Our Team

The hematologists and medical oncologists at Washington Cancer Institute have extensive experience and expertise in the diagnosis and management of cancers of the blood and lymph systems, such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, myelodysplasia and myeloproliferative disorders.

This state-of-the-art program serves as a tertiary referral center in the area. Diagnosis and treatment of patients are guided by advanced clinical pathways, which include the latest drug therapies, immunotherapies, investigational protocols and stem cell transplant for optimal care.

Karen Smith, MD, is a hematologist/oncologist at Washington Cancer Institute who spends time talking to her patients.

Multidisciplinary Care

Our expert physicians believe that the best form of care is multidisciplinary: doctors with specialties in different fields work together, to fight disease using tested methods and procedures. 

Our patients find our excellent support staff and the facilities at MedStar Washington Hospital Center make this the best medical center for the treatment of cancer in the national capital region.

Experience, Excellence and Education

At Washington Cancer Institute, all our doctors diagnose and treat the largest volume of patients with cancer in the greater Washington D.C. area.  Our physicians direct clinical research protocols, are recognized nationally by their peers and have written and published articles in their areas of expertise.

Our entire team is here to guide you and focus on your unique needs and concerns.

Our Team

Physicians

• Joseph P. Catlett, MD
• Sekwon Jang, MD
• Lawrence Lessin, MD
• Vera Malkovska, MD
• Aarthi Shenoy, MD
• Karen L. Smith, MD, MPH
• Irina Veytsman, MD

Nurse Practitioners and Physicians Assistants

The Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants at Washington Cancer Institute are responsible for managing patients who are undergoing therapies directed by the medical oncology physicians in the ambulatory (outpatient) setting. Nurse Practitioners and Physician Assistants are assigned to each of the attending medical oncologists at the Cancer Institute and help to promote multidisciplinary collaboration and high standards of care. They work independently but collaborate with the patients' primary medical oncologist (cancer physician) as well as referring and consulting physicians. They are responsible for all aspects of care including: physical evaluation and assessment, medical intervention, documentation, and reporting of responses, toxicities and adverse events associated with prescribed therapies.