Please join us in welcoming Sumaira Zareef, MD, MPH to the team of physicians at Hematology Oncology Associates.

Dr. Zareef has always found it rewarding to care for patients in underserved communities, where access to high-quality medical care is often limited. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she worked as an emergency medical hospitalist in The Bronx, caring for patients during that extraordinarily challenging time. “I gained a deep appreciation for compassionate, accessible healthcare in that environment,” says Dr. Zareef.

Subsequently trained as a Hematology Oncology physician in rural Eastern North Carolina, Dr. Zareef cared for patients facing significant barriers to specialized treatments. Throughout her career, Dr. Zareef has had the privilege of working with patients across the nation, including in New York City, Houston, and North Carolina.

“I am so grateful to continue this journey here in Oregon” says Dr. Zareef. “I find it incredibly rewarding to care for patients who are living with a cancer diagnosis. I consider myself fortunate to be part of their journey during what can be some of the most challenging times in their lives. For me, caring for these patients goes beyond simply following standard guidelines. It’s about listening to each individual, understanding what matters most to them, and developing a thoughtful, personalized plan that aligns with their values and priorities. Partnering with patients in this way, and helping guide them through their treatment journey, is one of the most meaningful aspects of what I do.”

Dr. Zareef feels called to work with patients facing acute and chronic blood disorders and cancer. “Despite all the changes in modern medical technology, my work gives me the opportunity to connect with people. I do my best to make a difference.”

After finishing her Hematology Oncology fellowship, Dr. Zareef moved to Southern Oregon to join HOA. “I was looking for a place where I could serve patients while also having quality time with family members living in the Pacific Northwest.”

Please join us in welcoming Heather Hayes, APRN, FNP-C to the team of advance care providers at Hematology Oncology Associates.

Heather joins HOA as a Family Nurse Practitioner. Heather previously worked as a nephrology Registered Nurse in a chronic outpatient hemodialysis setting. This experience allowed her to care for patients with complex, chronic conditions and taught Heather the importance of continuity of care, patient education, and interdisciplinary collaboration. “But even more important,” Heather believes, “is building a trusting relationship with my patients and their families.”

“My passion for oncology is both personal and deeply meaningful,” says Heather. “I’ve experienced the loss of family members and close friends to cancer. This has given me a personal understanding of the profound impact a cancer diagnosis can have on both patients and their loved ones.”

Heather’s connection to oncology began early in life through her mother, who worked as an outpatient oncology nurse for nearly 20 years. “Growing up with my mom’s perspective gave me a unique appreciation for the compassion, strength, and dedication needed to caring for people navigating cancer. These experiences have shaped my desire to provide meaningful support to patients and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.”

At the heart of Heather’s approach to patient care is the belief that she is caring for a person, not simply treating a diagnosis. “I want my patients to feel heard, respected, informed, and supported. I believe being a good Family Nurse Practitioner means not only providing thoughtful, evidence-based care, but also being present, listening without judgment, advocating for my patients, and taking the time to make sure they understand their treatment. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact we can make is simply taking an extra moment to answer a question, provide reassurance, or remind someone that they don’t have to navigate their healthcare journey alone.”

Heather was drawn to HOA because of the opportunity to care for patients and families who need a compassionate, knowledgeable, and attentive advocate throughout their cancer journey. She works with a team dedicated to providing exceptional, patient-centered hematology and oncology care. “I look forward to learning from my colleagues, to continue to growing as an advanced practice provider, and to build meaningful relationships with the patients who entrust me with their care.”

Please join us in welcoming Tariq Khreis, MD to the team of physicians at Hematology Oncology Associates.

After a residency at Albany Medical College in New York, Dr. Khreis performed his fellowship in Hematology / Oncology at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in Oklahoma City. During his fellowship, Dr. Khreis participated in a study that highlights how Native American populations respond to immunotherapy treatment for various cancers.

“Being able to take care of cancer patients is profoundly moving,” says Dr. Khreis. “I’ve always known I wanted to take care of this population. I am here to listen to patients first and foremost, and address their needs. I will guide them through their journey and be with them every step of the way.”

A culture of cooperation is important to Dr. Khreis. “I’m thankful to be at Hematology Oncology Associates,” says Dr. Khreis. “Everyone is so genuine here. The clinic works above and beyond to help me address the needs of my patients.”

