Richy Agajanian, M.D.

A highly dedicated and compassionate doctor, Dr. Agajanian is triple board-certified by the American Board of Medical Oncology, the American Board of Hematology and the American Board of Internal Medicine. Fellowship-trained in Hematology and Oncology at UCLA-Olive View Medical Center/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Dr. Agajanian earned his medical degree from the University of California-Irvine College of Medicine and completed his Internal Medicine residency at UCLA. Prior to this, he graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Physiology and Neuroscience from the University of California-San Diego, where he received top honors in his department.

Dr. Agajanian has received numerous awards during his educational and professional careers, including induction into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He has also researched and published several articles in medical journals on the topic of Hematology and Oncology including treatment of Burkitt Lymphoma, development of a scoring system for myelodysplastic syndromes, and the study of acute chest syndrome.

Dr. Agajanian has access to the latest research, technology and treatment options, including clinical trials for eligible patients. He also maintains strong professional relationships with other physicians who specialize in treatment management and support services. He strives continuously to educate patients and their families regarding cancer awareness and prevention.

Dr. Agajanian is fluent in English, Spanish and Armenian.

Professional Memberships:

• American Society of Clinical Oncology
• American Society of Hematology
• Medical Oncology Association of Southern California
• Society of General Internal Medicine
• American Medical Association
• Armenian American Medical Association                  
• Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity

Patient Care Philosophy

It is Dr. Agajanian's foremost goal to optimize the quality of life for patients and their loved ones, helping them cope with the challenges brought on by cancer. Dr. Agajanian strives to relieve the burden and suffering caused by cancer while always holding the utmost respect for patients and their families. He values open communication, mutual respect and patient autonomy, listening to patients as well as providing weekly educational sessions about patients' diseases and treatment plans. He builds personal synergy with his patients so they have someone to turn to in difficult times.

In addition to caring deeply for his patients, Dr. Agajanian is devoted to his wife and three daughters. 

Eric M Cheung, D.O.

A highly caring and devoted physician, Dr. Cheung is fellowship-trained in Hematology and Oncology at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles County Medical Center and Norris Comprehensive Cancer Institute.  Dr. Cheung earned his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences.

Dr. Cheung received his undergraduate degree from Stanford University, during which time he received the honor of training at Oxford University. After medical school, he completed both his internal medicine training and hematology-oncology training at the University of Southern California where he served as Chief of his fellowship program.

While Dr. Cheung is trained in all cancers and blood disorders, he is considered an expert in the fields of Prostate cancer and platelet disorders, as attested by his numerous publications in both fields.

Dr. Cheung seeks to educate and empower his patients. He is dedicated to the comprehensive well-being of his patients and to the quality of their lives.

Dr. Cheung is fluent in English and Spanish.

Professional Memberships:

• American Society of Clinical Oncology
• American Society of Hematology

Patient Care Philosophy

Dr. Cheung doesn’t just treat disease, he treats people. He understands that every patient has unique needs and he meets them with constant doses of personal attention.  Dr. Cheung resides in the community and enjoys spending quality time with his wife and family. 

Christopher S. Ho, M.D.

Born in Wisconsin and raised in Philadelphia, Dr. Ho started his career by earning a degree in Biology from Johns Hopkins University. He returned to Philadelphia by attending the Temple University School of Medicine, where he obtained his medical degree. Dr. Ho migrated west for his internal medicine residency at the University of California, Davis. He then accepted a fellowship in Hematology and Medical Oncology in the USC Keck School of Medicine at the Los Angeles County/University of Southern California Medical Center.  He served as Chief Fellow from 2008 to 2009.

Trained in hematologic disorders and malignancies as well as common cancers, Dr. Ho’s research interests are also in the field of lung cancer and cancers of the head and neck. His contributions to the field of lung cancer have been well received at national cancer conferences. It is from his experience in these areas that has created strong relationships with his medical colleagues, internists and specialists alike, to provide holistic, comprehensive care for his patients with these complex problems. 

Dr. Ho is fluent in English, Spanish, and Cantonese Chinese.

Dr. Ho’s professional memberships include:

• American Society of Hematology
• American Society of Clinical Oncology
• American College of Physicians

Patient Care Philosophy

Dr. Ho considers patients as partners in medical care. Mutual respect, open communication, and solid medical information form the foundation of a productive and supportive doctor-patient relationship. He seeks to empower his patients with recognized medical information imbued with his experience.

