Beverly Hills Cancer Center - Beverly Hills, CA

Meet the Team - Staff

Hematology/Medical Oncology Staff

James MacDonald, R.N., B.S.N., M.P.H. – Head Nurse 


James graduated from the University of Connecticut in 1986 with a BS in Nursing. He began his nursing career at New England Medical Center/Floating Hospital for Children, devoting his early years to pediatric oncology. He has always worked in the field of oncology nursing. He continued to work while attending graduate school. He graduated from Boston University in 1992 with an MS in Public Health. When he moved to Los Angeles from Boston, he also transitioned into the field of adult medical oncology, where he has worked since 2000.

James MacDonald


Monique Corwin
, RN, BSN- R.N.

Monique has been an RN for over 28 years and enjoys her profession. She has worked in some of the best hospitals and clinics in the Southern California area, such as Huntington Memorial Hospital, Cedars Sinai, USC University Hospital and Norris Cancer Center. She takes pride in helping her patients as they move through their treatment regimens.  She embraces change and is always looking to improve her knowledge in the many aspects of patient care.

Monique Corwin
Dennis Watanabe, B.S., M.T. – Lab Manager 


Dennis graduated cum laude with a BS in Biochemistry at the University of California, Los Angeles. He was trained at Cedars Sinai Medical Center in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine and worked his way up to Laboratory Head of Cedars Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Center Institute. Dennis joins Beverly Hills Cancer Center with more than 10 years of laboratory management experience. He has given numerous lectures, seminars and workshops at different state universities. He is an active member of many medical organizations, including CLMA, ASCP and CAP and an active participant in the Oncology Community Outreach program. Dennis has received numerous awards and recognitions in the field of laboratory medicine. The Beverly Hills Cancer Center laboratory recently received a prestigious award from COLA – the Highest Commendation for Laboratory Excellence in 2008-2009.

Dennis Watanabe

Judy Azar
, Medical Assistant 


Judy has been in the medical field since 1987 but did not find her niche until April of 1989, when she started working with HIV/AIDS patients. Judy has worked with Dr. Michael Gottlieb, one of the pioneers in the HIV/AIDS field. Judy received her BS in Health Science in 2007 and is currently working toward her bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance.

 

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Judy Azar

Radiation Oncology Staff

Denice Nichols, R.T.T. – Radiation Therapist 


Denice brings over 30 years’ experience as a radiation therapist. Her career began with 12 years at the University of Chicago Hospital and encompassed all aspects of radiation therapy from treatment delivery to teaching students. She has facilitated workshops, spoken at state and national conferences, held office in related organizations and served on national committees representing radiologic technology and radiation therapists.  In keeping with our philosophy of “State-of-the-Art Medicine – State-of-Mind Healing,” Denice’s experience has proven that the best technology or patient care plan is only as good as the patient’s ability to tolerate it and the staff’s ability to deliver it. She brings compassion to Beverly Hills Cancer Center’s culture of care that allows her to deliver “high-touch with high-tech” radiation therapy, an asset to our team.

 

 

Denice Nichols

Eric G. Frank, PhD, DABR – Radiation Physicist

Eric holds a PhD in Medical Physics, which he received from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1984. He has also received an MS in Radiation Biophysics from Kansas University and a BS in Biology/Chemistry from Florida State University. In addition, Eric is board-certified by the American Board of Radiology. His experience includes founding his own medical physics consulting company, where he is now a managing partner with 15 external therapy sites and 33 sites providing HDR services with two transportable HDR units. Eric and his firm provide all services for radiation oncology, including 3D conformal, IMRT, acceptance testing, commissioning, etc. 

 

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Min Y. Leu,
PhD – Radiation Physicist

Min is a graduate of National Tsing-Hua University in Taiwan, Republic of China, where he received his BS in Nuclear Engineering and his MS in Nuclear Sciences and Health Physics. Min also holds a PhD from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) in Biomedical Physics and Radiation Therapy. As a radiation physicist, Min is also a member of the American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM), the Southern California Chapter of AAPM and the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ESTRO).  

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Jose Jimenez

 

Imaging Staff

Tim Haun, PET/CT Technologist

Timothy has been a radiologic technologist for 24 years and a nuclear medicine technologist for 17 years. He received his training at LAC-USC Medical Center for both modalities, winning academic and clinical achievement awards each year. Tim began his career with LAC-USC, where he assisted physicians with research protocols ranging from pediatric AIDS to myocardial perfusion imaging. Over the years, Tim has used his skills working with pediatric patients at CHOC and oncology patients at the Kenneth Norris Cancer Institute and USC University Hospital. Tim loves working with people and shares the compassion of Beverly Hills Cancer Center.

 

 

Jose Jimenez, MRI Technologist

Jose joined our diagnostic imaging staff in January of 2008. Having spent 20 years as an MRI technologist, Jose is skilled at what he does. He has worked at Huntington Memorial Hospital, where he also mentored students, and he also worked at USC. His experience with a very diverse patient population of all ages allows him to be knowledgeable with what it takes to make patients feel comfortable and at ease in an environment where people are prone to feel tense and anxious.  

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 Jose Jimenez

Integrative Staff

Integrative Services Team


Michael Dishon,
Ph.D
Clinical Psychology*

Michael has been a licensed psychologist since 1983. He has treated individuals, couples and families, and he developed extensive expertise in psychological assessment. In addition, he serves as an assistant clinical professor at the Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA, and as a clinical supervisor at the Southern California Counseling Center. He recognizes that dealing with disease puts additional demands on people’s coping capacity as well as their family and support system. Consequently, his focus with patients is on strengthening their coping ability in times of stress.

