To contact us about the doctors of Oncology Specialists, fill out the form below.
Oncology Specialists, S.C.
Lutheran General Advanced Care Center
1700 Luther Ln
Park Ridge, Illinois 60068
866-611-1991
Map and Directions
Oncology Specialists, S.C.
Oak Mill Center
7900 Milwaukee Ave Ste 16
Niles, Illinois 60714
866-611-1991
Map and Directions
Main & after hours phone numbers
for all locations:
P: 866-611-1991
F: 847-318-2905
Exceptional Doctors Provide Exceptional Care
As in all physician practices, our doctors are at the core of our services; they are the leaders of our clinical team and they set the standards by which we serve our patients.
Jacob D. Bitran, M.D., F.A.C.P., F.C.C.P.
Personal Statement
I decided to become a hematologist/oncologist in 1973. I was a first-year resident at Michael Reese Medical Center and my career choice was influenced by Dr. Richard Desser, one of the smartest men I have ever met. I was attracted to this specialty because it was new, constantly changing, and it is one of the few specialties in internal medicine where we have the ability to actually cure patients. For me there is no greater satisfaction than telling a patient that they are cured and giving them their life back. Even if curing the patient is not an attainable goal, knowing that I have prolonged a person’s life and hopefully maintained an optimal quality of life is very satisfying.
Working for Oncology Specialists affords me the opportunity to provide high quality, patient-focused care; if I were ill, this is the type of practice I would want to be treated in. I would want an environment that is friendly, cordial, and focused on my physical and psychological needs. For me, Oncology Specialists is my home away from home and there is no better working environment I have found here.
Summary
Director, Division of Hematology/ Oncology, Lutheran General Hospital
Dr. Bitran serves as consultant to the editorial boards of numerous professional journals and is a current or past member of over two dozen national cancer committees. He has published more than 100 articles, written chapter-length pieces in numerous book-length clinical and professional treatises, and has written nearly 200 monographs, letters, and abstracts on cancer and related clinical matters. Dr. Bitran has held numerous academic appointments, including professor of medicine at the University of Chicago. He is an acknowledged expert in the areas of bone marrow transplantation and lung cancer.
Residency
Michael Reese Hospital
Fellowship
University of Chicago, Hematology/Oncology
Walter Fried, M.D.
Personal Statement
My father was a doctor, and my mother seemed always to assume that her son would be a doctor, too. Therefore, I believe that I knew that I would be a doctor before I knew how to speak, and I have never regretted that choice.
By the time I was 19 years old and in my last year of premed, I had the good fortune to be working under the supervision of Dr. Leon Jacobson (who was then the Chief of Hematology at the University of Chicago) on a research project that would occupy much of my thoughts and efforts for the next 40 years. My choice to become a hematologist was determined before I entered medical school.
In the almost half a century since I graduated from medical school, I have been blessed with a varied career, which has included full time basic research, military medicine (I was drafted and spent two years as a Navy doctor), volunteer medicine in Third World countries, and administrative responsibilities in academic institutions. I have, however, never stopped practicing clinical hematology. I always looked forward to interactions with my patients, working with them through the very difficult problems that their illnesses pose and sharing the joys that come with successful outcomes.
Since its inception, I have been part of the practice of Oncology Specialists, S.C. and I am so grateful to have landed with this group of people, who are committed to providing optimal front line care to their patients in a most compassionate and collegial atmosphere. We do this while maintaining a commitment to research and teaching. I intend to continue my professional career with this remarkable group until I retire.
Summary
Member, Division of Hematology/ Oncology, Lutheran General Hospital and Rush North Shore Hospital
Dr. Fried has published scores of papers, articles, and monographs, and has held several academic appointments at Chicago-area medical schools, including Professor of Medicine and Vice-Dean at Rush University Medical School. He has served on numerous medical society boards, including as President of the International Society for Experimental Hematology and the Chicago Society of Internal Medicine. Dr. Fried has also presented at many symposia and contributed chapters to numerous texts.
Dr. Fried recently received the American Society of Hematology’s Exemplary Service Award for his career-long contributions to that organization in numerous capacities.
Residency
University of Chicago
Fellowship
University of Chicago, Hematology/Oncology
Angel Gálvez, M.D., Ph.D.
Personal Statement
I strongly believe that receiving good health care is a human right. Thus, I work hard to provide state-of-the-art medical care with compassion and a very personal human touch.
