808 North 39th Avenue,
Yakima, WA 98902 
(509)574-3400 Fax: (509)249-4458
Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Our Providers
Medical Oncology
Arthur Molina III, MD
Director of Medical Oncology at North Star LodgeMedical school:
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, TX
Residency:
Department of Internal Medicine
University of Texas Health Science Center
San Antonio, TX
Fellowship:
Fellow in Bone Marrow Transplantation and Hematology/Oncology
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
University of Washington School of Medicine,Seattle, WA
What inspired you to choose medicine? I chose medicine because I wanted to be able to help patients and their families navigate through cancer diagnosis. I have personal experience with loved ones cancer journeys, and I’ve always thought the oncologist played a very important role.
Why did you choose your specialty? I chose my specialty because I enjoy being an important part of a patient’s life. I’m involved with the patient as well as their family when it comes to diagnosing cancer.
What is your philosophy of care? To treat patients and their families the way that I would want my family members to be treated, and to treat patients as if they were family.
What do you like about Yakima? I came here to implement my knowledge and experience into the community. I speak Spanish, and feel that I can help the community. Interest in improving world health and helping patients with less access.
What do you like to do outside of work? I enjoy photography, country and ballroom dancing with my wife, and travelling.
What do you like about North Star Lodge? It’s a beautiful cancer center. I think it’s very focused on patients and taking care of their families. I think they have a very good team approach to patient care, in which everyone comes together from different specialties to solve problems as a team.
Mario Chenal, MD
OncologyPhilosophy of Care
Our patients are at the center of a team effort involving the family, support staff and health care providers. As a health care provider I intend to deliver good quality of care, using best available clinical evidence and compassionate manners. I consider a privilege to be a part of this team
Other specialties: Medical Oncology and Hematology
Medical school: Univ De San Carlos De Guatemala, 1989
Residency: St. Vincent Hospital Indianapolis, IN
Board-certified: American Board of Internal Medicine with subspecialty in medical oncology and hematology.
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
Supporting Specialists
General Surgery
Cascade Surgical Partners
Call: (509)575-3946
Fax: (509)225-6449
Address: 3003 Tieton Dr., Suite 300, Yakima, WA 98902 
View Web Page »
Meet Our Providers »
Pain Management
Water's Edge
Contact: (509) 574-3805
Fax: (509) 225-2717
Address: 1460 N. 16th Ave., Suite D, Yakima, WA 98902
View Web Page »
Meet Our Providers »
CANCER SURVIVORSHIP CONFERENCE
One Day . Survivors & Caregivers . Free To All.
As the leader of the cancer program at VMM in Yakima, I'd like to invite each and every one of you to participate in a free on-line Cancer Survivor's Conference this year on August 5th.
I came to Yakima from Pierce County, where we have held a free Annual Cancer Survivorship Conference each year for 13 years. This year, because of the Covid pandemic, the conference is being offered remotely to anyone who can register on-line. I invite you to join in and listen to the speakers and subjects that are interesting and helpful for you.
Although we would never have chosen to live through a pandemic, this remote conference is a great way to learn more about cancer survivorship and hear the experts on various topics from the comfort of your own home. Please invite friends and family members to register as well. May this conference be enlightening and empowering for everyone who participates. Thank you.
Announcements
Mask Requirements
To minimize the risk of spreading COVID-19, Virginia Mason Memorial (VMM) would like to remind all patients and visitors that masks are REQUIRED at all VMM facilities, including our clinics.
To conserve supplies, we request that all patients and visitors bring masks to their appointments. A limited number of reusable cloth masks, made by community members, will be available if you need one.
We also strongly encourage all community members to wear masks when in public &emdash; this is one of our best tools to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
NEW! May 7: What are we doing to keep cancer patients safe during COVID-19?
- Screening every patient for COVID-19 symptoms outside North Star Lodge
- Converting visits to telehealth, either on-site or from home
- Drawing labs from patients in their cars, when possible
- Segregating suspected COVID-19 patients on a separate floor
- Giving chemo and radiation treatment at the end of the work day to anyone with COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 infection to ensure patient safety and to allow for the space to be sanitized
- Sending all patients with COVID-19 symptoms for immediate screening
- Creating safe distancing between chemo chairs
- Converting exam rooms to individual chemotherapy rooms
- Conducting televisits in parking lot for patients needing technical assistance in the use of clinic iPads
- Increasing hydration and supportive care to reduce ED and hospital visits
- Putting in place same-day symptom management visits
- Providing masks to all visitors to the building
- Ensuring all staff working with patients wear masks
- Reducing the number of patients and staff in the clinic to ensure social distancing
NEW! Telehealth: Let us bring your Healthcare to you.
We are now offering Telehealth visits at all Virginia Mason Memorial clinics. These are typical appointments with your provider but from your home, work, or wherever is most convenient for you
Learn more about joining one of our providers for a Telehealth visit »
COVID-19 Resources For North Star Lodge Patients
Kaiser Health News: Fearing The Deadly Combo Of COVID-19 and Cancer »
How to Protect Yourself and Others »
Cómo protegerse y proteger a los demás »
What to do if you are at Higher Risk »
How to protect yourself and others »
Household Living in Close Quarters »
Familias que viven en espacios reducidos »
Vivir en una vivienda compartida »
Common Questions About COVID-19 and Cancer: Answers for Patients and Survivors »
Coronavirus 2019: What People With Cancer Need to Know »
Bench To Bedside: COVID-19 » COVID-19 Q&A for cancer patients featuring Dr. Joseph McGuirk, medical director of blood and marrow transplant and cellular therapeutics, and Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of infection control and prevention.
A Message to Patients With Cancer and Health Care Providers About COVID-19 »
Patient Care: Your questions about clinical care »
COVID-19 Provider & Practice Information »
Government, Reimbursement & Regulatory Updates »