 

He is available by appointment only. Call 310-432-8992 to schedule a time.

 

 Michael Dishon


Heather Lounsbury,
L.Ac
Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine*

Heather has over 15 years’ experience as an acupuncturist, herbalist, nutritionist and Reiki master. At her clinic in Los Angeles, she treats a variety of illnesses, specializing in gynecology, mental health/addiction, digestive disorders and pain management. Her patients range from newborns to the elderly, celebrities to college students. Because of her expertise, Heather is a frequently invited guest speaker on television and radio shows, at local colleges and Whole Foods. She has been published and featured in several magazines. Heather’s unique holistic approach to healing encompasses all aspects of her patients’ needs, allowing the best possible results. Heather Lounsbury, L.Ac, is a leading healthcare advisor and acupuncturist who has also worked with many celebrities over the past decade, including Coldplay, Korn, Carmen Electra, Carmit of The Pussy Cat Dolls, Dave Navarro and James Black.



She is available by appointment only. Call 310-432-8992 to schedule a time.

 


Heather Lounsbury


Carolyn Katzin,
M.S., CNS
Nutrition Consultant*

Carolyn is a nutritionist with 25 years’ experience. Educated at the University of London and UCLA, Carolyn's expertise includes the emerging field of nutritional genetics, or nutrigenomics. Her graduate degree involved research into this discipline. Carolyn is a lead volunteer with the American Cancer Society. She is a member of the national nutrition, physical activity and cancer control advisory group and a member of the California Division Board. Her work with cancer patients began in 1985 at The Wellness Community in Santa Monica and she remains on their professional advisory board. Her practice now includes a nutritional genetic profile providing optimal dietary advice and expanding her telephone and Internet-based practice. Her book The Cancer Nutrition Center Handbook is available at our facility, and is complimentary for all of our patients. This is an invaluable guide for cancer patients and their families in need of specific nutritional advice.

 

She is available by appointment . Call 310-432-8992 to schedule a time.

 

Carolyn Katzin


Loretta Miller, Massage Therapist/Masseuse*

Loretta is a certified massage therapist who began at Beverly Hills Cancer Center as a volunteer. After two months of volunteering and sharing her gentle healing touch, she was asked to join our staff. Her soothing voice and healing touch help patients feel energized and balanced, with a better sense of well-being. Loretta is currently taking advanced classes in massage therapy to further her education.

 

 She is available by appointment. Call 310-432-8992 to schedule a time.

 Loretta Miller

 

Mitra Kahrizi-Rund, Licensed Clinical Social Worker*

Mitra has been practicing and helping clients for over 16 years. Her passion is working with patients diagnosed with cancer and teaching their families adequate coping skills in addition to specializing in grief counseling. Her additional skills include sensitivity to immigration issues. Mitra also has extensive experience working with patients by providing them with assistance for discharge planning in order for patients to reach their maximum potential in healing. 
Mitra has several community relations such as being a member of National Association of Social Workers (NASW) and Iranian American Psychological Association (IAPA). She's also a field instructor at USC School of social work and an ongoing consultant at several Adult Day Health Care Centers. She is also fluent in Fasi which is a well needed addition here at the Beverly Hills Cancer Center.

 

She is available by appointment only. Call 310-432-8992 to schedule a time.


Loretta Miller

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*Independent provider with offices at Beverly Hills Cancer Center


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 Administration

Miranda Janus, Management, Operations & Administration

Miranda is the administrator for Beverly Hills Cancer Center. She is in charge of all management, administration and operations for the center. Her many responsibilities include operational oversight of all departmental matters and management of the budget.


Miranda started her healthcare career as a radiation therapist in 1981. While she enjoyed treating patients, her area of interest turned to management, where she is in a better position to develop and provide various services to patients and employees.

Miranda Janus 

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Marketing

Selen Ermanav, Marketing and PR Coordinator

Selen comes to us with several years of marketing experience specializing in medical companies. After several successful years marketing notable facilities throughout Southern California, she decided to expand her expertise by joining a center that focuses more on a proactive approach to mind, body and spirit healing. She joined the wonderful team at Beverly Hills Cancer Center in August of 2008. Currently, she is responsible for the orchistration of the center’s strategic marketing efforts, physician relations, as well as public relations. Her enthusiasm, professionalism and attention to detail make her a unique and much-needed addition to our center. 

She is available to answer questions related to marketing and public relations for Beverly Hills Cancer Center at 310-432-8992 or by email at: sermanav@bhcancercenter.com

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  Selen Ermanav

Front Office

Rebecca Saidfar, Front Office Supervisor

Rebecca received her BS from Towson State University, received her MA from University of Maryland and completed her education with a certificate from Warshaw Institute of Office Management. After completing her studies, she gained over 11 years of experience working in medical office management. Rebecca has a passion for helping others, and as the front-office supervisor for Beverly Hills Cancer Center, she enjoys helping people compassionately through the healing process. Her warm and friendly smile is sure to welcome any patient.

 

 

 

Bethlehem Ande, Medical Receptionist

Beth began working as a medical receptionist six years ago at Tenth Street Pediatrics. She later joined Comprehensive Urology Medical Group at Cedar Sinai, where she was able to work more directly with patients in scheduling as well as checking them in and out. After her studies at Bryman College in Medical Billing, she joined Beverly Hills Cancer Center’s front-office staff. Her helpful personality and sweet smile while assisting patients with scheduling and preauthorizations have been wonderful additions.

 

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Bethlehem Ande

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ACR Radiology
8900 Wilshire Boulevard, Beverly Hills, CA 90211