The Washington D.C. region’s most
comprehensive lung cancer care.

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Eric Anderson, MD

Dr. Anderson is the director of Interventional Pulmonology. He also serves as an associate professor at Georgetown University. His special interests include thoracic oncology; robotic radiosurgery with CyberKnife to lung tumors; lung cancer screening; procedures for diagnosis, staging, and treatment of lung cancer including: endobronchial ultrasound, electromagnetic navigational bronchoscopy, thoracic fiducial placement, APC laser, and endobronchial stent placement; medical thoracoscopy and PleurX catheter insertion; ALS and neuromuscular diseases.

Education
Fellowship: Georgetown University School of Medicine GME
Residency: Georgetown University School of Medicine GME
Medical School: Drexel University

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease
American Board of INternal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine

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Rebecca Krochmal, MD

Rebecca Krochmal, MD, is an assistant professor in the Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at Georgetown University. She specializes in Interventional Pulmonology, including brochoscopies and CyberKnife®. Dr. Krochmal’s clinical interests include the diagnosis and management of benign and malignant airway and pleural disease.

Areas of Clinical Interest:

Education
Fellowship: Emory University School of Medicine
Fellowship: University of Maryland Medical System
Residency: University of Maryland Medical Center
Medical School: Virginia Commonwealth University

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

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Jessica Wang Memoli, MD

Jessica S. Wang Memoli, MD, is board certified in pulmonary disease, critical care medicine and internal medicine. She is the Director of Bronchoscopy & Interventional Pulmonary, as well as the Associate Fellowship Program Director for Pulmonary Critical Care Medicine at the MedStar Washington Hospital Center. She is a member of the American Thoracic Society (ATS), a Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians (ACCP), and the Association of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Program Directors (APCCMPD).

Dr. Wang Memoli received her medical degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She completed her residency at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and her fellowship training at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.

Dr. Wang Memoli specializes in the diagnosis and management of pulmonary diseases, specializing in the evaluation of lung cancer and lung nodules. She is one of the first pulmonologists in the area to use robotic bronchoscopy as a tool for evaluating lung nodules. As an interventional pulmonologist, Dr. Wang Memoli uses various therapeutic interventions to treat conditions such as airway obstructions, malignant pleural effusions and persistent air leaks.

Her current research initiatives include the use of guided bronchoscopic techniques to evaluate peripheral lung nodules, placement of endobronchial valves to manage persistent air leaks, and assessing new sedatives for bronchoscopy procedures.

Philosophy of Care:
"Designing a care plan is merely one part of the diagnosis and management of lung disease, especially lung cancer. My ultimate goal for each individual is to help them understand every step of the diagnostic process, give answers to questions about the complex medical realm which they are now a part of, and offer comfort and reassurance to alleviate the overwhelming emotions that arise. I take this responsibility seriously and strive to ease the doubts and fears my patients have during the uncertainty of the diagnostic process.

Additionally, I make every effort to palliate symptoms by being an active and attentive listener and encourager. I want my patients to be involved in honest conversations that will help me to create a personalized care plan that best fits their needs. When appropriate, I advocate for the less invasive and potentially safer treatment options."

Education
Fellowship: Medical University of South Carolina
Residency: MedStar Washington Hospital Center
Medical School: University of Miami School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Pulmonary Disease
American Board of Internal Medicine, Critical Care Medicine

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Behzad Doratotaj, MD

Education
Residency: NYU Grossman School of Medicine
Fellowship: Abington Memorial Hospital-GME
Residency: Drexel University College of Medicine
Medical School: Tehran University of Medical Sciences

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Hematology
American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology
American Board of Internal Medicine, Geriatric Medicine

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Chul Kim, MD

Dr. Chul Kim is an Associate Professor at Georgetown University with a focus on thoracic oncology. His goal as a thoracic medical oncologist is to introduce innovative cancer therapies into clinical practice, and he is devoted to formulating clinical trials aimed at promoting personalized cancer treatments.

