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Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematlogy Medical Group at the California Cancer and Research Institute

Physicians

Diablo Valley Oncology / Hematology Medical Group physicians and nurse practitioners provide to each and every patient high quality, compassionate medical care. While strongly committed to aggressive, innovative cancer therapies and often recommending clinical trials, they and the entire staff also emphasize individualization of care, utilizing multiple supportive and complementary therapies.

 

“I believe that treatment of the whole patient, as well as the disease, is crucial. While firmly committed to advancing the science of oncology, including cutting-edge research, I also integrate wellness into treatment planning, including diet, exercise, and emotional support. Our new state-of-the-art center easily allows for a comprehensive patient care approach so that we can deliver the very best, compassionate cancer care available.”

Matthew N. Sirott, M.D.
Dr. Sirott was born and raised outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from a six-year medical program, receiving his B.A. from Lehigh University and his M.D. from the Medical College of Pennsylvania. After completing a three-year residency in Internal Medicine at Montefiore Medical Center of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City, he completed his oncology fellowship at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and his hematology training at New York Hospital, Cornell University Medical Center.

Dr. Mathew Sirott

Dr. Sirott has been in private practice in Walnut Creek since 1992. He founded Diablo Valley Oncology / Hematology Medical Group and continues to serve as the President and CEO. Under his leadership in 2008, Diablo Valley Oncology opened the state-of-the-art California Cancer and Research Institute, in which all cancer treatment services can be delivered in one location, greatly simplifying a patient's course of therapy. Therapies available include chemotherapy and immunotherapy infusion, radiation therapy, diagnostic imaging, research and patient services.

At John Muir Medical Center, Dr. Sirott is the Chairman of the Pharmacy & Therapeutics Committee. After serving for fourteen years, he recently resigned as the Chairman the Cancer Committee and Director of Oncology, to allow more time for development of the comprehensive services available at the California Cancer and Research Institute. Dr. Sirott is on the board of the Bay Area Cancer Research Group and is a principal investigator participating in research and clinical trials.

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JOHN MUIR AFFILIATIONS/APPOINTMENTS:

1998 - present

Chairman, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA

1992 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

1992 - present

John Muir Physician Network

2001 - 2008

Chairman, Cancer Steering Committee, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA

1994 - 2008

Chairman, Cancer Committee, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA

1992 - 2007

Principal Investigator, John Muir Medical Center, SWOG, Walnut Creek, CA

1992 - 1998

Director, Bone Marrow Transplant Program, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA

CERTIFICATIONS: board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology
and board eligible in Hematology

MEMBERSHIPS:
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO)
Alameda/Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA)
American Medical Association (AMA)

FACILITY PRIVELEGES: John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses,
and the San Ramon Regional Medical Center

SPECIALITY: Genitourinary cancers and cancers of the central nervous system. Also specializes in general oncology and hematological disorders.

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“My goal as a physician at Diablo Valley Oncology and Hematology is to provide advanced care in a supportive environment. I enjoy spending as much time as possible with my patients developing a partnership of understanding, respect and trust.”

Robert L. Robles, M.D.
Dr. Robles was born in Philippi, West Virginia and raised in Tucson, Arizona. He graduated with a B.A. in Chemistry from Pomona College in Claremont, California and received his M.D. from Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His internship and residency were completed at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and Pennsylvania State University in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Following this he completed his fellowship in Medical Oncology / Hematology at the University of California at San Francisco where he also served as a Clinical Instructor. He has been a clinical assistant professor at both UCSF and San Francisco General Hospital. He is principal/secondary author of eleven original manuscripts and publications and two book chapters.

Dr. Robles has been in private practice since 1997 and is a senior partner at Diablo Valley Oncology / Hematology Medical Group, located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill which specializes in comprehensive, cutting edge treatment of all forms of cancer and blood disorders.

Currently, Dr. Robles serves as Co-Director and is a principal investigator of Bay Area Cancer Research Group. He is Chairman of the Oncology Section at John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek Campus and speaks frequently to the local medical community on cancer related topics.

