The “Think Five” team uses the latest technology to shorten the course of prostate cancer treatment from the standard 45 sessions down to only five. Our radiation oncologists use this high intensity radiation therapy protocol, resulting in minimal side effects and saving you time.
The Urologic Oncology Program’s prostate cancer experts work together in a team-based approach to recommend a treatment plan that works best for you.
Radiation Oncologists
Michael Wesson, MD
Dr. Wesson, Co-Medical Director of Radiation Oncology, is a board-certified radiation oncologist with over 25 years of experience working at Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care. He was inspired to go into medicine watching his father’s career as a surgeon. He later showed interest in radiation oncology for its ever-developing technology and the ability to interact directly with patients.
Dr. Wesson received his medical degree from University of Virginia’s School of Medicine. He conducted his residency training at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, where he was also chief resident. Following his training, he was an assistant professor in the Department of Radiation Oncology, initially at Memorial Sloan-Kettering and then at Mt. Sinai Medical Center.
Shengyang Peter Wu, MD
Dr. Wu, an expert in prostate and kidney cancer, has worked at the nation's top NCI Designated Cancer centers, co-authoring over three dozen peer-reviewed scientific studies spanning basic mechanisms in cancer and its treatment, clinical trials of new therapies, and cancer epidemiology. He is driven by his mother's example as a pediatric surgeon to take part in the sacred profession of medicine and care for each patient as if it were himself or his closest kin.
Dr. Wu received his medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School, where he recieved additional training as a Howard Hughes Medical Institute Scholar at the NIH. He then conducted residency training at Georgetown University Hospital and NYU Langone Medical Center, where he was chief resident in radiation oncology and trained at the Manhattan Cyberknife Center. Following his training, Dr. Wu worked at Holy Name Medical Center in Teaneck, where he was an assistant professor at the Icahn School of Medicine. There, he began the SpaceOAR and five treatment prostate radiation programs. Then he moved to Los Angeles and worked at the City of Hope National Medical Center. He is thrilled to return to the Northeast to take care of the patients at Valley Health System where technology meets patient-centered care, every day.
Hua-Ren Ryan Cherng, MD
Dr. Ryan Cherng is a radiation oncologist at Valley-Mount Sinai Comprehensive Cancer Care. His approach to care is centered in personalization, and he believes that every patient and their family has unique needs which he is committed to listening to. He strongly believes in delivering compassionate communication and tailoring each treatment plan to fit the needs of his patients.
Dr. Cherng received his medical degree from the University of Maryland School of Medicine. He conducted his residency training in radiation oncology at the University of Maryland. He also serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
Nurses
Radiation oncology nurses navigate patients through the preparation required for the five-step radiation treatment. This includes any necessary diagnostic scans, operating room procedures as well as the subsequent five treatments themselves and follow-up appointments. Nurses also support our radiation oncologists during daily treatments if required for symptom management.
Our nursing staff includes Michele Ferrarella, RN, Julie Gayo, RN, Kathy Mrozek, RN, and Sara Myers, RN.
Medical Physicists & Dosimetrists
Valley’s physicists develop and direct quality control programs for radiation therapy. They are responsible for the daily operation and safety of equipment and procedures.
Our physicist staff includes Julie Lo-Medical, MS dABR, Steve Johnson, MS dABR, Matthew Worth, MS dABR, and Ki Chak, MS dABR.
Our dosimetrist staff includes Catherine Myatt, CMD, Jerin Thomas, CMD, and Eric Lall, CMD.
Radiation Therapists
Radiation therapists are responsible for ensuring treatments are delivered as prescribed and intended. They also oversee the safety and accuracy of every treatment for every patient.
Our radiation therapy staff includes Amber Herrick, R.T.T., Brianna Pelillo, R.T.T., Charlie Braun, R.T.T., Greg Drakopoulos, R.T.T., Amy Cacciatore, R.T.T., Joanie Riedy, R.T.T., Susan Mc Connell, R.T.T., Michelle Palazzo, R.T.T., Holly, Severino, R.T.T., Austen Park, R.T.T, and Robin Hegarty R.T.T.
Reception & Scheduling
Our office staff work with you to make sure your treatments are timely and convenient.