Dr. Kim's academic journey began at the Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude. He furthered his studies at the Harvard School of Public Health, obtaining a Master’s degree in Public Health. His medical training continued at the University of Minnesota where he trained in internal medicine. Later, he became a clinical fellow in hematology and oncology at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

In 2018, Dr. Kim was honored with the Norman Rales Young Investigator Award from the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). In 2021, he received the John F. Potter, MD, Award from Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Kim has authored more than 60 articles in reputable peer-reviewed journals, including Lancet Oncology, JAMA Oncology, Journal of Thoracic Oncology, Journal for ImmunoTherapy of Cancer, and Clinical Cancer Research. Additionally, he has served as a reviewer for various journals such as Journal of Clinical Oncology, Clinical Lung Cancer, Lancet HIV, Lancet Haematology, and JCO Precision Oncology.

He is an active member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer.

Driven by his commitment to patient care, Dr. Kim aims to provide the best possible treatment options for his patients. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, exploring diverse cuisines, and traveling with his wife and son.

Education
Fellowship: National Institutes of Health
Residency: National Institutes of Health
Residency: University of Minnesota
Medical School: Sungkyunkwana University

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

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Stephen Liu, MD

Dr. Stephen V. Liu, MD, is an Associate Professor of Medicine at Georgetown University. He is the Director of Thoracic Oncology and Head of Developmental Therapeutics at the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Dr. Liu graduated cum laude from Johns Hopkins University before receiving his MD at the University of Maryland. He completed Internal Medicine training at the University of Pennsylvania and completed a fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Southern California, after which he received further specialized training in genomic medicine at the Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen). Dr. Liu has been part of the Thoracic Oncology section and the Experimental Therapeutics Program of Georgetown University since 2013. He is a board-certified medical oncologist with expertise in lung cancer and drug development.

Dr. Liu has a research focus on the development of novel therapeutic agents and innovative combinations for the treatment of advanced thoracic malignancies. He leads the Thoracic Oncology section and the Phase I Developmental Therapeutics group. His work has been published in journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine, Journal of Clinical Oncology, Journal of Thoracic Oncology, Lancet Oncology, Cancer Discovery, and Clinical Cancer Research. He is actively involved in post-graduate education and has been awarded multiple teaching awards for his efforts. In addition to leading national and global clinical trials for the treatment of lung cancer, Dr. Liu is also the co-host for the official IASLC (International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer) podcast, Lung Cancer Considered.

Philosophy of Care:
"I subscribe to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital's mission - cura personalis - caring for the whole person - and I am an advocate for my patients. I stress the importance of open communication between physicians and patients and strive to provide my patients with the most advanced care available. I strongly believe that all patients deserve the opportunity to benefit from the latest cancer research advances, including genomic testing which is an essential part of treatment decisions. I am also committed to conducting research that will contribute to our understanding of cancer and helping future patients. Clinical trials are often the best treatment option in lung cancer and we strive to have the most promising agents available for our patients."

Education
Fellowship: University of Southern California Medical Center
Residency: University of Pennsylvania Health System
Medical School: University of Maryland School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

Awards:

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Cristina Merkhofer, MD

Cristina Merkhofer, MD, MHS, is a medical oncologist at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. She specializes in treating head and neck cancers, including squamous cell carcinoma, salivary gland cancers, and thyroid cancers. She also specializes in thoracic cancers, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymic malignancies.

As a medical oncologist, Dr. Merkhofer oversees medication-based treatments for cancer, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies. She collaborates with colleagues in radiation oncology, surgery, and other medical specialties to develop personalized treatment plans for her patients. She cares deeply about making her patients feel heard and giving them enough information to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.

Dr. Merkhofer graduated cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania before earning a Master of Health Science in international health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. She obtained her MD at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. She completed her residency in internal medicine and participated in the Global Health and Underserved Populations track at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. Dr. Merkhofer then completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Washington/Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. She is board-certified in internal medicine and medical oncology.

With a strong background in global health and health services research, Dr. Merkhofer strives to improve access to oncology care in the DC area and bring promising new therapies to her patients. For her prior research in advanced lung cancer, she has been honored with a 2020 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Young Investigator Award, a 2020 Conquer Cancer Merit Award, and the Stork Petersdorf Lung Cancer Research Award. She is an active member of ASCO and the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer.

