Muhammad Uzair Saqlain, MD - Beacon Medical Group Oncology South Bend

About Haley Haley Bywaters knew at an early age that she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. Her inspiration came from her mother who was a nurse in a neonatal intensive care unit. “I watched how thankful parents were for everything she did to help their baby,” Haley says. Haley’s sister is also a nurse in a NICU. Haley chose to be an oncology nurse practitioner because she felt she could make an impact on patients’ lives. She provides treatment, symptom management and surveillance to help patients through their cancer journey. “Oncology patients are going through some of the hardest times in their life,” she says. “I want to help make their experience the best that it can be.” A strong desire to do what’s best for patients has guided Haley throughout her clinical career. She has provided patient care at Memorial Hospital since her clinical internship in 2017. Her approach is always to serve with compassion and be an advocate for patients. “I treat patients the way I would want my family treated,” she says. “I want patients to be able to decide how they want to treat their disease.” Like her mother, Haley is a lifelong learner. “I will forever be doing ‘homework,’” she says. “As a medical professional, it is our responsibility to know the best treatment options for our patients. Although I won’t be in school, I will continue to learn new things throughout my career.” Haley also learns from patients by listening to patients as they navigate through treatment. “Although patients may have the same diagnosis, they experience it differently and tolerate it in different ways,” she says. Patients also have taught Haley to enjoy life as much as possible because you never know what life can bring you. In Her Own Words Who is or was the most influential person/role model in your life? My mother was my most influential person because she taught me to be the best person that I can be. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? A cook at Mancino’s/Pitt Stop in Granger. I remember smelling like fried food every time I left work. What is your favorite food? Movie? My favorite food is sushi or pizza. My favorite movie is ever changing. What are you passionate about? My friends and family. I would not be where I am today without them, and they are my rock.

Javed A. Malik, DO received his medical degree from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine at Midwestern University and completed both his residency in Internal Medicine and his fellowship in Hematology and Oncology at Franciscan Alliance St. James Health/Midwestern University. Dr. Malik is board certified in hematology/oncology, as well as internal medicine. He served on the Cancer Committee and Tumor Board at St. James Health, and is currently a member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology, Chicago Lymphoma Rounds, American Osteopathic Association, and the American Society of Hematology. He is very active in the community spreading awareness of cancer prevention, and has given multiple presentations on this topic. He has a special interest in the treatment of multiple solid tumors including breast, lung, colon, and prostate cancers. He and his wife enjoy hiking, biking, and traveling.

About Briana Long Between having a mom who was a nurse, an older sister who is an oncologist and her own personal health conditions, it wasn’t a surprise that Briana Long, NP, would have a career in health care. “As a child, I had a medical condition called a tethered spinal cord and I was in and out of several hospitals in the area and had more tests than I could count,” she says. “I have distinct memories of both good and poor experiences with my various encounters with healthcare professionals.” Briana is a graduate of Indiana University South Bend, IN, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree and of Chamberlain University, Chicago, where she attained her Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner track. When it came time to choose a specialty pediatrics and oncology pediatrics in particular, were her choice. “I have always known I wanted to work in some realm of pediatrics so I could help children going through these scary and difficult times and be a strong advocate for these children,” Briana says. “Once I started working at Beacon Children’s Hospital and taking care of peds hem/onc children, I immediately felt like I had found my niche. I enjoy being able to provide medical care as well as helping them navigate the emotional, physical and social aspects of these difficult diagnoses, and celebrating the triumphs.” Nurses are taught to be the patient’s advocate and Briana says that as a nurse practitioner, she is able to elevate this basic cornerstone in various ways in her role as a provider. “I will always be a strong patient advocate and will always strive to provide evidenced based, compassionate, holistic care,” she says. In her own words… Who is or was the most influential people/role models in your life? My parents. They worked so hard for us growing up and have always been present and helped me and my siblings achieve our goals. I wouldn't be where I am without their love and their support. What was your first job growing up? What do you remember about it? My first “real” job was McDonalds as a cashier when I was 15. I actually enjoyed the fast pace and talking to customers. What is your favorite food? Movie? My favorite food would probably be pizza or Chinese food. I enjoy most movies that are book adaptations (Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings). My husband and I, and now our kids, really love all the superhero movies too. It has always been a bonding experience for us! What was your best/worst subjects in school growing up? Best: English and science.Worst: Spanish and most math classes. If you could sit down to dinner with anyone (alive or deceased) who would it be and why? I have been fortunate enough to have not lost many family members that I was very close to. One interesting person that I have read about over the years that comes to mind is Henrietta Lacks. She was an African-American female with very unique cervical cancer cells. Her cancer cells (HeLa cells) have been crucial in modern medicine and the development of a variety of medical treatments and vaccines in the past century. I find her story and her immortalization in medicine absolutely fascinating! In addition to medicine, what are you passionate about? I am passionate about my family; my husband and sons. I have also always been very invested in volunteering and community work. I went on several mission trips as a teenager and have volunteered in the homeless shelter and animal shelters as an adult. What are your hobbies, interests? I love reading and cooking in my spare time. I enjoy spending time outside with my husband and sons. We are always looking for a new trail, beach, or park to explore. Do you have pets? We have two dogs. Hopefully some chickens in the near future, too! What is something most people don’t know about you? I was very into writing short stories and poems when I was a teenager and I wrote a poem that is published in a poetry book.