Cancer Treatment Centers of America Grows Medical Oncologist Roster Across Hospitals

Medical oncologists Dr. Ajaz Khan, Dr. Ryan Engel, and Dr. Nitika Sharma are the latest board-certified, fellowship-trained physicians who have chosen to practice medicine at Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA).

At the helm is Ajaz Khan, MD, MBA, CPE, chair of the CTCA^® Department of Medical Oncology and a medical oncologist at CTCA Chicago. Dr. Khan brings extensive medical leadership experience, most recently as the chief of Hematology and Medical Oncology at St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates (SPHPMA) in Albany and Troy, New York. Previously, Dr. Khan served as Medical Staff President and Medical Director of Oncology Services at the Patricia D. Pepe Cancer Center in Rockford, Ill. With his post at CTCA, Dr. Khan is returning to the Midwest for an enterprise role leading the Department of Medical Oncology and as a medical oncologist primarily focusing on with breast and lung cancer care.

Ryan Engel, DO also joined CTCA Chicago earlier this year. Dr. Engel completed a fellowship in hematology and medical oncology at the Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago and treats patients with various types and stages of cancer, including gastrointestinal and thoracic cancers.

Nitika Sharma, MD is the latest addition to the CTCA Atlanta physician team. Dr. Sharma most recently practiced at Annapolis, Md.-based Luminis Health. She completed a fellowship in hematology oncology at the Brody School of Medicine at Eastern Carolina University, where she also served as chief fellow, medical director and lead physician of thoracic oncology. Dr. Sharma brings significant experience in thoracic, gastrointestinal and breast cancer care.

“Throughout the cancer journey, medical oncologists play a significant role in leading multidisciplinary care teams and building strong relationships with patients to help navigate treatment options and manage side effects to improve quality of life,” said Dr. Julian Schink, CTCA Chief Medical Officer. Under the purview of Dr. Khan’s role, we are thrilled to expand our ability to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered oncology care within the communities these physicians serve.”

About Cancer Treatment Centers of America

Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA), part of City of Hope, is a national network of oncology hospitals and outpatient care centers offering an integrated approach that combines surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, immunotherapy and advancements in precision medicine with supportive therapies to manage side effects and enhance quality of life during treatment and into survivorship. CTCA publishes treatment results biannually, including patient experience, length of life, quality of life, patient safety and quality of care. CTCA also offers qualified patients a range of clinical trials that may reveal new treatment options supported by scientific and investigational research. CTCA patient satisfaction scores consistently rank among the highest for all cancer care providers in the country. Visit cancercenter.com for more information.

City of Hope’s mission is to deliver the cures of tomorrow to the people who need them today. Founded in 1913, City of Hope has grown into one the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S. and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses. As an independent, National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center, City of Hope reflects a uniquely integrated model spanning cancer care, research and development, academics and training, and innovation initiatives. For more information about City of Hope, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, or LinkedIn.