Our Providers
Medical Oncology
Mario Chenal, MD
Oncology
Philosophy 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.
Vicky Jones, MD
Director of Medical Oncology
Philosophy of Care
When I began working with people who have been diagnosed with cancer, I chose to approach the relationship with each patient directly, believing that it's best to always be honest with people. I believe in walking the path with my patients, in good times and bad.
Other specialties: Hematology and Oncology
Medical school: University of Iowa College of Medicine, 1983
Residency: University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, 1986
Board-certified: American Board of Internal Medicine with subspecialties in hematology and medical oncology.
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.
Coleen Foreman
Certified Physician's Assistant
What inspired you to choose medicine?
My love of science throughout high school and an old roommate and friend who took me with her to several nursing conferences so she wouldn’t have to go alone started my journey into medicine.
I was also the 2nd of 5 children and cared for my younger siblings growing up in a single parent home. So caregiving is in my blood and I’ve been doing it for 35 plus years. First as a nurse for 25 years and as a Physician Assistant for the past 10 plus years.
I guess you can say that caring for others is who I am and what I do best!
Why did you choose your specialty?
It chose me and I just had to wait a couple of years to find out why I needed to know more about cancer. My younger sister was diagnosed with stage IV colon cancer in 2014 and I was very glad I could guide her through her journey and answers many questions that her adult daughter and husband had along the way. They lived 2 states away and we were able to spend some quality family time together before she passed in 2017.
What is your philosophy of care?
I feel very strongly that a person is much more than their cancer, so I help as much as possible with other health and personal problems when needed.
I also feel it is imperative to listen to our patients and validate their feelings and concerns regarding their disease and the life changes that follow their cancer diagnosis.
What do you like about Yakima?
I moved to Yakima 21 years ago from southern California. I had enough of the big city and love having 4 seasons along with forests and mountains a short drive away. I like the slower pace and stronger family focused life I have experienced here over the past 2 decades.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love to spend time with my husband of 15 years (Ron) traveling and spending time at Rimrock Lake in our RV that has been parked year round at the same campground for 14 years now. Nature at its best just an hour away.
We joined a car club in town 12 years ago and have been on many road trips and developed lasting friendships along the way.
I also love all the fresh fruits and vegetables this valley has to offer.
There is no shortage of things to do and places to go living in Yakima. The big city is just a few hours away when the need strikes to shop or see the ocean!
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
Robert Conroy, MD
Medical school: Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC
Residency: Wake Forest University Medical Center/North Carolina Baptist Hospital
Board Certification: American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
Dr. Conroy has had a surgical practice in Yakima since 1997 with an emphasis on laparoscopic abdominal surgery, general abdominal surgery colon cancer, breast cancer, thyroid, parathyroid and hernia repair.
John Kisala, MD
Medical school: University of Illinois College of Medicine
Residency: University of Illinois, Metropolitan Group Hospitals, Chicago
Board Certification: American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
His general surgery practice emphasizes breast cancer, general abdominal surgery, laparoscopic surgery, colon cancer, hernia repair and surgical diseases of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
Matt Silva, DO
Medical school: Edward Via Virginia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Residency: Oklahoma State University Medical Center
Peter Young, MD
Medical school: University of North Carolina (UNC), Chapel Hill
Residency: Wake Forest University/Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC
Board Certification: American Board of Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons
His general surgery practice emphasizes general abdominal surgery, laparoscopic surgery, breast cancer, colon cancer, hernia surgery and surgical diseases of the thyroid and parathyroid glands.
Pain Management
Henry Kim, MD
Medical school: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Residency: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Board Certification: Internal Medicine, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and in Pain Management
Joe Young Kim, MD
Medical school: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Residency: Columbia Univ. Col. of Phy. & Surg
Specialty: Pain Management
Daniel Kwon, MD
Dr Kwon was chief resident from 2004 to 2005. He capped his education with a fellowship in Anesthesiology pain management in 2006 and began practicing as attending physician at Desert Pain Care and El Mirador Surgery Center in Palm Springs and at LLU Medical Center's Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Management.
Medical school: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Residency: Loma Linda University School of Medicine
Board Certification: Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation and Pain Medicine