Louis J. Avvento, MD graduated from the University of Rome with a degree in medicine in 1981. He continued with his residency at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, where he chose to submerge himself into the oncology world because, at the time, treatments were limited and patient care was extremely challenging. He wanted to be a part of a healthcare revolution to change the lives of oncology patients for the better and has found it to be the most rewarding career he could have chosen After completing his fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Stony Brook University, Dr. Avvento began a private practice in Riverhead as a solo practitioner with a nurse and receptionist – a staff of three. The practice eventually grew to a staff of forty-five oncology professionals. Dr. Avvento chose the East End of Long Island because in 1988, there were no other practices around. He created a more convenient and comfortable situation for patients. Dr. Avvento is board-certified in four specialties including Internal Medicine, Hematology and Hospice, Medical Oncology, and Palliative Care. He has been the Medical Director of East End Hospice in Westhampton, NY since 1990. He is the former Director of Palliative Care at both Peconic Bay Medical Center and Southampton Hospital in Riverhead, NY. He was involved in establishing the Palliative Care Fellowship at Southampton Hospital for training doctors in palliative care. Dr Avvento was also responsible for the palliative care board certification of 4 physicians at the Southampton Hospital and 3 Nurse practitioners at Peconic Bay Medical Center under the newly established palliative care programs. Dr. Avvento is a former board member of Fighting Chance and currently holds an appointment as Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professorship at Mount Sinai. Through the years, Dr. Avvento has received multiple awards in recognition of his outstanding performance and achievements in the field. Accolades include: “Best Doctors on Long Island’ –Newsday, 2008-2019; “Physician of the Year” –Peconic Bay Medical Center, 2005; “Best Doctors” –New York Magazine, 2004/2008; Castle Connolly Top Doctors: New York Metro Area – 2002 to 2008, 2010 to 2014; Patient’ Choice 5th Anniversary Award – 2012; Patients’ Choice Award – 2008 to 2012, 2014; and Compassionate Doctor Recognition – 2010 to 2012."

Amishi Desai, MD is a board-certified hematologist and oncologist, specializing in lung malignancies. Dr. Desai earned her Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from KJ Medical College and Research Center in India. At Winthrop University Hospital, she completed her residency, and also served as Chief Fellow of Hematology and Oncology.

At Winthrop University Hospital, Dr. Desai was part of Venous the Thromboembolism Committee, where she was devoted to developing strategies to decrease the length of stay in patients admitted with venous thromboembolism. In addition, she was responsible for instructing Winthrop residents in oncology and hematology.

In 2015, Dr. Desai was awarded first prize in her research concerning venous thromboembolism. In 2016, Dr. Desai was appointed as an Assistant Professor of Medicine in hematology and oncology at State University of New York Medical School.

Dr. Desai is skilled in bone marrow aspiration, biopsies, and lumbar puncture. Dr. Desai’s interests and hobbies include spending time with her kids, traveling, and practicing Indian classical dancing (Bharatnatyam).

As the Vice President of Pharmacy, Rob Negri is responsible for pharmacy operations across NYCBS dispensing sites throughout Long Island and New York City, overseeing the team of pharmacy technicians, pharmacy authorization representatives, and nurses.

Rob has had varied experiences throughout his career, which has led him to have a comprehensive approach to leading pharmacy operations and positively improving patient care.

In his free time, Rob enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters.

Dr. Aghalar returns for another Episode of Conquering Cancer Together

Jahan Aghalar, MD is a board certified hematologist and oncologist. He specializes in malignancies originating from the genitourinary tract, specifically prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers. Dr. Aghalar earned his Bachelor’s Degree with honors from New York University and his medical degree from Albert Einstein College of Medicine. Dr. Aghalar completed his residency in internal medicine, serving as Chief Resident at Long Island Jewish Medical Center. During this time, he had received the Outstanding Teacher Award. He later completed his fellowship in Hematology-Oncology at Hofstra-Northwell School of Medicine. Prior to joining NY Cancer and Blood Specialists, Dr. Aghalar practiced at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center as part of the Genitourinary Oncology, Thoracic Oncology, and Head and Neck Oncology services. A Long Island native, Dr. Aghalar specializes in genitourinary malignancies, which are cancers originating from the prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicles. “Being born and raised on Long Island, I see my role as an oncologist to give back to the community. I strongly believe that it is my duty to treat each patient as an individual, always being mindful of differences in medical, psychosocial, and cultural backgrounds.”

Wendy Kaplan, MS, RDN, CSO, CDCES, CDN is Director of Nutritional Services. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist who graduated with a Master of Science Degree in Nutrition and Food Studies from New York University and is licensed in the state of New York. She is a board certified Specialist in Oncology Nutrition and a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She has been a dietitian for over 20 years and has a variety of experience and a special interest in providing comprehensive nutrition care for cancer prevention, treatment, and survivorship as well as overall health and wellness.

MaryAnn Fragola, DNP, ANPc, ACHPN is a board-certified oncology nurse practitioner. She has been a part of this practice for the past 20 years providing direct patient care to patients and families. She currently serves as our Chief of Wellness Services

She is a graduate of Wilkes University where she completed her Doctor of Nursing Practice Program. Dr. Fragola earned her MSN degree Adult Nurse Practitioner from SUNY Stony Brook University. Dr. Fragola has experience in hematology, oncology, hospice care, and medical-surgical care in-home, outpatient, and in-hospital settings.

Dr. George joined the team of premier physicians at New York Cancer & Blood Specialists in the summer of 2013.After receiving his Bachelor of Science; Life Sciences through the Accelerated BS/DO Program at New York Institute of Technology, Dr. Jerry George obtained his Doctorate of Osteopathic Medicine through the same institution. Upon the completion of his D.O., Dr. George completed his Categorical Internal Medicine Internship and Residency at the New York Medical College at Westchester Medical Center. To conclude his post-graduate training, Dr. Jerry George completed his Hematology and Medical Oncology Fellowship at Lenox Hill Hospital.Among his many professional honors and scholarly activity, Dr. George has had multiple medical publications throughout his career. He currently holds an appointment for Adjunct Assistant Clinical Professorship at Mount Sinai.Dr. Jerry George focuses on various hematologic disorders and malignancies. He participates in various cancer committees and tumor boards and is currently accepting new patients in New York Cancer Specialists’ Setauket, Port Jefferson, Smithtown and Riverhead offices.

Dr. Alfredo Torres is the Associate Chief Medical Officer at NYCBS. He is board certified in Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, and Hematology.He is fluent in English and Spanish.Dr. Alfredo Torres received his Medical Degree from Universidad de Carabobo, Venezuela. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine through the prestigious Harrington Program from Jackson Memorial Hospital/University of Miami. In addition, Dr. Torres achieved his Fellowship in Medical Oncology and Hematology at Jackson Memorial Hospital/the University of Miami.Dr. Torres has published numerous studies in Hematology and Oncology in peer-reviewed medical journals. He was also a grant recipient from the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. Dr. Torres is currently a member of several prestigious organizations including the American College of Physicians, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the American Society of Hematology, and the Community Oncology Alliance.Dr. Torres is currently a Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine at Stony Brook University Hospital. He has also served on the Chemotherapy committee at Jackson Memorial Hospital and he is currently a leader in the chemotherapy committee at NYCBS.His interests include lung cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, gynecological cancer, prostate cancer, and lymphomas.

Jahan Aghalar, MD is a board certified hematologist and oncologist. He specializes in malignancies originating from the genitourinary tract, specifically prostate, bladder, kidney, and testicular cancers.