Gandhi, fighting cancer is truly a life passion. He has been providing quality oncology and hematology care in the Tri-Cities area for the past 14 years. Along with treating patients, this experienced and highly regarded oncologist has been very involved in cancer awareness and public education events in the Tri-Cities area. He's been an active participant in the American Cancer Society's local Relay for Life events. And on the clinical side, he played a major role in helping John Randolph Medical Center get its first-ever accreditation by the American College of Surgeons. An oncologist serving our Tri-Cities patients, Dr. Gandhi is board certified in medical oncology. He has a particular interest in helping patients with lung, colon and breast cancer, as well as hematologic malignancies like lymphoma. Dr. Gandhi earned his Bachelor of Medicine at the M.S. University of Baroda in India, and he completed his residency and internship in internal medicine at the University Of Illinois College Of Medicine at Chicago. In 1997, he completed his fellowship in hematology/oncology at Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. He began his career as assistant clinical professor at Medical College of Virginia (VCU), where he also worked in Massey Cancer Center's community outreach program. From there, he relocated to Owensboro, Kentucky, to work as a hematologist/oncologist. He returned to the Tri-Cities area in 2000. When he is not working with patients to improve their lives, Dr. Gandhi is most likely spending time with his wife and three daughters, playing tennis or table tennis, or taking part in cultural and community activities.

Yuvraj Choudhary

Dr. Choudhary is first and foremost an advocate for his patients. He marries a commanding expertise in oncological research and uncompromising approach to treatment with a genuinely comforting bedside demeanor. He believes in integrating multidisciplinary care backed with leading-edge research in order to provide his patients with world-class care. To that end, he works tirelessly to bring new treatment options to the table for his patients-each of whom he views as unique and irreplaceable. Dr. Choudhary began his education at the Armed Forces Medical College at Pune University in Pune, India, graduating with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery in 1992. Dr. Choudhary is very proud to have had the honor of serving veterans and active-duty troops during his training. After nearly a decade working and training in New Delhi, Dr. Choudhary relocated to the United States to complete his residency in internal medicine at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH, in 2012 and a fellowship in hematology-oncology at Case Western Reserve University in 2015. He is a member of the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Oncology, the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation, the American Association for Cancer Research, and the American College of Physicians. In his free time, Dr. Choudhary enjoys traveling, photography, and playing cricket.