Philosophy of Care:
“I believe that the physician-patient relationship is sacred. I see my patients as whole people with unique goals, histories, and challenges, and not just defined by their illness. My goal is to help my patients understand their illness and to provide strong support so that they can make the best health decisions for themselves and their families. I am committed to bringing the latest treatments to my patients and to improving access to oncology care in the DC area.”

Education
Fellowship: University of Washington School of Medicine
Residency: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine-GME
Medical School: University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology

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Joshua Reuss, MD

Joshua Reuss, MD, is a thoracic medical oncologist at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He also serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at Georgetown University Medical Center.

Dr. Reuss specializes in lung cancer, mesothelioma, and thymoma. His research focuses on incorporating novel concepts and groundbreaking science to develop innovative clinical trials that advance the care of patients with lung cancer and mesothelioma. He has a particular interest in collaborating with scientific investigators to develop studies that help improve our understanding of the response and resistance mechanisms to immunotherapy in lung cancer and mesothelioma, as well as to develop trials that incorporate novel therapies that overcome immunotherapy resistance. He received the Young Investigator Award from the Conquer Cancer Foundation of the American Society of Clinical Oncology in 2019 for his research.

Dr. Reuss earned his bachelor’s degree in biology at Brandeis University and his MD from the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. He completed his internship and residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Virginia’s Department of Medicine. He subsequently completed a fellowship in the Department of Oncology at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.

MedStar Georgetown is part of the MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute, which combines medical expertise, the latest therapies, and research across MedStar Health. Our research engine, the Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in the Washington, D.C., region. This partnership means we provide access to cutting-edge clinical trials and the latest breakthroughs in cancer care.

Education
Fellowship: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Residency: University of Virginia Medical Center
Medical School: University of Rochester

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Internal Medicine, Internal Medicine

Awards:

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Luther Ampey, MD

Luther L. Ampey, III, MD, is board certified in radiation oncology at MedStar Georgetown Cancer Institute at MedStar Montgomery Medical Center. He specializes in stereotactic, external beam and hyperfractionated radiotherapy to treat breast, prostate, lung, and gastrointestinal cancers. He also is a member of the American Society of Radiation Oncology, American College of Radiology, American Medical Association, American College of Radiation Oncology, and American Brachytherapy Society.

Dr. Ampey’s approach to care centers on providing compassionate and personalized services. He begins by having thoughtful conversations with patients to learn about their specific health goals and concerns. He also reviews medical histories, performs physical exams, and orders laboratory tests to gain in-depth awareness about their specific conditions and symptoms. He then works closely with them to develop comprehensive care plans that include evidence-based treatments and pain management solutions. With a detailed-oriented team of oncology nurses, radiation therapists, medical physicists, and dosimetrists, he offers safe therapies that advance overall well-being and comfort.

Dr. Ampey is particularly interested in clinical breakthroughs that create new or enhanced cancer treatments. One example is recent data suggesting that the combined use of radiation and immunotherapy can help the immune system more effectively attack certain types of cancer. Referring physicians should know that he will keep them well informed about their patients’ progress while ensuring that they receive the best possible outcomes.

Philosophy of Care:
“I’ve always been interested in science – the continuous process of discovering novel and building upon past knowledge. When fused with my being a people person, radiation oncology was the perfect medical field for me.

I enjoy sharing that knowledge with patients so they can make well-informed decisions about their health. As a result, I take the time to ensure that they fully understand every aspect of the diagnosis, treatment, and recovery process. Equally important, I encourage shared decision making to make certain their important voices are respectfully heard and valued.”

Education
Fellowship: University of Maryland Medical System
Residency: University of Maryland Medical System
Internship: University of Virginia Medical Center
Medical School: University of Virginia School of Medicine

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Radiology, Radiation Oncology

Awards:

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Nitika Paudel, MD

Nitika Paudel, MD, PhD, is a radiation oncologist in the Department of Radiation Medicine at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. She is passionate about improving patient outcomes with collaboration, patient education, and clinical research.

Dr. Omogbehin’s approach to care centers on providing empathetic and compassionate services. He begins by listening to patients to learn about their specific health concerns and goals. He then educates them about every phase of treatment including performing radiation therapy simulations. This planning phase familiarizes patients with the state-of-the-art equipment while also demonstrating how their bodies will be positioned during every session.

