Oncology Experts 2025

Surgical oncologist specializing in breast surgery with experience writing health articles for both patients and professionals. I'm passionate about medical research and emerging technologies in the field, and I thrive in challenging, collaborative environments.

As a dedicated oncology dietitian at Mayo Clinic, I am passionate about using nutrition to enhance cancer care and education. I’ve had the privilege of leading initiatives like organizing grand rounds and securing funding for innovative projects, including a teaching kitchen that underscores the role of nutrition in improving patient outcomes. My work as a guest speaker across interdisciplinary platforms reflects my commitment to advancing oncology care through knowledge sharing and collaboration.Beyond my clinical role, I am the founder of My Cancer Dietitian, where I translate complex nutrition research into accessible, evidence-based content for diverse audiences. This unique blend of clinical expertise and media proficiency allows me to empower patients, families, and the public with actionable dietary guidance. By working closely with healthcare professionals and media specialists, I strive to craft impactful narratives that elevate the conversation around nutrition and its role in health and healing.

Skilled, highly knowledgeable, and analytical professional with over fourteen years experience in the healthcare sector. Primary expertise in providing strategic insights and actionable information to life science companies. Proficient in molecular diagnostics, point of care diagnostics, genomics, immunoassays, oncology diagnostics, cardiology diagnostics, infectious disease diagnostics and personalized medicine. Strong ability in capturing customer insights, performing technical analysis, sizing niche segments, financial modeling, evaluating market dynamics, identify/evaluate new product potential, and presenting high impact, tactical recommendations. Specialties: Extensive knowledge in the genomics, in-vitro diagnostics space. Demonstrated success in managing teams and clients, assessing business models identifying market opportunities/risks and developing strategies to optimize market penetration, competitive advantage and profit.

Dr. James Lyons, M.D., is an internationally trained physician that was born in Germany. He is the son of a teacher and army veteran and was raised in Texas, but traveled extensively during his medical training. From medical rotations in French Hospital Systems, to his training in Miami at Ryder Trauma medical center and psychiatric training at TGK Prison, his depth of knowledge for those in acute crises is vast. In addition to his doctorate in medicine, Dr. Lyons also holds a Masters of Medical Sciences and coordinated research trials for schizophrenia pharmaceutical treatments in Dallas, TX. He completed his residency in Rural Michigan as a Family Medicine Physician, where he made home visits, and was rigorously trained in all aspects of medical care from delivering and caring for newborns, to end of life care. In his final year of training, he was named chief resident of this program. After 3 additional years practicing in rural east texas as a hospitalist in the acute setting, he, his wife, and their 4 children now reside back in Texas where he was raised, where his parents are retired, and where his sister works as a registered nurse in hospital leadership. Dr. Lyons continues to practice medicine in the acute setting as a hospitalist and emergency room physician in the greater Austin area. Aside from direct patient care, Dr. Lyons provides medical expertise and consulting while also being actively involved in performance improvement, infection control, and medical executive committees in the hospitals where he practices.

Dr. Francisco Contreras serves as director, president and chairman of the Oasis of Hope Hospital. A distinguished oncologist and surgeon, Contreras is renowned for combining conventional and alternative medical treatments with emotional and spiritual support to provide patients with the most positive treatment experience possible.

Dr. Enad is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine, trauma, and joint replacement. He has authored multiple publications and is regularly cited in the media for his clinical knowledge. He also has clinical interest in exercise physiology and obesity medicine.

Certified nutritionist, Rosa Contreras counsels patients at Oasis Of Hope Hospital through individual sessions and provides them with a healthy, lifelong nutrition plan. In addition, Rosa will provides patients with specific guidelines on how to begin a new heathy lifestyle.

Dr. Black us a non-surgical orthopedics and sports medicine. Expert in musculoskeletal medicine, orthopedics, sports medicine, functional movement, and ultrasound diagnostics and procedures. Expertise in pelvic pain in women and men, joint pain, arthritis, PRP, prolotherapy, and peripheral nerve pain. Her background in family medicine helps figure out root-cause of orthopedic problems.

