For advanced, compassionate cancer care, patients and their families have trusted St. Luke's for more than 50 years. Today we’re a network of five cancer centers dedicated to state-of-the-art treatment close to home; patient-centered care and support; cutting-edge research; and community prevention, education, and early detection initiatives. During your cancer journey, we'll be with you and your family every step of the way, treating your cancer, easing symptoms and side effects, and strengthening you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Our cancer center in Meridian brings you medical and radiation oncology specialists, access to the best surgeons in the region, onsite pharmacy and lab, and a wide range of support services to care for your overall well-being. Depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan, you may also receive care at our Boise location where we have additional specialists in gynecologic, thoracic (lung), and pancreatic oncology; pediatric oncology and hematology; bleeding disorders; and blood and marrow transplant.
For emergency care before and after regular office hours, please call (208) 327-8055 to reach the St. Luke's Cancer Institute doctor on call. Please reserve after-hours calls for urgent needs. If you haven’t received a return call from the doctor within 30 minutes, please phone again. If you need urgent support for a mental health crisis, please use 988 to call or text the Idaho Crisis & Suicide Hotline.
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Mara Bateman, LAC is a licensed acupuncturist and diplomate of Oriental medicine with the NCCAOM. She holds a master’s degree in acupuncture and Oriental medicine from the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. Mara is passionate about using the tools of acupuncture to support patients’ well-being on their journey through cancer treatment and beyond.
In her free time, Mara enjoys rafting, hiking, writing and spending time with friends and family. She lives in Boise with her husband, two cats, and three ducks.
Heather Bergstrom, LAC is a licensed acupuncturist, providing acupuncture to current and former patients of the St. Luke's Cancer Institute. Heather's focus is on providing palliative care for patients to allow them as much ease and comfort as possible during and after cancer treatment.
Prior to her work at St. Luke's, Heather spent over a decade in private practice with specialties in orthopedic acupuncture and women's health. She earned her bachelor's degree from Boise State University, and her master's degree from Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. In her free time, Heather enjoys cooking, reading, and hiking in the Boise foothills.
Madison Bernhardt, MS, CGC specializes in hereditary predispositions to cancer and hematologic conditions. She meets with adults and children who have a personal or family history of cancer to help them understand if there may be an inherited component.
Madison earned her bachelor's degree in biology and master's degree in genetic counseling both from Ohio State University. She is board certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors.
Sarah Bolender, MD serves as medical director of St. Luke's Cancer Institute in Fruitland. Her patients are her passion, leading her to involvement in the Komen Race for the Cure and the development of St. Luke's Respite House for patients and families in Fruitland.
Silvana Z. Bucur, MD is board certified in oncology, hematology, and internal medicine. She is a member of the American Society of Hematology and the American Society of Clinical Oncology.
Emily Fassi, MS, CGC sees children and adults for hereditary predispositions to cancer and hematologic conditions. She is board certified by the American Board of Genetic Counseling and licensed by the State of Idaho. She is a member of the National Society of Genetic Counselors and the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics.
Emily earned her bachelor's degree in biology with minors in chemistry and French from Truman State University, and her master's degree in genetic counseling from Northwestern University.
Eric Fountain MD, MA is a hematologist and oncologist with interests that include lymphoma, prostate cancer, kidney cancer, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal cancers.
Dr. Fountain taught high school science and mathematics before beginning his career in medicine, and his experiences as a teacher as well as his own family’s struggles with cancer shaped his personalized approach to cancer care. For both benign and malignant conditions, his management is tailored to the biology of disease, latest treatments, and most importantly, a patient’s unique personal circumstances to promote physical and mental well-being.
Dr. Fountain’s scholarly works on platelet disorders and immunotherapy in rare disorders have been published in numerous journals. At MD Anderson Cancer Center, he led a multidisciplinary team to improve outcomes in patients who receive mechanical filters to prevent blood clots.
Dr. Fountain lives in Boise with his wife, a St. Luke’s OB/GYN, and their children.
Sara T. Freeman, RDN, LD, CNSC is a board-certified nutrition support clinician. She enjoys supporting patients with nutritional needs during their cancer treatment. She has a special interest in nutrition support including tube feedings and IV nutrition.
Sara is originally from Idaho and a proud second-generation Vandal, having earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Idaho.