Dr. Paudel is currently an active member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, American College of Radiation Oncology, Chicago Radiologic Society, and several other groups. She has been published in several prestigious scientific journals, including Surgical Oncology, Practical Radiation Oncology, International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology and Physics, and Journal of Virology.

Areas of Clinical Interest:

Education
Residency: McGaw Medical Center of Northwestern University
Internship: Louis A Weiss Memorial Hospital
Graduate: University of Health Sciences Chicago Medical School
Medical School: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine/Science
Graduate: Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine/Science

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Radiology, Diagnostic Radiology

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Pamela Randolph-Jackson, MD

Pamela D. Randolph-Jackson, MD, is chair of the Department of Radiation, MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Her research focuses on radiation oncology, especially for use in treating breast, lung and gastrointestinal malignancies. She specifically is interested in treatments using positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT); magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/CT fusion; three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy; and intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for breast, rectal, uterine, prostate and lung cancer.

At the Hospital Center, she serves on the Oncology Informatics Committee, the Clinical Quality Strategy Task Force and the Cancer Steering Committee. In addition, she developed the Dosimetry fellows program.

Dr. Randolph-Jackson is certified in radiation oncology by the American Board of Radiology. Her research has been published in Neurosurgery. She is a member of the American Society of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, the National Medical Association and the American College of Physician Executives. Dr. Randolph-Jackson has been listed as a Top Doctor by Washingtonian magazine.

Her medical degree is from the Quillen-Dishner College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN. She completed an internship in Medicine and a residency in Radiation Oncology at Howard University Hospital, Washington, DC. She continued her training with a clinical fellowship at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital in Philadelphia.

Education
Fellowship:Sidney Kimmel Medical College
Residency: Howard University Hospital
Internship: Howard University Hospital
Medical School: East Tennessee State University
Medical School: Cornell University

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Radiology, Radiation Oncology

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Edward Chan, MD

Edward Y.H. Chan, MD, FACS, is the Chief of Thoracic Surgery at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and sees patients at MedStar Washington Hospital Center and MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. Dr. Chan is double-board certified and specializes in general thoracic surgery. He treats patients for lung cancer, esophageal cancer, benign esophageal diseases (such as acid reflux/hiatal hernia and achalasia), and mediastinal tumors.

Dr. Chan is a highly experienced specialist in minimally invasive procedures, such as robotic surgery, EBUS, navigational bronchoscopy, and esophageal stenting, as well as lung transplantation. His clinical interests include lung cancer, malignant and benign esophageal diseases, and robotic and laparoscopic surgery. Passionate about preventative cancer care, he promotes and encourages eligible patients to be screened for lung cancer.

Prior to his appointment at MedStar, Dr. Chan held several academic and leadership positions. At Weill Cornell Medical College, he was an Associate Professor of Surgery and Cardiothoracic Surgery. In his clinical practice at the Houston Methodist Hospital Department of Surgery, he also held the roles of Program Director of the American College of Surgeons AEI simulation and education fellowship and Associate Program Director of the General Surgery residency program.

He received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed his general surgery residency at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City. During his residency, he completed a research fellowship in cardiothoracic surgery at Columbia University Medical Center. He then graduated from his cardiothoracic surgery fellowship at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Dr. Chan has received numerous awards for his teaching and medical practice. In 2018 and 2024, he received the Graduate Medical Education Annual Faculty Teaching Award from Houston Methodist Hospital. From Mount Sinai School of Medicine, he twice received the Arnold P. Gold Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award and was awarded membership to the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. Most recently, he was awarded the 2024 Houston Methodist Department of Surgery Faculty Teaching Award.

He is an active member of and serves on numerous committees for several professional societies, including the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer, the Western Thoracic Surgical Association, the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association, the Association for Surgical Education, the International Society for Heart and Lung Transplantation, and the Association of Program Directors in Surgery.

A native Bostonian and an avid Boston sports fan, Dr. Chan is excited to return to the East Coast and serve his community.