Dr. Shernell Surratt-Gary, D.O., is a Tulsa, Oklahoma native whose journey reflects both determination and dedication. She graduated from the University of Tulsa with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences, where her interest in medicine and the human body deepened. Before matriculating to medical school, Shernell gained valuable hands-on experience at Ascension St. John, working first in the pathology department and later in the catheterization lab. These formative roles not only strengthened her technical skills but also gave her a deep appreciation for the teamwork and precision required in healthcare. She went on to earn her Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from OSU Center for Health Sciences, furthering her commitment to understanding health, science, and the human experience. In addition, she served as a Family Medicine Content Author for Rosh Review, LLC, contributing to medical education and board review resources for resident physicians. Dr. Surratt-Gary currently serves as a clinical advisor for Aura Wellness, a drug, alcohol & mental health treatment center in Kentucky. Beyond her academic and professional path, Shernell embraces family life with joy. She lives with her husband and their two children, cherishing the laughter, love, and everyday moments they share together.

Mr. Nechay assists physicians, attorneys, CPAs, and other professionals with a comprehensive range of services related to valuation, acquisitions, and successful practice transitions. With extensive experience in practice sales and certified valuation expertise, he offers a unique perspective that drives his clients’ success. His services include certified practice valuations for buy-ins, buy-outs, divorce, estate planning, or sale preparation, as well as tailored practice brokerage services.

Dr. Wanping Hu is a seasoned oncologist with over two decades of clinical experience and a Ph.D. in Microbiology and Immunology. A devoted mother of three, she began cooking daily and immersing herself in nutrition and alternative medicine to help heal her daughters’ chronic health conditions. Combining deep scientific expertise with a heartfelt commitment to holistic wellness, Dr. Hu bridges the worlds of modern medicine and ancient food wisdom. She is the inventor of FermentPro, a first-in-class home fermentation appliance that fuses traditional fermentation principles with cutting-edge technology to support optimal gut health. Guided by her belief that food is medicine, Dr. Hu is dedicated to making nutrition accessible and restoring health through both science and nature.

Darrion Phelps, Sr. leads with a rare blend of strategy and street-level insight. As Chief Marketing Officer of Roxford Digital, he’s built a model that bridges the gap between online visibility and local credibility. His approach aligns marketing with business development — two sides of the same growth engine. Through marketing, his team strengthens a brand’s online presence, optimizing search, content, and communication so patients can find, trust, and select a preferred provider. Through business development, he mobilizes Brand Growth Partners — professionals who serve as local ambassadors developing referral relationships, building community awareness, and turning trust into measurable growth. It’s a system designed to make healthcare brands seen online and chosen in person — blending modern marketing precision with relationship-driven connections.

Dr. Kyle Hoedebecke, MD, MBA, MPA, MS, FAAFP, CPE, is a West Point graduate, certified physician executive, and global healthcare leader with over two decades of leadership experience across more than 120 countries. In addition to his medical degree, he holds four master’s degrees and two professional fellowships. During his distinguished career in the U.S. Army, Dr. Hoedebecke was selected by the Surgeon General as the U.S. Army Physician of the Year in 2017. Following his military service, he became the first Utilization Management Medical Director at Oscar Health, where he built and led a dynamic team that helped guide the company’s successful public offering in 2021. Today, Dr. Hoedebecke serves as the Managing Partner of 1836 Ventures, investing in innovative healthcare technologies that improve clinical outcomes, enhance patient satisfaction, and reduce costs. He is also a Clinical Advisor at Alpas Virginia (NOVA), where he supports the integration of evidence-based medical care and advanced treatment models to optimize patient recovery and well-being.

I am a 6-time cancer survivor turned entrepreneur. I grew up in southern California, earned my bachelor’s degree from Boston University and MBA from University of Southern California. After six different cancers I know what it is like to be a working mom and patient, undergo painful surgeries and treatments, and receive so many well-meaning but useless gifts. (Why no, I will not be wearing that "My tatas tried to kill me" t-shirt but thank you for thinking of me while I try to find an ice pack that won't leak through my clothes!) Throughout each ordeal I kept wondering: Why can't these gifts be *useful*?? In 2020, I transitioned from corporate marketing executive to entrepreneur and launched TheBalmBox.com. We interviewed 500+ patients and caregivers to curate elegant, premium, and most importantly *functional* care packages for cancer patients. Since then, I’ve been featured on NBC, USA Today, Medium, Yahoo News and a long list of podcasts. A few of our products were picked up by CVS.com, Walmart and Bergen Marketplace - all before we hit our 5th anniversary. I've been chosen for two exclusive entrepreneurship accelerators and even won a business grant from WomensNet. I've got plenty to say about Cancer, Caregiving, Gifting, Entrepreneurship, and all the joys and challenges that come with launching a business as a working mom of two busy teens. Let's talk!