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JOHN MUIR AFFILIATIONS/APPOINTMENTS:

2007 - present

Principal Investigator, SWOG, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA

6/06 - present

Chair, Oncology Section, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus

1/99 - present

Chair, Institutional Review Committee, John Muir Medical Center

1997 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

1997 - present

John Muir Physician Network

2/98 - 1/99

Institutional Review Committee, John Muir Medical Center

CERTIFICATIONS: Board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology and Hematology

MEMBERSHIPS:
American Society of Hematology (ASH)
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Alameda/Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA)
Advisory Board of the Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO)

FACILITY PRIVELEGES: John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses, and the San Ramon Regional Medical Center

SPECIALITY: Hematologic cancers, lymphomas, blood and clotting disorders

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“I practice with compassion and respect while aggressively treating your disease state. Together we discuss all medical options for your treatment plan, weighing all pros and cons, and then selecting the best approach for your lifestyle and your individual needs. I view our relationship as a long term partnership with the ultimate goal of achieving the best possible clinical outcome utilizing the most up-to-date, scientific data available. I encourage my patients to practice healthy living with appropriate nutrition and to embrace complimentary therapies that can make an emotional difference in your well-being.”

Jewel Johl, M.D.
Dr. Johl graduated with a B.S. degree in Biochemistry from University of California at Davis and received his M.D. from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine, as well as his fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology at University of California, Davis Medical Center in Sacramento. He is the principal/secondary author of numerous original manuscripts and publications.

Dr. Johl has been in private practice since 2005 and is a partner at Diablo Valley Oncology / Hematology Medical Group located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill which specializes in comprehensive, cutting edge treatment of all forms of cancer and blood disorders.

Dr. Johl speaks frequently to the local medical community on cancer related topics and is an investigator participating in research and clinical trials for the Bay Area Cancer Research Group at the California Cancer and Research Institute.

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JOHN MUIR AFFILIATIONS/APPOINTMENTS:

6/09 - present

Member, Utilization Review Committee, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA

2005 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

2005 - present

John Muir Physician Network

CERTIFICATIONS: Board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology and Hematology

MEMBERSHIPS:
American Society of Hematology (ASH)
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO)
Alameda/Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA)

FACILITY PRIVELEGES: John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses,
and the San Ramon Regional Medical Center

SPECIALITY: Gastrointestinal and colorectal cancers. Also specializes in benign and malignant hematologic diseases, lung cancer and general oncology.

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“My approach to patient care involves treating the whole person. I find it important to address not only your medical needs, but your emotional and psychological ones as well. In addition to focusing on treatment of the disease, I think it is equally crucial to urge my patients to lead a healthy life, and I will help you learn about the different aspects of wellness. While I treat all types of cancer and hematologic conditions, I have a particular interest and training in breast cancer.”

Tiffany H. Svahn, M.D.
Dr. Svahn was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and raised in Westchester County, New York. She graduated with a B.A. in Molecular Biology/Biochemistry and English Literature from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut. She received her M.D. from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons. She completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell University Medical Center in Manhattan. She then completed her Medical Oncology fellowship at Stanford University Medical Center.

Dr. Svahn has been in private practice since 2006 at Diablo Valley Oncology / Hematology Medical Group located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill which specializes in comprehensive, cutting edge treatment of all forms of cancer and blood disorders.

Dr. Svahn speaks frequently to the local medical community on cancer related topics and is an investigator participating in research and clinical trials for the Bay Area Cancer Research Group at the California Cancer and Research Institute.

DOWNLOAD DR. SVAHN'S CURRICULUM VITAE
JOHN MUIR AFFILIATIONS/APPOINTMENTS:

2006 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

2006 - present

John Muir Physician Network

CERTIFICATIONS: Board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology

MEMBERSHIPS:
American Society of Hematology (ASH)
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO)
Alameda/Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA)

FACILITY PRIVELEGES: John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses, and the San Ramon Regional Medical Center

SPECIALITY: Breast cancer

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“I believe that the best cancer treatment involves teamwork between the physician and the patient. As your oncologist, I will provide you with my knowledge and expertise, develop a treatment plan with your goals and values in mind, and guide you through every step of the process. I also believe that nutrition and personal well being are integral to comprehensive cancer care.”

Gigi Q. Chen, M.D.
Dr. Chen was born and raised in Nanjing, China. She graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry from University of Arizona in Tucson, Arizona. She received her M.D. from University of California at Irvine and completed her residency in Internal Medicine and her fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at University of California at Davis.

In 2008, Dr. Chen joined Diablo Valley Oncology / Hematology Medical Group located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill which specializes in comprehensive, cutting edge treatment of all forms of cancer and blood disorders. She speaks frequently in the community on cancer related topics.