Outside the office, Dr. Khreis enjoys CrossFit and he works out almost every day.
He appreciates all the outdoor activities Southern Oregon has to offer and he’s been busy exploring the many hiking trails in and around the valley.

Please join us in welcoming Susan E. Smith, MD to the team of physicians at Hematology Oncology Associates.

Dr. Smith performed her internal medicine internship and residency at the University of Arizona Health Sciences Center. She earned her oncology fellowship from the University of Arizona Cancer Center.

“Cancer care requires navigating an intersection of rapidly changing science, and uniquely individual human experiences,” says Dr. Smith. “It is an honor to assist in the care of patients with cancer.”

Please join us in welcoming Radhika Gali, MD to the team of physicians at Hematology Oncology Associates.

Dr. Gali’s interest in medicine began when she was young. Encouraged by her parents, Radhika aspired to become the first physician in her family. Her journey was shaped by diverse experiences, including studying medicine in a foreign country. She adopted a “want to learn” mindset which continues to this day.

Significant progress has been made in the field of oncology, especially in the availability of personalized treatment plans. This has only intensified Dr. Gali’s motivation to practice oncology: “I want fight this battle on the front lines.”

A cancer diagnosis and treatment can be emotionally and physically challenging. The level of trust that a cancer patient places in their physician is immense. It takes a considerable amount of self-assurance to provide patients with the empathy and education they require.

“Receiving a cancer diagnosis is one of the most frightening and devastating experiences anyone can face,” says Dr. Gali. “I strive to provide compassionate, personalized care that addresses each patient’s individual needs.” She also recognizes the importance of clear and effective communication with patients and their families. “I work hard to ensure that everyone fully understands the diagnosis, treatment options, and potential outcomes.”

Being a physician, mother, and wife, Dr. Gali was seeking to become part of a community of healthcare providers that offered a supportive environment, and she found just that at Hematology Oncology Associates. After living and working in the hustle and bustle of New York City for seven years, Radhika and her husband fell in love with the Rogue Valley upon their first visit. “The natural beauty of Oregon, the welcoming community, and convenient lifestyle are unparalleled. It is the ideal location to raise our children, pursue our careers, and lay down roots.”

Hematology Oncology Associates (HOA) has partnered with Asante to provide our patients with additional services, such as clinical trials, nurse navigators, and better access for covering care for those who are underinsured or uninsured. This new partnership went into effect January 1, 2022. HOA staff become Asante employees but HOA providers will remain independent. Your HOA doctor will continue care for you in the Asante hematology oncology clinics inside the new Mary and Dick Heimann Cancer Center at Asante Rogue Regional Medical Center in Medford, and the newly expanded Helen K. Spears Cancer Center at Asante Three Rivers Medical Center in Grants Pass.

You and your caregivers will receive many benefits from HOA and Asante joining together in your cancer care, including easy coordination among your primary care physician and cancer specialists. Your oncology teams will have greater access to other hospital specialists and can communicate your critical information faster. A treatment plan is created especially for you by a multidisciplinary team of specialists who meet regularly to review newly diagnosed cases. You will also have greater access to nurse navigators, social workers, dietitians, financial counselors, and genetic counseling. BothAsante and HOA contract with the same insurance plans.

We hope you will take advantage of the availability of additional resources and increased services offered throughout your cancer care journey with HOA and Asante. Please visit the Hematology Oncology Associates website and the Asante Cancer Care page for more information about our partnership.

Please join us in welcoming Pragathi Balakrishna, MD to the team of physicians at Hematology Oncology Associates.

Dr. Balakrishna graduated from medical school and earned a Masters in Pharmacology and Therapeutics from two prestigious medical colleges in India. She was awarded for her stellar research and academic performance, graduating at the top of her university’s program.

While studying in India, Dr. Balakrishna participated in a polio immunization campaign that provided polio vaccine to children under 5 years with the ultimate goal of eradicating polio in India.

Dr. Balakrishna became a resident at the Orange Park Medical Center in Florida where she won the American College of Physicians (ACP) Adult Immunization and Quality Improvement competition which seeks to increase the rates of adult immunization through education. Dr. Balakrishna completed her fellowship in Hematology and Oncology from the University of Oklahoma Health Science Center in Oklahoma City.