Summary
Member, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Lutheran General Hospital
Dr. Gálvez trained in hematology and oncology at St Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, an affiliate hospital of Columbia University in New York City. He is currently an assistant professor of medicine at Rush University and was the co-founder and medical director of the Latino Cancer Institute. He has been a member of the National Medical Advisory Committee of the Y-Me National Breast Cancer Organization™, and has published numerous articles and abstracts. He’s especially interested in the study and management of patients with hemorrhagic or thrombotic disorders as well as the care of patients with hematological malignancies and myeloproliferative disorders.
Residency
Long Island College Hospital, SUNY, New York, NY
Fellowship
St Luke’s Roosevelt Hospital, Columbia University, New York, NY
Sigrun Hallmeyer, M.D.
Personal Statement
I was born and grew up in East Berlin. I underwent the common 10-year school education and was elected to attend the extended school to prepare to study at the university. But under the common laws of the socialistic system, and in spite of my meeting the requirements for admission to medical school, I was not allowed to pursue my wish to study medicine because I came from an “academic family” (I was the daughter of a physician and an engineer) and because my older sister had already been admitted to the university to study medicine.
Due to my limited opportunities, when I turned 18 I escaped, risking my life, to Frankfurt, where I qualified for medical school in the West German system. After the fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989, I moved back to my family in Berlin and was accepted to the medical faculty of the Humboldt University of Berlin.
I was always drawn to the field of oncology. As a student, I spent many nights as an assisting nurse at the oncology ward and was exposed to the clinical and emotional challenges which patients with cancer face. I developed a deep desire to make a difference, and I started a research project investigating novel methodologies for the early detection of cancer relapse.
I also visited the United States for several clinical clerkships and was impressed with the high level of academic education as well as the administration of medicine in this country. These rotations laid the foundation for my desire to pursue a career in America.
I joined Oncology Specialists in the summer of 2005. I am proud to be a member of a team of physicians and nurses who offer the highest quality of patient care. The atmosphere in the practice is very team oriented; everybody is focused on one common goal: provision of state-of-the-art, compassionate and complete care for all our patients and their family members.
I feel that I have the privilege of treating a very special group of patients, and I am honored to be able to provide help and support at a very difficult juncture in a patient’s life. By working here at Oncology Specialists, I feel that my childhood dream from East Germany has come true.
Summary
Member, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Lutheran General Hospital and Rush North Shore Medical Center
Dr. Hallmeyer attended medical school in Germany and then completed her residency training in internal medicine in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. She completed her Fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Illinois at Chicago.
Dr. Hallmeyer has done research in breast and prostate cancer. She has published work on lymphoma and prostate cancer and has presented her results at international meetings. Dr. Hallmeyer is experienced in the treatment of all types of cancer.
Residency
Pinnacle Health Hospitals, Harrisburg, PA
Fellowship
University of Illinois (Chicago), Hematology/Oncology
Arthur L. Hooberman, M.D.
Personal Statement
I chose medical oncology as a specialty for two reasons. First, our understanding of the biology of cancer has grown tremendously in the last 20 years. The causes of cancer used to be largely unknown, and the treatments we used were those that worked, even though we rarely understood why they worked. New therapies were developed mainly by trial and error. Now we understand much about the biological causes of cancer, and new therapies that use this knowledge are rapidly being brought to the clinic. Great strides are being made in the treatment of cancer, and this is an exciting time in oncology. Second, the relationship between an oncologist and a patient is a special one. I believe that we get to know our patients better than any other type of doctor, because we are dealing with such difficult issues. We get to know the whole person and often the family because of the time we spend with our patients and the nature of the diseases we treat.
Summary
Member, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Lutheran General Hospital and Rush North Shore Hospital
A frequent speaker at medical conferences, Dr. Hooberman has published many articles about the biology of leukemia and has served as Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago.
Residency
University of Michigan
Fellowship
University of Chicago, Hematology/ Oncology
Pamela E. Kaiser, M.D.
Personal Statement
I have often been asked why I chose to be an oncologist. I made this decision relatively early in my medical career, influenced by personal experiences and interactions with oncologists that occurred when close family members battled cancer. From these experiences, both good and bad, I was able to see what I would have wanted to know if I were a patient and how I would have preferred to be informed and treated.
As a result, I try very hard to make sure that a patient completely understands his or her diagnosis and that all options are clearly explained. I try to be as straightforward as possible because I realize that patients make many decisions based on our conversation. I want to develop a trusting relationship and not take anything for granted.
Cancer is one of the most frightening diagnoses that can be given to a patient. It changes one’s life forever in ways that may not be fully appreciated at first. I take seriously my task of explaining to a patient what a diagnosis means and how a particular case may best be treated. In the changing world of oncology, staying on top of the most current data is essential, because the constant progress allows us to provide even more hope to our patients. So the most current information is crucial to patients as they fight their cancer.