Peyman Haghighat, MD began his career as a molecular geneticist in the field of cancer gene therapy. He has served as medical director for an American College of Surgeon comprehensive cancer program as well as associate director of a hospice program.
Dr. Haghighat has been principle and co-principle investigator in numerous phase II and III clinical trials and his academic research has been published in several journals. He was awarded outstanding clinical instructor by student physicians. It is, however, the privilege of being allowed to care for cancer patients about which he is most passionate.
Will Knox, LAC is a licensed acupuncturist who works to help his patients navigate the physical and emotional challenges that arise along the journey through cancer treatment.
Will earned his master’s degree in Oriental medicine from Southwest Acupuncture College.
Tonya Kuhn, MD completed her undergraduate studies in cellular and molecular biology at the University of Washington, graduating magna cum laude.
Maxfield Lawrence, PA-C is a physician assistant specializing in radiation oncology. He assists in ensuring seamless and compassionate care to patients undergoing radiation therapy and those returning for follow-up and monitoring. Max also helps explain radiation therapy to patients and their families, orders testing, monitors patient recovery, and cares for patients in the clinical setting during and after radiation treatment.
Max was born and raised in Idaho and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Idaho and his master's degree in physician assistant studies from Idaho State University.
Elizabeth LeFevre, MHS, RD, CSO, LD is board certified in oncology nutrition and has a passion for not only helping treat patients for cancer, but helping them on the road to health after they have completed treatment.
Elizabeth earned her bachelor's degree in dietetics from Brigham Young University, and her master's degree in health science from Boise State University.
Benjamin Marx, LAC is a licensed acupuncturist and has experience treating a range of conditions, including pain, nerve issues, endocrine complaints, GI problems, and mood imbalances. Ben is a strong advocate for integrative medicine and enjoys working closely with patients’ other providers to deliver well-rounded, patient-centered care.
In addition to clinical practice, Ben has a strong interest in research. Prior to his work at St Luke’s, he served the Director of Research at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, where he taught and conducted research on integrative medicine. He received a grant from the Knight Cancer Institute to investigate acupuncture’s role in addressing unmet needs of breast cancer survivors. And he has also completed a certificate in clinical research through the Human Investigation Program at the OHSU School of Medicine.
Ben is a graduate of the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, and trail running in the foothills.
Katherine (Katie) Mondada, PA-C is a certified physician assistant who specializes in medical oncology. She has a special interest in cancer survivorship and lifestyle medicine. Her goal is to help cancer patients feel empowered not only through management of their disease, but in the rest of their lives as well.
Katie was born and raised in Boise. She earned her bachelor's degree in microbiology and her master's degree in physician assistant studies both from Idaho State University. In her free time, she enjoys spending time in the outdoors and with her family and dogs.
Michael Pahang, PMHNP treats a wide range of patients dealing with co-occurring psychiatric disorders and co-morbid medical conditions. In addition, Michael is a commissioned officer with the Air Force Reserves where he works to bring mental health awareness to the military culture.
Michael earned his degree as a psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner from Gonzaga University. He also has a graduate degree in public administration from the University of Oklahoma.
M. Ryan Partin, PA is a nationally certified physician assistant who serves his patients through every step of their treatment. Prior to his career as a PA, he enjoyed teaching high school science. His passion for education carried over into his clinical practice and he takes great care to communicate with patients and their families.
Ryan obtained his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and his master's degree from Idaho State University’s PA school. In his free time, he can almost always be found with his wife and kids, reading, or playing outdoors.
Kristen Pooley, LMSW has professional interests in acceptance and commitment therapy, grief and loss (especially as it relates to cancer), dignity therapy, and narrative therapy. She finds fulfillment in helping support her patients through their treatment journey, reducing barriers to care by helping with community resources, financial assistance, and teaching skills to lower stress and increase meaningful connections.
Kristen earned her undergraduate degree from the University of North Dakota, and her master's degree from Boise State University.
Sri Harsha Tella, MD, FACP is a medical oncologist and hematologist with a special interest in precision oncology, gastrointestinal malignancies, neuroendocrine tumors, and benign hematological conditions. He is also specialty trained in endocrinology with a special focus on endocrine malignancies, neuroendocrine tumors, and oncologic endocrinology.