Award winning Rapid Therapy expert on anxiety. Purpose coach. Delivering fast results by getting to the exact root of the problem. Clients include diplomats, CEO's, veterans, physicians, athletes, therapists, inmates. MA Counseling. Multilingual. Lived in 3 different cultures. TEDx2 speaker. Author. Mom.

Dr. Jay Johannigman is a Cincinnati-based trauma surgeon with over 35 years of experience in trauma and critical care. A distinguished leader in both military and civilian medicine, he has made lasting contributions to Cincinnati’s medical landscape, most notably as the former Trauma Medical Director and Chief of the Institute of Military Medicine at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. During his tenure, he helped shape one of the region’s most advanced trauma and acute care programs, strengthening Cincinnati's role as a center of excellence in emergency medicine. A Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve, Dr. Johannigman has served in eight combat deployments from 2003 to 2021. His military roles have included CCAT (Critical Care Air Transport) flight surgeon, Trauma “Czar,” Deputy Commander, and Director of Clinical Services in combat hospitals. His outstanding service has been recognized with numerous military honors, including the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and Army Commendation Medal. Dr. Johannigman also played a key role in the U.S. Air Force C-STARS (Center for Sustainment of Trauma and Readiness Skills) program, helping to train medical teams in readiness and combat casualty care. He has served as Chief Medical Officer at Knight Aerospace, contributing to the design and implementation of airborne medical evacuation systems, and strengthening the ties between military innovation and civilian emergency response. Beyond his contributions on the battlefield and in the operating room, Dr. Johannigman is a passionate educator. He serves as Professor of Surgery at the F. Edward Hebert School of Medicine at the Uniformed Services University in Bethesda, Maryland, where he helps train future generations of military and civilian physicians. Dr. Johannigman has held leadership roles nationally as well, including State Trauma Chair and Region Chief for the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma. He remains actively involved in key professional organizations, such as the American Association for Trauma and the American College of Surgeons.

Michael Genovese is a physician and attorney based in New York City. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, a member of the American Medical Association, a Fellow of both the American Psychiatric Association and the American Society of Addiction Medicine, and a member of the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. Dr. Genovese co-founded the multidisciplinary medical practice Long Island Mind and Body in New York while practicing as an attending physician at NYU/Winthrop University Hospital. He was a fellow at the NYU/North Shore University Hospital Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Program, and he completed his residency training at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine. Before beginning his medical studies, Dr. Genovese earned a Juris Doctor degree at the University of Pittsburgh School of Law. He is a member of the New York Bar and the American Bar Association and is an advocate for attorneys and first responders seeking treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders. Dr. Genovese is passionate about advocating for people and families who struggle with addictions and is strongly connected to Ascendant’s mission to help those in need.

I’m Dr. Noah Edvalson, founder of The Idaho Center for Integrative Medicine (ICIM) in Boise. My lifelong curiosity about health and disease has led me on a journey through diverse fields of study, including chiropractic, naturopathy, functional medicine, acupuncture, oxidative therapies, and German Biological Medicine. I believe that true and lasting health is achieved not by masking symptoms with medications, but by identifying and addressing the root causes, whether they be infections, toxins, hormonal imbalances, poor diet, or emotional trauma. At ICIM, I approach each patient’s unique health journey with compassion, creativity, and a commitment to finding real solutions. I listen carefully, think outside the box, and never give up on helping my patients find lasting answers and renewed hope on their path to wellness.

Jeremy Gurewitz – CEO & Co-founder, Solace Health Jeremy Gurewitz is the CEO and Co-founder of Solace Health, a company dedicated to helping patients navigate the complex healthcare system with greater clarity and support. Jeremy’s mission at Solace Health is deeply personal. In 2016, his mother—an accomplished radiologist—was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Despite her medical expertise, she found herself overwhelmed by the complexity of her diagnosis and the multitude of decisions that followed, from exploring clinical trials to seeking second opinions and weighing treatment options. Witnessing firsthand how even highly knowledgeable individuals can struggle to navigate the healthcare system, Jeremy became passionate about solving a critical problem: healthcare in the United States has grown as complex as the legal system, leaving most people—patients and even doctors—without the tools or guidance to manage significant health challenges on their own. Under Jeremy’s leadership, Solace Health strives to bring clarity, advocacy, and personalized support to patients and families navigating life-altering medical journeys, ensuring that no one has to face it alone.