Berit Lyholm Madsen, M.D. F.A.C.R.
Co-founder, Peninsula Cancer Center
Radiation Oncologist/Center Director
Dr. Berit Madsen has worked in radiation oncology for 16 years and
specializes in breast and gynecologic cancer, head and neck cancer,
prostate external beam therapy and stereotactic radiotherapy. Dr. Madsen
first discovered her passion for radiation oncology as a student during
her rotation at Stanford’s Department of Radiation Oncology. She was
fascinated by the scientific and technologic demands of the field as
well as the meaningful way it allowed her to help patients facing cancer.
After years of practicing in Seattle, Dr. Madsen made it her personal
goal to open a cancer center to serve the Kitsap Peninsula. “Establishing
Peninsula Cancer Center has been a dream of mine for years. When I
worked in Seattle, I witnessed how difficult it was for my patients
that were ill and fatigued to travel for care. Now, my patients can
get quality care close to home.” Dr. Madsen received her M.D. from
Stanford University. While working at Virginia Mason, she played a
key role in building the breast cancer team, served as head of radiation
oncology and pioneered stereotactic radiotherapy for prostate cancer.
Outside of the office you are likely to find Dr. Madsen gardening or
sea kayaking. She is also a voracious reader and modern art fan.
R. Alex Hsi, M.D.
Co-founder, Peninsula Cancer Center
Prior to opening the Peninsula Cancer Center, Dr. R. Alex Hsi worked
for ten years in the Department of Radiation Oncology at Virginia Mason
Medical Center in Seattle and was section head from 2003 to 2009. Dr.
Hsi specializes in prostate cancer, prostate seed brachytherapy, lung
cancer, stereotactic radiation therapy and photodynamic therapy. He
received his M.D. from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. “Radiation
oncology is a challenging and rewarding field. In the modern era of
scientific, technology-oriented medicine, it’s vital that we, as physicians,
also remember to practice the art of medicine by perfecting our listening
skills and working to understand all of our patient’s needs.” Dr. Hsi
also served as an assistant professor of radiation oncology at University
of Pennsylvania Medical Center and presently is an adjunct professor.
Heath Foxlee, M.D.
Radiation Oncologist
Dr. Heath Foxlee has practiced radiation therapy on the Olympic Peninsula for twenty years at a thriving practice that he founded and developed in Sequim, Washington. He initially trained and worked as an engineer in Michigan and earned a postdoctoral fellowship in Medical Informatics at University of California, San Francisco. While in San Francisco, he completed his residency in radiation oncology with rotations at the heavy charged particle facility at Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory, Stanford University and The Institut Gustave Roussy in Paris.
Special interests in radiation therapy include wellness, geriatrics, and minimizing the side effects of treatment. He covers the broad range of patients seen in radiation oncology.
His favorite part of his work is the relationship with patients. He pays special attention to communicating the details about the patient’s diagnosis so that they understand the process and are reassured. He is also particularly fond of the life stories that patients share with him.
Homayon Parsai, Ph.D., DABR
Chief Physicist
Dr. Parsai has worked in Medical Physics since 1997. He credits the
outstanding team of clinicians and technologists he works with at Peninsula
Cancer Center for helping to combine his scientific knowledge with
the art of medicine to touch the lives of patients. Dr. Parsai received
his Ph.D. in physics from University of British Columbia in Canada.
Outside of medicine, he enjoys spending time with his family, and a
wide variety of sports including soccer, hockey and swimming.
Christopher S. Elmer
Office Manager
For the past five years, Christopher has worked in radiation oncology
with previous experience in obstetrics, gynecology and otolaryngology.
Christopher is inspired by the individuals he encounters every day
that face their illness with astounding courage and resolve. Christopher
has spent the last 15 years in Seattle after growing up in Salt Lake
City, Utah. When he’s not working, Christopher enjoys canoeing, hiking
and exploring the natural beauty of Washington and British Columbia.