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JOHN MUIR AFFILIATIONS/APPOINTMENTS:

2008 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

2008 - present

John Muir Physician Network

CERTIFICATIONS: Board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology and Hematology

MEMBERSHIPS:
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO)
Alameda/Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA)

FACILITY PRIVELEGES: John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses, and the San Ramon Regional Medical Center

SPECIALITY: Lung cancer and gynecological oncology, and hematologic disorders

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“I establish a comprehensive understanding of each patient as a person as well as the patient's medical needs. My compassionate and focused approach enables me to select the most appropriate treatment for managing the disease. Having a positive relationship with my patients as their treating physician is of great importance to me, and I make every effort to offer the most up-to-date treatment. Teamwork is essential; therefore, I confer with physicians in medical oncology and other specialties as needed with the goal of optimizing patient care.”

Esther Q. Catalya, M.D.
Dr. Catalya graduated with a B.S. in Pre-med from the University of San Carlos at Cebu City, Philippines and received her M.D. Degree from the Cebu Institute of Medicine. She completed her internship and residency in Internal Medicine at both Chong Hua Hospital in the Philippines and Jersey City Medical Center in New Jersey. Dr. Catalya also completed an Anatomical Pathology residency at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. She then finished her Medical Oncology and Hematology fellowships at St. Michael's Medical Center in New Jersey.

Dr. Catalya has been in private practice for over 20 years in the East Bay. In 2009, she joined the Diablo Valley Oncology / Hematology Medical Group located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill, CA. This group of physicians and support staff specialize in comprehensive, cutting edge treatment of all forms of cancer and blood disorders.

Dr. Catalya is a staff physician for Hospice of the East Bay and serves on the Professional Advisory Board for the San Francisco/East Bay Wellness Community. She is participates in research and clinical trials with the Bay Area Cancer Research Group.

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JOHN MUIR AFFILIATIONS/APPOINTMENTS:

2009 - present

Medical Director, Oncology Services, John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek Campus

2006 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

2006 - present

John Muir Physician Network

CERTIFICATIONS: Board certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Oncology, and board eligible in Hematology

MEMBERSHIPS:
Association of Northern California Oncologists (ANCO)
California Medical Association
Alameda/Contra Costa Medical Association (ACCMA)

FACILITY PRIVELEGES: John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses, and the San Ramon Regional Medical Center

SPECIALITY: Lung, breast, and gynecologic cancers. Geriatric Oncology. Also specializes in benign hematologic and coagulation disorders.

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“As a physician, having a patient entrust me with their health care is truly an honor and privilege, and not just something to be taken for granted. Open communication is absolutely essential and I take as much time as is necessary to help educate my patients about their health and address their questions/ concerns. I recognize that each person is a unique individual having dignity and deserving respect, so my goal is to use the most advanced proven techniques available to treat my patient's disease, keeping in mind to preserve their quality of life at the same time.”

Sachin S. Kamath, M.D.
Dr. Kamath grew up in Sarasota, Florida where he attended New College, the Honors College of the Florida State University system. During his time at New College, Dr. Kamath was awarded research fellowships at the Medical College of Georgia, and at the National Cancer Institute. He was then accepted into an accelerated medical program at the University of Florida in Gainesville. After graduating from medical school, Dr. Kamath completed an Internal Medicine internship followed by a Radiation Oncology residency at the University of Florida.

Dr. Kamath has been in private practice since 1998. He joined Diablo Valley Oncology / Hematology Medical Group in 2008. Dr. Kamath is the Medical Director of Diablo Valley Oncology's state-of-the-art radiation oncology center which is located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill and specializes in comprehensive, cutting edge treatment of all forms of cancer and blood disorders. He speaks to community groups on cancer related topics and is an avid supporter and on the Board of the American Cancer Society, Greater Bay Area Region.

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JOHN MUIR AFFILIATIONS/APPOINTMENTS:

2008 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

2008 - present

John Muir Physician Network

CERTIFICATIONS: Board certified in Radiation Oncology

MEMBERSHIPS:
American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO)
American College of Radiation Oncology (ACRO)
American College of Radiology (ACR)
American Medical Association (AMA)

FACILITY PRIVELEGES: John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

SPECIALITY: Radiation Oncology

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“My philosophy is to provide a holistic approach to oncology care by incorporating nursing and medical skills with the physical and psychological aspects of my patients. And most importantly, treating patients as valued individuals with compassion and understanding.”