In working as an oncologist, I find that the team at Oncology Specialists is unique and special. It is made up of people who are dedicated to improving the lives of the patients they serve, and also dedicated to allowing the physicians to provide the best physical and psychological care possible. I am proud to be a part of the Oncology Specialists team.
Summary
Member, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Lutheran General Hospital and Rush North Shore Hospital
Dr. Kaiser completed fellowship training in hematology/oncology at the University of Illinois at Chicago and joined Oncology Specialists in 2001. She has expertise in many areas of hematology and oncology, including sarcoma as well as a specific interest in the management of breast cancer.
Residency
Lutheran General Hospital
Fellowship
University of Illinois at Chicago, Hematology/Oncology
Timothy M. Lestingi, M.D.
Summary
Member, Division of Hematology/ Oncology, Lutheran General Hospital and Rush North Shore Hospital
Dr. Lestingi has held academic appointments at the University of Chicago and has published several abstracts and articles on subjects related to clinical oncology.
Residency
Michael Reese Hospital
Fellowship
University of Chicago, Hematology/ Oncology
Daniel T. Milton, M.D.
Personal Statement
I chose to become a physician, and particularly a medical oncologist, because of the very human interaction this field provides between patients and their doctors, and because of the important scientific advances in the field which keep it interesting and provide hope for patients.
I chose to work at Oncology Specialists because it is unique in medical oncology. I get to take care of patients on a daily basis in a way that isn't possible in a purely academic setting; but at the same time I can continue an active participation in clinical research, which I hope will translate into benefits for my patients. And I get to do this at a great hospital.
It's nice to work alongside people who would be friends outside of the workplace. This place in unusual in the degree of friendship co-workers have for one another.
Summary
Member, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Lutheran General Hospital and Rush North Shore Medical Center
Residency
McGaw Medical Center, Northwestern University
Fellowship
Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Hematology/Oncology
Chadi Nabhan, M.D.
Personal Statement
Practicing in the disciplines of hematology and medical oncology allows me to be on the cutting edge of medicine and research. Cancer is rapidly becoming the most common cause of death in the United States, and directing our attention and resources to battling cancer will eventually be fruitful. Treating cancer patients is not only prescribing chemotherapy and ordering exams, it is also treating the whole human being.
The relationship among physicians in our practice is collegial and collaborative. Physicians at Oncology Specialists often present difficult cases to each other, which allows patients to benefit from more than one point of view. Also, this helps me to consider all of our group’s patients as my own, and helps us all provide better service to our patients, who may on occasion interact with a covering physician other than their own.
The relationship with any patient is a long-term one. I often say to my patients that we are in this for the long run, and we will become friends. I encourage patients to discuss any of their concerns with me at any time, and I am always available for them to address the issues that concern them. I believe that patients should be in charge, and that my role is to advise them as to the best course of action from among the choices available to them.
The most rewarding thing about being a physician is the ability to help people. Health is the most important item in anyone's life. When it is jeopardized, patients feel threatened, vulnerable, and afraid. Being there for them and being able to bring a smile to their face despite difficult times makes this profession the only one I would want to pursue for the rest of my career.
I enjoy working at Oncology Specialists because we believe in teamwork. Everyone's goal is to help patients, and we take pride in being able to do so.
Summary
Member, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Lutheran General Hospital and Rush North Shore Hospital
Dr. Nabhan completed fellowship training in hematology and medical oncology at Northwestern University in Chicago and joined Oncology Specialists in 2003. He currently holds an appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor at the Northwestern University School of Medicine.
Dr. Nabhan has special interests in malignant hematologic disorders as well as targeted therapies for solid tumors, leukemias, and lymphomas. He has published several articles and abstracts in those areas, some of which were presented at national meetings. Dr. Nabhan has also specific interest in prostate cancer, specifically in the development of novel therapies in advanced stages where therapeutic options are limited. He is an active member in the Oncology Specialists Research Institute and collaborates with other local and national investigators to develop clinical trials.
Residency
Loyola University of Chicago
Fellowship
Northwestern University Medical School
Academic Appointment
Assistant Clinical Professor, Northwestern University
Jon M. Richards, M.D., Ph.D.
Summary
Director, Biologics Response Modifier Program, Lutheran General Hospital Division of Hematology/ Oncology
Dr. Richards has held academic appointments at the University of Chicago, New York University, and Cornell University. He is currently an associate professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago. He routinely conducts grant-supported research projects of his own design and has published scores of articles, abstracts, and similar contributions to clinical research. He is a regional expert on the treatment of melanoma.
At this time, Dr. Richards accepts new patients with melanoma and related conditions exclusively.
Residency
University of Chicago
Fellowship
University of Chicago, Hematology / Oncology