Madhuri Bajaj MD
Dr. Bajaj joined Illinois CancerCare, P.C. in 2012 after she finished her fellowship in Hematology/Oncology at Wayne State University/Karmanos Cancer Center in Detroit, MI, one of the nation’s 51 NCI designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers. Dr. Bajaj has been able to provide not only standard clinical cancer treatments to patients in Central Illinois, but as a result of her advanced and transdisciplinary cancer research training, she incorporates latest research treatments and/or approaches to achieve the best patient outcomes possible. She is one of the Physician Leaders of Illinois CancerCare Research Program (part of NCORP), which has been recognized by the NCI as one of the top performing community oncology centers in the nation. Dr. Bajaj is the Principal Investigator of several national and international clinical cancer trials that are exploring novel drugs and methods to improve the success rate for treatments. She works closely with members of Illinois CancerCare Research Program to hand select clinical trials that are applicable to our Central Illinois community. She has authored several Oncology book chapters, articles in the ASCO Educational Book, and has published original research in prestigious journals such as, The New England Journal of Medicine and Journal of Clinical Oncology. As the Medical Oncologist in the Gastrointestinal Cancer Collaborative Clinic at Illinois CancerCare, P.C., Dr. Bajaj strives to formulate a tailored medical cancer treatment plan by working closely with her surgical and radiation colleagues as well as health systems in the community. “The goal of a collaborative cancer clinic like ours is to bring the experts, their research, and supportive care resources directly to our cancer patients at their visit.”
Srinivas Jujjavarapu MD
Dr. J completed medical training at Andhra Medical College. After immigrating to the United States, he did his residency in internal medicine at Michigan State University, followed by a fellowship in hematology and oncology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham and Michigan State University. He practiced hematology and oncology in Joliet, Illinois, for a year and then went back into training at Loyola University in Maywood, Illinois, where he finished a year of fellowship in bone marrow transplantation. Dr. J specializes in gastrointestinal cancers including colon, rectum, esophageal and gastric cancers. He chose to study cancer because of the opportunity for research and offering new treatment options for patients. He has a passion for assisting patients in all aspects of fighting their disease from treatment choices to side effect management and mental wellbeing. Outside of Illinois CancerCare, Dr. J. enjoys playing tennis and relaxing in order to return to work with a fresh mind for new challenges.
Steven Stergios Tsoraides MD, FACS, FASCRS
Dr. Tsoraides was born and raised in Illinois and has called Peoria home for over half his life. He earned his Doctorate of Medicine (MD) and Masters of Public Health (MPH) from the University of Illinois after graduating from Loyola University Chicago with studies in biology and history. He is Double Board Certified in Colon and Rectal Surgery as well as General Surgery after training at Southern Illinois University and University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria. He was the Director of Illinois’ first Nationally Accredited Rectal Cancer Program (NAPRC). He is among a select group of physicians working with the American College of Surgeons and the Commission on Cancer for accreditation of programs at a national level through the NAPRC. He serves on leadership committees with the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, Illinois Surgical Society and Illinois Chapter of the American College of Surgeons and remains up to date on the latest advances in the treatment of colon and rectal surgery. His work has helped ensure world class care here in Central Illinois. As a leader in the field, Dr. Tsoraides is an Associate Professor of Clinical Surgery with the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria where he teaches and leads research. He serves as the Program Director of the Surgery Residency in Peoria and mentors the next generation of surgeons. He has published work in multiple national and international journals and texts as well as having his work presented across the world. He has also received many awards along the way. Dr. Tsoraides’ commitment to treating cancer patients is evident through his large body of work. He has treated thousands of patients across Central Illinois and has one of the busiest practices in robotic colon and rectal surgery in the state. He is also very skilled at a variety of techniques including laparoscopy, endoscopy and transanal endoscopic microsurgery. Dr. Tsoraides is able to offer a wide range of skills and services to patients to tailor surgical treatment to their needs while also maintaining the compassion and professionalism cancer patients deserve. In his words, “Being part of the Cancer Clinic team is an honor and I am really proud of what we are able to offer patients with this team. We work together to make sure patients get the best cancer care possible.”
Sonia Tewani Orcutt MD, FACS
Dr. Sonia Orcutt is the first board certified surgical oncologist in central Illinois outside of Chicago. Her primary areas of interest include cancers of the liver, pancreas, small bowel, appendix, and stomach, as well as skin cancers and soft tissue sarcomas. She is well-trained in complex surgical treatment as well as multidisciplinary treatment of these patients. For patients with cancer, the knowledge of how and when to coordinate care with other specialties (including medical and radiation oncology, gastroenterology, and interventional radiology) is of vital importance in providing streamlined and effective cancer care. Dr. Orcutt received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Boston University as the top student in her major. She continued at Boston University to receive her Doctor of Medicine degree, graduating magna cum laude and a member of the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society of which she was the president. She completed her residency in General Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, followed by a fellowship in Complex General Surgical Oncology at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Florida, one of the top 10 cancer hospitals in the country. Since moving to Peoria, Dr. Orcutt has used her knowledge and training to bring new cancer treatments to the area that were previously not available for advanced cancers. Her academic efforts include teaching and working with residents and students at the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Peoria, as well as grant-funded research. As Chief of Surgical Oncology for the Department of Surgery, she continues her goal of providing cutting-edge, top-notch care in a multidisciplinary fashion to her patients.
