Our staff and patients love working with our physicians. We are honored to have worked some of the best in the oncology industry. Join us as we celebrate the physicians who have retired from Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers.
Dr. Harrison Bachrach was born and raised in a farming community on eastern Long Island. He graduated with honors from the State University of New York Buffalo School of Medicine, completed his Internal Medicine training at the University of Pittsburgh and his Oncology & Hematology training at the Roswell Park Cancer Institute. Dr. Bachrach was part of Desert Oncology from 1988 until 2012 when he joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers where he practiced until his retirement in 2018. One of his partners, Dr. Michael Long recalls, “Dr. Bachrach was a deep-sea enthusiast and loved to celebrate Mardi Gras. He’s been a great oncologist to work with.” In retirement, he plans to continue his interest and involvement in the performing and visual arts. We express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Bachrach for his example of unyielding service and dedication to his patients and the oncology community. We proudly welcome him into Ironwood’s Circle of Honor.
Dr. Marvin Chassin spent nearly forty years practicing medical oncology in the East Valley. After graduating from Yale University School of Medicine, he trained at the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health where he was involved in clinical and drug development research. Dr. Chassin was a founding member of Desert Oncology. He joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2012, where his patients and staff were lucky enough to be in his presence until his much-deserved retirement. Colleague, Dr. Clayton Polowy, said, “Dr. Chassin provided diligent and steadfast care to thousands of patients for over 30 years in the East Valley. He was always available to his colleagues to provide expert advice and consultation. He was a trusted leader, a loyal friend, and a true professional.”
For 35 years, Dr. Nathaniel Fastenberg has been well known in the Valley’s oncology community. He completed a fellowship at M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute in Houston, TX. Additionally, he practiced in southeast Maricopa County from 1983 until joining Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2006. Dr. Fastenberg was involved in several research studies throughout the years to make sure his patients got the most advanced treatments possible. Ironwood colleague Dr. Mark Ono said, “Dr. Fastenberg was an excellent clinician with subtle, dry humor. I’ll miss working with him.” The patients and staff of Ironwood Cancer and Research Centers wish him the very best in his retirement.
Dr. Diane Recine started practicing at Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in 2015 and retired in 2019. When asked about her extraordinary career, she remarked, “It has been an honor and privilege to work with such inspiring patients and esteemed colleagues throughout my career as a Radiation Oncologist. I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by an incredible team of talented, compassionate professionals.” Sangita Deacon, Radiation and Imaging Manager who worked with her for over fifteen years, says, “She has gained my utmost respect as a radiation oncologist. She never falters from portraying a professional demeanor handling every situation in a calm and collected manner.”
Dr. Recine started her post-doctoral training in radiation oncology in 1985 at Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s in Chicago. Her knowledge of radiation oncology was noticed by academics and she was chosen for numerous appointments which included a year at the University of Chicago Hospitals and seven years as an Assistant Professor in Radiation Oncology at Rush Medical College. Throughout her career, she was consistently a member of numerous committees for medical education in oncology.
Dr. Recine was a prolific writer that wrote articles for prestigious publications such as Cancer, Applied Radiology, and conferences. During her illustrious career, she made contributions to cancer research that have helped her patients and will continue to help patients within oncology for many years into the future. Colleague Dr. Aaron Ambrad says, “Diane was an absolute pleasure to work with. I will deeply miss her demeanor, professionalism, and wisdom.” Everyone at Ironwood wishes her a happy retirement and recognizes her for the many years she dedicated to the advancement of radiation oncology.
Dr. Jeffrey D. Isaacs was listed as a Top Doctor with PHOENIX magazine for over 20 years. His 35-year dedication and expertise in the practice of Medical Oncology and Hematology is renowned. In 1981, he joined Hematology Associates and was a managing partner with Arizona Oncology. Colleague Dr. Kukunoor said, “My education taught me the science, but Dr. Issascs taught me the ‘art’ of practicing oncology.” From 2003-2013, Dr. Isaacs continued his vision with Southwest Hematology and Oncology.
He was the co-principle investigator for the Clinical Community Oncology Program, bringing many research clinical trials to the valley. Dr. Ewing said, “Dr. Issacs is revered by his patients and will remain a visionary in oncology. He has an inquisitive mind and a humble soul that is rarely seen in one of such greatness.” Dr. Isaacs merged with Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers until his retirement.
For 15 years, Dr. Olyejar has been a standard- bearer for excellence as a radiation oncologist. He was rewarded as a six-time recipient of the prestigious PHOENIX Magazine Top Doc award. He has touched countless lives through his significant contributions to the advancement of brachytherapy treatment for cancer. “I’ve known Eric since 2004. We shared numerous patients over the years, and he provided the best care to them, thoughtful, kind and knowledgeable. We hiked, laughed, dined together, and saw each other’s daughters grow up. I shall, even more so, look forward to my visits to Flag, where once again I shall hike with him, share a laugh over a beer he brewed.” –Puneet Bhalla, MD. Our organization can never replace your invaluable contributions and astute wisdom. On behalf of Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers, we would like to thank you for your exemplary achievement and career.
Dr. Michael Long has touched the lives of many. His 32 years of dedication and expertise in the practice of Medical Oncology & Hematology he has set the standard for excellence with his peers. In recognition Dr. Long has been nominated by his patients and peers receiving the PATIENTS Choice award and featured in the PHOENIX Magazine Top Doc. Our organization can never replace your invaluable contributions and astute wisdom.
For 29 years, Dr. Ono has been a standard-bearer for excellence as a radiation oncologist. He was rewarded as a recipient of the prestigious PHOENIX magazine Top Doc award. He has touched countless lives through his significant contributions as a medical expert consultant to medical insurers, performing peer reviews regarding standards of care and career medicine.
“Congrats on your retirement. Ironwood will be losing one of the good guys” Dr. Charles Woo
A special thank you for the care and commitment that inspires us to be better. We feel blessed to have worked with you and thankful to have you as part of the Ironwood family.
“Thanks for the adventure- now go make a new one” Dr. Monique Chang
Our organization can never replace your invaluable contributions and astute wisdom. On behalf of Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers we would like to thank you for your exemplary achievement and career.
Throughout her tenure, at Urologic Health Associates Plc. Dr. Heiland has demonstrated unwavering commitment to excellence in patient care and has been a trusted colleague and mentor to many. Her compassion, expertise, and dedication to the field of urology have earned her the respect and admiration of both patients and peers alike. We are also incredibly grateful for her years of service and the lasting legacy she leaves behind. Her professionalism, leadership, and camaraderie will be greatly missed by all of us at Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers.
Radiation Oncologist, Dr. Marianne Mildenberger joined Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers in August of 2020. She has been an integral part of our community, bringing not only her expertise but also her compassion and dedication to every patient she has treated. Her contributions to our center have been invaluable, and her presence will be greatly missed by both colleagues and patients alike. Throughout her tenure, Dr. Mildenberger has exemplified the highest standards of professionalism and excellence in patient care. Her commitment to advancing the field of radiation oncology and her unwavering support for her patients have left an indelible mark on our center.
We acknowledge that our organization can never replicate the invaluable contributions and profound wisdom you’ve shared. On behalf of Ironwood Cancer & Research Centers, we extend our deepest gratitude for your exceptional achievements and service to our patients.