Laura J. Esagui, CMD, RT(T)
Chief Dosimetrist
Laura has been in radiation oncology since 1972 but still embraces
the challenges of the field and the experiences she shares daily with
patients and fellow staff. Laura started her career in New York and
moved to the Pacific Northwest where she has worked in radiation oncology
at Virginia Mason and Swedish Medical Center. Her 30-year career is
inspiring and deeply meaningful to Laura. Outside of work Laura enjoys
everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Cheri E. Jolly, RT(T)
Chief Therapist
Cheri was inspired to work in radiation oncology after witnessing a
family member’s struggle with cancer. While she enjoys the technical
side of her work, Cheri’s heart is truly for the patient. She loves
getting to know each patient that relies upon her care. Nothing is
more fulfilling to Cheri than providing a patient with a positive experience
during an exhausting and frightening time. Cheri was born and raised
in Tacoma, Washington. Her other interests include travel, fly fishing
and crabbing.
Denise L. Bundow, A.R.N.P.
Nurse Practitioner
Denise has worked in oncology for almost 30 years with much of her
career spent in the Pacific Northwest. Her experience as an advanced
registered nurse practitioner has taught her that successful treatment
relies on scientific precision as well as holistic patient care. Denise
believes in treating the person, not just the disease. Denise grew
up in New York where she earned her B.S. degree from New York University
and M.S. at Columbia University. In her free time, Denise likes to
spend time with her family and coach her daughter’s soccer team. Denise
also enjoys most outdoor sports, especially long distance running.
Evie Matos, R.N.
Registered Nurse
Evie started her career in medical oncology. Ten years ago, she shifted
her focus to radiation oncology and has never looked back. Her field
allows her to stay on the forefront of innovative cancer treatments
and provide patients with unparalleled care. Evie has a passion for
educating and caring for not only her patients, but their families
as well. Outside of work, Evie enjoys spending time with friends and
family as well as reading, traveling and home improvement projects.
Jessica Villareal
Medical Assistant
Jessica was inspired to enter the medical field because she truly enjoys helping others. She graduated with honors from Everest College in Bremerton.
She attributes this Walt Disney quote to the way she views life, “Around here we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things, because we’re curious... and curiosity keeps leading us
down new paths.”
When she’s not in the office Jessica loves spending time with her daughter and being active in the outdoors.
Anthony K. Short RT(T)
Therapist
After spending six years in the United States Air Force, Anthony followed
his dream to pursue the field of radiation oncology. Anthony likes
to get to know each patient, hear their stories and make a difference
in their lives through medical technology. He also is appreciative
to be part of the dedicated and passionate team at Peninsula Cancer
Center. Anthony has been working in radiation oncology for two years.
His hobbies include fishing, riding ATV’s, playing the guitar and skiing.
Lisa Miller
Office Assistant
Lisa started her career as a Head Start preschool teacher and then spent the last 14 years as a stay at-home mom with her two children. Lisa is also a cancer survivor and recently found her niche at Peninsula Cancer Center as a front office assistant.
“I like being the first person many of our patients see when they come through our doors. I can relate to their ups and downs and I’m passionate about helping others through an emotional journey.”
A University of Washington graduate and Poulsbo native, Lisa is a true local. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, quilting, knitting and hiking.
Tammy Jones
Medical Assistant
Tammy is a 21 year Navy Veteran, who after retirement, decided to follow her dream of working in the medical field, and completed the Medical Assisting program at Olympic College in Bremerton, Washington, in June of 2010. Graduating with honors, she pursued a higher level of specialization by successfully completing her Certification in Medical Assisting (CMA) in July 2011, and is accredited through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). Tammy worked with chemotherapy patients for two years before joining Peninsula Cancer Center, and quickly discovered Oncology was where she wanted to stay. Away from work, Tammy enjoys spending quality time with her husband and children.
Christina Britton
R.T.(T), CT, CMD
Prior to joining Peninsula Cancer Center, Christina worked for twenty-one years in Radiation Oncology at Swedish Medical Center, Harrison Medical Center and Fred Hutchison Cancer Center.
Christina is a strong patient advocate. Her family's personal struggle with cancer confirmed that she was in the right career. Christina’s job gives her great satisfaction knowing that she can make a difference in people’s lives when they need it the most.
When she’s not at work, Christina enjoys spending time with family and friends. Her hobbies include genealogy, reading, quilting and scrapbooking.