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St. Luke's Cancer Institute: Meridian

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.

  • Location & Contact Info

    520 S. Eagle Rd.
    Meridian, ID 83642
    (208) 706-5651
    Fax: (208) 706-5344

    Accepting New Patients

    Yes
  • Office Hours

    Mon - Fri: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

    Referral Required

    Yes
  • Before Your Visit

  • For Current Patients

  • After-hours & Weekends

    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.



  • Behavioral Health

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Acupuncture

    Biography

    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.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Acupuncture

    Biography

    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.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Cancers

    Biography

    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.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Radiation Oncology

    Biography

    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.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Medical Oncology

    Biography

    Dorene Boydston, RN, MSN, NP-C works in medical oncology/hematology. She is nationally certified as an adult nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of the Oncology Nursing Society. She earned her master's degree in nursing and adult nurse practitioner degree from the University of San Diego.
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Medical Oncology

    Biography

    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.

    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Medical Oncology

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Behavioral Health

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Behavioral Health

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Medical Oncology
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Cancers

    Biography

    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.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Medical Oncology

    Biography

    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. 

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    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.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Medical Oncology

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Medical Oncology

    Biography

    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.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Barbara Herbel, RD is a certified nutrition support clinician and currently enjoys working with oncology patients in their journey through treatment. She also has experience with inpatient care, including covering critical care, surgery, telemetry, and obstetrics.

    Barbara earned her bachelor's degree in biology from Walla Walla University and her master's degree in human nutrition at Washington State University. She enjoys hiking, camping, and motorcycling in Idaho’s back country.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Acupuncture

    Biography

    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.

  • Radiation Oncology

    Biography

    Tonya Kuhn, MD completed her undergraduate studies in cellular and molecular biology at the University of Washington, graduating magna cum laude.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Behavioral Health
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Radiation Oncology

    Biography

    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.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    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.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Acupuncture

    Biography

    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.

  • Behavioral Health

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Internal Medicine

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Behavioral Health
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Medical Oncology

    Biography

    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.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Medical Oncology

    Biography

    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.


    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Acupuncture

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Cancers

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Behavioral Health

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Acupuncture

    Biography

    Donna Selle, LAC is passionate about eliminating barriers to health care and to the integration of alternative medicine and allopathic care, bridging the gap between acupuncture and conventional oncology in order to improve the quality of life of cancer patients throughout surgical interventions, chemotherapy, radiation, remission and survivorship. She is board certified by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine, has served on governance committees for the People’s Organization of Community Acupuncture and is a member of the Idaho Acupuncture Association, the American Society of Acupuncturist and the Society of Integrative Oncology. 

    Donna is originally from Idaho and a Boise State University alumna. She holds a master's degree from Bastyr University. In her free time, she loves knitting, sewing, gardening, cooking and hiking. When she isn’t working, you’ll find her with her husband chasing her children and her dog.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
  • Medical Oncology

    Biography

    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.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Behavioral Health

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Behavioral Health

    Biography

    Nicole L. Thurston, MD specializes in oncology care and the unique behavioral health needs of cancer patients.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Behavioral Health

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

    • Specialties, Conditions & Treatments

  • Biography

    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.

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     
    • St. Luke's Health Partner
      St. Luke's Health Partner

      These providers work together to achieve patient-centered care, using proven best practices to offer better care to you and your family.

  • Nutrition Services for Cancer Patients

    Biography

    Clare Zamzow, RD provides nutritional counseling for adult and pediatric patients throughout their cancer treatment journey. She is committed to improving quality of life and helping her patients thrive during and after their cancer treatment. She is a board certified specialist in sports nutrition and supports patients as they continue their active lifestyles alongside their cancer treatment. 

    Clare earned her bachelor’s degree in dietetics from the University of Idaho and her master’s degree in kinesiology from Boise State University. 

    In her free time, Clare enjoys running in the Boise foothills, baking, and spending time with her family. 

  • Acupuncture

    Availability

    Accepting new patients
     

Procedures & Treatments

Conditions

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  • Anal Cancer

    Anal cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the anus, which is the opening at the end of the rectum.

  • Breast Cancer

    When abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both breasts. They can invade nearby tissues and form a malignant tumor.

  • Colon Cancer

    Abnormal cells in your colon or rectum can grow together and form polyps. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.

  • Esophageal Cancer

    Cancer located in the hollow, muscular tube that moves food from the throat to the stomach.

  • Head and Neck Cancer

    Care for cancers of the sinuses, nasal and oral cavities, tongue, salivary glands, larynx, and pharynx.

  • Liver Cancer

    A disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the liver; the most common type in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma.

  • Lung Cancer

    St. Luke's offers comprehensive care for lung cancer, its symptoms, and the side effects of treatment.

  • Pancreatic Cancer

    When abnormal cells grow and form tumors in the pancreas; a small organ deep in the belly, behind your stomach.

  • Anal Cancer

    Anal cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the anus, which is the opening at the end of the rectum.

  • Breast Cancer

    When abnormal cells grow out of control in one or both breasts. They can invade nearby tissues and form a malignant tumor.

  • Colon Cancer

    Abnormal cells in your colon or rectum can grow together and form polyps. Over time, some polyps can turn into cancer.

  • Esophageal Cancer

    Cancer located in the hollow, muscular tube that moves food from the throat to the stomach.

  • Head and Neck Cancer

    Care for cancers of the sinuses, nasal and oral cavities, tongue, salivary glands, larynx, and pharynx.

  • Liver Cancer

    A disease in which cancer cells form in the tissues of the liver; the most common type in adults is hepatocellular carcinoma.

  • Lung Cancer

    St. Luke's offers comprehensive care for lung cancer, its symptoms, and the side effects of treatment.

  • Pancreatic Cancer

    When abnormal cells grow and form tumors in the pancreas; a small organ deep in the belly, behind your stomach.

  • Prostate Cancer

    The abnormal growth of cells in a man's prostate gland.

  • Sarcoma

    Cancers found in connective tissue such as bone, cartilage, and muscle.

Supportive Oncology

Supportive Oncology

Caring for the Whole Person

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.


Commission on Cancer Accreditation

Commission on Cancer Accreditation

Care From a CoC-Accredited Program

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.

Clinical Trials at St. Luke's Cancer Institute

Clinical Trials at St. Lukes Cancer Institute

Access to Cancer Research

Through our participation in regional and national clinical research studies, St. Luke’s Cancer Institute is able to bring trial opportunities to our adult and pediatric patients that are on the leading edge of cancer care. You may participate in many of the same clinical trials as patients at the most-respected cancer centers in the world, including Mayo Clinic and MD Anderson Cancer Center.

Find a Clinical Trial at St. Luke's Cancer Institute

Classes & Events

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Access Your Mobile Medical Record Anytime, Anywhere

Access Your Mobile Medical Record Anytime, Anywhere

Sign up for a MyChart account today!

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!

Protect Your Health