Manan S. Mehta, M.D.

Fellowship-trained in Oncology & Hematology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and UCLA-San Fernando Valley, Dr. Mehta is actively involved in the Breast cancer research program, a division of cancer research and training of CDU/UCLA. His research involves the creation of a tissue bank, cell and molecular biology, genetic screening & counseling, detection, diagnosis, etiology, and treatment of Breast cancer. His research is focused on prevention of the disease, prevention of recurrence after surgery, and treatment of recurrences.

Dr. Mehta is involved in a broad range of clinical trials exploring the use of new therapeutic agents for the treatment of Breast cancer and other malignancies. While committed to treating a wide variety of malignancies, including solid and liquid tumors, he specializes in treating Breast cancer and atypical proliferative breast disorders.

Dr. Mehta frequently lectures in the community with a focus on Breast cancer prevention and various therapeutic options. He has also published articles on these topics in both the scientific and popular presses. Dr.Mehta has won numerous awards for his research, teaching, scholarship, clinical abilities and volunteer work.

Dr. Mehta earned his medical degree from South Gujarat University in India followed by internship and Internal medicine residency at Charles Drew University of Medicine & Science in Los Angeles. He completed his fellowship in hematology/oncology at UCLA School of Medicine affiliated program, with special emphasis on clinical and basic science research in Breast cancer.

Dr. Mehta is fluent in English, Hindi and Gujarati

Dr. Mehta's professional memberships include:

• American Society of Clinical Oncology
• American Society of Hematology
• American Medical Association
• Indian Medical Association of Southern California

Patient Care Philosophy

A highly compassionate, hard-working and talented physician, Dr. Mehta cares deeply for his work and his patients. Since breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, a personalized treatment plan, and quality care with a multidisciplinary approach, is his utmost priority. He is dedicated to helping each one of his patients with medical as well as emotional support. Dr. Mehta, who resides in the community, is proud to be a family man, and greatly enjoys spending time with his wife and child.

Merrill K. Shum, M.D.

A Southern California native, Dr Shum returns to us from Philadelphia, PA where he served as an attending physician and member of the Crozer Regional Cancer Center, a Fox Chase Cancer Center affiliate for the past two years.  During his tenure there, he served as a relevance reviewer for hematology and medical oncology for the American Board of Internal Medicine and was appointed Clinical Assistant Professor at Temple University’s School of Medicine.  Dr. Shum is triple board certified by the American Board of Hematology, the American Board of Medical Oncology and the American Board of Internal Medicine.  Fellowship trained in Hematology and Oncology at The Cancer Institute of New Jersey at Cooper, Dr. Shum earned his medical degree from the University Autonoma of Guadalajara and his Fifth Pathway Certification at New York Medical College.  He completed his residency at UMDNJ- Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, (Cooper University Hospital) and served at Chief Institutional Fellow.  Prior to this, he graduated from the University of California at Berkeley.

Dr. Shum has received numerous honors and teaching awards including the Arthur P. Gold Foundation Excellence in Humanism and Teaching Award, the Golden Apple Teaching Award, Teaching Resident of the Year Award, Internal Medicine Resident of the Year Award, Cambridge Who’s Who in Medicine, AMA Physician’s Recognition Award and NJ ACP Certificate of Merit.  He has presented nationally at NJ ACP, SGIM, Lynn Sage Breast Symposium, San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium and internationally at Novo Nordisk Symposium on Haemostasis Management.  His publications can be found in the Am J of Med, Blood, Proc Am J Clin Onc and Breast Cancer Research and Treatment.

Dr. Shum is fluent in English, Spanish, conversational Cantonese (Chinese).

Professional memberships:

• American College of Physicians
• American Society of Clinical Oncology
• American Society of Hematology

Patient Care Philosophy

Dr. Shum continues to strive to bridge the gap of patient understanding through communication and education.  His strong interest in clinical trials allows him to integrate current standard therapies with the latest advances.  “While we maintain our integrity through honestly, we must remain compassionate.  Our dedication and commitment to achieve the highest quality of care is aimed at improving quality of life and ultimately improving survival.  It is our responsibility to help our patients and their families navigate through their cancer management to minimize anxiety through this difficult period.”