Pragathi has always wanted help people. Her uncle and close friend’s mother are physicians, and she was inspired by them to become a doctor. “Cancer patients are the strongest and most resilient people. Helping them is very satisfying to me. My patients help make me a better person by teaching empathy and humility.”

Pragathi and her husband visited southern Oregon for the first time in 2013. They loved the surroundings and outdoor activities, especially hiking with their kids. Every day, Dr. Balakrishna endeavors to make a difference in both her personal and professional life. “I believe in patient-oriented healthcare,” says Pragahthi. “I strive to provide compassionate and comprehensive cancer care to each one of my patients.”

At Hematology Oncology Associates, it’s our mission to guide and support you and your family through the challenges of cancer and blood disorders.

We are here to:

• Help you understand your diagnosis.
• Provide you with access to the latest treatments
• Develop a customized treatment strategy just for you.
• Coordinate all aspects of your treatment, both in our facility and with other specialists.
• Advocate on your behalf when working with health insurance companies.
• Refer you to financial and drug assistance programs.

If there’s anything further you need, please let us know how we can help.

Please join us in welcoming Sara Matar, MD to the team of physicians at Hematology Oncology Associates.

After graduating with honors from the prestigious American University of Beirut, Dr. Matar was a resident at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC), where she was elected as the best resident scholar by her peers, and inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society. During her training, Dr. Matar was invited to serve on the executive board of Women in Medicine, as well as the American College of Medical Quality, MUSC chapters.

After completing her fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the National Cancer Institute designated Hollings Cancer Center in Charleston, South Carolina, Dr. Matar returned to Oregon to be closer to her family.

“The team at Hematology Oncology Associates is incredible,” says Dr. Matar. “They immediately made me feel right at home. I’m truly honored to be part of this fantastic group of providers.”

Dr. Matar believes in the importance of staying up-to-date with the most recent cancer studies and she is passionate about contributing her skills to improve cancer care both locally and abroad. She is currently collaborating with a national consortium studying ways to improve the care of cancer patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. The most recent results from the study were published in the prestigious scientific paper The Lancet.

Sara became a doctor because of her desire to advocate for cancer patients during what may be one of the most difficult times of their lives. “I feel honored to be given the opportunity to take care of my patients. My goal is to help build a personalized treatment plan that’s focused on their needs, while following the most current therapy guidelines. I want to help each patient understand their options, and provide them with state-of-the-art care. Together, we focus not only on treating the cancer, but alleviating symptoms and healing them as a whole person.”

Dr. Matar’s philosophy is best summarized by one of her patients who said: “Any healthcare provider can give medical advice, but Dr. Sara does it with compassion, genuine care, and a smile that gives me hope.”

We are honored to have Emre Koca, MD join the team of physicians at Hematology Oncology Associates.

After graduating from Hacettepe University Medical School, the top medical program in Turkey, Dr. Koca completed his residency at Weiss Memorial Hospital at the University of Illinois in Chicago and became board certified in Internal Medicine. He then served as the chief Hematology-Oncology fellow at Houston Methodist Hospital in Texas.

During his training, Dr. Koca was selected for the ASCO/AACR Workshop in 2019, the most competitive and prestigious workshop for clinical trial development. He also advocated for cancer patients in the Texas legislature.

Dr. Koca has multiple publications in prestigious journals, he has presented at national oncology meetings, and he received prestigious awards during his training, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology merit award, and the outstanding fellow of the year award from the Texas Society of Clinical Oncology.

Emre enjoys developing long-lasting, trustworthy, empathetic connections with his patients. A multidisciplinary approach to making decisions in intricate situations and staying up-to-date with the ongoing discovery of new therapeutic approaches is what motivates him every day.

“Each patient has right to receive a highly personalized standard of care,” says Dr. Koca. “As the famous Sir William Osler once said, ‘the good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease.’ I strive to be that great physician.”

Dr. Koca grew up in Turkey, and trained to be a cancer care provider in the Midwest and Texas. After completing his training, “it was time to change the scenery,” says Emre. “Being an outdoorsy person and married to a geology engineer, it was not hard for me to choose the Pacific Northwest, join Hematology Oncology Associates, and live in this beautiful, welcoming community.”