Candace R. Correa MD
Dr. Correa specializes in radiation oncology at UnityPoint Health. She graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan before attending medical school at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Dr. Correa then completed her residency at the University of Michigan and fellowships at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania and Oxford University. She is board certified in radiation oncology by the American Board of Radiology. Dr. Correa chose radiation oncology because she knows cancer can be intimidating and she enjoys being a teacher and guide for her patients, helping them understand how their particular cancer can best be treated. Modern cancer treatment is individualized and highly tailored and Dr. Correa takes into account her patient’s goals and priorities when making treatment recommendations. She finds her career very rewarding when she can assist in giving cancer patients more time to be with their families and friends, and to enjoy life to its fullest. She has been encouraged by the progress radiotherapy has made in recent years, with significantly more tolerable treatments that are many times shorter in duration and with less risk of side effects. Outside of work, Dr. Correa enjoys traveling to exotic places and seeking new adventures and experiences. She is an animal lover, avid runner and part time biker. Her advice to new patients is to tell their doctors what is most important to them, so they can help achieve those goals. She wants her patients to know that they are not alone and urges them to take offers of help from their supporters. A positive mindset and less stress can really help. It’s a team effort.
CHANDLER WILFONG MD, FACS
Dr. Wilfong is a board certified general surgeon and Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He was born and raised in eastern Kentucky and attended college and medical school at the University of Louisville in Kentucky. He then completed a general surgery residency at the State University of New York University at Buffalo, where he also engaged in immunology basic science research, studying immune therapies and their applications in cancer treatment.Following the completion of his general surgery training, he then completed a Minimally Invasive Foregut and Hepatobiliary Surgery Fellowship at Advent Health Tampa. He specializes in the treatment of benign and malignant disease of the esophagus, stomach, liver, bile ducts, gallbladder, and pancreas. Dr. Wilfong is an author on multiple peer reviewed national publications, has presented research at national meetings, and been an invited speaker at national meetings. Dr. Wilfong’s primary interests involve the application of minimally invasive surgery to the treatment of complex gastrointestinal cancers, and research regarding foregut and hepatobiliary diseases. He currently serves on the OSF St. Francis Cancer Committee, Cancer Steering Committee, and serves as the Chairman of the Robotic Surgery Committee, and the Lead Physician of OSF
General Surgery.
Mackenzie C. McGee MD
Dr. Mackenzie McGee specializes in radiation oncology at OSF St. Francis Medical Center. She grew up in central Illinois and moved to Peoria when she was 8 years old. Dr. McGee attended Peoria Notre Dame High School and then Saint Mary’s College in South Bend, Indiana for undergraduate studies. She completed medical school at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and interned and completed her radiation oncology residency at Beaumont Health System in Royal Oak, Michigan. She is board certified in radiation oncology by the American Board of Radiology. In addition to collaborating in the Multidisciplinary Clinic, Dr. McGee works with the OSF Cancer Support Services team to offer comprehensive services to patients as they go through cancer treatment and into survivorship. She strives to put the needs of her patients as a top priority. Dr. McGee loves the challenge of answering a scientific question and is involved in cancer research. This involvement with clinical trials allows her patients to gain access to novel treatments that may improve upon the current standard of care. Outside of work, Dr. McGee enjoys spending time with her husband and kids and being out with friends. She loves to play tennis and going for bike rides on the Rock Island Trail. Her family loves baking, celebrating holiday traditions and going to the drive-in movies at Keller station on the weekends!
Asif Quyyum DO
Dr. Quyyum specializes in colon and rectal surgery with OSF HealthCare. He graduated with a degree in electrical engineering from Columbia University in New York City before attending medical school at the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Quyyum then completed his General Surgery Residency at Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center in Pennsylvania and a Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He is board certified in both colorectal surgery and general surgery by the American Board of Surgery. Dr. Quyyum became interested in surgery due to a desire to help people. He specializes in colon and rectal surgery because of its challenging statistic as the third leading cause of cancer in the country. Dr. Quyyum is passionate about cancer treatment, research and collaboration through multidisciplinary clinics. His advice to his patients is to write down questions and ask them all. He has been encouraged by the advancements in robotics with surgery and is proud to work in a state-of-the-art facility. Dr. Quyyum’s wife, Dr. Saila Moni, is a physician with OSF Perinatology. They have one child and enjoy spending as much time together as possible. Outside of surgery,