Sarah Buenviaje

Sarah Buenviaje, O.N.P.
Sarah received her B.S. in Nursing from University of Southern California in 1992 and earned her M.S.N. in the Oncology Nurse Practitioner program at UCLA Medical Center in 1996. She has been practicing as an Oncology Nurse Practitioner since 1996 with Diablo Valley Oncology / Hematology Medical Group located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill which specializes in comprehensive, cutting edge treatment of all forms of cancer and blood disorders. Sarah is a sub-investigator participating in research and clinical trials with Bay Area Cancer and Research Group at the California Cancer and Research Institute. She serves on the Professional Advisory Board for the Wellness Community in Walnut Creek.

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“My approach to patient care is straightforward. My goal is to anticipate my patient's needs with the knowledge and support necessary to ensure compassionate, high quality care. I take great pride and interest in managing patients with a multifocal approach, focusing not only on management of physical illness but also addressing emotional and psychosocial concerns while often integrating complimentary therapy, exercise and nutrition. Using this approach allows me to address specific details that support and encourage overall lifestyle wellness.”

Michelle Rooney

Michelle Rooney, N.P.
Michelle received her B.A. in Psychology from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington in 1998 and her M.S.N. in the Family Nurse Practitioner program from Samuel Merritt College in Oakland, California in 2002. She is an Oncology Certified Nurse and has been practicing as a Nurse Practitioner since 2004 with Diablo Valley Oncology / Hematology Medical Group located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill which specializes in comprehensive, cutting-edge treatment of all forms of cancer and blood disorders. Michelle is a sub-investigator participating in research and clinical trials with Bay Area Cancer and Research Group at the California Cancer and Research Institute.

Michelle serves on the Professional Advisory Board for the Wellness Community in Walnut Creek and serves on the Board of the local melanoma foundation, SCARF, as a medical advisor. Michelle takes great interest in the role exercise and nutrition play in the prevention and management of cancer and has published a review article on the subject in the Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing.

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Gila Maria Fucanan

Gila Maria Fucanan, R.N., M.S., G.N.P.
Gila received her Registered Nursing degree from University of California San Francisco in 2005 and earned her M.S.N. in the Gerontological Nurse Practitioner Program at UCSF in 2008. Gila is board certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) and is a member of the Philippine Nurses Association of Northern California (PNANC).

In 2009, she joined Diablo Valley Oncology / Hematology Medical Group located at the California Cancer and Research Institute in Pleasant Hill which specializes in comprehensive, cutting edge treatment of all forms of cancer and blood disorders. She practices in the Radiation Oncology Department.

She is fluent in English and Tagalog.

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John Muir Affiliations/Appointments:

Dr. Mathew Sirott Matt Sirott, M.D.

1998 - present

Chairman, Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA

1992 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

1992 - present

John Muir Physician Network

2001 - 2008

Chairman, Cancer Steering Committee, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA

1994 - 2008

Chairman, Cancer Committee, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA

1992 - 2007

Principal Investigator, John Muir Medical Center, SWOG, Walnut Creek, CA

1992 - 1998

Director, Bone Marrow Transplant Program, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA

Dr. Robert Robles Robert Robles, M.D.

2007 - present

Principal Investigator, SWOG, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA

6/06 - present

Chair, Oncology Section, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek Campus

1/99 - present

Chair, Institutional Review Committee, John Muir Medical Center

1997 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

1997 - present

John Muir Physician Network

2/98 - 1/99

Institutional Review Committee, John Muir Medical Center

Dr. Jewel Johl Jewel Johl, M .D.

6/09 - present

Member, Utilization Review Committee, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek, CA

2005 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

2005 - present

John Muir Physician Network

Dr. Esther Catalya Esther Catalya, M.D.

2009 - present

Medical Director, Oncology Services, John Muir Medical Center Walnut Creek Campus

2006 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

2006 - present

John Muir Physician Network

Dr. Tiffany Svahn Tiffany Svahn, M.D.

2006 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

2006 - present

John Muir Physician Network

Dr. Gigi Chen Gigi Chen, M.D.

2006 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

2006 - present

John Muir Physician Network

Dr. Sachin Kamath Sachin Kamath, M.D.

2008 - present

Active Medical Staff, John Muir Medical Center, Walnut Creek & Concord Campuses

2008 - present

John Muir Physician Network

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