Levan Tsamalaidze, MD

Sarbajit Mukherjee, M.D., MS, is a board-certified gastrointestinal medical oncologist and chief of gastrointestinal medical oncology at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. He specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract. He is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine, hematology and medical oncology. Prior to joining Miami Cancer Institute, Dr. Mukherjee was an associate professor of oncology and associate professor of immunology and served as co-leader of the gastrointestinal translational research group at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center in Buffalo, N.Y. Dr. Mukherjee has led numerous clinical trials as a principal investigator. Many of his studies are grant-funded by organizations such as the National Cancer Institute and the U.S. Department of Defense. The goal of his work is to understand the biology of gastrointestinal cancers and develop novel clinical trials aimed at enhancing patients' quality of life and extending their lifespan. His research interests also include the mechanisms of immune dysfunction in obese cancer patients and the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors in solid tumors. Dr. Mukherjee presents his research at national and international symposiums and publishes his results in high-impact, peer-reviewed journals. He is also an invited editorial reviewer of manuscripts for prestigious medical journals and grant applications for federal funding agencies. He is the recipient of numerous awards for his expertise in clinical practice, scientific research and the education of medical professionals. He is an active member of several professional associations and has served on committees for the American Society of Clinical Oncology, among others, as well as on institutional committees. Dr. Mukherjee earned his medical degree at Nilratan Sircar Medical College, West Bengal University of Health Sciences in India. He gained experience in translational research and clinical trial design through a master's program in clinical and translational science at the University of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City. His clinical training includes an internal medicine residency at Saint Joseph Hospital in Chicago and a hematology-oncology fellowship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center. For Dr. Mukherjee, supporting a cancer patient goes beyond just addressing the illness; it is an impactful healing journey that fully engages the patient’s physical health, mental well-being and support system. He strives to be a compassionate physician, successful clinical and translational researcher and thought leader in the field of gastrointestinal cancers. Fluent in English, Bengali and Hindi, Dr. Mukherjee enjoys spending his free time with his family as well as traveling and being outdoors

Firas El Chaer, M.D., MSHCM, is a board-certified hematologist-oncologist and the chief of Leukemia and medical director of Infusion Services at Baptist Health Miami Cancer Institute. He specializes in the treatment of leukemia, with a primary focus on acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and chronic myeloid leukemia. His expertise also extends to myeloproliferative neoplasms (primary myelofibrosis, essential thrombocytosis and polycythemia vera), clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential as well as bone marrow failure disorders, including myelodysplastic syndromes and aplastic anemia. Dr. El Chaer utilizes personalized, targeted therapies to enhance treatment effectiveness and improve patient responses. Additionally, he has a keen interest in measurable residual disease detection and monitoring, which can improve patients’ long-term outcomes and survival rates by catching early signs of relapse so treatments and adjusting treatments accordingly. Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr. El Chaer was an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Hematology-Oncology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He also served as medical director of the Cancer Service Line – Infusion Centers and medical director of the Chronic and Acute Leukemia Research Team at the University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center. Dr. El Chaer earned his medical degree at the University of Balamand in Beirut, Lebanon. He served as chief resident during an internal medicine residency at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in Englewood, N.J. He then completed a fellowship in infectious diseases for immune-compromised cancer patients at the combined program of Baylor College of Medicine and the University of Texas at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. He also completed a fellowship in hematology and oncology with a focus on blood disorders and a built-in fellowship in stem cell transplantation at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore, where he served as chief fellow. He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in internal medicine, infectious diseases, hematology and medical oncology. In addition to his patient care responsibilities, Dr. El Chaer is a clinical investigator and principal investigator for numerous pharmaceutical-sponsored clinical trials and investigator-initiated trials. He has been recognized with multiple awards across different areas of professional practice, including his clinical skills, research contributions and teaching abilities. One such award is the prestigious Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism in Medicine Award, which honors mentors who demonstrate care and compassion in the teaching and advising of medical students. Dr. El Chaer is an active member of numerous professional organizations. He also contributes to the scientific community by presenting his research findings at national and international symposiums, editing and reviewing papers for medical publications and publishing his research in peer-reviewed journals, with more than 50 articles appearing in prominent journals such as Blood and JAMA Oncology. Dr. El Chaer’s approach to patient care is deeply rooted in his personal experience, having witnessed the profound impact of non-Hodgkin lymphoma on his father and family. He prioritizes clear, compassionate communication and strives to connect with his patients and their families on a personal level, not only addressing medical needs but also serving as a supportive guide through each step of the cancer journey. His goal is to provide care that is as personal as it is professional, creating a support system that goes beyond traditional treatment. Dr. El Chaer is fluent in English, French and Arabic. In his free time, he enjoys backpacking and road cycling and pushing his limits with CrossFit. He finds relaxation in listening to audiobooks and podcasts and seeks adventure by traveling to new countries and immersing himself in diverse cultures, exploring rich histories and discovering unique cuisines. This blend of physical and intellectual pursuits helps Dr. El Chaer recharge and stay inspired.

Lina Hurtado, M.D., is a board-certified physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, treating patients in the inpatient setting. She is fluent in English and Spanish. Dr. Hurtado focuses on enhancing and restoring functional ability and quality of life to people with physical impairment or disabilities. Prior to joining Baptist Health, Dr. Hurtado served as medical director at Saint Catherine’s West Rehabilitation Hospital in Miami. She has held numerous leadership positions, such as stroke rehabilitation director and assistant professor of physical medicine and rehabilitation. Dr. Hurtado earned her medical degree from Nueva Granada Military University in Colombia and completed her physical medicine and rehabilitation residency at University of Miami and Jackson Memorial Hospital. She received the Intern of the Year award in the general surgery department and Best Research Project in the physical medicine and rehabilitation department. As she works with each patient, Dr. Hurtado listens to each concern and provide a comprehensive treatment plan that meets the individual’s unique goals. Through trust, effective communication and the latest healthcare innovations, she works to achieve the best possible outcomes. In her spare time, Dr. Hurtado enjoys exercising, traveling and spending time with her family.