Philosophy of Care:
“My approach to medical care is deeply personal and compassionate. I believe in treating my patients with the same care and attention, I would give to my own family. It’s an honor to guide and support individuals through their healthcare journeys, offering a comforting presence during challenging times. I create a welcoming space where questions and concerns are met with patience and understanding, and I take the time to explain medical information in plain language, ensuring patients leave informed and confident in their health decisions. Together, we navigate their path to wellness with empathy and collaboration so that patients feel heard and empowered.”

Education
Residency: University of Washington School of Medicine
Residency: Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai
Fellowship: Columbia University Medical Center
Medical School: The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Surgery, Surgery

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Ann Hwalek, DO

Ann E. Hwalek, DO, MS, has joined MedStar Georgetown University Hospital as attending physician. In her new role, Dr. Hwalek is part of the region’s largest team of fellowship-trained thoracic surgeons providing treatment for the full array of benign and malignant lung, esophageal, and other thoracic diseases in adolescents and adults. Dr. Hwalek’s work has been published in peer-reviewed journals including Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Journal of Thoracic Disease, and Surgery among others. Dr. Hwalek’s area of special interest includes minimally invasive thoracic surgery.

Education
Residency: The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Residency: Loyola University Medical Center
Medical School: Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Med

Certification and Professional Associations:
American Board of Surgery, Surgery
American Board of Thoracic Surgery, Thoracic and Cardiac Surgery

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Marc Margolis, MD

Marc Margolis, MD, FACS, is the Chief of Thoracic Surgery at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital. He is a highly experienced surgeon with over 20 years of clinical practice and is board-certified in cardiothoracic surgery. He sees patients for the full range of thoracic diseases at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and MedStar Washington Hospital Center.

As a general thoracic surgeon, Dr. Margolis treats patients for all diseases related to the chest, including benign and malignant lung diseases, benign and malignant esophageal diseases, benign and malignant diseases of the mediastinum, tracheal conditions, diaphragmatic conditions, chest wall deformities, hyperhidrosis, and Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). Dr. Margolis specializes in robotic and minimally invasive approaches but uses conventional techniques when appropriate. He performs minimally invasive robotic surgery after induction therapy for lung and esophageal cancer.

Dr. Margolis is especially interested in emerging robotic techniques. He has been performing robotic surgery for many years and was part of the first group of surgeons to perform robotic thoracic surgery. His current interest/research centers on improving cancer patients' outcomes using new advances in robotic technology, including after induction therapy.

In addition to his clinical research and clinical work, Dr. Margolis is an Associate Clinical Professor of Surgery at Georgetown University, where he is proud to instruct and mentor the new generation of surgeons and students.

Dr. Margolis has received numerous awards throughout his long career, including the Outstanding Teaching Award from Georgetown University three times. He has been listed as a Best Doctor in the Washingtonian and Northern Virginia Magazines and is a Castle Connolly Top Doctor.

Originally from South Africa, Dr. Margolis speaks Afrikaans. He obtained his medical degree at the University of Cape Town Medical School before moving to the United States and completing his residency at New York Methodist Hospital. He went on to do his fellowship training at George Washington University Medical Center. He is a Fellow of the American College of Surgery and a professional member of the Southern Thoracic Surgical Association.

Dr. Margolis has lived in the greater Washington, DC, area since 1999 and is honored to serve his community. When he is not seeing patients or teaching, he enjoys spending time with his family and their Goldendoodle and traveling.

Philosophy of Care:
“Although it might be a cliche, I sincerely want to treat patients as I would like my family, friends, or myself to be treated. Over the years, I have encountered, witnessed, and experienced the workings of the medical system and know what it is like to be on the other side as a patient and as a patient’s family member. With that in mind, I strive to be compassionate, caring, available, and responsive to my patients. I always communicate with honesty and directness. In my practice, I strive to maintain the highest standards in all aspects of care.

“In my practice, I work with a team of medical professionals to obtain the best results for our patients. I am always available for a consult and highly responsive to patients and their referring physicians.”

Education
Fellowship: George Washington University School of Medicine
Residency: New York Methodist Hospital of Brooklyn-GME
Internship: Icahn School Of Medicine At Mount Sinai
Medical School: University of Cape Town