Siva Mannem, MD, Oncology

Medical Oncology

Philosophy of Care

Take care of the patient and the rest will follow. It's really tough to envision yourself in the patient's role, especially with cancer.

Medical school: Osmania Medical College, NTR University of Health Sciences, Hyderabad, India

Residency: Internal Medicine, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas

Fellowship: Medical Oncology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, Texas

Sri Obulareddy,  MD

Medical Oncology

Medical school: Andhra Medical College, Dr. NTR University of Health Sciences, AP, India, 1999-2004

Residency: Internal Medicine, the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas, 2011-2014; Hematology and Oncology, Yashoda Cancer and Multispecialty Center, Hyderabad, India, 2004-2006.

Fellowship: Medical Oncology, the University of Texas Medical Branch, 2014-2016.

What inspired you to choose medicine? That’s all I wanted to do as far as I can remember.

Why did you choose your specialty? I worked for two years in oncology after medical school. In oncology I was talking to the patients and their families, and I knew this is what I wanted to do. Oncology is not about just about treating the patients, it’s about treating families, too.

What is your philosophy of care? Providing compassionate care. Also, we need to listen to our patients, what they want, and then provide them with the best individualized care.

What do you like about Yakima? I like everything about Yakima. Our house has a beautiful valley view.

What do you like to do outside of work? I like exploring the outdoors; hiking and fishing. We also travel a lot. My sister is in Holland, and my parents are in India.

What do you like about North Star? Everybody’s so wonderful there. Who wouldn’t want to work at North Star? It’s all integrated; radiation and oncology. If you need somebody they’re just next door or downstars. It’s very approachable, and everybody’s so down to earth and easy to work with.

William Rubin, MD

Medical Oncology

Medical school: Washington University School of Medicine

Residency: University of Arizona Health Sciences Center

Fellowship: Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Fran Hull

ARNP

Education:

Gonzaga University

Spokane, WA

Residency: I completed clinical rotations for my Family Nurse Practitioner education at the Yakima County Jail, Yakima Valley Farmworker’s Clinic, and the free clinic at Union Gospel Mission in Yakima.

Fellowship:  I completed a LEND (leadership and education in neurodevelopmental and related disabilities) training program through the University of Washington. Here I developed an understanding of the many biopsychosocial challenges that our community members with physical, mental, or intellectual disabilities face in our society, and a passion for advocating for equal opportunities.

What inspired you to choose medicine? I love chess, and I love nursing. Being a nurse practitioner is a process much like the game of chess in that I get to consider many different aspects of the patient, and use these clues and bits of information to find the best plan of action to reach the goal.

Why did you choose your specialty? My specialty chose me. I wasn’t sure where I was going to go after finishing my Master’s Degree, and I found North Star Lodge. I spoke with team members, researched the field, and ultimately determined that the field of oncology and I are well-suited. Oncology is intellectually stimulating and my experience in mental and behavioral health is an important component in the biopsychosocial care of my clients.

What is your philosophy of care? My favorite model of care is “biopsychosocial care.” This model of care focuses on the:

“Bio”- Referring to the physical illness.

“Psycho”- Is the mental health piece.

“Social”- Does the client have everything they need in their home life and relationships?

My goal is to address each of these with every client, and help them access resources as needed.

What do you like about Yakima? I like that we have White Pass Ski resort located so nearby. We have great cultural diversity in our community, and we have sunshine almost year-round.

What do you like to do outside of work? Outside of work I spend my time skiing, volunteering, and enjoying pickleball and softball with my kids and my husband, Derek. I also enjoy a good nap and a good cup of coffee!

What do you like about North Star? I like that they try and create a really welcoming place for care. The multidisciplinary framework enables the patients to have good, quality, holistic care.

Lea Jackson

ARNP

Education: Master’s of Science in Nursing / Family Nurse Practitioner, Indiana University, Indianapolis, Indiana, 2018. Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing, Indiana University, 2010.

What inspired you to choose medicine?  I grew up wanting to be a nurse, this was reaffirmed when I helped care for my aunt who had breast cancer while I was pursuing my nursing degree.  Her vulnerable during that time was eye-opening and has resonated with me since that time.

Why did you choose to become an advanced registered nurse practitioner? I became an NP to be in a better position to educate my patients, be a patient advocate, help coordinate disciplines to work together on the patient’s behalf, and help patients navigate the healthcare system with greater ease.

What is your philosophy of care? It’s to be a team with the patient. I like to work with other disciplines in collaboration on behalf of the patient.

What do you like about Yakima? This is home. I grew up in Prosser. I love being with my family again.

What do you like to do outside of work? I love being outdoors; hike, ski, and ride my bike. I like to read, am involved in a number of volunteer organizations and enjoy spending time with my family.

Alicia Wright

ARNP

Education: Maryville University, St. Louis, MO, master’s of science in nursing / adult geriatric nurse practitioner, May 2018; South Dakota State University, Brookings, S.D., bachelor’s of science in nursing 2012.

Why did you choose your specialty? I was going to be an occupational therapist, but then my daughter got leukemia when she was 18 months old. That’s when I said I definitely want to be in nursing -- and certainly oncology. When my daughter was a patient the nursing staff was like family.

What is your philosophy of care? I keep it patient and family centered. The family can be easily forgotten, but it’s important to include them.

What do you like about Yakima? I love the orchards and the vineyards, and that you’re not in a big city but near one. Also the ocean isn’t that far away.

What do you like to do outside of work? Our whole family likes to drag race, so I’m looking forward to going to the races here and finding a car to race.

Sara Wisner

Nurse Practitioner

Cheryl Davison MD

Director, Radiation Oncology

Philosophy of Care

I chose the specialty of Radiation Oncology because it combines my interest in technology with my desire to help patients, to fight their disease and become cancer survivors. I chose to join North Star to work with the wonderful dedicated staff, in a nurturing environment, with the support of excellent technology.

Other specialties: Oncology

Medical school: Michigan State University 1986

Residency: Duke University Hospital 1990

Board-certified: Am Bd Radiology (Radiation Oncology)

Steven P. Register MD

Radiation Oncology

Philosophy Of Care:

The heart of my medical philosophy is to offer individualized patient care. Having worked in a private cancer care center AND in a public hospital, I know that one approach doesn't fit every situation -patients are unique and each have different challenges to be met.

Medical school: The Ohio State University College of Medicine, 2008

Residency: Radiation Oncology, University of Miami, 2014

Board Certified: The American Board of Radiology, 2015

Ellis Ziel MD

Radiation Oncology

Philosophy Of Care:

I believe in a patient-centered approach to cancer care and welcome the active input from patients and families on how to design a care plan that best fits their needs. I find that the more a patient understands about the complex disease process of cancer, the more motivated they are in fighting the disease. I'm so proud to be a part of North Star Lodge; we have a great team-based approach which supports the overall health and well-being of our patients. Having radiation oncology and medical oncology/hematology services located under one roof at North Star Lodge is such a benefit for our patients. I can walk right across the building to meet with other medical experts regarding treatment coordination and care instead of calling or emailing another facility for information. This is patient-centered care at its best.

Medical school: University of Alabama, 2009

Residency: Rush University Medical Center, Radiation Oncology, Chicago Il, 2014

Fellowship: University of California, Los Angeles, 2015

Board Certified: The American Board of Radiology, 2015