Dr. Tella believes in patient-centric care and is inspired by his patients’ resilience and positive mindsets even in the face of extraordinary challenges that many encounter while fighting cancer. In his view, it is his career in cancer care has definitely shaped who he is today and he believes it’s a privilege to take care of people who battle cancer.
In addition to his clinical activities, Dr. Tella is active in both research and education. Dr. Tella’s research focuses on novel drug therapy development. During his tenure at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Mayo Clinic, he wrote clinical trial protocols for novel drug therapies in endocrine and gastrointestinal malignancies. His research has been published in high impact journals such as the Lancet Oncology, Journal of National Comprehensive Care Network (JNCCN), The Oncologist, Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism (JCEM) among others.
Dr. Tella has been the recipient of several coveted nationally recognized awards, including the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) merit awards, Minnesota Society of Clinical Oncology outstanding fellow award for research, the Endocrine Society- Young Investigator Award/outstanding research award, Raisz-Drezner award from the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR), and Mayo Clinic Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) grant among several others.
Dr. Tella is very active in American Society of Clinical Oncology where he serves as a member of the ASCO-Self Evaluation Program (SEP) Item writing task force contributing to Oncology fellows’ education. He also served as Assistant Professor of Oncology and Medicine at Mayo Alix School of Medicine during his tenure at Mayo Clinic.
Cameron Thorpe, MD is a radiation oncologist who treats all types of cancer. He approaches each of his patients as individuals, working to personalize their care. He is a member of the American Society for Radiation Oncology and Alpha Omega Alpha.
Prior to his medical education, Dr. Thorpe earned his bachelor's degree from Brigham Young University. In his free time, he spends time with his family and exploring the outdoors.
Courtney Woolston, DNP is certified by the American Nurses Credentialing Center and is experienced in oncology, family practice, gynecology, and surgical services.
Courtney earned her master's degree from Seattle Pacific University and her doctorate degree from George Washington University.
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Breast-conserving surgery (lumpectomy) or surgery to remove the entire breast (mastectomy), as well as a full range of reconstructive options.
Anal cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the anus, which is the opening at the end of the rectum.
When abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both breasts. They can invade nearby tissues and form a malignant tumor.
Abnormal cells in your colon or rectum can grow together and form polyps. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.
Cancer located in the hollow, muscular tube that moves food from the throat to the stomach.
Care for cancers of the sinuses, nasal and oral cavities, tongue, salivary glands, larynx, and pharynx.
A disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the liver; the most common type in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma.
St. Luke's offers comprehensive care for lung cancer, its symptoms, and the side effects of treatment.
When abnormal cells grow and form tumors in the pancreas; a small organ deep in the belly, behind your stomach.
Anal cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the anus, which is the opening at the end of the rectum.
When abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both breasts. They can invade nearby tissues and form a malignant tumor.
Abnormal cells in your colon or rectum can grow together and form polyps. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.
Cancer located in the hollow, muscular tube that moves food from the throat to the stomach.
Care for cancers of the sinuses, nasal and oral cavities, tongue, salivary glands, larynx, and pharynx.
A disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the liver; the most common type in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma.
St. Luke's offers comprehensive care for lung cancer, its symptoms, and the side effects of treatment.
When abnormal cells grow and form tumors in the pancreas; a small organ deep in the belly, behind your stomach.
The abnormal growth of cells in a man's prostate gland.
Cancers found in connective tissue such as bone, cartilage, and muscle.
Supportive oncology is an integral part of the St. Luke’s Cancer Institute philosophy that healing comes from caring for the whole person, not just the disease.
You can count on a team of experts who will work alongside your physicians to help you and your family be as strong and stable as possible during your cancer diagnosis, treatment and beyond.
St. Luke's holds a Commission on Cancer (CoC) cancer program accreditation. Accreditation by the CoC, a quality program of the American College of Surgeons, demonstrates a cancer program's commitment to providing high-quality, multidisciplinary, patient-centered cancer care. Thirty-four CoC-developed standards set the framework for a cancer program to provide the full scope of cancer care services required to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, and support all cancer patients.
Learn what to expect as you begin your chemotherapy and/or radiation treatment.
With MyChart, you’re able to view test results, contact your provider, request medication refills, schedule appointments and more. We encourage you to sign up for easy access to the tools and information you need to proactively manage your health. You can also set up online proxy access requests for medical records of children, spouses, or dependents.
There's also an easy-to-use MyChart app available for your mobile devices!